Chapter Fourty-Three
A Reunion With Friends
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On the other side of the portal, we stood outside the bar's door labeled ‘The Wet Rose.’ I was a bit nervous about seeing how everyone was going to react. Perhaps they will care, and maybe they won’t. I mean, the only ones I hadn’t gotten to see again were Casielle, Zarall, and Jenieva. It made me sad that Enoxon wasn’t going to be with us - and only because I was so used to coming here with him. It was strange, parting ways with him.
I understand he, well, ended my life, but perhaps it wasn't intentional? Maybe it wasn't what he intended? I frowned as the memory flashed vividly in my mind—the moment my entire body froze from the sharp pain coursing through me. The last images I saw were Enoxon's face and Kurai's fiery fox tails. That was it. I'm sure Mundus felt a sense of triumph, but the fact that he didn't wholly end my life right then and there was puzzling.
Kurai gently nudged my shoulder, snapping me out of my thoughts as I realized I had been standing there while Yushin held the door open for me. "Ah, I'm sorry," I murmured, quietly stepping through the doorway, only to be greeted by a loud, boisterous voice.
"SNOWWWWWWWWWW!" It was Jenieva—her voice echoed through the empty bar. "My adorable little Snow!" Before I could take more than two steps inside, the succubus enveloped me in the tightest hug she'd ever given, pressing every inch of her body against mine. She caressed my cheek, saying, "I'm so happy to see you okay! And not a hint of that demon on you! You did it!" she exclaimed, pulling away but keeping her hands on my shoulders. Her demonic red eyes met mine, and her expression softened, "I'm so proud of you, kid—you did it. Congratulations."
My cheeks flushed slightly at her words, "I... I did well, didn't I?"
"You did!" she replied, patting my head.
"Hi, Snow!" came Casielle's excited voice as she approached me with Zarall, her long pink hair trailing behind her. Zarall gave me a warm smile and a nod; his presence was always calm and reassuring.
"Hey Casielle, Zarall," I greeted them, feeling the warmth of their support. The bar was now buzzing with energy, and it was hard to believe that I was lost in such dark memories just moments ago. The hum of conversations, the clinking of glasses, and the occasional laughter filled the air, creating a lively and comforting atmosphere.
"I knew you could fight off that demon," Casielle's voice cheered, her eyes sparkling with pride. Her long pink hair cascaded down her back, catching the bar's dim light and giving it an ethereal glow. She had always been the optimistic one, her belief in me unwavering even in the darkest times.
Zarall held up a drink, his blonde hair brushing before his eyes as he raised his glass next to us. The amber liquid inside caught the light, shimmering as he moved. "Good to see you up and moving finally, after so long," he said, his voice a perfect blend of relief and admiration.
Demon. The word echoed in my mind, returning me to when I first awoke. Was that what was trying to come out then? I mean, neither Kurai nor Yushin had said anything about it. The memory was hazy, but I recalled the feeling of something dark and powerful stirring within me. It had taken all my strength to suppress it, and now I wondered if that was the demon Casielle mentioned.
As if sensing my thoughts, I could feel Kurai’s hand nudge me again, but more passionately, on the shoulder as he led me through the empty bar to join the rest of the group at a round table.
Jenieva followed over, carrying a couple of glasses filled with a dark red liquor, and served them to the table with her usual grace. "Now, Kurai didn’t try anything, did he?" she asked, her cold gaze locking onto the nogitsune. "Nothing crazy while you were in stasis?"
Kurai bristled at the accusation, his fiery fox tails flicking in irritation. "Don't be ridiculous, Jenieva!" he snapped, a slight blush creeping up his cheeks. "I wasn't going to bother her during such a critical time."
With a mischievous grin, Yushin couldn't resist the opportunity to tease Kurai. "Oh, come on, Kurai," he groaned dramatically. "You barely visited her! Maybe once, maybe twice, but certainly not very often!" He stuck his tongue out playfully, knowing it would get under Kurai's skin.
Kurai's eyes flared, and he turned to Yushin, his voice a mix of exasperation and embarrassment. His ears even twitched in annoyance as he kept calm the best he could, “Shut it! I was respecting her space!"
Jenieva's gaze softened slightly as she looked back at me, her protective nature shining through. "Good. She needed that time to recover without any disturbances," she said, her tone gentler now.
Casielle, slightly confused but eager to join the conversation, chimed in with a bright smile. "Well, it’s good that Snow’s back with us now. We missed you, Snow!"
That's when the doors swung open again, and to my surprise, Astaroth entered. "I can confirm," he declared, his voice smooth and assured, "the few times Kurai did visit, he never got near her without me." He casually waved to the group as he strolled into the bar.
I blinked in surprise at Astaroth's attire. He was dressed much differently than his usual 'fancy-pants' outfit. Instead, he wore a tailored, deep navy blazer over a crisp white shirt, unbuttoned at the collar for a more relaxed look. The elegant blazer lacked the ornate embellishments I was used to seeing on him, giving him a more approachable air. His trousers were a soft gray, perfectly pressed but without the extravagant flair. The outfit exuded an understated sophistication, befitting someone of his rank yet comfortable enough for the bar's lively atmosphere.
I couldn't help but notice the change, and I appreciated this more laid-back version of Astaroth. It was nice to see him not so high and mighty for once, being able to take a break from it.
"Hi again, Astaroth," I greeted him with a little wave and a smile. "Where's Mati? Is he not joining us this evening?" I asked, curious about the Dream Walker's whereabouts.
Astaroth waved me off, adjusting his glasses with a smile. "He'll be here shortly," he said as he joined the rest of the group at the table.
I nodded quickly before Yushin pulled me over to the table. He offered me a chair and then sat beside me, his mischievous grin never fading. Kurai, on the other hand, had taken a seat at the bar tops rather than with the group. I frowned, feeling concerned, but my attention quickly veered to those at the round table enjoying their drinks.
Jenieva was still watching over everyone, her protective gaze ensuring no one was causing trouble. Casielle was chatting animatedly, and I couldn't help but smile at her infectious energy. Zarall, as always, sat quietly, his mysterious aura calming to the lively atmosphere.
Despite the slight worry about Kurai, I felt a warmth spread through me. This was my family, my safe haven, and we were all together again tonight.
"Jen! A drink for the Lady and I?" Yushin called out, waving at the succubus with his usual enthusiasm.
"Yeah, yeah, help yourself," Jenieva responded, motioning to one of the bars with a flick of her wrist. "Just don’t make me carry you home again. I don’t want to see a drunken Spirit Walker!" she teased, laughing heartily.
"Again?" I questioned, giving Yushin a suspicious side-eye.
"Ah, nothing!" Yushin said quickly, jumping up from his chair a few seconds after sitting down. He hurried over to the bar to start making drinks, clearly trying to avoid further interrogation.
I couldn't help but chuckle at his antics, shaking my head. Yushin was always full of surprises, and it seemed there was yet another story I hadn't heard about him. As I watched him fumble with the bottles, I felt a sense of warmth and camaraderie. Despite the chaos and quirks, these moments with my friends were what I cherished the most.
Jenieva had joined Yushin to help make drinks, and watching them work side-by-side made me smile, especially when Yushin managed to break a glass. Jenieva bopped him on the side of his head, but Yushin quickly summoned a new glass and handed it to her. "S-sorry!" he squealed, ducking to avoid another bop.
Seeing them get along so well made me feel better. In the past, Yushin often seemed rather lonely, always so focused on his job that he never really got to experience moments like this. He had changed a lot in the last three years of my unconsciousness. I'm sure it was a good thing, considering that the Celestials were still guiding souls with some help from him.
Now, my Spirit Walker could relax and forget things for a night. It was nice. Watching him laugh and fumble with the drinks, surrounded by friends, filled me with peace and contentment. These moments, though simple, were precious, and I cherished every second of them.
My Spirit Walker. I forgot I was the Reaper, and Yushin was to train me. He was my mentor, yet it seems he was my second hand. He was a good soul - or spirit? I’m not sure about his past too much - I know he was human before he was made into a Spirit Walker, but I didn’t know much of anything else. I’m sure I’d learn.
“How are you feeling, Snow?” Casielle asked me through the roar of laughs.
“I’m doing well, Casielle,” I replied, my gaze tearing from the two at the bar over to the Celestial next to me. “I’m just a bit hungry, I think.” I chuckled.
Casielle couldn’t help but smile. “I’m so happy to see you back here - and out of that blasted stasis. It’s all Kurai talked about when we would get to see him. Unfortunately, he didn’t often come back to visit in his three years.” Her voice dropped a little as she mentioned that. “His training kept him busy.”
Zarall chuckled, putting his hand on Casielle’s, and smiled and patted it, “But… He consistently asked about you whenever he returned and ensured you were okay. We were busy attending to our duties as Celestials, but also kind of been let off our, well, how do you say… Leashes? I guess? I think Michael has kept our primary station in the Underworld since the whole incident to avoid anything happening again. Especially with the Reaper’s Heart missing.”
“Michael’s been surprisingly well with everything that’s been going on,” Astaroth added. “At least, with me in temporary command, he’s backed off a little - even taken the freeze off parts of the Underworld. Well, mostly just a few portals that Yushin has been visiting.” The teal-haired demon paused and shifted his gaze to the Celestials, “I appreciate the company you’ve provided to get through this.”
Casielle giggled, pulling her knees up to her chest as she leaned against Zarall. “Anything to help. I’m glad Snow is doing well. That’s all we want: for the Underworld to be back to normal. No one has ever seen Mundus since the first three portals were opened together.”
“So what exactly happened?” I asked.
I told you I’d tell you everything. Kurai’s voice crept into my head.
Just trying to make conversation… I replied gently to him.
“I’VE GOT PIZZA FROM THE HUMAN WORLD!!!!!” A voice boomed through the bar.
The loud voice echoed, causing me to jump and nearly spill my drink, but with a quick swift of a hand, Kurai ensured the drink didn’t spill anywhere. Thanking him quietly, I pulled my drink closer and held it tighter. My eyes trailed up to the voice, catching the signs of the shaggy red hair and the darker skin. When the smell of pizza arrived, I felt excited. A faint hint of home swirled through me, and as I gazed around everyone’s excited faces, I began to feel slightly dizzy.
I don’t think it was from alcohol, but it was definitely something. The room was hot. The voices around me faded in and out, their hollers and cheers, and everything else - just out and in. But the silence grew louder and their voices softer as my surroundings darkened, and my sight… almost felt like it changed. My head was hot and hurting; I couldn’t help but lean backward as I tried to understand what was happening.
Aria…
As the darkness swirled around me, a voice emerged from the depths that seemed to resonate within my soul. It was soft yet insistent, echoing with a chilling familiarity. "Aria..." it called, the syllables stretching out like a haunting melody, wrapping around me with an unnerving intimacy.
I lifted my gaze once more, but the familiar setting of the bar had vanished, replaced by an eerie, shadowed realm that felt alien and hauntingly familiar. It was as if I had been drawn back to the sinister realms I had once fled, the realms that had chased me into the very depths of fear. A frown etched onto my face as a shuddering wind wrapped around me, its icy fingers tracing across my skin. The sensation was intensely real as if the boundary between reality and this dark vision had dissolved.
To my astonishment, I was enveloped in a tattered dress, its loose fabric exposing me to the encroaching shadows. The air around me was thick with an oppressive tension, swirling like a living entity whispering secrets beyond my understanding. The icy sensation beneath my feet was as tangible as the heat slapped my face. Reaching out, the heat washed over my entire body, pulling me back to reality and the familiar surroundings of the bar.
I blinked several times, trying to reorient myself to the vibrant atmosphere of the Wet Rose. To my surprise, no one had noticed my brief absence from the present moment. With a soft sigh, I gripped my drink and caught sight of my reflection in the glass. What I saw made me freeze—a reflection staring back with two different colored eyes, one red and one purple.
A gasp escaped my lips, and I quickly stood up from the table. "I need to use the restroom!" I blurted out, hastily excusing myself as I pushed away from the booth and hurried toward the bathroom, seeking refuge and clarity from the unsettling vision.
As I pushed open the bathroom door, the bar's clamor faded into a muted hum, leaving me alone with my racing thoughts and the echo of my own footsteps on the cold tiles. The fluorescent lights flickered above, casting an unforgiving glare that seemed to highlight every detail of my reflection in the mirror.
I leaned against the sink, my breath coming in shallow gasps as I stared at the unfamiliar eyes gazing back at me. The red and purple hues were mesmerizing and terrifying, a vivid reminder of the strange forces I had encountered in the shadowed realm. My mind raced, trying to make sense of what was happening—was this a lingering effect of the demon's blood or perhaps a deeper connection to the Grim Reaper lineage I barely understood?
Stolen novel; please report.
"What is happening to me?!" I growled, gripping the sink with a force that made it creak. I scanned my body, checking my white hair to ensure nothing strange had happened to it. My eyes moved over my skin, searching for any unexpected scars or marks that might have appeared. My gaze settled on the mark on my arm—a flame-like scar, new and unfamiliar compared to the one I had known for so long. It was a bond with Kurai, a constant reminder of our link.
The thought gnawed at me—did this mark mean I truly belonged to someone? Was I just a pawn to him now, owned and controlled? I tried to reassure myself, "He wouldn’t do that."
"Snow…? Are you okay?" a gentle voice called from outside the bathroom door.
My mismatched eyes darted to the door and the mirror, where the red still glared back at me. I couldn't let anyone see this—not until I understood it. I turned the water on, letting it run to mask my distress. "Y-yeah, I'm okay!" I shouted over the water. "I just got something in my eye."
"Are you sure?" Casielle's voice came through softly as she eased the door open.
Avoiding her gaze, I splashed water on my face, pretending to wash away the problem. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw her enter, closing the door gently behind her. I thought I saw a golden aura outline her form for a moment, but as I continued to splash my face, it vanished. "See? Just need to get this dirt out!" I said with a nervous laugh.
She approached, placing a comforting hand on my back. "You kind of ducked out as soon as Mati walked in," she murmured. "Do you want to talk?"
Frustration simmered beneath the surface—uncharacteristic for me. I rested my hands on the sink again, letting my long white hair fall to hide my eyes. "I-I’m okay. Really," I insisted, offering what I hoped was a reassuring half-smile.
Sadness tinged her voice as she replied, "If you ever need someone to talk to, I’m here to listen, Snow. Anytime." She paused, then added, "Come back out and join us when you're ready."
I nodded, releasing a gentle sigh as Casielle left, leaving me alone again. Turning back to the mirror, I was relieved to see my eyes had returned to their usual purple hue. "Finally," I murmured, adjusting my appearance to look normal.
With my composure somewhat restored, I rejoined everyone in the bar. Their cheerful moods immediately put me at ease. The lively atmosphere was a balm to my earlier turmoil. I spotted Kurai leaning against the wall, trying to escape Jenieva's playful teasing. Her antics seemed to entertain him despite the mild annoyance he tried to convey. I could see the slight blush on his face as he turned his nose up to her, baring his sharp little fox teeth.
"Jenieva, you are in my personal bubble," he growled, trying to sound stern but failing to hide his amusement.
"Bubble, huh? What if I just..." Jenieva teased, playfully poking toward him and then making a 'pop' noise with her mouth, bursting into laughter as she did. “You’re a good kid!” She said, pulling him immediately into her side, easily overpowering him with the random grab. His head was tucked in her arm, and against her side, she gave him what we call a ‘nougie.’
Annoyance flared up in the nogitsune as he pushed her off of him and removed himself from the table. “Doneeee,” he muttered as he escaped the bar.
"Oh, Kurai," I murmured, reaching out as he left the bar, but he was already gone.
"SNOW!" Jenieva's voice roared as she stumbled into the booth, clearly having had a bit too much to drink—an unusual occurrence for someone who could typically hold her liquor. "Your boyfriend just threw me down. Did you see that?!"
"Boyfriend?!" I squeaked, my cheeks flaring bright red, the heat swarming my face. "That's not..."
"Ah, ignore her," Zarall's voice chimed in with a chuckle from the other side. "I think Jenieva is going to need a ride home." He gestured toward Yushin, who was playing at the jukebox. "Yushin, honestly. I think he's had only one drink tonight."
“Come join us,” Mati chuckled from the table he and Astaroth sat at.
Staring toward the door, I insisted I check on Kurai, but they both assured me he was perfectly fine. I still felt guilty about it, but I joined the two higher-ups, gently grabbing a piece of pizza for myself.
“Thank you for the pizza,” I said calmly, glancing at him. My eyes settle on his dashing features, with luscious, flowing locks of red hair. The curls cascade down his back, resembling a vibrant and intense sea of flames. Between his hair growing longer and him almost looking like he’s aged a few years (which I didn’t think was possible being a Celestial), I was a bit embarrassed. Now that I sat and stared at him, he didn’t look the same. In fact, everyone’s changed a little bit. Their voices and attitudes are still the same, but they all had such a tiny change. Whether one has longer hair, shorter hair, or whatever, each has had a slight change. Yushin had new tattoos, Astaroth’s hair grew, and Casielle’s hair looked shorter than usual, even in her ponytail, as did Zarall’s. Jenieva also gained a new tattoo similar to Yushin’s.
“Absolutely, anything for the little human,” Mati’s voice is deep and resonant, with a commanding presence that exudes confidence and authority. His tone is smooth and rich, evoking a sense of masculinity and charm. When he speaks, it's hard not to be captivated by his words' force and his voice's compelling power. It's a voice that demands attention and respect yet remains warm and inviting, drawing you in with its magnetic allure. Between him and Astaroth, they always had this crazy charm in their voices and personalities.
"SHOTS!" Jenieva shouted, her voice cutting through the noise as she enthusiastically slammed a tray down on the table. "One for everyone, including the LONELY FOX OUTSIDE!" Her eyes sparkled mischievously, clearly in high spirits.
Everyone reached for a shot, including Astaroth. The sight of the usually composed 'temporary' leader of the Underworld joining in was unexpected, and I couldn't help but chuckle at the sight. His participation elevated the mood further, adding a touch of irony to the gathering.
"Jenieva, I don't think—" Yushin began hesitantly, glancing around with concern.
"Shut it, star-boy!" Jenieva interrupted with a playful huff, waving him off with a flick of her wrist.
"Star boy?" Yushin repeated, his voice soft and slightly wounded, as he reluctantly took a shot. The nickname seemed to linger in the air, and he looked almost like a sad puppy dog, his expression comically crestfallen.
I turned my attention to the small window near the front of the bar, barely catching sight of Kurai's ears peeking above the sill. The sight reassured me, knowing he was still nearby despite his earlier exit. With a newfound ease, I reached for my shot, ready to join in the camaraderie and embrace the moment of shared laughter and lightheartedness.
The bar began to settle down, and it got a bit quiet. Jenieva had passed out on Yushin’s shoulder, who was extremely careful not to wake or move her. He had gotten quiet toward the end of the night. Astraroth ensured everyone was getting home carefully, starting with Jenieva and Yushin, while Mati and the Celestials had gone home. Leaving Kurai and I to ourselves.
“Have a good night, Miss Aria. We will see you soon,” Astaroth told me.
Though my senses were far from clear, I stumbled into the night. The drinks of the Underworld were unlike anything from the surface. Their potency was just intense, and having gone three years without eating or drinking, it only amplified their effects on me. I saw double, the world around me blurring at the edges. Despite the dizziness, there was an inexplicable feeling of strength coursing through me as if I could conquer anything. Yet, my head spun relentlessly, leaving me in a strange state of euphoria and disorientation. Kurai had taken it upon himself to look after me for the remainder of the night, his presence a comforting anchor amidst my swirling perception. It was as if everything around me had become ephemeral, slipping into a dreamlike haze.
Eventually, I managed to make my way out of the bar, stepping into the snowy terrain of the city. The quiet night enveloped me, starkly contrasting the lively atmosphere inside. The snow crunched softly underfoot, the chill air a welcome reprieve from the warmth of the bar. I took a deep breath, letting the cold clear my mind as I wandered through the serene, silent streets. I did my best to walk straight, but I felt a bit giddy and upbeat and even started humming to myself as I balanced my walk through the snow.
I had no idea where I was going. I was walking. I glanced over my shoulder at the wandering nogitsune behind me, and to my surprise, his tails weren’t there! I gasped, coming to an abrupt halt. "Kuraiiiii, your tails?! They just... They're gone!" I exclaimed, the alcohol fueling my shock and concern.
Kurai also stopped, raising an eyebrow as he looked me up and down with a bemused expression. "They're not gone," he commented with amusement.
“But they’re not there!” I said, leaning toward him and pointing to his butt-side. “Are they invisible? Can you make your tails disappear?!” I asked, my face examining my backside. “All eight of them are gone!”
“Snow,” He muttered with a soft grunt. “Stop it,” He murmured, swatting my hand away from his backside area.
“Nooo! Also, how dare you not stay inside and hang out with us!” I whined, giving him a puffy look. “It’s good to have friends, you know.”
“Who needs friends?”
My smile twisted into a frown when he said that, feeling my heart sink a little. Surely, he didn’t mean that, but perhaps he did. He was always the quiet one. The only one I ever really saw him with was Enoxon - who is now wherever in the Hell he is. Nevertheless, we had each other, and I knew - even after our connection was interrupted by Lord Mundus - that he was grateful for me. Reading the emotions that welled up inside him was great, sometimes. I wonder if the pact between us would ever be remade - but would that mean I technically owned him? I didn’t like the thought of that. I ought to do some research on pacts between humans, or half-humans instead, and demons. Do we share powers, or do I get to feel his emotions? Surely, there was something more than just an emotional thing - right?
“You do,” I said gently, shoulder-bumping him with a soft smile. “I mean, you have me. I’m your friend, right?”
Kurai paused, his gaze shifting from the snow to me, his amber eyes gentle yet slightly exasperated. He didn’t say anything, but I thought I caught a faint blush on his cheeks—or maybe that was just the world swaying in my tipsy vision. Standing on a raised walkway ledge, I playfully looked down at him with my hands clasped behind my back, trying to maintain an air of balance and grace.
“Right?” I teased, leaning slightly forward with a mischievous glint in my lavender eyes.
“You’re going to fall,” Kurai warned, his voice a mix of concern and resignation as he watched me sway precariously.
“I’m not! I’m much more skilled than you think I—Oop!” I started to insist, but I lost my balance just as the words left my lips. Before I knew it, I toppled forward, falling directly onto Kurai and knocking him to the ground with me.
As we tumbled into the snow, I couldn't help but laugh, a mix of embarrassment and amusement bubbling up. Kurai sighed, caught between annoyance and affection, as he brushed the snow off us. Despite his protests, the warmth in his eyes told me he didn't mind being my accidental cushion.
Lying in the snow, I found myself giggling uncontrollably, the alcohol amplifying every emotion and making the situation seem even more amusing. Kurai, on the other hand, let out a long-suffering sigh, though his lips curled into a reluctant smile. His amber eyes met mine, a gentle mix of exasperation and warmth.
"You really are something else, Snow," he murmured, brushing a stray lock of my long white hair away from my face with surprising tenderness.
I grinned, feeling playful and bold in my tipsy state. "Admit it, you love it," I teased, giving him a cheeky wink.
He shook his head, still smiling, as he helped me to my feet. "I suppose someone has to keep you out of trouble," he replied, his voice softening. There was a hint of something deeper in his tone that made my heart flutter.
As we made our way through the snowy terrain of Hell, I linked my arm with Kurai's, leaning into him for support. The world around us was quiet, the snow absorbing all sound, creating a serene cocoon. Despite the cold, warmth spread through me, knowing that even in my clumsy state, Kurai was watching over me.
Before long, we arrived back at his place. Kurai, having grown a bit impatient with my drunken antics, had eventually resorted to teleporting us—despite the constant reminders to keep his magic under wraps. The home he brought me to was different from Reaper’s Cove, yet it bore a resemblance to the house he'd burnt down long ago. I hadn’t realized it had been rebuilt.
“I love what you’ve done with the new house!” I exclaimed, happily taking in the surroundings.
“It’s not quite the old house,” Kurai replied, still supporting me with his arms. “Think of it more like… a portal,” he added cryptically.
“I like your portals,” I giggled, half-serious. “Do you think I can learn how to make portals?”
A soft chuckle escaped him as he patted my head gently. “Perhaps one day I can show you. For now, why not take a rest?”
“But it’s cold,” I whined, looking up at him with a pout.
“Of course it is,” he sighed, “You’re soaking wet from all the snow you fell into on the way here.”
“You’re so out of it,” Kurai replied, a hint of amusement in his voice. He rubbed my head once more before heading to the fireplace. Flames danced to life with a quick flick of his wrist, casting a warm glow across the room. “Here, get warm,” he said, draping a couple of blankets over my shoulders.
“My clothes are wet, though,” I murmured, feeling downcast. “Can I go and change?”
Kurai paused, looking slightly awkward as he shuffled his feet, tucking one hand behind his head. “I… uh, haven’t quite restored your clothing since the house was burnt,” he admitted, a touch of embarrassment coloring his cheeks.
I looked at him, processing his words through the fog of my tipsy mind. The realization of our situation hit me, and I couldn't help but giggle at its absurdity. Here we were, in a newly rebuilt home that felt familiar and strange, with me wrapped in blankets like a burrito because my clothes were soaked.
Kurai's awkwardness was endearing, and I appreciated his honesty. "I guess these blankets will have to do for now," I said with a playful shrug, pulling them tighter around me as I settled closer to the warmth of the fire.
“I have an idea since you’ve burnt my clothes,” I said, excitement bubbling inside me as I gazed at him with a mischievous smile.
He immediately shook his head, letting out a gentle huff. “I’m not doing that!” he protested.
“COME ON! Turn into your fox form, please!” I pleaded, crawling up and looking at him with big, hopeful eyes from the floor. “Please, Kurai?” I added sweetly, giving him my best pout.
Kurai felt his cheeks flush with embarrassment as he processed my request. He wasn't asked to do it often, and his fox form was usually reserved for protection. But he couldn't refuse me; he had always found it difficult to deny my requests. With a sense of reluctance, he took a deep breath, preparing to carry out the transformation while hoping he wouldn’t embarrass himself.
“I…” he began, hesitating slightly.
I smiled encouragingly, nodding. “Come on! I promise I won’t do anything silly,” I assured him, tilting my head playfully.
“Well, I had been wanting a reason to show off the tails,” he murmured, ears flickering at the top of his head. He glanced away, letting his hands fall gently from my shoulders to his sides. Kurai closed his eyes and took another deep breath, feeling the heat rise. An intense, fiery aura enveloped him as he exhaled, illuminating the room.
Gradually, his form shifted and contorted as if his body was being molded by the flames. His limbs elongated, fingers transformed into sharp claws, and ears into pointed fox ears. His hair turned into fire, dancing around his head like a blazing crown. His clothes disintegrated into flames, revealing a sleek fur coat that covered his entire body.
In seconds, Kurai had transformed into his magical Firefox form. The flames that accompanied the transformation dispersed, leaving a large, majestic black fox standing before me, his bright amber eyes fixed on me, his pointed snout poised in my direction.
There. I heard his thoughts intertwine with mine.
I immediately felt at ease, knowing he was there. Sure, I’ve been in a stasis for three years, but knowing that Kurai was there for me, even if he wasn’t, made me feel so much more safe and secure. This… Nogitsune made me… Happy. Maybe that was the alcohol, but I know for a fact that I was glad to be around him.
“So majestic,” I exclaimed with happiness, examining how regal he looked. The heat radiating off his body was comforting as he settled into the living room. “Look at how majestic and pretty you are!” I squealed, unable to contain my excitement, and immediately threw myself at him, wrapping my arms around his furry neck.
Even in his fox form, I could sense his embarrassment, a faint swirl of emotions I could somehow pick up on. Despite that, he was soft and comforting, a giant fox that felt protective and endearing. As I glanced down his slim back, my eyes fell on his tails, and I began counting them, “One… Two… Three…” Each count made me smile brighter until I looked up into his face.
“You really did it, Kurai. That’s amazing,” I said, my voice softening as a hint of sadness crept in. “Knowing that you could have done so much more than just… train to get those tails.”
This demon—this Firefox demon—had dedicated three long years to gaining those eight tails. He was just one tail away from becoming a full-blown nogitsune of nine tails. The thought of what might happen once he achieved that last tail weighed on me. Would he leave me behind? Would he ascend to some ‘underworld god’ status, leaving me to fend for myself?
The thought of losing him washed over me with a wave of sadness, compelling me to cling to Kurai even tighter. My grip on his fur grew firmer as I nestled closer, drawn to his embodied comfort and safety. He had given up so much for me—a simple human from another world. Whether he sensed my emotions, I felt his fox head curl around me, his snout resting gently on my thighs, inviting me to scratch his head.
After a few moments of comfortable silence, Kurai opened his eyes, looking up at me tenderly. Though different in this form, his voice was filled with the same warmth and sincerity.
You know. For someone who claims to be just a human, you can make even the most stubborn hearts soften.
His words caught me off-guard, confirming that he could still read my thoughts and feel my feelings. However, I felt a blush rise to my cheeks. There was an earnestness in his thoughts, intruding mine, that made my silly heart flutter.
He commented, " I may have trained for those tails, but I did it for a reason—to make sure you were safe."
I looked into his bright, amber eyes, feeling gratitude and affection. Kurai’s words were more than just a compliment; they reassured me that despite the uncertainties of the future, I held a special place in his heart. Even if he didn’t want to admit it.
I couldn’t help but smile and lean into him, resting against him as he spoke gently. “Congratulations on your tails, Kurai,” I murmured to the fox as I began to feel my eyes grow heavy. “I’m proud of you,” Is the last I remember speaking before my world began to get swallowed by a whirlpool of darkness.