Chapter Thirty

Shackles of Tartarus

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Noxaris led me through Tartarus silently. The scythe was quiet now and didn’t speak much, just watched ahead of us. I couldn’t believe he had been around so long, and what exactly was he? As a Reaper, I had encountered all sorts of strange creatures, but Noxaris was a mystery.

The silence between us was almost suffocating, broken only by the distant wails of lost souls and the occasional rustle of unseen creatures. My mind raced with questions about Noxaris. He had mentioned having a history with Reapers, but what kind of history? And why was he so familiar with Tartarus?

As we walked, I glanced at the scythe, hoping for some sign of recognition or explanation. But Noxaris remained inscrutable, his single red eye focused on the path ahead. The weight of his presence was both comforting and unnerving.

I decided to break the silence. "Noxaris, what exactly are you? Are you a demon? Or something else?"

The scythe’s eye flickers briefly as if considering my question. "I am a demon, or at least I once was," he finally replied, his voice echoing in my mind. I was an entity of great power and ambition, straddling the line between good and evil. My actions brought both destruction and a twisted form of justice.

I was taken aback. “What happened to you? How did you become a scythe?"

Noxaris's eye narrowed slightly as if recalling painful memories. I was too powerful and unpredictable. My existence threatened the balance of realms. I was captured by a coalition of Reapers and other powerful beings. They could not destroy me, so they encased me in this scythe as a form of imprisonment—a prison that forced me to serve those who wielded me.

His answer sent a chill down my spine. "So, you're not just a weapon. You're a prisoner."

Wow, you're quick, Noxaris replied sarcastically. Yes, I am a prisoner. But don’t let that go to your head. I'm still more powerful than you could ever imagine.

Rolling my eyes at him, I shook my head. “Can you tell me more about the Lady in Red? Please?” I asked him.

She was one of my wielders, Noxaris said, his tone tinged with a hint of nostalgia. A formidable one. She wielded me with a purpose and a ferocity that few could match. She had her reasons for coming to Tartarus, which was unclear. Though, she was strong… His voice faded from my head, and it once more fell silent.

I wanted to keep pursuing the questions about my mother, but his silence was noticeable.

We continued our journey through the desolate landscape, the oppressive atmosphere of Tartarus pressing down on us. The path grew narrower and more treacherous, but Noxaris guided me with unerring precision.

Finally, we reached the edge of a vast chasm, the Valley of Shadows stretching before us. The air was cold and thick with malevolent energy, the shadows writhing like living things.

Be cautious, Noxaris warned. The Valley of Shadows is a place of lost souls and dark entities. Trust no one and stay close.

With a deep breath, I stepped into the valley, my grip on Noxaris tightening. The journey ahead was fraught with danger, but I knew that I had a fighting chance with the demon-scythe by my side.

As we ventured deeper into the shadows, I couldn't shake the feeling that we were being watched. The sense of unease grew more robust with each step, but I pushed forward, driven by the need to find Kurai and uncover the truth about my heritage.

Suddenly, Noxaris spoke up, his tone dripping with sarcasm. Besides the whiny-crybaby bit, you remind me of her. You are always so inquisitive, always searching for answers. It’s almost endearing.

“My mother?” I questioned.

It’s almost poetic that you’re here, following in her footsteps.

“Do…. you know why my mother gave me up?” I questioned, coming up beside him.

Ah, that’s the million-dollar question, isn’t it?! Noxaris said with a smirk in his voice. I have no idea - honestly. I know you were born; I saw you once when you were a tiny baby, and then bam. I was gone. She was gone. We were all gone.

“Oh…” I said, disappointed.

You’ll figure it out in time - I only have so much to say.

The dense shadows of the valley parted as we climbed a rocky incline, and the oppressive darkness gave way to a breathtaking sight. Before us stretched a vast gorge, its sheer cliffs plunging into an abyss that seemed to have no end. The chasm was enormous and filled with a dense mist that swirled and shifted as if alive.

Across the gorge, nestled in the center of a sprawling plain, was a massive, ancient ruin. The structure was colossal, its stone walls towering high into the sky, covered in dark, twisted vines that seemed to pulse with malevolent energy. The architecture was beautiful and terrifying, with intricate carvings etched into the stone, depicting scenes of forgotten battles and ancient rituals.

The air around the ruins was thick with a palpable darkness. It whispered and howled, carrying with it the voices of long-forgotten souls. The sky above was a turbulent mix of storm clouds and eerie, unnatural light that cast deep shadows over the landscape.

Noxaris paused beside me, his eye narrowing as he took in the sight. This place... it reeks of power. Dark, ancient power. We must be cautious.

I nodded, my eyes fixed on the ruins. The warmth in my chest and connection to Kurai were more vital than ever. It pulled me forward, urging me to cross the gorge and enter the foreboding structure.

As we descended into the gorge, the shadows seemed to cling to us, their whispers growing louder, more insistent. The path was treacherous, the rocks slick and unstable, but I pressed on, driven by the need to find Kurai and uncover the truth.

At the bottom of the gorge, a narrow, precarious bridge stretched across the chasm. The bridge was ancient and worn, its wooden planks creaking under pressure. Below, the abyss yawned, a seemingly endless void filled with swirling mist.

We have no choice, Noxaris said, his tone grim. We must cross.

With a deep breath, I stepped onto the bridge, my heart pounding. Each step was a test of nerve, the planks swaying and groaning under our weight. The darkness below seemed to reach up, threatening to swallow us whole.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, we reached the other side. The ground beneath our feet was solid once more, and the oppressive weight of the gorge lifted slightly. But the sense of unease grew stronger as we approached the ruins.

The entrance to the ancient structure was a massive archway, its stone surface covered in intricate carvings that seemed to shift and move in the dim light. The air here was thick with energy, and I could feel my connection to Kurai intensifying.

Are you sure you want to do this? Do you seriously want to face whatever is on the other side of this wall? Really? Is the nogitsune really worth it?

I gave the scythe a cold glare, “You don’t even know the half of it, Noxaris,” I whispered to him.

That’s when I heard voices on the other side of the arches.

"She's not going to come to Tartarus, right?" a voice growled. "You've kept me here for days and nothing!"

The sound of the voice made my heart race. It was Kurai. Relief washed over me just hearing him.

Gross, Noxaris thought to me.

It's him. Kurai is here.

"Are you so sure about that, Nogitsune?"

My heart sank at the sound of the second voice. Every muscle in my body tensed, and my blood felt like ice. That prickly voice had haunted me for so long, always lurking in the back of my mind since the day it found me. I could feel his power seeping from the ruins, wrapping around me like a vice. Fear struck me, and I sat down, my heart pounding.

"She won't come. She's not that foolish. I'll escape the moment you take your eyes off me," Kurai said defiantly.

"Then why haven't you left yet?" the voice demanded, its toxic tone dripping with malice.

The silence that followed was thick with tension. I could barely breathe, my ears straining to catch every word and sound. The power emanating from the ruins grew stronger, tightening around me.

Stay focused, Reaper. Noxaris’s voice chimed into my head as if to clear away the haze.

I nodded, turning to look through a crack in the ruins.

Kurai's silence was deafening. I knew him well enough to sense the rage beneath his calm exterior. My connection with Kurai was strong, and I could feel his emotions just barely once more. He was a Nogitsune, a proud and independent creature, quick to anger and fiercely protective. The thought of him being used as bait to trap me must have been infuriating.

"Such bravado," the demon's voice oozed with malicious amusement. "But deep down, you know she cares too much to stay away."

“She… Has other things to worry about,” Kurai’s voice floated into my ear.

“Aw, are you saying she doesn’t care about you?” The demon’s mocking voice and laughter sent shivers down my spine. The demon's laughter sent shivers down my spine. "You underestimate her resolve, Nogitsune. Desperation makes one do foolish things."

"Desperation?" Kurai snapped, his voice laced with contempt. "Don't presume to understand her. She won't come. She isn’t a desperate person!”

I bit my lip, feeling the weight of his words. He was right; I knew the risks. But I couldn't abandon him. Not now, not ever. I had to find a way to free Kurai without falling into the demon's clutches.

"Perhaps you're right," the demon mused. "Perhaps she won't come. But then, why do I sense her fear so clearly?"

Kurai's eyes narrowed, his anger flaring. "You're lying. Snow wouldn't be that reckless."

You’ve been marked, haven’t you? Noxaris’s voice filled my head.

I looked down at the scythe; its red eye widened and then twitched in anger. You were marked by a demon? This is going to be a lot harder than I anticipated. He let out a groan. You could’ve told me you were marked!

“Not like it would’ve changed anything!” I hissed back to him, keeping my voice low. I returned my gaze back through the crack to watch once more.

As my gaze returned, I watched the demon strike Kurai, causing him to gasp in pain. The horror of the demon’s claws raking across Kurai’s chest, drawing blood. The Nogitsune’s defiant expression didn’t waver, but I could see the pain in his eyes.

“Is that all you’ve got?” Kurai spat, his voice trembling with rage.

The shadowy figure chuckled darkly as he struck Kurai again on the back. “Oh, but my silly little Nogitsune. You see, she’s here, with us, watching you. Right, Snow?” It called out to me.

I instantly flattened myself against the rock again, my grip on Noxaris tightening. Was my blood that strong? The first beast I faced was a messenger. The demon was toying with me once more, trying to provoke me. He knew where I was, without a doubt.

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“You’re delusional!” Kurai snarled, his eyes narrowing. “She isn’t here.”

The demon's laughter reverberated through the chamber like a sinister echo. "We'll see, Nogitsune. We'll see how long she can stand to watch you suffer. Come out, Little Lamb, reveal yourself to me," he called into the shadows that enveloped me.

Suddenly, I felt an unseen force grip me through the rocks, yanking me into the dimly lit room where the demon held Kurai captive. I was forced to confront him. An invisible chain coiled around my neck lifted me into the air. It was how he had held me when I first encountered him. My eyes darted down to Kurai, and I could see the storm of fear and anger brewing within him.

"Snow?" he whispered, his voice barely audible.

"Heh, hi, Kurai," I managed to croak, the chains tightening around my throat.

The demon's breath was hot against my ear as he hissed, "Oh look, she brought a friend." With a malevolent grin, he forced Noxaris to hover beside me.

"What is the meaning of this? Put me down!" Noxaris demanded.

Kurai's gaze never wavered from mine. His eyes locked onto me with an intensity that spoke volumes. He didn't acknowledge the scythe; his focus was solely on me.

As the demon's grip forced me into the room, my eyes immediately fell upon Kurai. The sight was enough to make my heart clench with dread. Kurai was bound by thick, dark chains that seemed to pulse with an eerie, sinister energy. These chains were not ordinary; they shimmered with a malevolent glow, each link etched with ancient runes that thrummed with dark magic.

Kurai's arms were stretched painfully above his head, the chains digging into his wrists and drawing blood. His once-proud figure was slumped, his usually fierce eyes dulled by exhaustion and pain. The chains wrapped around his torso, binding him to the cold stone wall behind him. Every time he moved, the chains tightened, causing him to wince in agony.

The demon had clearly taken pleasure in Kurai's torment. The chamber walls were adorned with symbols and sigils that seemed to feed off Kurai's suffering, amplifying the power of the chains that held him. The air was thick with the scent of iron and dark magic, a palpable testament to the demon's cruelty.

In the dim light, I could see Kurai's chest heaving with labored breaths, his usually sharp features now marred by bruises and cuts. His fox-like ears twitched in response to every slight sound, a testament to his heightened senses, even in his weakened state. His nine tails, usually a source of pride and power, were limp and lifeless, hanging like shadows behind him.

The demon, a towering figure cloaked in darkness, stood beside Kurai, his eyes gleaming with sadistic delight. He relished Kurai's pain, and each moment of suffering was a twisted victory for him. The room seemed to pulse with the demon's malevolence, the very stones whispering of torment and despair.

“What a lovely reunion I have here!” the demon's voice wavered excitedly, dripping with malevolence. “I have the Reaper, the Reaper’s Guardian, and the Reaper’s Demon Scythe!”

Kurai's eyes widened with shock and desperation as he looked at me. "What… What are you doing here? Snow? Why did you come out here? You shouldn’t be here," he said, his voice trembling. Even in his weakened state, his concern for me was evident. His ears flattened against his head, a clear sign of his distress.

The demon's grin widened as he watched our exchange, relishing the emotional turmoil he was causing. The room seemed to close in around us, the oppressive atmosphere thickening with each passing moment. The chains binding Kurai clinked softly as he struggled, his eyes never leaving mine.

I could see the pain etched into Kurai's features, the physical and emotional torment he was enduring. His usually fiery spirit was dimmed but not extinguished. Even now, he was trying to protect me, to shield me from the horrors of this place.

"I had to come," I whispered, my voice barely audible through the tightening chains around my neck. "I couldn't leave you to face this alone."

The demon's laughter echoed through the chamber, a chilling sound that sent shivers down my spine. "Such touching devotion," he sneered. "But it will do you no good here. This is my domain, and you are both my playthings."

Kurai's gaze hardened, a flicker of his old defiance sparking in his eyes. "You won't win," he said, his voice gaining strength. "We'll find a way out of this. Together."

The demon's amusement only grew, his eyes gleaming with dark delight. "Oh, I do hope you try," he said, his voice a silken threat. "It will make breaking you all the more satisfying. I cannot wait to end you both.”

I was thrown against the stone wall, a cry of pain escaping my lips as my back collided with the unyielding surface. The impact left me breathless, my body feeling paralyzed—eerily reminiscent of our first encounter. The stones seemed to press down on me, holding me immobile.

But then, with a swift and brutal motion, the demon's hand yanked me free from the crushing embrace of the stones. His cold grip encircled me, forcing me to look up at him. His red eyes flickered in and out of the shadows, but his face remained indistinct, shrouded in darkness. The inability to see his face gnawed at me, an unsettling mystery that added to my fear.

I tried to reach up, to fight back, but my body was weak, drained of strength. The demon's grip tightened before he hurled me aside, sending me sprawling near Kurai. I landed heavily, my body aching from the repeated assaults. I could hear the chains rattling as Kurai struggled against his bonds.

"Snow!" Kurai's voice was filled with panic and anger. "What do you want with her?!" he snapped at the demon, his desperation evident as he fought to break free.

"I want her soul, obviously," the demon scoffed, his tone dripping with disdain. "I thought I made that clear months ago when she came to the Underworld, yes?" His laughter was a cruel, mocking sound that echoed through the chamber.

What did you do to this demon?! I heard Noxaris’s voice. Of all Reapers–

"Silence, you imp," the demon snapped, his voice cutting through the air like a blade. He forced Noxaris to float to his side with a flick, rendering the scythe powerless. "I didn't think you'd bond so quickly with the new Reaper," he said, addressing the scythe with mock surprise.

The demon's eyes flickered with amusement as he observed our plight, clearly enjoying the chaos and desperation he had sown. Noxaris now hovered helplessly in the demon's grip, its dark blade gleaming ominously in the dim light.

“Thanks for bringing this to me, by the way, Little Lamb,” he said, gripping the scythe and touching its blade. I’ve been looking for this for a while now.”

“Let us go,” I breathed, gasping for air. I felt weak, my body fragile, as I swear numerous bones were probably broken.

“I’d rather not,” the demon sighed. What do you think, Enoxon? Should I let them go?”

“Enoxon?” I whispered, my voice barely audible. Summoning all my remaining strength, I turned my head slightly to see who the demon was addressing.

“What did you do to Enoxon?” Kurai snarled, his voice trembling with fury. He strained against the chains that held him down on his knees, his hands bound tightly behind his back. I could see his fiery determination, mixed with concern and worry, in his amber eyes.

That's when another figure stepped forward— a sorcerer with gray-blonde hair, his face etched with sorrow. He revealed himself slowly, his head bowed as if in regret. The air around him seemed to carry a heavy burden.

“Enoxon...” I whispered again, my eyes widening in realization. The sorcerer raised his head slightly, his eyes meeting mine with a look of despair. “You… How could you?” I asked. Was everything he shared with me about his past a lie? Did he actually go to the Celestial World?

“Lock her up,” The demonic shadow demanded, his ghostly hand pointing out towards me.

“I…” Enoxon’s voice shuddered.

“Do it, or else Nova’s soul will belong to me forever,” He snarled. The demon held his hand again, a few feet away from Enoxon. His wicked grin appeared on his face again as he narrowed his eyes. A shadow of black appeared from his hand, forming a woman within his grip. This woman was slumped in his grip, her head to the side and revealing her blonde hair. She had slight freckles on her face and appeared to be passed out. “I’m sure your Nova would ask you to do so.”

“Nova?” Enoxon gasped, all of his senses dropping. He was holding his side with one hand, and the other was still gripping his staff, but he stumbled to his knees as his pain grew more substantial.

“Don’t do it, Enoxon!” Kurai shouted, giving him a cold glare.

The demon dropped the woman to the ground, letting her land on the rocky path with a thud.

“Nova? That’s Nova?” I whispered, glancing at the girl. Great Celestials, I’m going to die.

Just… Keep pushing. I heard the second voice in my head. My body was weak, and I barely glanced over to the floating scythe who hadn’t moved or said a word.

What can I do, Noxaris? I pleaded to the demonic scythe, who would glance up at the demon before returning to me.

Nothing - right now. Just sit still.

“It’s not real, Eno,” Kurai pleaded with him. “This isn’t real - she’s not real.”

A black smokey fuse began to form from Enoxon, as his anger began to consume him. Fear and anger are two feelings that could cause the worst feign-outs from any sorcerer - especially that of black magic. That is how Astaroth said it. And right now, I could see the anger fusing out from this sorcerer in front of me.

“Now, Enoxon, you wouldn’t want to disappoint your beloved fiance, would you?”

He’s bluffing.

“Enoxon! I’m unsure what’s happening, but please, calm down.” I called out to him as the atmosphere in Tartarus began to change. It got dark and cold almost immediately.

“I will rip Nova’s soul apart right here in front of you, devouring her soul as soon as I do.” The demon spoke, approaching Enoxon, who was crouched over the young woman who was lying coldly on the ground.

As soon as Enoxon’s black magic consumes him, he’s gone, just like Nova.

“Enoxon, lock the Reaper up.”

He glanced over his shoulder, the anger rising even more. The gentle green gaze that he had turned immediately was no longer green. It was consumed by blacks. The shadows around Enoxon grew stronger.

“Enoxon, please!” I begged him.

“You’re pathetic,” Kurai’s voice laced with venom as he said that. “Nova’s gone - she passed so many years ago. You know this! She’s dead, Enoxon.”

“She’s not dead,” Enoxon’s voice returned, his glare dark and hateful. Quickly, the sorcerer lifted Nova into his arms while holding his other hand out towards us.

That’s when everything around me—the atmosphere—completely changed. The weight, the darkness, the crushing—it was the same feeling I felt when I was first found by the demon.

“The beautiful black magic of the infamous sorcerer,” The demon chuckled. Large, feathery wings unfurled from its back, and his face twisted with excitement. He then approached me, which caused me to shuffle back some as best I could. But my body felt broken. I bit my tongue as I remembered those fateful words that he sang to me,

Scream as loud as you can, my dear. The more delicious your blood will be.

I remember that night—I was hunted again in the forest after leaving their home. I remember the pain he caused me and the fear that coursed through my veins. The demon raised his hand, lifting me upwards with some magical force. Hatred filled my vision as I looked at the demon, my eyes finding the sorcerer a few feet away. Aside from his hair, the only thing that stood out was the bruise on his arm, stark and clear.

“The pact has been made—one between a Sorcerer and a Demon,” he whispered. “Enoxon belongs to me. And soon, you will, too.” He pulled me closer, forcing me to stare into his demonic red eyes. As I gazed at him, I saw something that made me gasp. I opened my mouth to call him out, but he silenced me immediately.

“You will be mine, like the rest of your family. The world does not need you.”

I struggled to call this man out, but no words came to mind. Then, a second later, my entire body was engulfed in sharp, excruciating pain. It spread through me like wildfire, forcing a blood-curdling scream from my lips that pierced my own ears. The agony was far worse than when I was first marked. It radiated from the mark, traveling up and down my body. The mere presence of this demon was enough to destroy me.

I stared at Enoxon, raising my hand towards him as tears welled in my eyes from the pain. I considered embracing the agony for a moment, desperate to think of an alternative. I tried to kick at the demon, but my legs were too short. His anger flared, and he tightened the grip around my neck with his shadowy hand, intensifying the pain.

This forced another scream from me, even louder than before.

“Snow!” Kurai desperately cried out through the shadows.”Stop this!”

My body, chained and feeling the pain ripple through me. I couldn’t move.

“Come, Enoxon. The blood moon is almost here,” the demon commanded, his voice icy and cold. Snow is broken, and Kurai is chained. Noxaris, to my side.” With a swift motion, the demon forced the scythe into his hands.

If you let this thing win, I will destroy you myself! The scythe snarled to me, its single demonic eye glaring at me as the four of them disappeared from the ruins we were chained in.

My head dropped, my body exhausted from the searing pain that burned and pulled at me, aches twisting and turning. The mark on my side burned the most. Between being struck by the first demon beast, being locked up, and now being mentally and physically exhausted, I felt utterly drained. I was hurt. I couldn't believe this.

I let out a soft, crazy chuckle. "At least I found you."

"What? Snow, why the hell would you come here?!"

I turned my head slightly and smiled at him. "To know that you were brought here, wherever 'here' is... You were hurt."

"This was an obvious trap, and you fell for it!" Kurai said, his disappointment evident in his voice. "I can get out of this. You just made this ten times harder than it needed to be!"

Hearing him, even if he was scolding me, made me feel better knowing he was okay. I edged closer to him, his warmth radiating around me as I sensed his confused and worried emotions rising in my belly. "I couldn't leave you alone here," I told him, resting my head against his chest. "I am so tired," I murmured.

"Hey! You can't sleep here!" he growled down at me.

He couldn't move, though—he was chained and bound with his hands and knees to the ground. He couldn't move his arms, his legs, nothing. "Kurai," I said, looking up at him with pained eyes but a broken smile on my lips. "I'm sorry I did this."

I could feel the tension in his muscles as he tried to shift, but the chains held him firmly in place. His frustration was palpable, but so was his concern.

"You just don't get it, do you?" he muttered, his voice softer now. "Why do you always have to be so reckless?"

I couldn't help but let out a weak chuckle despite the gravity of our situation. "Says the demon who always rushes into battle without thinking."

Kurai's brow furrowed, but there was a glimmer of something softer in his eyes. "That's different," he said, his tone almost gentle. "I'm supposed to protect you, not the other way around."

I sighed, the exhaustion weighing heavily on me. "We protect each other, Kurai. That's how it works." I could feel something rest against the top of my head, and I knew Kurai was just as exhausted as I was.

“You’re something else,” he muttered, his breath warm and comforting against my skin. I could feel the tension in his body start to ease, just a little, as the weight of the moment settled between us.

His voice, usually so sharp and commanding, was now laced with a softness I rarely heard. It was as if he couldn't help but let his guard down in this moment of vulnerability. "You know, you drive me crazy," he continued his tone a mix of frustration and something deeper, something almost tender. "You always have to play the hero, throwing yourself into danger without a second thought."

I nuzzled closer to him, feeling the steady rhythm of his heartbeat against my cheek. Despite the chains and the cold, oppressive air of Tartarus, his presence brought me a sense of comfort and relaxation that I desperately needed. With Kurai, I felt safe, even in this dire situation. But my heart felt heavy, guilt gnawing at me. I couldn't shake the feeling that this was mostly my fault. I had been reckless, and now we were both paying the price.

"And you always have to scold me," I murmured, a small smile tugging at my lips despite the situation. "Even when I'm just trying to help."

He let out a low, rumbling chuckle, reverberating through his chest. "Maybe because I care," he admitted so quietly I almost didn't hear him.

Tartarus's chains and darkness seemed to fade away for a moment, leaving just the two of us, bound together by more than our physical restraints. "I know," I whispered back, my eyes fluttering shut as exhaustion finally began to overtake me.

As sleep started to pull me under, I felt his head rest more heavily against mine, his fatigue catching up. Despite everything, there was a strange sense of peace at that moment. We were trapped, yes, but we were together. And as long as we were together, I knew we would find a way to survive.