Chapter Twelve

Spirit Walkers

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It was interesting to see Casielle with that little bit of interaction. I also learned a little about this 'Reaper' and how this thing just disappeared. Is that really what caused the Underworld and the Celestial World to be in such a bind? I wonder what happened to this 'Reaper.' In stories, we're taught they collect and guide, but who was doing so if they weren't there to guide spirits?

A sigh escaped me as I tried to remember how to get back downstairs, leaving the two Celestials to their own business. Miserth Keep was a sprawling castle, and it was easy to get lost in, I was sure. Yet, it was a beautiful place adorned with countless pictures on the walls. As I wandered through the hallways, I came across one lined with portraits of kings—presumably former rulers. I couldn't imagine there were many, but enough to be noteworthy in the Underworld. Do Underworld kings even die? I was curious, to say the least.

As I made my way down the hallway, I noticed three different portraits, so not an overwhelming number. Someone had mentioned that the Underworld consisted of various kingdoms. Did that mean this wasn't the only Kingdom here? Was Lord Mundus not the sole ruler? I recalled hearing him referred to as the Crimson Prince. If he was a prince, then who was the king? Was there even a king? My curiosity grew with each step.

I took a moment to study the portraits, and my eyes landed on a particular one of a man and a woman together. The man had long white hair, strikingly similar to the Crimson Prince's. Could these be his parents, the ones he oversaw the throne for? Would I ever get to meet them?

The small plaque beneath the portrait read, "Zonoth & Serelia." Their faces were expressionless, but the woman, Serelia, had long red hair that nearly touched the ground. She wore a simple black dress, while the man had short black hair and what appeared to be blue eyes. I tilted slightly, staring at the picture for a while, lost in thought.

"I did share with you that it would be dangerous to wander alone, Lady Snow," Astaroth's voice sounded from the side of me. "I see you didn't take my advice very well."

Frozenly and embarrassed, I acted like I didn't hear him. I kept my blank stare ahead of the portrait. They looked so interesting, but where were they?

"I see you came upon Lord Zonoth's and Lady Serelia's portrait. They were wonderful rulers," Astaroth explained, coming up beside me. However, misfortune cast upon them, and they vanished without a trace."

"Misfortune?" I questioned myself, examining the photo. They didn't look happy, but they did look peaceful.

"With the Ruler's disappearance, Astudorm had no leader. The eight Lords came together and appointed Lord Mundus as the ruler of the Underworld, as none of the seven brothers wished to take over an entire realm. Unfortunately, they had their own problems in their own regions. The Crimson Lord was not entirely prepared for the task then, but the demons needed someone to lead them after the... well, the war."

"War, huh? Is that another reason the Underworld is frozen?" I questioned and shook my head, remembering what Zarall told me, that it wasn't my business. "That's rather sad," I murmured, frowning. "Did they not have a child to take over? Is Lord Mundus not theirs?"

Astaroth shook his head. "No, but he was a family friend of theirs. Given the issues that the two Lords caused for the Underworld, it's best they not be around right now," he stated firmly. There was a hint of frustration in his posture, which was unusually relaxed this time. From the few times I'd seen the Duke of Astudorm, he always seemed upright and ready to go, go, go! But now, his attitude and posture suggested he was not interested anymore.

"Anyway, Lord Mundus invites you to join him and the others for a toast and to celebrate. Come along."

I wondered what kind of issues the previous power couple had caused for the Underworld—especially since they did not have a child to take over the throne if something happened. Unfortunately, Lord Mundus wasn't up for the tasks. Still, I guess no one could help that. Things happen—just as I was brought here to the Underworld for a reason, albeit an unknown one.

I looked at the portrait in front of me, puzzled. If they had caused such issues, why was their portrait still up? Turning away, I followed Astaroth down the stairs and into the corridor.

From the corridor, he led me to a large party room filled with chattering guests. I presumed they were here for the toast Lord Mundus had to share with his Kingdom. The party room was spacious, with numerous tables and couches, giving it an almost homey feel. It needed to be more formal; many guests lounged on the sofas while others stood around the tables laden with food.

As Astaroth and I entered the room, I immediately felt uncomfortable. Numerous eyes turned to me, acknowledging my presence with Astaroth. He guided me to Lord Mundus, sitting at a table with a drink in his hand—a large and potent one, if I may add. Beside him were Enoxon and the Celestials, who had made their way to the party room quicker than I did. Perhaps they beat me downstairs when I was stuck looking at the portrait.

"Ahhhh, there's Snow!" Lord Mundus exclaimed with a hearty laugh. The strange, foul odor in the air suggested it was some type of Underworld alcohol. Seeing the Crimson Lord drinking was intriguing, but it was a party. "Now, we can really get this party started!"

The king stood up and held his cup, gently tapping it with his spoon. "Honorable Guests of Astudorm, I want to say thank you for joining my new friends and me as we celebrate another wonderful day here! We welcome the Celestials, Casielle, and Zarall to our Realm as we work with them to locate the Reaper and help guide those of Lost Souls to the correct realms. Please, give them a round of applause," he howled to the group.

Within seconds, the room erupted into clapping and cheering. It was an entire party room, but the enthusiasm made it lively. "We also welcome a new demon, with hair white as snow—appropriately named Snow. She will work alongside the Celestials and me to help guide lost souls."

Demon? Did he just call me a DEMON? And did he say, guide lost souls? I was genuinely 100% confused. Why was he addressing me as a demon? Couldn't they sense that I wasn't one? I felt tense, and my heart began to race. The only thing I could think to do was force what must have looked like a horrible smile and give a little wave. Enoxon's hand rested on my shoulder as if telling me to relax. However, I couldn't relax.

"And, of course, we welcome back the all-powerful Sorcerer, Enoxon. He will continue to dispel the curses that plague us as we continue our journey to restore peace with the Celestials and the Human World," Lord Mundus called. "Cheers!" He held his cup up, followed by the rest of the room, and everyone continued to enjoy their parties.

"Snow! Please enjoy a drink! We appreciate you taking the time to come to our Kingdom and enjoy this party with us. It isn't often we get special guests."

I was even more confused. Here was the Lord who had cast me an evil gaze the entire time he first met me and during the encounter with Kurai, now lying to the rest of his Kingdom about me being a demon. Surely, there was a good reason for this. I shakily took the drink from him and bowed respectfully, knowing I had to build good terms with this Demon King to ensure my safety. He could easily cast me out or even kill me or have someone else do it. He was the Lord, prince, or king—whatever you wanted to call him—of the Underworld. His power was probably ten times more intense than Kurai's. It had to be if he was the Prince in Line.

"Thank you, My Lord," I spoke as I bowed to him.

"You are a friend to my brother and my Duke, so you are a friend to me," Lord Mundus offered a cheer as he came over to greet me.

"Brother?" I caught myself repeating and immediately bit my tongue. "Excuse me, I apologize for my repetition," I quickly stated and bowed my head in apology.

"Brother Kurai, yes. I consider him my brother," Lord Mundus said as he walked past me toward his party guests. "Excuse me as I greet and communicate with my honored guests. Please, help yourself. Casielle and Zarall, will you please join me?"

I was even more confused. Here was the Lord who had cast me an evil gaze the entire time he first met me and during the encounter with Kurai, now lying to the rest of his Kingdom about me being a demon. Surely, there was a good reason behind it. I shakily took the drink from him and bowed respectfully, knowing I had to build good terms with this Demon King to ensure my safety. He could easily cast me out or even kill me or have someone else do it. He was the Lord, prince, or king—whatever you wanted to call him—of the Underworld. His power was probably ten times more intense than Kurai's. It had to be if he was the Prince in Line.

This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

"Thank you, My Lord," I spoke as I bowed to him.

"You are a friend to my brother and my Duke, so you are a friend to me," Lord Mundus offered a cheer as he came over to greet me.

"Brother?" I caught myself repeating and immediately bit my tongue. "Excuse me, I apologize for my repetition," I quickly stated and bowed my head in apology.

"Brother Kurai, yes," Lord Mundus said as he walked past me toward his party guests. "Excuse me as I greet and communicate with my honored guests. Please, help yourself. Casielle and Zarall, will you please join me?"

With that, the three of them left the front, which left me with Enoxon and Astaroth.

"They are not blood-brothers. Did Kurai not share that with you?" Enoxon chuckled at me.

"No, he didn't," I murmured quietly as I joined the two of them, sitting closest to the sorcerer. "If they're not brothers, but considered brothers, are they just… Family friends?" I asked as I stared and examined the alcohol that was provided. I was nearly killed the last time I took a drink - even the smell burned my nose, and the memories faded in and out.

"Mmm, that's too bad," Enoxon murmured. "Fine, fine, let me educate you," He said, grinning widely as he leaned on the table, his white robe already very messy. "Lord Mundus is much older than he is. However, when he came across the Nogitsune-Kurai, he felt sorry for them - and took them in. Believe it or not, nogitsune isn't quite welcomed in the Underworld."

That'd explain the chains, I thought to myself, as the memories of looking at Kurai and his fox were chained up in that strange dream-like occurrence.

"Lord Mundus, being the good guy he is, couldn't watch a small helpless cub suffer," He said, his voice trailing off at the end. "Kurai, being the small helpless cub, by the way. Being so, Lord Mundus taught him a lot, partially because he has five tails at such a young age. To be taught by the most powerful demon of the Underworld… I can only imagine what a Fox Spirit learned…" The sorcerer trailed off as his eyes shifted to the Lord, who continued to greet more tables.

"How can the Prince of the Underworld be kind…" I murmured softly, confused. This was the Underworld—demons and hatred lay here. Did it not?

"Demons aren't as bad as you think. Now drink up, and let's have some fun!" Enoxon cheered, taking a large sip of his drink and downing it within a few seconds. I was impressed that he did that so quickly, and I immediately could tell he was tipsy. Enoxon had already had a drink or two beforehand and swayed very gently.

My gaze lowered to the drink, and I shrugged. If I get drugged again, I have a reason to hate Lord Mundus or Astaroth. But why not? I'd probably never get to try this again—an Underworld specialty.

"Take it easy," I heard Astaroth's worried tone from my other side.

I gave him a glare and immediately questioned, "Why? Did you put something in it?" I said, eyeballing my drink in my hand.

"Uh, n-n-no, Of course not! I would never!" He seemed genuinely shocked that I asked him that. "I wasn't intending to do anything rude or spiteful."

I glanced up at him as he was leaning slightly toward me. I locked my gaze with his purple eyes and took a big swig. "Then I've nothing to worry about, do I Duke of Asturdorm?" I couldn't help but growl at him.

"N-no, that would go against all moral codes–"

"But manipulation doesn't? Whatever," I snarled quietly at him. I took a large sip of the alcohol, which immediately burned my throat. Damn, that stuff was a lot stronger than I thought it would be. Typically, I base the type of alcohol off its smell—being that I was a bartender from the human world. This wasn't a typical human alcohol like tequila or rum. It was like a mixture of something spicy with some strange alcohol. It tasted similar to sake but had a sweeter taste—like a mixture of sake and something else. Either way, it was hot and not something I could take a shot of.

"I-" Astaroth started, but I just shook my head and linked arms with Enoxon. "Lady Snow, let me explain!"

"Let's go dance, Eno!" I cheered, completely ignoring Astaroth.

"U-uh, be careful, Lady Snow!" I heard Astaroth call, reaching out toward me as if he were trying to keep me safe.

I rolled my eyes and gave him one last cold glare before joining the dance floor with Enoxon, who was immediately feeling tipsy.

After what felt like hours of dancing and hanging around, I was beginning to feel restless. It was crazy to think that as a human, I was blending right in with these demons—even with a strong alcohol in my system. I was lucky I could handle most of my alcohol, which was nice. Being a bartender had its perks! Lord Mundus approached us during the dancing sessions and joined us for a song or two with Casielle and Zarall. Honestly, it felt beautiful—I felt like I was at karaoke night with a couple of friends enjoying a fun night of drinks. There were no issues between myself and anyone besides Astaroth. I was just a part of the crowd. That's what I loved—being a part of something. There were demons and angels here, and I was a human. It was a big fairy tale, literally.

I had escaped the crowd and made my way outside. I'm not sure where I stumbled onto it, but it smelled delightful where I had made my way to. I was a bit tipsy but could at least walk, and my voice wasn't slurred. Outside the hall, I looked around and embraced the cold, crisp air. It was hot with the rest of the crowd, and the smell of alcohol was just getting stronger with every second. Apparently, demons could drink like no tomorrow without feeling extremely intoxicated. It wasn't cold, even though the slight snow was falling gently. I still needed clarification about snowing here, but I was interested. There was a lot to learn if they'd allow me.

As I sat here thinking, something in the distance caught my interest—a flicker of blue shimmering in and out. A bit flustered, I approached the shimmering blue in the distance. I noticed I was in a garden, but the blue shimmering led me down a path from the castle. The blue shimmer reminded me of the creature I saw the other night before I was attacked, and I wanted to know what it was.

Down the path from the castle, I watched the shimmering blue light flicker in and out of the dark surrounding shadows. The snow crunched under my heels—my feet were cold as hell (literally)—but I needed to figure out what this was. Curiosity burned within me. Maybe this could help me understand what the others meant when they told Lord Mundus I wasn't entirely human. I was convinced they were wrong, but if I had the power to activate a portal deactivated by the Celestials, then something within me could answer my questions.

My vision blurred slightly from the tingling of alcohol coursing through my system. It made me feel like I could do anything. I even considered sliding down the hill in my heels—totally possible, right? No, I wasn't going to do it. I'd probably injure myself. I had plenty of practice walking in heels, maybe not so much running. If necessary, I'd just take my heels off and risk cold feet or try to wrap them with fabric from my dress. I was tipsy enough to follow a shimmer of blue, after all!

At the end of the path, I reached the town, which was extremely lively. There were tons of normal-looking people. Aren't they supposed to be demons? I eyeballed a few as I walked past them, still trying to keep up with the blue shimmer. Weaving in and out of people, I noticed they avoided looking at me, almost as if I were invisible. I guess I really did blend in with the demons of hell. I felt proud of my choice of attire and turned my attention back to the shimmer.

I passed a couple of shops, wanting badly to stop and look at the goods these demon-people were selling. I would have to come back and visit—maybe do some shopping. If I had money, that is. What kind of currency did the undead use anyway? What could they possibly need to buy? Jewelry? I had so much to learn. Shaking my head to refocus, I continued through the crowd. I reached the 'downtown' of the village, an extensive open clearing with a fountain and a statue that looked similar to the man from the portrait I saw earlier—Lord Zonoth, I'm pretty sure.

I paused before the tall fountain statue, staring at it and blocking the surrounding sounds. That's when I noticed the blue shimmer circling the statue, climbing to the top and flowing off to the side.

"Wait up!" I called to the shimmer, then turned away from the fountain, leaving the vendors and their calls behind. I pushed through the thinning crowd as the blue light weaved in and out of the buildings. The busy village turned quiet quickly, with only a few people out, all looking normal. I hadn't seen another kitsune or nogitsune, and there were no strange robes like a sorcerer or anyone with horns. Perhaps I wasn't looking hard enough, but I was so focused on the shimmer.

After almost 30 minutes of walking, I could no longer see the castle or demons. Like a bad part of town, the village turned into nearly abandoned homes. I hoped I hadn't made a mistake coming here, but I had yet encountered any trouble. The shimmer halted at the edge of town near the snowy forest I remembered seeing from above. It seemed to want me to enter the forest, bouncing before me. I didn't budge—I was scared of the forest after being attacked in it.

I felt a burning desire to go in when I remembered the little bag with the dagger.

"I don't think I can go," I told the slight shimmer as it danced around me.

I felt a slight nudge at my legs, but I still couldn't move forward. The thought of being attacked again was too overwhelming. Frowning, I shook my head and took a step back.

"Please," I begged, the slight shimmer in my voice. I don't know what you are, but I want to know—are you anything like what I saw the other day?"

"The other day?" A voice piqued my interest, but no one appeared—just the same blue shimmer before me.

I tilted my head, scanning my surroundings to find the source of the voice. No one was near; it was just a path fading away from the village into the dark, snow-covered forest.

"The other day, I saw something as blue as this shimmer. It had a very serene voice and saved me from a demon," I murmured, folding my hands together as I continued speaking.

"Did it give you a name?" The voice asked, high-pitched, as if it were coming from the shimmer itself.

Curious, I reached out and poked the shimmer, causing it to ripple. I poked it again in a different spot, and it rippled again. "Um, no," I murmured, watching the blue shimmer fluctuating.

"Did you see what it looked like?" it asked.

I nodded, poking the shimmer again as the alcohol began to wear off. I started to feel the chill of the Underworld. Hugging myself for warmth, I described the scene of the wolf-like creature that had saved me from the demon. I detailed its beautiful light blue, starry pelt, and white eyes, noting the multi-colored specks in its fur that shimmered.

As I spoke, the shimmer began to move side to side, almost as if excited. Suddenly, I felt something grab my shoulders, and the shimmer revealed arms connected to my shoulders. "Do you know what this means?" the voice asked.

I shook my head, confused, as the pressure on my shoulders intensified. "No..."

As the grip tightened, the blue shimmer revealed a body, slowly materializing into a human-looking man. My lavender eyes widened in awe as this spiritual being appeared before me. The pressure on my shoulders eased, and the man began to pace back and forth, leaving no footprints behind. Confusion washed over me.

"Yuna must still be alive. And she's here, somewhere. I need to bring her home," the celestial being spoke calmly.