Chapter Twenty-Five
Returning Home
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The one who destroyed an entire village? The one that practically killed his fiancé's entire family?
The voice echoed in my ear. I could hear them clearly, one belonging to Yushin and the other still hazy. Though it sounded like Enoxon’s voice. Although Yushin's’ words echoed in my ear, I could barely make out those words. A wave of panic washed over me as I realized I didn’t know where I was or how I got there. Taking a deep breath, I tried to recollect everything I had just learned, glancing up at Enoxon, who was right crouched beside me, Yushin a few feet behind him.
“Hey, Snow!” Enoxon greeted me gently, a soft smile on his face. “I’m so glad to know you’re okay,” He said happily.
“Welcome Back, Reaper.,” Yushin greeted me, giving me a small wave.
Reaper. That still meant so little to me. But so much happened in that little bit of time with Mati. I couldn’t help but wonder if he knew the entire time that I was this ‘Reaper’ and he knew of my past. Perhaps he wasn’t allowed to share with me? I wonder if there were rules and regulations to that. My gaze scanned the place I was in. “Are we still in the Reaper’s Realm?” I questioned.
“Something similar to it,” Yushin replied with a chuckle.
“My gaze scanned the place I was in. The room was dimly lit, with stone walls and an eerie, ancient feel. “Are we still in the Reaper’s Realm?” I questioned.
“Something similar to it,” Yushin replied with a chuckle. “This is a place connected to the Reaper’s Realm. It’s a sanctuary where Spirit Walkers like myself can gather and train.”
The cave was tall, full of red floating stones circling the room.
“Yushin,” I said as I turned to put my feet off the edge of the stone I was laying on. “How long have you known?” I demanded from him. My body felt off, weak, and fragile.
Enoxon glanced at the Spirit Walker. “Yeah, Yushin? How long?” His voice was dark and raspy.
“Eh,” He shrugged the thought, “You’ve got a lot of training to do!” He said, his voice full of happiness as if he didn’t have a care in the world. “With me, of course!” He said as he held out his hand.
“You knew that I was a Reaper… Is that why you approached me? Is that why you led me through the Fae Realm?”
“THE FAE REALM?!” Enoxon gasped, “You took her to the Fae Realm?! Are you stupid! She could’ve–”
Yushin cut him off immediately. “I did.”
I refused his hand, feeling a mix of betrayal and confusion. He had kept this secret from me, and I felt almost betrayed. Surely, there was a reason, though… Right?
Unfazed by my tone, Yushin shrugged once more and even offered a smirk, his golden-yellow eyes locking with mine. “Absolutely,” he said gently. “But… not quite. I only found out when you saw me out of my spiritual form into this one. You also, by the way, probably not the safest idea, but you basically told me your life story. A bit dull, if I do say so myself.”
Dull. That’s precisely what Mati called me. They seemed to be very similar to one another.
“And… How did the escort go?!” Mati asked, raising an eyebrow. He seemed so giddy about my being a Reaper and going through this nonsense.
“Escort?” Enoxon questioned, looking up from his staff that he was gripping tightly.
“Sora? She was the spirit I saw when I first activated the portals. What do you mean by ‘escort’?” I asked, confused.
“She agreed to be part of your escort mission,” Yushin smiled, running a hand through his blue and silver hair. “Since she was the first to meet you and see your portal activation.”
“Wait,” I said, unable to hold back a shocked chuckle, “Are you telling me Sora made it ‘home’ and you… Found her to… Use her?”
“She agreed to it,” Yushin replied.
Immediately, I jumped to my feet. But as soon as I did, I lost my balance and nearly toppled. Enoxon caught me from the side, putting his arms underneath my armpits.
“How dare you! She was a sweet and innocent soul that you pulled into the Spirit World to do a test? She was almost eaten by a demon, Yushin!” I snapped at him, giving him a cold glare. “You’re telling me her soul could’ve been lost forever and you let that happen?!”
Enoxon’s arms grew tighter around my shoulders and armpits. “Calm down, Snow. You really need to not move. You’ve been out for nearly three weeks.”
Yushin’s playful expression softened, and he looked genuinely remorseful. “I understand your anger, Snow. It was a risk, but Sora knew what she was getting into. She volunteered because she believed in you. And you did save her, remember? That shows your potential.”
“Potential?!” I growled, reaching out to Yushin before comprehending what Enoxon had said. “Three weeks?” I questioned. “Did you just say three weeks?! That’s how long I’ve been out?!” I snapped at him, feeling my anger rise. “How did I eat, drink, or even go to the bathroom? I was asleep one night!”
The Spirit Walker, grinning, casually took a few steps back and raised his hands. “Magic. What else would it be?”
“How was I asleep for three weeks, Yushin?!” I demanded, my cold glare fixed on him.
Looking a bit more serious now, Yushin put a finger to his chin. “Well, time moves differently in the Fae Realm and Reaper’s Realm,” he explained. “I’m not sure exactly how it works, but time is different there.”
Enoxon chimed in, trying to soothe my frustration. “It’s true, Snow. The realms operate on different timelines. When you’re in those realms, time can either slow down or speed up compared to our underworld time, which is based on the human realm.”
I was annoyed with him, but then again, I had just woken up from a three-week slumber. My body, wounds, and even my mindset were aching. Speechless, I snorted at Yushin, who was smiling like he owned the world and had done nothing wrong. That smug look bothered me. An angry beast inside me was roaring in his direction; oh, how I wished I could get my hands on him. “Hrmph, whatever,” I muttered, relaxing a little in Enoxon’s grip.
“You’ve gotten a lot feistier,” murmured Enoxon, loosening his grip on me.
The corner of my lip curled upward as I felt Enoxon’s hold release. I immediately flung myself at the Spirit Walker. “You’re a complete jerk!” I snapped, trying to pummel him into the ground.
However, he was much quicker than I was—considering my legs felt restless and achy. I stumbled over one of the roots in the ground, falling with a thud.
“Snow, I need you to understand,” Yushin's voice sounded beside me. “I didn’t want to do what we did, but if Kurai saw you go through what you did and was physically there the entire time, I don’t think it would’ve done him any good.”
With my face full of dirt, I spat it out and rubbed my face clear of grime. His words bothered me—honestly, his voice bothered me. A sigh escaped as I rolled onto my behind and sat there, hugging my knees.
“Whatever, Yushin. Thanks for taking care of me, I guess,” I muttered.
Yushin chuckled, “Hey, no problem. I’m like a superhero without the cape or the desire for a thank-you.” He paused and grinned, “And, you know, a lot more handsome.”
I rolled my eyes at him, giving him the coldest look I’ve ever given.
Yushin crouched in front of me, smiling with his head tilted slightly. “You’ve got a lot to learn, and I wish to help you—perhaps become stronger than your mother,” he told me, putting his fingertip underneath my chin and gently lifting my head to look at him.
Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.
“I don’t like you right now,” I muttered.
I rolled my eyes at him, giving him the coldest look I’ve ever given.
Yushin crouched in front of me, smiling with his head tilted slightly. “You’ve got a lot to learn, and I wish to help you—perhaps even become stronger than your mother,” he said, putting his fingertip underneath my chin and gently lifting my head to look at him.
“I don’t like you right now,” I muttered.
Yushin grinned mischievously. “That’s okay, Snow. I’ll just have to grow on you—like moss, but more charming.”
“You’re testing the waters right now, Yushin,” Enoxon commented.
“I’m really not,” Yushin replied, still holding my chin up and making me look into his eyes. His breath gently caressed my ear as he leaned closer, sending shivers down my spine. “You need me, and I need you,” he whispered.
Gently, he let go of my chin and pulled away from me, his devilish smile becoming soft. I couldn’t help but feel embarrassed with warm cheeks and a gaze that flickered from him to Enoxon. “And as a result of training a Reaper, I request the woman stays here, Enoxon.” The Spirit Walker demanded, folding his hands behind his back and walking away.
“What?!” I gasped. “I don’t want to stay here, I want to go back with Enoxon and Kurai!” I whined to him, feeling even more embarrassed.
“This is your Mother’s Creation, Snow. Wouldn't you like to know more about the Reaper’s Cove and the Reaper’s Realm? As a Reaper, this is your new home. You can’t just walk around freely now. You have a job. You have a job to guide souls - meeting them at the Gates of Hell and taking them home.” Yushin’s voice got strict as he began slowly pacing the room, hands behind his back. His delicate black and celestial-blue robe flowed gently behind him.
A job.
A job that required me up and moving 24/8 nearly.
I had a job.
Nothing compared to my bartending job - which would be easier. I don’t even get paid to guide souls. I frowned as I listened to Yushin. This hurt me, knowing I wasn’t a free soul right now - I just had responsibility handed to me, like, “Here you go.”
“I…” I trailed off, frowning. “I’m not sure I want that,” I murmured.
Enoxon crouched beside me, resting his hand on my shoulder, his voice gentle and reassuring. “Snow,” he murmured softly, “we can talk about this when we get home, okay? We can find some time.” His voice was calm and soothing, like a warm blanket on a chilly day. It had a gentle flutter, with just enough inflection to convey sincerity and empathy. Listening to it felt like being wrapped in a cocoon of comfort and safety, free from worry and stress.
With no second thought, I gripped his hand, still staring at the ground with a sad look. I had a job. I was in charge of millions of souls a day. How did Mother do it? If I were her daughter, how did she have time for me? Was that why she gave me up? Because she was busy and had a job to do? Or was there another reason? Confused, I couldn’t help but grip Enoxon’s hand exceptionally tightly. I was probably crushing his bones, but he didn’t mind.
Was this her freedom?
No. If that was my mother in the dream world, she seemed to care about me. At least, I think she did.
Enoxon continued to hold my hand, his reflective nature apparent in letting me process my thoughts, offering patience and understanding. His presence was a steady reminder that I wasn't alone and had someone who understood and cared deeply.
The sorcerer looked right up at Yushin. “Training will begin in two weeks,” he told him. No more, no less. You need to understand this is a significant change for Snow, not something that can be processed within 24 hours.” His deep and demanding voice matched Yushin’s reply.
Yushin hesitated, a stunned look playing on his face as Enoxon’s voice commanded back. But he sighed as he held out his hand to the sorcerer: “Deal. No more, no less. I will continue to allow the Celestial Realm to guide the souls—but they know you’re alive, Snow. They don’t know who you are but know you’re alive.” His gaze turned to face me. We can get through this.”
He had such a gentle spirit, and I was grateful that he was a friend of mine. I remember how he stated he was 100 or 200 years old. I still didn’t quite understand that, but if that’s how people here in the Underworld age, then I wonder how long they roam these planets. Enoxon was a human, right, like me. How was he still alive then?
Did he know my mother?
I opened up to speak, but Yushin beat me to it, “Two weeks from now, Snow, you will be training with me as the Reaper.” He stated.
“Fine,” Enoxon replied, reaching out to grab and shake his hand.
With that, Yushin smiled brightly and looked at me, “I’ll see you then, Little Snow.”
The sorcerer let out a huge sigh and helped me to my feet.
Taking his gracious help, I pulled myself up with him and dusted my own body off. I was sad, confused, and a little scared too. It would be a big change for me, much more than what I’ve ever done in my life before. Sure, I’ve been working since I was 16 with the death of my parents… Well, Ren and Sayuri.
“Can we go home, Enoxon?” I asked him, quietly as a mouse.
“Ah, of course, kid,” he said, patting me on the head and ruffling my hair. But before we do,” he said gently.
A soft smile played on his lips as I locked gazes with him.
“I’m glad you’re back,” he told me, taking my hand. It’s been quiet since Yushin stole you.” A soft chuckle escaped him as he held his staff out before him.
“Neat stick,” I commented, gazing over the black and blue staff he held close to him.
“It’s called Shadowfell, the Memory of Illuminated Dreams,” he stated as he held it out. The crescent moon at the top was imbued with a magical essence, something that made my skin prickle a little.
“It almost looks like Yuna,” I commented. “The coloring, that is.”
“It was made of the same essence she was made of,” he replied. I typically don’t need it, but it’s pretty neat to look at sometimes. I’ll have to tell you about it one day,” Enoxon told me. Now, hold on tight! My magic is a little iffy at the moment. Oh, and the house is still a wreck. Kurai has, well, not been himself lately,” he commented with a frown.
Things were different in the home. Items were in various places—not like they were when I first arrived. Knowing that Kurai’s magic had grown powerful enough to nearly burn the house to the ground made me wonder what happened. I assumed he got angry and almost destroyed it when Yushin returned home without me.
The living room still had the same gothic aesthetic but was painted a darker blue. It felt as though the house had been rebuilt differently. Large and off to the right side, the fireplace lit up the dark blue room with a fire crackling. In front of the fireplace sat a brown round table, low to the ground and covered in books. Closest to the windows at the back of the room was a curved couch adorned with blue and red pillows, with bookshelves behind the sofa and on both sides of the windows. Even the large, new stained glass window was different—it wasn’t colored but had a beautiful look. Honestly, the room felt a little bit more like home. It was messy, with books scattered on the floor, but that was okay.
“It’s perfect,” I said with a happy smile, clapping my hands together.
Enoxon, leaning on his staff a little and resting his chin on it, said, “It took a while to put back together, but Astaroth and Yushin are quite the decorators, actually.”
I turned to face him, noticing his smile, but there was a hint of sadness flickering in his eyes. It was subtle but unmistakable. Our eyes met, and I could tell that he realized I had seen through his facade. His smile faltered, and he quickly turned away, unable to hide his emotions.
Seeing Enoxon's sadness made my heart ache. He always tried to be the strong one, the reassuring presence, but in that moment, I saw his vulnerability. It reminded me that even the strongest people have their breaking points. I felt empathy and concern, wanting to reach out and comfort him just as he had comforted me so many times.
But before I could question it, he dismissed me. “You oughta go and see Kurai. He’ll be happy to see you and not want to burn more things down,” he chuckled.
“Are you okay?” I questioned.
He nodded quickly and turned away to leave the newly renovated living room. Quickly, I reached out to grab his wrists, stopping him. Out of the kindness of his heart, I gave him a tight hug. My head fell against his chest, and I could hear his heart beating rather quickly. The sudden touch probably shocked him. “Thanks, Enoxon, for bringing me back here,” I told him.
The sorcerer hesitated, his arms tentatively reaching out, wanting to return my hug but seeming unsure. Slowly, he wrapped his arms around me, holding me tightly. The hug was warm, and I could tell he really needed it. One hand reached around my head, holding me closely.
“I’m glad you’re okay, Snow,” he murmured. His voice was filled with relief and a hint of vulnerability. We stayed in the embrace momentarily, finding comfort in each other’s presence.
When he finally let go, he rested his hands on my shoulders and smiled at me. His green eyes were a bit brighter than they had been just a few moments before. “I’ll start dinner, and we can sit down together. Sound good?” he said, his voice carrying a renewed warmth and determination.
I nodded to him, pulled away, and headed up the stairs. As I climbed the spiral stairway, I stopped momentarily to look at Enoxon. He was pleased, and I could tell because his face was just lighting up. Despite his age and might, watching his reaction reminded me of a little kid who had just received something they had been wanting for a while. It made me happy knowing that he was okay now.
I continued up the stairs, noticing that everything was a bit different upstairs as well—the ceiling and walls were higher than before. The walls still had pictures adorning them. I tiptoed, wanting to surprise him. He’d probably smell me, though, right? He’s a fox, after all. Maybe he was asleep.
I looked at his door, smiling in anticipation. I wasn’t sure why I missed him so much, but I did. Perhaps it was the demon-guardian-pact nonsense, but I was excited. Slowly, I knocked on the door, which creaked open a little. I poked my head through the door, seeing a lump under the blankets. I crept up to the blankets, stopping by the side. Once there, I grinned wickedly and pulled the sheets off quickly. “KURAI!” I squealed.
But… he wasn’t there.
“Kurai?” I called, gazing around the darkened room. His room had changed a little; the plants inside looked dead rather than well taken care of, which made me heartbroken. There was no sign of him.
“Kurai?” I called again, opening the door to the closet. Nothing.
Then, I felt a cold breeze from outside creep in, whisking against my skin and chilling it. My gaze immediately flew to the porch doors—the same doors he had brought me through the first time he took me elsewhere. Seeing that the doors were open, I began to get worried. As I walked towards the porch door, I noticed something out of the corner of my eye on the floor. It was a small, rectangular piece of paper that had been partially ripped. I picked it up, intending to throw it in the trash, but as I turned it over, I was shocked to see that it was a blood-stained piece of old parchment. The trail of blood led to the open doors outside. I quivered in fear, unable to shake the feeling that something was wrong. Kurai was hurt.
“Kurai…” I whispered, staring outside at the porch and the snow-covered, darkened forest ahead of me.