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Chapter Twenty-Six
Awakening
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(If this chapter is a bit unclear, I sincerely apologize. I think I rewrote this chapter at least four times in 4 different ways. I’m so sorry.)
Voices swarmed around me; I could hear them. They were strong, they were loud. I couldn’t see anything, and I couldn’t move my frozen body. I could feel something, though. A strange sensation burned through me like something was clawing its way out. But.. What could it possibly be? Despite the stillness, there was a sense of energy around me, a feeling of potential waiting to be unleashed. It was as if I was a dormant volcano waiting to erupt. And yet, for now, I remained perfectly still, my body and mind at rest, waiting for the moment when I would once be called back out. I’ve no idea how long I’ve been in this form - no idea how long it’s been. My mind was empty as nothing swarmed to me.
This feeling that was inside me was swelling - it wanted out. I could hear a second voice hissing and whispering to me. Whatever it was wanted to rip me out of this frozen stasis - or whatever I was in. I couldn’t fight it though. I listened to the voices surrounding me again - this time, it was only two. I often couldn’t hear them; only when they were utterly next to me was I able to make their voices out. They would consistently discuss plans, and then I would be silent again. Once more, I had no idea where or why I was there. I just knew what the voices talked about.
Often, they’d bring up the word demon or reaper. I remember. I learned names, such as The Lady in Red, supposedly my mother. Never had I heard a mention of my father, just another name such as Lord Zonoth. It was strange. I wish I could see them - I wish I could see my daily visitors. I wish I knew what happened to my body and what was aching its way to be released. Maybe whatever it was, it could release both of us. There was a magical current circling me in this frozen state, and that’s all I could feel. I was not cold; I was not warm. Perhaps when I was finally awoken, I will remember everything.
The voices had returned today, and I listened to them as well as I could while frozen.
“Kurai, it’s so long,” I’ve learned the voice Astaroth. I barely remember it - I remember the deep sense of calmness that he put out. He was a different kind of demon, that was for sure.
“I don’t know if I’m ready,” His voice was so calm and caring to hear - I knew it was Kurai. His magical essence would continuously flow, drawing me to it and calling out for me. Kurai - the man I knew before I was put in a stasis. I don’t have a lot of memories that came back to me, but these people were essential to me.
l still in this prison, listening to the very caring voice that spoke to me. The voice was soothing, gentle, and compassionate, and it seemed to understand my every need. Often, his voice would come and communicate with me and talk to me - explaining things that had happened wherever he was. He would go on and on about some of his friends and his concerns for this prison. Listening to his voice always seemed to quell whatever I wanted out of me so badly. I’ll never understand why, but it relaxed it. He comforted me - even though I was pretty sure I was already relaxed due to my state. I wish I could see them. But today, I listened to them.
“You’ve gained your seventh tail within a year, soon after, your eighth in the second year. You’ve been gone for the past three years. Your ninth tail will take the longest to gain. I’ve no idea how you have gained your tails so quickly at such a young age. You have the power, Kurai. It is time.”
Aria. My birth name. They would call me Aria, and it was Snow when they were talking to me one-on-one. They were talking about me again. They say I’ve been in a stasis for three years? That doesn’t seem very long. Did Kurai gain an eighth tail? That was very impressive. He would often talk about his different tails, the different powers he’s achieved, and his strength. I missed them.
This feeling inside me was beginning to want its way out again. Why? Why does it want to escape so badly? It’s almost as though it were begging to be released. I sure wish it would stop - it might make this stasis much more comfortable. It didn’t seem to matter - my release relied on this demon with seven tails. I couldn’t imagine the beast I’d wake up to see. It relied on my nogitsune.
“Seven Tails, how do we know it’s strong enough to defeat the demon that may awaken once they find Aria?”
“If the demon has been dormant for this entire time, don’t you think that’s a good enough reason to try?”
“Remind me of what precautions I have to take?”
A soft chuckle sounded from the Astaroth. “Her demon demands to be released; you can see that by the slight markings on her stomach - overtaking the original demon’s marking. It’s a protection mechanism most demons can sense.”
Demon. Was I a demon? I don’t remember. I thought I was what they called me: a reaper.
“Astaroth, will you be able to put her back in a stasis if my magic is not strong enough?”
That voice hesitated when the Kurai asked that question, but he answered very slowly, “I… May be able to, but. That will not happen, as you can overcome the strength of both demon blood coursing her body. I highly recommend your Nogitsune form over your human form - it will be stronger, and the fox demon will want to replace the marks.”
Demon. It burned my memory. Was that what was trying to release itself from me? Was my monster trying to escape?
A sigh escaped the voice belonging to Kurai as he replied. “Ok.”
“I will be outside the portal - you will be in here alone. If anything happens, she will be unable to escape the secondary realm - causing her and you to be trapped until I can release you,” Astaroth’s gentle voice flowed to him. “Now, transform Nogitsune and allow your inner fox to complete you. Your inner fox is stronger than you - much stronger. You may have parts of its power, but he is stronger and more compelled to save the Halfling. Its desire for her strength will interest him.”
“Inner fox, tch. Fine.”
Kurai was going to do it. He was finally going to mark me - to release me.
Finally, I would be free.
It would be free - whatever demon is begging to get out.
“Are you ready, Kurai?”
“Release her, Astaroth.”
“Be careful; if her demon comes out, it will be as a defensive mechanism. Hopefully, you will not have to endure it.”
“I’m getting bored; let us go, please.”
“As you wish, good luck, Kurai.”
And that’s when Astaroth’s voice disappeared, leaving me with Kurai. The inner-demon of me was aching to get out. I was unsure what was happening but was beginning to feel things around my body. I felt my limbs start to twitch, my inside beginning to twist, and my head beginning to pound. There was a cold air around my toes that I could feel working its way slowly up my body. This must be the stasis being removed from my body - the crystal was beginning to fade. Something strange flowed through my toes and legs, causing them to twitch lightly. The stasis eventually let go of my body, and I could see again. My surroundings were dark, and everything felt fine.
That was - until I heard voices whispering through my head, voices I’d never heard before, as a significant pounding hit my head. I slowly opened my eyes, blinking as my vision slowly came into focus. As I tried to sit up, I felt a twisting pain in my abdomen that made me gasp in discomfort. This forced me to lay back down, groaning as I crunched into a ball and held my stomach. What was this horrible feeling? Confused and disoriented, I tried to look around the unfamiliar room, trying to piece together where I was and how I had gotten there. The pain made it hard for me to think clearly. Something was running through my body, like an infestation or infection. I winced as sharp pains shot through my body. My teeth gritted as I tried to ignore the ache in my muscles and the throbbing in my head. Why was I hurting so much?
The pain got stronger as I did my best to curl into a ball and hold in whatever pain I was experiencing. I couldn’t help but scream out in pain, though - feeling my eyes welt up and my body feeling fear and pain. The inner voices seemed to get louder and louder with every scream I let out. The tears began to roll as I felt this excruciating pain course through my body - mostly on my side. My hands slipped down my body, only to realize that I had been wholly exposed - I had not a single ounce of clothes on my body. What the hell? Oh, but that didn’t matter right now - this pain was hot and then cold, hot then cold.
I rolled over, only to face a sizeable black creature staring at me with substantial beady red eyes. I stared at it, confused at what I was looking at, but the pain coursed back through me—his fox form, as majestic as I remember it. “P-please,” I begged him.
Kurai - the Nogitsune. I remember him. I was bonded with him, and my consciousness slowly returned to life as the memories flowed in. Flames radiated off its magnificent black fur, brightening the darkened area. I reached out to the fox, begging it to please help. The fox was staring at me sadly; his red eyes were full of concern.
This may hurt; please forgive me.
This voice was loud and clear, and I shook my head, begging Kurai, “Please, no more pain.”
I’m sorry, Snow.
The fox stepped towards me, lifting one of its substantial black paws and pressing it down on my side - and I could feel something sharp dig into my side. I winced as a fiery pain shot through my body. I clenched my teeth, trying to suppress a scream as the sensation spread like wildfire. Every muscle felt on fire, my skin prickling with heat. I struggled to keep her composure, but the pain was too intense. It was like nothing I’d ever experienced before, and I couldn’t help but feel a sense of panic rising within her. I knew I needed help but didn’t know who to turn to. This fox was causing me pain; it felt like his fire was burning me alive from the inside out. I could only grit my teeth and try to ride out the storm.
Let. Me. Out. Stop. Fighting.
I barely heard that voice - it sounded scary and demonic. Perhaps it was just the whispers that I was hearing.
I could feel the demon; the fox spoke to me. I can feel it wanting out. Please, contain it, Snow. His eyes locked with mine. The fox was pained to see me in this state. The fox demon was strong, a lot stronger than Kurai’s human form, and I’d only seen it once or twice. He often didn’t let his inner fox demon come out, but this was not a choice he had to make. This demon of the Nogitsune was the dark void that stayed dormant in Kurai until he was ready to let it go.
So much was happening within my body, and I could feel everything. I felt something trying to get out, something trying to fight something, and another strange sensation that just burned everything. Another painful scream escaped my lips as I felt the burning sensation enter my back and up my spine, causing me to arch backward. My ear-splintering cry was so loud in this tiny room.
I DEMAND TO BE FREE. The demonic voice screamed at me, and I shook my head.
“I - I - AHH!” I tried to respond to the voice screaming at me to be free - but I pushed it down. I couldn’t let this thing out of me - it was solid and robust. That thing was trying to escape me - and I was scared to let it out. I had no idea what it was - or what it wanted. Was it there to protect me or cause more pain? I couldn’t collect my thoughts, though. I knew I had to keep down whatever was trying to be released.
It seemed like forever, but the pain in my side was beginning to fade, replacing it with a burning sensation. The second voice itching out was quelled by this fox’s demon, whose flames died as the pain disappeared. I was left sweating on the ground and breathing heavily, tears flowing from my face. I curled into another ball once the pain had fully subsided. The only thing left in me was that burning sensation, rippling through me and causing everything to be on fire. Kurai’s fox demon, whatever it had done, changed the pain into a warm feeling. The warmth was something I’ve remembered - I remembered feeling it before while I was in pain. But I felt like a ball of fire in my chest, flowing like my veins were made of fire.
Tears flowed through my face as I lay in this pool of whatever was on the ground, covering my body. It was like a cold liquid that I was sitting in, being melted away by the flames flowing through my body. I held my naked body as I curled into that tight ball, my hair covering most of me. The pain was gone, eventually. But that was something I’d never forget. The mark was much worse than the original mark. I don’t know why Kurai’s mark hurt a lot more than the original mark that was there. Was he successful, though? Did he help me?
My sight was blurred by the tears I had let go of, soaking my exposed chest to the world - well, I guess to this fox. When I was finally brave and calm enough to open my eyes, I came face to face with a tall, dark, and handsome man who immediately covered my body. His black hair fell in soft waves around his chiseled jawline, and his amber eyes seemed to glow in the light. But the strange marking next to his left eye caught my attention the most. It was new. The Kurai I knew before being caught and put into a stasis didn’t have this mark.
As I opened my mouth to speak, I immediately pulled into his grip and pressed against his body. I was stunned that he had grabbed me so quickly and forcibly despite the pain that I had just gone through. I immediately melted into his hold, pressing my head against his chest and listening to his heart thumping a million miles a second. His aura was strong, and I could even feel his body shaking as I was utterly shocked. His hand gently rested on my cheek, causing my body to feel warm from his touch. My burning feeling burned even harder as his warm hand rested there. When I heard the voice again, I could listen to his voice, and it slowly brought me some memories - of how I knew this man.
Pictures of the two of us fighting poured into my head. Then they replaced with a memory of our training in some strange green field and another picture of me sleeping on a bed as he pressed his hand against the wound he had just caused… So many images flowed through me as his hand stroked my cheek. I was so grateful that I had these memories with him - that I hadn’t forgotten them in my stasis. I was thankful that Kurai was able to save me. At least, I had hoped so.
We had a bond once, and it was ruined. “Kurai?” I whispered to him, searching his saddened and hurt gaze.
His grip tightened when I said his name, and he held me there, wrapped in this blanket.
I wasn’t sure what was happening, but I felt like something had broken between my connection and what I knew. I remembered so much, so much with Kurai and with Astaroth. I remember Enoxon and Yushin and all of them. I’m happy this stasis didn’t ruin anything. What happened before I was in a stasis, though? That I cannot remember. It must be a painful memory - because I could not at all remember why I was thrown into this stasis in the first place. The last thing I remembered was training with Enoxon and Astaroth - that’s it. What happened after our training?
“Snow, I’m so glad you’re ok,” He whispered, holding me tighter.
I winced at the pain as his arm barely skimmed the open wound on my side, pressing the blanket into it.
With that, he let go of me, and I tightened the blanket around my exposed body. “Kurai, what happened? How did you mark me?” I gasped and stared at him, “You told me that a demon’s mark drives the demon crazy - are you okay?!”
A chuckle escaped Kurai as he cupped my cheek with his hand and sighed gently. “It’s ok, it wasn’t exactly me - if I’m honest with you.”
“What?” I questioned him, but he ignored my question for an explanation.
“It’s been three years, Snow, since I’ve heard your voice,” He said quietly, quickly avoiding my gaze.
Same old Kurai. “What did you do to me?” I asked him again, gripping the blanket with me.
“We’ll talk about that once we are home, OK? I promise you,” He smiled gently at me. Kurai’s gaze was soft and warm, radiating a sense of contentment and kindness. The look made me feel at ease, as if I were in the presence of someone who truly cared. Even though Kurai’s eyes were filled with joy, they were gentle and compassionate, as if she knew that happiness could be fleeting and wanted to savor every moment. He didn’t move; he just held me close to him. “I’m so glad you’re ok, Snow. You don’t know how much it means to me that this worked. I mean, I knew it would work, but… Still.” He finally broke the hug, pulling away and pushing himself off the ground to his feet. He held out his hand for me to grab.
As I reached out to his hand, I gripped it firmly, was whisked up off the ground, and put onto my feet. At first, I had difficulty gaining balance - my legs were so weakened. I had lost balance at first, but Kurai held me up by balancing me and putting my arm over him so I could walk straight - almost like a crutch. I thanked him quietly and then gazed at the other crystal behind me, and curiosity brimmed within me. I caught a glimpse of long white hair, similar to mine, and a pair of black horns on their head. Who else had been in a stasis while I was? “Who is that?” I asked him, searching my memory but unable to place it. The demon in the crystal seemed highly familiar. His presence, magic, everything about it. It was a sensation that called out to me - similar to the demon within my body. Their presences were identical.
Kurai’s troubled gaze flickered from me, and then he turned slightly to look over his shoulder. “You have a lot to learn,” He said quietly, resting a hand on my head.
I stared harder at the demon in stasis but couldn’t think of who it was.
“Astaroth, it is done,” Kurai called into the candle-lit tiny room.
Astaroth. Occasionally, he would come in and just tell me stories. He shared so many different levels with me and seemed to enjoy it while he did. He continuously spoke about The Lady in Red and often called me her daughter. It was a warm feeling. He told me stories of her past with him, how they were best friends and had known each other for a long time. His voice seemed pained often, but then he would laugh it off and bring up more crazy schemes together. I wanted to learn more about The Lady in Red - my blood mother. But I knew she was gone - and I do not wish to meet her. Listening to Astaroth’s stories, though, I feel I’ve grown to learn a bit more.
A portal rippled into the room to reveal the one known as Astaroth. The man was a friendly sight, with lengthy teal-gray locks that cascaded in undulating waves down his back. His piercing purple eyes shone like beacons in the dimly lit surroundings. His chiseled features and well-defined jawline conveyed a sense of danger, but his mysterious aura was alluring. Despite his demonic tendencies, there was a charm about him. A smirk rested on his face as he looked over Kurai and me. “Well done, Kurai. Any issues?”
“As far as I could tell, no. I could feel her demon resisting the urge to be quelled, but I was able to calm it.”
My eyes rested on this man with purple eyes and teal-gray hair, looking him over. I was grateful to see him again. “Hey, Astaroth,” I greeted him.
He focused on me, his face relaxing as he forced a gentle smile. “Welcome back, Little Snow.”
I tightened the grip on my blanket that rested on my body, covering what was underneath it. “Thank you for the stories you have shared with me while I was in stasis. They meant a lot to me. I am glad my mother had a friend like you while she was without me.”
Astaroth nodded, “Of course. Your other memories may take longer, but I assure you they will fully return.”
I couldn’t help but smile a little, knowing how respectful he was. “Thank you for everything, Astaroth. I appreciate the stories you shared with me. It helped pass the time! But… May I ask where are we? And who is in the other crystal?” I asked him, pointing to the crystal behind me with the strange demon.
“You will learn over time; however, with you just not waking up, I’d rather not bombard you with useless information,” Astaroth smiled.
Kurai glanced over to the duke. As soon as his gaze locked on the demon, I had a twist of guilt and jealousy in my gut. I remember these feelings - he would often get angry or embarrassed, and I could always feel his emotions. I’m glad to see our bond is still connected.
“You gave everyone quite a scare, Lady Snow,” Astaroth told me.
Grinning awkwardly, I nodded. I still couldn’t remember what happened previously, but it was rough. “I can only imagine what you all went through lately,” I replied. “Thank you for keeping me safe, though.”
Astaroth seemed a bit disappointed, and he nodded, “Of course. I am glad to see you’re awake and doing well. However, it’s good to see you again, Snow.”
“Why was it in stasis anyway?” I asked him.
“It’s a long story, as I said,” Kurai murmured from behind me.
“Kurai can explain things to you later. For now, I suggest going to the Reaper’s Cove. Your belongings will be there. Yushin will also be there soon after I notify him and the others that you are awake.”
Reaper’s Cove. Yushin. Those names were familiar. Yushin, the Spirit Walker, worked directly alongside my mother to collect souls. It’ll be fun to show him that his reaper is still alive; his reaction will be everything.
“I will meet up with you soon; I have matters with the Crimson Prince to handle today,” Astaroth explained, bowing once more in respect and smiling gently at Kurai and me. “Please, take it easy today, Little Snow.”
I nodded to him, “Thank you again for keeping me safe, Astaroth. I appreciate it.”
“We will be at the Reaper’s Cove. We will see you soon,” Kurai said, holding his hand to the duke. “Thanks, Astaroth.”
Astaroth was stunned to see Kurai’s reaction to him keeping me and my body safe while I was in the stasis. The look of confusion that played the demon’s face made him look as though he’d just been given a golden award for ‘world’s best demon.’ He shook Kurai’s hand, and then, with a snap of his finger and a smile on his face, Astaroth ended up casting us away with his teleportation spells - just as usual. It was a smooth transition.
I was utterly bewildered at the power of the magic that Astaroth had used to teleport us somewhere. I forgot how powerful this demon was. It seems he’s worked harder to gain more power. However, between the power of magic that Astaroth had and the power of magic that I could feel radiating off Kurai, I’d be lying if I said these weren’t the strongest demons that I had met.
We were teleported to a place off the coast of some water, the business Astaroth connected as ‘Reaper’s Cove,’ where I could hear those strange whispers again. I remember this place when I was first brought here by Yushin himself. We were supposed to train after two weeks as a Reaper and Spirit Walker combo. When Enoxon had found me and got me home, we could not find Kurai. This being so, Enoxon shared with me that he had gone down to Tartarus due to a threat coming after me. The Reaper’s Cove was a familiar place - even if I had only been here once. Perhaps it was because it connected my spirit with the spirit of other reapers in the past. It was homey. The aura of this area felt a bit off from the previous, almost as if it’s been disconnected from the rest of the world. The red gems that lined the walls were a familiar sight. Just magical rocks of red light floated from the magic throughout the cove.
“What happened to the house?” I asked him, remembering the home that we shared before.
“It’s… Kind of not there anymore,” Kurai explained as he continued to show me around. “It fell apart in the past three years you’ve been gone.”
“Three years, huh?” I questioned him, saddened that I’d missed out on all that time. What has the underworld been up to since? I had so many questions - and I wanted to see everyone, but right now, I was grateful to be back with Kurai after he had gone to Tartarus.
“It’s been a while, yes. In the past few years, things haven’t changed too much. I left Asturdorm and traveled to numerous of the underworld’s cities and towns, exploring and learning - trying to find someone to help me. When I finally came across someone, they were able to help me. I was training with them all the time - while ensuring I kept up with Astaroth,” He explained quietly, leading me to a makeshift bedroom. “Get dressed, and we can talk more, ok?”
I smiled brightly at him, remembering his care for me before and even now. It was a wonderful feeling. I nodded to him and disappeared into the bedroom - which, surprisingly, looked like the one from home. The warm lavender and black decorated the room as if they had teleported the entire room right into this cave, minus the walls, doors, windows, and everything. It was just a large cave room that had my stuff in it.
I wore comfortable clothes and returned to the main cave room - which wasn’t much. The room had a table, a fire pit, some barrels with lanterns, and a few candles. Next to the firepit sat some makeshift chairs that someone had forged together. So yeah, it wasn’t the most comfortable room in a cave, but it’ll do. It wasn’t like the home that I was used to. Things were a bit strange, honestly. Kurai has changed, his appearance becoming almost rugged-like and tired - he looked exhausted. He had been gone for three years and had changed.
“We can make adjustments to your room. I know it’s not what you’re comfortable with, but this is one of the safest places you could be,” Kurai shared with me, looking around the rough room. “Yushin keeps up with the place, but only when he’s not out and about collecting souls.”
“I appreciate it, but Kurai-”
“It’s like a diamond in the rough, but things will be ok. You’re okay now, and you’re safe - I’m not in Tartarus; Mundus’s demon is dormant-”
“What was that you said?”
Kurai’s face twisted with astonishment as he realized what he just said. “I’m not in Tartarus…?”
I frowned at him, “Kurai?”
A sigh escaped the nogitsune as his amber gaze rolled over with fear to me, and he shook his head, face puzzled. “Mundus is the one who has been chasing you. He is the one who put you in this state. He is the one who has destroyed our families and destroyed a lot of the human world. He is the demon, Snow.”
