Chapter Thirty
Bridgeton
“Wake up, Sunshine! Come on, up and at ‘em’! Here’s to the first day back in the real world, wakey wake!!”
I slowly opened my heavy eyelids, feeling the weight of a long night’s sleep on my body. As I inhaled deeply, the stillness of the dark room enveloped me, and I was momentarily disorientated. With stretching limbs, I became aware of the dull throbbing in my temples and the parched feeling in my mouth. Sitting up, I realized that I had slept for a prolonged time, and my body was protesting in response. I rubbed my eyes, trying to clear the fog of sleep, and concentrated on piecing together the previous night’s events. The memories were fragmented, and it took me a few minutes to recall the night’s festivities. I had been out with my friends, dancing and imbibing till the wee hours of the morning. It was no surprise that I felt so drained now. Slowly, I rose from the bed, my steps unsteady, and walked toward the bathroom, hoping the icy water would jolt me back to reality. “Move,” I muttered, shoving past the random that woke me up. I didn’t even have a second to take a look at him - but I’m assuming it was Yushin who was anticipating training like crazy.
“You woke up a lot smoother than I did,” Yushin commented, stepping aside as I went to the bathroom. “Wear something comfortable - it’s going to be a long day. Astaroth will be there as well!”
“What about Kurai?” I called from the other side of the bathroom.
“Umm… He’s a… Bit busy,” Yushin replied, seeming unsettled to answer me.
I poked my head through the door and eyeballed the Spirit Walker, awkwardly playing with his hands as if he were avoiding looking at me. “Busy? He said he’d be there to help with training,” I commented.
“Well, um, it’s a bit easier to train with your actual peers - who do the soul guiding and black magic - rather than a nogitsune who knows mostly about firepower.” He awkwardly tapped his fingers together before shaking his head and raising it to look at me, smiling brightly. “Now hurry! We do not have all day!”
I let out another groan as the raging headache intensified. I had no idea what was in store for me, what kind of magic or training or anything like that would happen. “Are you sure we have to go so early?” I asked him through the door.
“Yes, Snow,” he replied.
“Do I at least get to eat breakfast? I’m pretty sure you didn’t get up and leave Jenieva’s place that quickly without something for your drunken self,” I teased him as I wrapped my hair in a towel, gazing over my body in the mirror. Looking over my body, the once-darkened marks were slightly orange, almost like tattoos on my pale skin. The marking on my side wasn’t in the shape of anything, but it was neat. It looked much better than the dark scars that Mundus left on me.
“Fine,” He huffed. “We’ll get some breakfast, and we’ll head out. Sound good? I’ve got a place in town in mind.”
Smiling at my body in the mirror, I wrapped the towel around me and tucked it tightly as Yushin spoke. “So what did you and Jenieva do anyway? You could barely comprehend anything when you were carried out last night!” I teased him as I reached for the doorknob. “Also, turn away from the bathroom so I can get dressed.”
“Done,” The Spirit Walker replied. “But no, Jenieva just literally threw me on the couch, and that was that. I don’t remember anything else.”
Listening to him, I thought about it. Jenieva didn’t seem like the one to do anything silly to another person - especially a friend like Yushin. I’m sure she tended to him like a mother would a child. Knowing that the Spirit Walker wasn’t much of a drinker, it blew my mind a little that he went so hardcore the previous night. I reached for the doorknob in the bathroom and poked my head through the door to ensure he had turned away. Yushin was sitting in my bedroom nook, gazing out the window into the snow-filled lands. The man’s hair flowed down his back in long, silky strands that shimmered in the light. Its inky black color was so dark it seemed to absorb the light around it, making it look almost like a black hole. Despite its length, the hair appeared healthy and well-cared for, with no split ends or tangles. It was a striking feature, which contrasted against the man’s fair skin, making him stand out in any crowd. The last I had seen, his hair was short and just above his ears. Three years didn’t age him, but it made his hair long and silky, with the few strands of white that stood out.
Admiring him from behind, I smiled and turned away from him and the window. I quickly made my way to the closet, undressing. “Tell me, Yushin, how did you conjure my bedroom into this cave again?” I asked him as I chose my outfit for the day.
“Simple magic,” Yushin replied. “I’ve grown a lot in the past few years, working alongside Jenieva and Astaroth.”
“Astaroth?”
“Yeup,” His voice lowered some as he continued to speak, “I may be a Spirit Walker… But I have promised myself to get stronger, to ensure that our reaper doesn’t disappear as your mother did.” His voice twisted with sadness as he remarked on the previous reaper. “After knowing about the fight between Enoxon, Kurai, and Mundus, I… I didn’t lie wouldn’t say I liked that I couldn’t keep anyone else safe. Sure, I bring souls to safety, but… It’s not as magical as conjuring something as simple as a sphere of light.” His hand opened up, reaching out to the side as a small ball of white appeared in his hand.
His guilt was built up; anyone could hear that in his pained voice. I glanced over my shoulder at him, staring at his long, silky black hair and the orb of white that floated above his hand. “Yushin,” I murmured, returning my gaze to my closet. “Do you… Even want to be a Spirit Walker anymore?”
Silence.
I couldn’t help but feel guilty. I remembered the small story of him previously being a human who turned into a Spirit Walker after meeting my mother. He said he couldn’t remember his past, just that he was called ‘special.’
The man’s voice barely had a shudder at the beginning as he replied, “Yes, I do. I trained to become one and will continue to train and become stronger. I made a promise.” The voice was smooth and confident, with just enough inflection to make it sound convincing. However, there was a hint of hesitation in the tone, as if he wasn’t entirely sure what he was saying. The words flowed easily, but there was something off about them, a subtle shift in tone that belied his true intentions. I could detect the slightest lie in his voice, but perhaps there was something more to it.
I gripped the article of clothing I had in my hands, nodding slowly. “I understand,” I replied softly. “You know, I was involved in many sports - mostly hockey… However, I didn’t want to do it. I never told Ren and Sayuri because they loved watching me play,” I smiled as one little memory flooded my mind. “I continued to do it until they passed, and then everything changed,” My smile slowly twisted into a frown. “But it’s ok. Now that we will be working together, Yushin, I hope you can trust me and talk to me,” I told him gently as I pulled on the black leggings I had decided on.
“R-right,” Yushin murmured.
“Anyway, I am dressed. You may turn around now.” I’m wearing a cozy and stylish outfit that’s perfect for the winter weather outside. I have a black woolen coat cinched at the waist with a white leather belt. My coat is paired with black leather boots that come up to my knees, keeping my feet warm and protected from the snow. Underneath the coat, I’m wearing a white cable-knit sweater that’s soft to the touch. The sweater is tucked into a pair of black skinny jeans that hug my curves in all the right places. To complete the look, I have a black and white plaid scarf wrapped around my neck, providing an extra layer of warmth. My outfit is practical and fashionable, allowing me to stay warm and comfortable while looking chic and put-together.
As we turned around simultaneously and locked gazes, he looked me over and nodded. “Comfortable?” He asked me, as he glanced away quickly at the slight tinge of red on his high cheekbones.
Pretending not to notice, I flashed a small smile, pulled my coat on tighter, and nodded. “I am, actually. Come on, shall we leave? Where are we going anyway?”
“Well, we’re going to meet up with Astaroth,” Yushin replied, pushing himself off the bench and approaching me. He looked down at me, his amber eyes reminding me slightly of Kurai’s. I’ve never studied Yushin before, but he… was rather handsome. His striking figure and long, sleek black hair fall down his back in gentle waves. His amber-gold eyes are piercing and seem to hold a depth of knowledge and experience beyond his years. He has a slim but muscular build, with broad shoulders and a chiseled jawline that gives him a commanding presence. Over the past three years, this man had changed. Sure, it wasn’t a lot, but I also wasn’t around him enough before being like, ‘Oh yeah, you’re just a completely different soul now, like this isn’t even the same person.’
“Astaroth?”
Yushin’s corner lip twisted upwards as he nodded, “Of course. He will be much more active with this and his training - knock two demons out with one stone.”
I laughed softly and replied, “Can demons even be knocked out with stone?”
He shrugged. “Didn’t you once tell me you struck a demon with a stone the first day you joined us here in the underworld?”
After thinking about it, I pursed my lips and gasped, “You’re exactly right - I did that!”
The man’s soft smile seemed to linger on his face for a minute before he turned away and extended a hand to me. “Are you still hungry?” he asked.
“I should eat something,” I commented, rubbing my tummy slightly. “Considering I hadn’t technically eaten in three…? Three years, minus last night. But that doesn’t count.”
As I watched, he raised his hands above his head, and a swirling vortex of black energy began to form between them. The energy grew and expanded until it took on the shape of a giant, black orb. The orb was pulsing with an ominous energy, and I could feel the power radiating off of it. Yushin took a step forward and placed his hands on the orb’s surface, and it suddenly erupted in a burst of dark light. When the light cleared, I could see that the orb had transformed into a mode of transportation unlike any other. It was a massive bubble, black as night, and seemed to pulsate with an almost otherworldly energy. Yushin turned to me with a smile, gesturing for me to step inside. This differed from what I’ve been used to with other teleportation spells with Kurai and Astaroth. I guess everyone’s magic was a bit different.
Taking his hand, I carefully stepped into the portal-ball thing, and we fell into a silent pit of nothing - literal darkness surrounding for miles. Within seconds, a few twinkling lights began to form and dance across the black area. It was slowly morphing into a sky with the lights, which immediately took my breath away when they began to twinkle. Sadly, I was still in shock about what happened. As much as I wanted to enjoy this portal-teleporting to a new-world thing, I still felt a hint of fear, knowing what happened the last time.
Noticing the little hint of fear, Yushin quickly made us reappear and land back on the ground. We had been teleported down a darkened ally, and he stepped out of the little sphere. I stepped out after him, brushing off any dirt that may have been pushed onto me during the spell.
“Where are we going and shouldn’t we be… Against using magic?” I questioned him curiously.
“Small diner in the human world,” He commented, brushing his clothes, which had changed within the few seconds we were going from one world to another.
“... Are you sure the human world is the right place to come to? Remember what happened last time you brought me to the human world?” I questioned him, giving him a bit of a look and narrowing my eyes. The last time I joined him in the human world, I passed out at the hot springs, guided a little girl to the Celestial world, and found Mati. Who knows what would happen now?
“Ah, yeah, but... now that I know who you are, I have no reason to do so.” He flashed me a childish grin as he began to walk through the small alley. “At least I know I wouldn’t have to worry about my life being threatened,” he muttered. “Kurai went insane last time, but I have a feeling that’s the last thing that would cross his mind…” He trailed off.
I froze. “What do you mean the last thing that would cross his mind? Really?” Hearing that from the Spirit Walker stung me, but I tried not to show it. Kurai had always protected me since we practically found each other through the entire guardian/ward thing. “Is he just super busy now that he’s gotten nine tails?” I questioned.
“Kind of,” Yushin replied, taking a deep breath. “Don’t worry about it. He’s the same ole’ aggressive Kurai. I’m surprised he even agreed to drink the other night.”
Listening to him intently, I couldn’t help but frown and let it go in one ear and out the other. It was still strange that Kurai was too busy to join us today. I guess it’s for the better - no distractions, right? In the distance, I noticed another familiar figure standing against the wall. I squinted and made the outline belonging to Astaroth. No way. Astaroth is joining us? In the human world?!
“Ah, there you two are! Running a tad bit behind, aren’t we, Yushin?” Astaroth questioned, looking us over and raising his eyebrow at the Spirit Walker.
“Sorry, Snow takes longer showers than expected,” Yushin scoffed.
“I do not!” I argued, glaring at him. It was interesting to see Astaroth looking almost like a completely different soul. He looked like your everyday, average, quiet nerd like you’d seen in high school. His usually large black horns had disappeared and were no longer on his head. His typical formal wear changed to something casual. Astaroth was a tall man wearing a long black coat that reached down to his ankles, with a deep green vest underneath. He wore a black shirt, which contrasted nicely with the green vest. His coat had multiple buttons running down the front and a high collar turned up. The coat had a sleek and elegant look, making him stand out from the crowd. The green vest added a touch of color and complemented the black coat. Overall, Astaroth looked sharp and fashionable in his black coat and green vest. To top it all off, he wore thin glasses on his face, allowing his purple eyes to stand noticeably.
Astaroth turned toward me and bowed. “Greetings, Miss Aria. I take you slept well?” His voice was calm and reassuring as ever.
In response, I smiled, “I did. I know I passed out rather quickly last night, heh.” One hand slipped behind my head as my cheeks burned red with embarrassment. “I thought you were against using magic to get to the human world, too?” I questioned him, changing the subject. “You guys really have changed in the last three years,” I murmured sadly.
Yushin threw his arms around my shoulders and grinned, “Nah, we’re still the same. Just had to change a few mindsets lately.” His voice was full of cheeriness - as usual. What made me like Yushin the most was his positivity and cheerfulness. He’s always seemed to be that way. Even when we first met under… Well, interesting circumstances, he was always so positive. I always had some kind of hope, and I appreciated it. He was almost like that child who saw the good in everything - and maybe he did.
“Mindsets, huh?” I chuckled softly as he said this, glancing between him and Astaroth. “Well, I guess my mindset will have to change now, huh?”
Astaroth remained silent and just walked ahead of us with a smile. I watched his elegant, slender body round the corner and into the bustling streets.
“You’ll be rather busy with us training. If you see a soul here on Earth, we should take care of it then and there. Try not to focus too much if you see one roaming the human realm. Like the lost souls in the underworld, any souls here will be… Well, I don’t want to say souls that aren’t ready… But something close to that. They’re also typically lost souls - not ready to quite go down. Chasing them can be a hassle unless you’re in your Spirit Walker form. Unfortunately for you, you don’t have one. So you can leave it to me. Sometimes, the Celestials have better luck chasing them here in the human realm than we do. At least, that’s what I’ve noticed lately,” Yushin blabbered on and on.
I was distracted as I trudged through the bustling town's streets. I was immediately struck by the dazzling, pristine snow that blanketed the entire area. The fluffy white mounds reached as high as my knees, and I could feel the satisfying crunch under my feet with every step. The air was crisp with a biting chill, and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee wafted from cozy cafes, tempting me to seek refuge from the cold.
Despite the harsh weather, the town was alive with laughter and movement. Children chased each other around with snowballs, their rosy cheeks and bright eyes a testament to their unbridled joy. Bells jingled in the distance as tourists and locals alike rode through the streets on horseback, taking in the remarkable scenery. The shops were adorned with twinkling lights and cheerful decorations, inviting patrons to come in and warm up while they perused the wares.
I was awed by its striking beauty as I walked through the town. The snow-laden trees and buildings created a picturesque, enchanting winter wonderland that was both breathtaking and soothing. For a moment, all my worries and cares melted away, leaving me with a sense of peace and contentment.
This was my home turf - I knew much of the human realm because I grew up here. It was busy as usual. I had yet to learn where we were, but it was a larger city. A lot of people were walking along the streets in the early morning. Being from a town named Glacia, I didn’t get a lot of interaction with those outside our town. We had our local shops, so it was relatively quiet. But going to those markets on the weekend was a lot of fun. This town, wherever we were, was beautiful and peaceful. I loved it - and it felt more homey than the underworld.
“Snow? Are you even listening?”
“Huh? Oh, I’m sorry, Yushin.” I turned my attention back to him as we approached a small bridge over the town's canal. “Where are we?” I asked the two of them.
“This place is called Bridgeton,” Astaroth responded, putting his gloved hands on the bridge’s guardrails. He leaned over and looked at the frozen water below. “It’s a quiet town despite the number of people here. Rather popular with the otherworldly,” He explained to me.
“Besides Celestials and Demons?” I asked quietly, not too loud for those around me.
“Precisely.”
“Wizards, Witches, a little bit of everything,” Yushin said. “Of course, it’s the place where they can all live in a bit of peace. “Anything you can honestly think of, this town has it all. It’s even protected by some particular barriers to avoid outsiders too much.”
“So, the people here just… Know what you all are?” I exclaimed. I honestly had no idea a town like that existed. There’s got to be numerous.
“Mostly… It’s kind of a project for the Celestials,” Astaroth said, his voice dropping to a sad sound. “The people here are basically guinea pigs, as a human would call it. And the Celestials are the Scientists. Is that to your understanding, Snow?”
I raised my eyebrow and gave him the snug look I’d ever given anyone. “Yes, that’s to my understanding - thanks, Astaroth,” I muttered, crossing my arms.
On the other side of me, I heard Yushin trying his best not to chuckle. He even turned away from the two of us and covered his mouth. “Funny, Astaroth,” he said, holding his tongue.
“Ah, my apologies,” Astaroth said, now embarrassed. “Of course, you understood what I was trying to explain,” He flashed a small smile before turning away from us and continuing to the other side of the bridge.
I felt Yushin elbow me and halfway mock Astaroth as he did so, laughing simultaneously. Watching his fake facial expression, I couldn’t help but laugh gently alongside him. Rolling my eyes, I gazed away and looked off into the distance. But as I did so, I caught a glimpse of something. Focusing my best, I made out Kurai’s figure in the distance. He was with someone, though. I couldn’t distinguish who the other person was as I could only see their backside. Based on the figure of their tight clothing, I made out a female. Interesting, I thought to myself.
“Is that-”
I was cut off when Yushin linked his arm with mine and began walking in the opposite direction. As I continued to look back over my shoulder, I tried harder to make out who it was and what they were doing. But while I struggled to look over, Yushin wasn’t having much of a struggle pulling me forward.
“Come along, we’re here,” his voice chirped, pulling my attention back.
I frowned as I was shoved into the doorway with Yushin, getting one last look but ultimately unable to see so far away. I guess he was busy - whatever. This was fine. I would be fine, right?
I wouldn’t lie. Knowing that he was out with someone else did make me slightly jealous. But this was fine. This. Was. Fine. I forced it further into my mind, but as I did so, that little bit of whatever lurked inside me wanted to crawl out. No. I swallowed the weird feeling and shook it off, trying to focus on my surroundings.
As I step inside the brick building, I’m warmly greeted by the cozy atmosphere of the diner. The place is small and intimate, with a fireplace crackling in the corner, casting a warm and inviting glow. The walls are adorned with vintage photographs and quirky decor, giving the place a charming and homely feel. The tables are set with red and white tablecloths, and the smell of freshly brewed coffee and sizzling bacon fills the air. As I sat, I glanced again towards the window, thinking maybe they would pop up right here and now, and I could ask him who his new friend was.
The jealousy burned like a fire, bringing the cafe together. That jealousy. Gross. Why?
“Gooooood morning, friends and welcome to The Brick Oven Diner, home of all kinds of foods to fill you right on up! I see you’ve brought a new person alongside you this time, Yushin. Welcome on in!”
The girl's voice distracted me, and I looked at the waitress. With blonde hair neatly tied up and a bright smile, she was human. I could quickly tell she was human by the way she carried herself.
“This is Snow. She’s new to town,” Yushin replied, introducing me.
I forced a friendly smile as my foot gently tapped against the floor. I needed to distract my thoughts. “Thank you - what a lovely little diner you have here,” I said, slightly strained.
“Sounds like you need a strong coffee,” She huffed, frowning. “No worries, we’ve got the best coffee around town! And for the two of you?” The young lady asked, her bright green eyes beaming with excitement.
I studied the girl’s face as she spoke with Yushin and Astaroth, taking their orders. Her voice wasn’t familiar, but she seemed normal. I've seen her face, her eyes before, but I couldn’t quite place it. Maybe she was from my hometown, or I’d seen her in the underworld once or twice.
She took our order, which I had nothing but a simple French toast human delicacy meal. The two underworldlings ordered something completely different; I’m assuming something from their menu for the creatures down below. After she took our order, Yushin and Astaroth began discussing important business regarding training and specialty moves - casually, might I add, as if there weren’t any ears, eyes, or anything along those lines surrounding us in this busy diner. My gaze was fixed on the window, my foot tapping the ground and my fingers tapping the table. Chin, resting on the other hand, I tried to think about anything other than Kurai. Why did it bother me he had someone else with him? This man had already sacrificed three years of training exceptionally fast to get me out of that horrible stasis and mark Mundus’s mark. Maybe it was just a friend - someone else from the underworld or one of his teachers?! Yeah, that’s what it had to be.
“A teacher,” I muttered slightly, still focused on the window.
“A teacher?” I heard Yushin echo. “Snow?”
My gaze switched to the Spirit Walker sitting next to me, worry cast on his face.
“Ah, nothing,” I replied with a gentle sigh. “Um. Excuse me if I seem out of place, but did Kurai find someone to train him? Like, a master of some sort?” I asked them immediately.
“Young Kurai has had many mentors in the past,” Astaroth replied, his long teal hair flowing down onto the side of him. “He typically trains solo.”
“How did he gain his three extra tails so fast?” I asked him, curiosity killing the cat.
Yushin exchanged a worrisome glance with Astaroth, who pushed his thin glasses up his nose some. “All we know is he was practically gone for three years. Why?” Yushin asked me.
“I’m… Curious?” I said, grinning awkwardly at him. “Being so… New… I, uh, don’t understand how some of you work.”
“Training is different for a Nogitsune,” Astaroth replied. “As you know, Kurai is a special case - he’s 27 years old with nine tails. For most of his kind, that’s rather impossible. Then again, since his kind was wiped out, no one knows much about their training methods besides books and stories. Of course, the older demons around that time seemed to understand what kind of creatures they were. Still, overall, Kurai was the only one left alive in his tribe,” He leaned back in his chair, crossing his legs in a royal sense, holding his hands together around the cup of coffee on the table.
Yushin stayed silent, avoiding my gaze. He was staring down into his drink.
“Per the Underworld, there is only one Nogitsune,” Astaroth shared, sipping his cup.
“Didn’t you ever wonder how he got those tails? Is he really just that good?” I asked him, raising an eyebrow in curiosity.
“Not quite. Young Master Kurai had always been strong and silent, accelerating beyond others in class and training. Remember, he also had Lady Serelia beside him for a while, training him. I was lucky enough to sit in on a few of their training, and they were rather harsh,” Astaroth replied.
“Hm… So, did… Did he meet a new Mentor? Is that why he wasn’t able to join us today?” I asked, trying to get a few answers.
“Kurai is just a busybody,” Yushin muttered, his usual gentle voice turning rather annoyed. “He’s got his own thing to worry about.”
“Such as?”
“Why’s it matter?” Yushin replied, barely glancing at me out of the corner of his eye. “You need to be focused on your own life and training - not worried about someone else who conveniently got three tails within three years to… Well, you know.” His temper was rising, as anyone could tell by the shuffling he was doing in his seat.
I was going to break him. This was it. “So, Kurai just up and left disappeared for three years with a few visits, got three tails, and that was that. He just, poof,” I raised my arm, pointing to the mark on it lowered on the tabletop, hoping to avoid making a scene just in case.
Yushin didn’t reply; he just took a sip of the hot chocolate he had ordered, closing his eyes as he did so.
“Kurai is a strong character,” Astaroth replied gently. “He is doing what he must to ensure your safety.”
“By doing what exactly?” I poked my nose into the business that I shouldn’t be. I should just be grateful that I was rescued. I’m not trying to get information out of them about the girl.
“Snow, you’re quite obsessed with someone who cares only so little about you,” Yushin growled under his breath, not too loud.
I bit my tongue because I knew he’d return with a smart-ass remark. Yushin didn’t like Kurai, and I knew that from the beginning. I don’t quite understand why he didn’t like him, but I knew he didn’t. Perhaps it was because of the whole abduction to the human world without Kurai knowing a thing, but there’s got to be more.
Astaroth pinched the bridge of his nose above his glasses and sighed, “Watch your tongue, Yushin. You are in public; need I remind you?”
Yushin once more huffed and took a drink of his hot chocolate, turning away from us. His childish attitude was entertaining to watch, but I did feel bad for poking the bear. I’m sure if we were anywhere but out in public with Astaroth, the Spirit Walker’s attitude would be a lot… louder.
“I wouldn’t say he doesn’t care about me,” I replied quietly, staring into the cup of warm coffee that filled my nose. I could barely see my reflection as I frowned, “If he didn’t, he wouldn’t have gone through that trouble to bring me back.”
“He also wouldn’t have traded you for tails,” Yushin muttered quietly.
“What?” I asked him, immediately and startled.
“Nothing, Snow. Yushin, I asked you not to do this,” Asaroth groaned gently, fidgeting a little as people began to look in this direction.
“Tch, of course. Snow’s life is in danger, and you just want to do nothing about it,” Yushin growled, his amber eyes filling with darkness. “Just like Enoxon. Traded her without a damn care in the world!” His voice raised a bit now.
Astaroth’s face was emotionless as he glared at the man, “Enoxon didn’t trade her for anything.”
Enoxon. I gasped as I gazed around the restaurant, my eyes falling on our waitress. I remember the image of a woman's body that Mundus had made reappearing right then and there before our very eyes. Enoxon was all over her. He called for her, and she came to him but fell directly before she made it to him. Whether or not it was the honest Nova or not, I’m not sure. But this woman, she was real. I watched as she maneuvered her way in and out of a sea of customers, smiling as she did so. The smile looked similar to the pained smile that I saw before Enoxon fell under Mundus’s spell or control. I was curious - and I wanted to ask her her name. But… If this was Nova, would that activate something for Enoxon? Does Enoxon know she’s here? Is she here undercover for Enoxon?! I shuttered the thought of being caught again by Mundus or even Enoxon.
“Yushin, knock it off,” Astaroth’s voice sounded through the slight echo of customers’ voices, and he could quickly tell that one was agitated. “This is why I don’t take you in public - you always make a scene somehow - just like a child,” Astaroth muttered.
“Don’t call me a child,” Yushin growled, sinking into his chair again.
“Yushin, please, stop,” Astaroth murmured, once more pinching the bridge of his glasses. “Oh look, our food is ready!”
Watching the young-looking lady bring over the food, I slightly tilted my head. This woman looked a little different. As far as my memory served me, didn’t Enoxon say this relationship was long ago? She came joyfully over to us, her smile bright as the sun set the food down in front of us and named off what each of us had. My eyes stuck on her, though, those green eyes like blades of grass shimmering under the sun. Her hair was on top of her head, golden like the sun. All I could think of was the girl that showed up on the beach the day… Well, the day I was nearly murdered. Or, instead, was murdered.
No, it couldn’t be.
Or could it?
I wanted to ask her name, but after dropping our food off, she was flagged over by another table. “Is there anything else I can get for you right now?”
Astaroth’s voice rumbled through the busy diner as he replied with a friendly smile, “Thank you, that is all.”
The girl dismissed herself and joined the other tables, asking for things.
“Yushin, what is that girl’s name?” I asked him.
“Lilliana,” He replied smugly before beginning to eat his meal.
I nodded slowly, watching her disappear into the back of the restaurant before returning to my meal. I frowned, returning my attention to the meal in front of me as I tried to recall our conversation before being distracted. The jealousy and anger inside me had subsided with no feeling of dismay. I pondered the few little events within the last twenty minutes, thinking about everything and just trying to place my finger on this woman who looked so much like this Nova woman I saw back at the beach with Enoxon. Maybe it was just another woman who looked like her, perhaps a family member or something along those lines. No idea.
Shortly after, I barely touched my food as my mind was racing in a million directions. Astaroth ended up paying the waitress and then asking for to-go boxes. I waited outside patiently with Yushin for the Duke to finish what he needed to do inside.
“Yushin, what did you mean earlier?” I asked him quietly, leaning against the brick building.
The Spirit Walker shrugged and turned away from me, “I can’t talk about it right now,” He murmured, avoiding my gaze.
Frowning, I hugged my jacket closer and nodded, letting the silence between us overcome. I stared at the snow below my feet, tapping it with my black boots and drawing in the snow. “What’s happened in the last three years?” I asked a more broad question.
“Snow, I-” Yushin began before being cut off by Astaroth.
“Quite the expensive duo you two are,” Astaroth’s voice murmured as he gently shut the door behind him.
“S-sorry, I'm embarrassed, but maybe I should look at something to start earning money,” I replied.
“Don’t worry about it,” Astaroth replied. “I have a couple more errands to run here in Bridgeton, but please do feel free to head home if you wish.”
“Leaving already?” I asked him. “What about training?”
“We’ll get around to it. But Yushin has some things you need to focus on with him first, Miss Aria.” Astaroth’s face twisted into a soft smile as he bowed respectfully and turned away. “See you soon. Yushin, do stay out of trouble. I don’t wish to rescue you again.” Turning away, the Duke of the Underworld began to walk away, his long teal hair bouncing gently behind him as he did so - looking royal as ever.
“Again, huh?” I chuckled, crossing my arms tightly and turning to glance at Yushin.
Yushin didn’t seem to find it funny much. He turned in the opposite direction with his hands in his pockets and began shuffling away. Knowing that he was shut down in the restaurant, I could take this opportunity to question him about it. Or perhaps I could have the upper hand. If I started my training first and then asked him about it, I bet he’d be more willing to be a bit more open about some things. Curious, I went after him.
We returned to Reaper’s Cove shortly after breakfast to gather a few things, mainly a backpack with essential items like water and snacks. I guess this entire Reaper business was more of a severe all-day job.
“Couple things,” Yushin told me as he tidied the cove. “Many times, you will be on the Earth’s grounds, gathering lost souls that may not have found their way here to the underworld. That’s your main job, bringing them to the portals if you find them.”
I grabbed a notebook and wrote down, “Lots of traveling,” I murmured as I jotted it down. “Won’t it look silly if I am chasing random souls through town or somewhere they don’t belong?”
“Mmm... It’s not exactly; we have cover for that. There aren’t too many souls left on Earth, but you will often be forcibly brought to them.”
“Similar to how Kurai was brought to me when I was in danger?”
Yushin froze momentarily, and I could see him roll his eyes slightly. “Yeah, similar to how Kurai was brought to you when you were in danger,” he replied, annoyance lingering in his voice. “Regardless, you look human, you act human. Are you human? No, you’re not. You’re a halfling, half demon, half reaper - but most reapers are human, so it’s complicated. Don’t think about it too much.”
“What makes a Reaper different from a demon?” I asked him, sitting cross-legged on one of the small couches.
The Spirit Walker glanced over his shoulder in my direction and shrugged, “Lots of things. ‘Reaper’ is more of a title. But there can only be one at a time per the world’s balance. You do not become a reaper until, in your case, your parents pass or some special ceremony has been done. Granted, I’ve only been around since your mother,” He explained. “You were born with the blood of a Demon and a Human, granted the magic of a Reaper.”
I nodded slowly, watching him as he continued to organize the room that we were in. “But I don’t stay in the Underworld as much?”
“You do - but since the Celestials are… Helping with the whole guiding souls thing, you’ll be roaming with the humans, guiding souls to the portals if they haven’t found their way. The reaper is not tasked to kill mortals but merely ferry their souls to the afterlife. You will see death happen - and it will hurt you as it happens. But you are their safety net once they have passed.”
The thought of watching someone pass made me shudder. Do I have to watch people die? One moment, they’re breathing, and the next, gone. I couldn’t help but think of all the people I’d have to watch pass if I was there with them at that moment. My head lowered, and I looked at my hands, frowning and thinking about young people like Sora. How did she die? I would burst into tears if I saw a child pass.
“You will be fine. If it’s too much for you, well…. You could always ask me to take the soul - bringing them to where their respective afterlife home is,” Yushin said gently, noticing me.
I sat there, hunched over and leaning forward as the thoughts crossed my mind.
“But you do want them to have what humans call' happily ever after, ' don’t you?” Yushin asked, noticing the worry solidifying in the room. “I’ll be with you every step of the way and help you out, even in the most dark moments. You’ll be their shining light.” A soft chuckle escaped him.
“How do I know where they go?” I asked him, voice cracking slightly at the end.
“You’ll know, trust me. You cannot be afraid of the judgment call. There is a balance between life and death - and in this event, you are the aspect of death,” Yushin tried to reassure me.
Once more, I nodded as everything came together. I was about to start this full-time “job” guiding souls to their afterlife. This will be interesting, knowing that I can make a straightforward decision.
“The candles will offer a room of peace if you ever need to contemplate a soul more. But thousands of souls come daily, and we typically take turns with the Celestial World. They aren’t as trustworthy, but we’ve got to do what we've got to do. Snow, are you ready?”
“No, not really,” I quickly stated, frowning.
“I have faith in you, just as I did with the Lady in Red,” His soothing voice cooed through the silence.
I was nervous- who wouldn’t be? I could feel every question popping up in my head, all the ‘what-ifs.’
What if Mundus found me again? What if a lost soul attacked me? What if I couldn’t make a correct choice? What if I tried to interfere with someone’s death by accident?
Yushin could tell I was anxious and worried, so he sat beside me and rested his shoulder on me. It was a small gesture, but it meant something to me - it made me feel less alone and more supported. He didn’t say anything. He just stayed there with me, offering his silent support. I could feel his warmth and kindness, which helped me feel calmer and more centered. Even though we were in a stressful situation, his presence helped me feel more at ease. He was a powerful reminder that if he could do it, I could, too. If all else fails, I can follow the steps to make another Spirit Walker.
I sucked in a deep sigh, letting it out slowly to calm my nerves. “Thanks, Yushin,” I murmured, glancing out of my eye at the man sitting beside me.
“You’ll do great. Now, let’s get up. First things first, introducing you to the thirteen portals,” Yushin said calmly, standing up and offering his hand out to me. “Come along, Little Snow.”
Yushin & Astaroth
