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Chapter Thirty-Two
The Demon Trade
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The three of us trailed along, Kurai several feet from Yushin and I. Silence surrounded us wherever we were. It was a quiet area, utterly different from Asturdorm, covered in snow. This underworld area was hot, with a few lava pools here and there - like how you’d picture in the stories people tell you in the human world. Strangely, only parts of the underworld were frozen - specifically Asturdorm. As far as my memory served me, I thought a few others had mentioned that it was explicitly the entire underworld.
Nevertheless, this part of the area seemed untouched by the Celestial’s magic. The number of demons out here in these open lands seemed to be slim to none, which piqued my curiosity. Like Asturdorm, there wasn’t much of a sky out here.
“The next gate will be in Pevara, the Sanguine Lands. Keep low. The demons here are a bit different than your average, everyday demons. Smaller area, but they have different types of magic than we do in Asturdorm,” Yushin explained, drawing a visual map with his fingers. “Just stick close - the name is as it seems, very optimistic demons… But for a different reason...” He said gently.
“Okay,” I murmured under my breath. “I am tired, though. Will we be resting soon?”
“Mmm, that’s right. You aren’t attuned to walking like the rest of us are. I’m sure you got adjusted to just teleporting everywhere, didn’t you?” He chuckled gently.
I glanced at Yushin and then focused my gaze back on the ground. Feeling his emotions again, I could sense that Yushin was just as sad as I was when I didn’t speak much to him. I still have yet to feel anything from Kurai, though. I forgot he was joining us, and it isn’t delightful. Why couldn’t he just let me do this? I know he means well, but not well enough if he’s secrets from me. As I was thinking of him, I couldn’t help but look over my shoulder at the nogitsune who was trailing behind us, his black fox form sleek under the little bit of moonlight offered, his pelt shimmering with a red tint from a few of the lava pools. Sighing, I turned to focus back on what was in front of me and tried to ignore the sadness that I was feeling. “You said there were 13 portals, right? I’m assuming they’re similar to Abigail’s Tree?”
“Each portal is a tad bit different, but ultimately offering the same thing that Abigail’s Tree does - a portal for the spirits belonging to once-humans coming to the Underworld for proper judgment,” Yushin explained. “Here, there’s a place we can stay up on the other side of that lava pool. It’s not anything fancy, but I’ve got a few tricks to make it comfortable,” He said, tugging on my arm sleeve and pulling me along with him.
As I made my way up the hill on the other side of the lava pools, I spotted a small opening in the rock face. It was dark inside, but I could see a faint light from deep within. Yushin held his hand out, motioning for me to enter the cave. Stepping inside, I was greeted by a cool, damp breeze that carried the scent of earth and stone. As we got inside, I could hear the sound of dripping water echoing through the cavernous space. The walls were slick with moisture, and the ground was uneven and rocky underfoot. But as my eyes adjusted to the dim light, I saw that the space was not as lonely as I had initially thought. Tiny stalactites hung from the ceiling, glinting in the soft light, and a small stream flowed gently across the floor, its waters sparkling in the darkness. It was a peaceful and unexpected oasis amidst the harsh landscape of lava pools and openings.
Kurai did not enter the caverns. Instead, I could barely outline his furry body outside the cave entrance, laying down immediately. I felt terrible for getting onto him, but only because I care. I care that he didn’t manage to tell me the truth, and it will hurt. I did think our connection was more robust than it came off, but I presume that is not the case. Whatever - it’ll be fine. I won’t lie, though, when I say his presence did make me feel at ease - as did Yushin’s.
Sitting against the wall, I slumped against its cool rock and rested my head on it. It was a rocky place, that’s for sure, and not the most comfortable.
“Here,” Yushin called over to me, pointing a finger next to me as a backpack appeared. “I don’t have enough magic to teleport all of us from place to place due to the density of the underworld, but smaller things I can do,” He smiled, his golden eyes shimmering in the darkened cave. “Kurai, go make a fire, please,” He called out. “I’m sure you can muster up some wood from somewhere, thanks!”
A soft grunt escaped the nogitsune, forcing himself back up on his fox-paws and leaving the cave entrance.
“This is water from the human world,” Yushin explained, pointing to the small stream running down the side of the cave. “Interestingly, this water could flow into the human world. I suspect it was some sorcerer’s doing one day when they needed some water.” Yushin was unpacking one of the bags he had imported into the cavern with the bit of magic he claimed he had. “Where you see the water flowing, you can see the sky from there,” Yushin pointed out. “And not the underworld sky, but the human realm’s sky. It’s amazing.”
Sorcerer. Thinking of no one but Enoxon, I hoped he was okay. I don’t know what happened to him after the fight with Mundus, but I pray that he was safe and not injured - or worse. Knowing that he was manipulated and used by Mundus hurt me. Enoxon was a mighty sorcerer - and for Mundus to be able to claim that power as his own? That was scary.
“Do you know what time it is in the human world?” I asked Yushin.
“Interested in the human realm sky?” He asked me, looking up from his bag with such a gentle look. Yushin’s yellow eyes glistened as he looked at me with a soft and gentle expression. His long black hair fell gracefully over his shoulders, framing his delicate features. His lips curved into a slight smile, revealing a hint of warmth and kindness. His voice was gentle and soothing as he spoke, like a soft breeze on a warm summer day.
I felt at ease with him. He put me in many dangerous situations, but I know he means well. Returning his small and gentle smile, I replied, “Yeah. Perhaps we can travel through the human realm for a few portals?” I asked in hopes.
Yushin let out a soft chuckle, “Absolutely. Anything for you.” As he said that, he immediately coughed and looked away, cheeks turning a slight pink. “Uh, as I was saying, the stars from the human realm aren’t available right now. It’s the middle of the day. Perhaps later?” He suggested. “I’d recommend rest for now, as we have much more walking to do.”
I was tired, but I was also hungry. We’d been walking for several hours before finally resting, and the only food I had on my stomach was from this morning. Sharing this with Yushin, he agreed to get some dinner made once Kurai returned. With that, the cave fell silent, and I got the little supplies he had provided me with and tried my best to get comfortable. I set up the sleeping bag and makeshift pillow and embraced the warmth it had to provide, waiting for the fox to return.
(Third Party POV)
It wasn’t long before Snow had fallen asleep. As bad as Yushin felt that she didn’t get to eat, he let her rest. She’d been through a lot today, and much more was to come. He had made her agree to start the reaper training when she had been awoken by Kurai - as the underworld needed her. Perhaps she could learn more about her past on the way, as Yushin wanted her to. The Spirit Walker was stacking a few rocks side by side, getting ready to start the campfire when Kurai returned.
The nogitsune entered the narrow cave hole as if on cue, carrying a stack of wood in his arms. He immediately dropped the wood on the pile and brushed the little dirt from his hands. Yushin didn’t greet him or acknowledge him; he just started reorganizing the wood pile surrounded by the stones within the cave walls. Once he did so, he began to try to get a spark to start - as he’s not diverse in fire magic. With the flint and stone, he did what he could to try and get it, but after a few clang clang clang, Kurai pointed just the tip of his finger towards the wood and started it with a quick flick of fire.
Yushin rolled his eyes and made a face to him while Kurai’s back was to him. A soft huff escaped him as the fire overgrew. With that, Yushin began to conjure up a meal based on a magical floating spell book. The spirit walker wasn’t very diverse in anything other than his transformation magic and transportation. He ignored the magic of spells for the longest time as he did not need it. But as the underworld grew darker and engulfed in ice from the Celestials, he needed a means of protection. He no longer had the Lady in Red to protect him, and it was his turn to watch the young Lady Snow. His gaze toured over to the young woman, lying down with her back towards them and her snow-white hair laying out behind her. He was concerned by the quick memory of Snow’s eye changing color and the new mark on her face. Perhaps he did screw up.
“You’re going to have to break it to her, Yushin,” Kurai’s voice, calm as the gentle river that flowed beside them.
“Did you see what happened?” Yushin asked him quietly.
“Why do you think I called you stupid? You did this to her,” He muttered, giving him a cold glare.
“I didn’t do anything wrong. This was bound to happen,” Yushin replied, his voice dropping into nearly a whisper. “Her demon wants out. She will only learn to control it by being forced into situations like today.”
Kurai turned around on the rock he was sitting on, his hands clasped together as he leaned forward to stare at the man across the fire. “Yushin, there were other ways to go about this besides risking her life,” He explained. “You and I both know this.”
“I know that I and Astaroth are the only two trying to help her,” Yushin replied with a quiet hiss. “What do you know anyway? You gave yourself up to another demon.”
“I didn’t give myself to a demon,” Kurai growled quietly.
Snow shifted in her sleep at the sudden voice, but still snoring peacefully, she stopped rolling around.
“I did what I had to because none of you would,” Kurai snarled, gazing at the outside world.
“You didn’t trust yourself, thus the reason. I’m not out here to break her heart. I’m out here to guide her and keep her safe. That’s my job. I was entrusted to keep her safe the day the Lady in Red disappeared. Your job was to be her guardian, and you still let her die.”
The anger in Kurai was starting to rise again as he continued bickering with the spirit walker. “And yet, I was the only one there to bring her back - and brought her back to life.”
“By trading your life to that damned demon!” Yushin replied hastily, rubbing his hands together near the fire. “You might’ve gained six tails by training with Lady Serelia, but you traded everything you had for those last three. And that will break her - especially after what you told her…” He trailed off, his voice lowering to just barely above a whisper as he spoke, almost hurt, “She cares about you, you know that, right? If I didn’t know it, she probably lo-”
“Do not say it,” The nogitsune growled and fell silent as he took in the idea. He was embarrassed. He couldn’t even fathom a word in response after that, just turned away from him entirely with a face full of red.
“Fine,” Yushin said, standing up and approaching him. “Since you’ve promised yourself to another demon, I’ll take care of her and ensure she’s safe. You ought to go home then; I’m sure your master will be looking for you,” He said quickly to him.
Quickly, Kurai turned around, and flames lit up the room as his hand immediately went to grab Yushin by the neck, lifting him. “She’s not my master,” He muttered to him.
“Wh-whatever yo-you say, puppet,” Yushin said, grinning wickedly at him.
Snow began to stir again, which caused Yushin to glance over at her and then back at Kurai, still grinning. When Kurai noticed that the reaper was starting to move, he let go of Yushin and turned away. For someone who didn’t know a lot of magic or had the means of defending himself, Yushin often poked at the big bear - or, in this event, the fox demon. Yushin only did it because he knew Snow would never forgive Kurai if he hurt him. It was all fun and games until someone eventually got burned, but this spirit walker continued to poke and mess with Kurai. Perhaps one day, Kurai will snap - and that’s what he wants. He wants the fox demon to crack, but not for the primary reason of wanting Snow to trust him more than Kurai, but because of reasons regarding the ‘master’ that he spoke of.
Trading a soul with a demon was one of the worst things anyone could do, and Yushin could easily use this to blackmail Kurai - keep him on a tight leash. It was manipulative, but he did it for Snow. He wanted to keep Snow safe and encourage her to continue the journey. Kurai didn’t necessarily hold her back, not at all. Sometimes, the fox demon encouraged him - but at other times, Snow relied on the fox demon a little too much.
Knowing how soft Snow was, Yushin was worried. He didn’t want to make her life hard, but he didn’t want to watch her fail. He knew how strong of a demon Snow could be and wanted to continue encouraging her. He tried to help her gain control of the demon form that she had, ready to crawl out. Deep down, Yushin knew that, even if Kurai traded his soul to a demon, the nogitsune was still the strongest and most protective of Snow.
Power comes with a price. Kurai will soon know that.
Kurai let go of Yushin after scorching his neck even a tad bit - it almost looked like a hickey. “I’m not leaving,” he told him with a quick mutter. “You can forget that.”
“So you say,” Yushin huffed, rubbing his neck slightly. With a flick of his wrist, the spirit walker shifted into his magical white owl form and scooted towards Snow. “With you spending so much time with Snow, she may come after her. Watch yourself - I will banish the both of you,” Yushin’s last words were a full-on threat. The giant owl lay down next to the reaper, who immediately rolled over and grabbed him as a pillow, resting her head on his feathered wings. He nestled into the reaper’s grip, settling himself down in his bird form and eventually closing his eyes.
(Snow POV)
I slowly opened my eyes, feeling a chill in the air. As I sat up, I realized that the cave had gotten much colder than when I had fallen asleep. I wrapped my arms around myself, trying to keep warm. When I gazed down, I noticed Yushin’s owl sleeping peacefully beside me, assuming to stay warm. My hand gently hesitated over the soft, plush white owl below me. Gently, I struck his head, which caused him to let out a soft purr, and his feathers ruffled a tad. I smiled gently at the bird and gazed around. I noticed that the fire I had lit before going to sleep had gone out. I got up and walked over to the pile of firewood in the corner of the cave. I picked up a few logs and started to stack them in the fireplace.
As I struck the flint to light a fire, I felt the cold air biting my skin. I could see my breath in the air and shivered as I waited for the flames to take hold. Finally, I succeeded, and the warmth of the fire began to spread throughout the cave. I gently rested the blanket on Yushin’s back and turned away from the cave area towards the stream. Perhaps now was a good time to view the human world stars? Glancing at the cave entrance, I could see Kurai sitting there with one leg propped up, his arm resting on it. Did he not hear me when I was remaking the fire? He definitely could’ve used his fire magic. I so badly wanted to speak to him, even though I was angry at him, but… With him sitting there, he looked so lonely. That’s when I noticed he was spinning something with his finger. I squinted, trying to look over what it was, and within the right second, I noticed that it was my dagger that he spun around. The amber on it caught light from the sky outside the underworld, barely glimmering as it spun. Again, I could feel drawn to want to speak with the man, but I shook my head and turned away, heading up the hallow cave to the top of the stream that Yushin had explained to me.
I slowly stepped upstream in the cave, cautiously stepping over the rocks and listening to the water ripple gently. As I walked, I noticed that the cave was opening up, and I could see a faint glow ahead. Curiosity got the better of me, and I quickened my pace until I finally reached the source of the light. And what a sight it was! The cave had opened into an ample, cavernous space, and the ceiling was covered in glowing stars - just as Yushin said.
I stood there in awe, gazing up at the stars above me. It was as if I had been transported to another world where magic and wonder were everyday occurrences. The rushing water echoed off the walls, adding to the enchanting atmosphere. I took a deep breath and closed my eyes, grateful for this unexpected moment of beauty. It was a memory I would cherish forever, a reminder that even in the darkest places, there is always a glimmer of hope and wonder.
The stream magically floated from above me to the cavern floor, not a single drop of water spilling outside its area. I reached out my hand to touch its ice ripple, smiling as I did so. When I stared at the gentle water in front of me, I caught a reflection of my face - the same as I did earlier. My smile quickly turned into a frown. The reflection was of me, but was it really of me? My eye had changed colors from purple to a deep, menacing red. And there was a slight, strange marking covering my left eye, something I had never seen before. The mark was not that of Kurai’s. I looked away from the reflection, down to my side, and lifted my shirt slightly to eyeball the marking. His marking was still there, in its slight flaming-sun shape. I ran my hand over my side. I reached up to touch the marking but flinched as a sharp pain shot through my head.
“Why?” I asked myself, frowning as I dropped my hands into my lap.
My head raised back up when I heard the scuttle of someone beside me, and of course, it was Kurai. I immediately looked away from him, altogether avoiding his gaze. I was waiting for him to say something, but he was silent. Not a single word escaped him as his presence in the magical water room joined mine. I scooted a few inches away from him, not wishing to breathe the same air as him. Why do I want to talk to him? I questioned myself and frowned. I’m afraid that’s not right. He lied to you. He kept the truth from you.
I noticed his ear flickering and once more flattened to his head, as he had done earlier when he was called out. It didn’t even cross my mind that he could read my thoughts for a second. Instead, I looked at the stars above me from the human realm, a calming presence washing over me. With that, I shoved past Kurai - I had to stay strong and keep my word of, ‘I’m not speaking to you.’ I didn’t want to give him a chance. No. Maybe I was stubborn, or perhaps he was just an ass.
But as I was leaving the room, I felt his warm hand grab my wrists, and he forced me down into his lap, wrapping his arms around me - which completely caught me off guard, and I even let out a soft yelp. The man then tightly held me close, his face buried into my shoulder. What the hell was happening? My heart beat so fast as he just sat there, holding me. He didn’t speak, he didn’t move,… Sat there with his arms around me. My anger was washed over with something else - but I couldn’t quite tell myself what it was. I shook my head and tried to pull away from him. Though, he didn’t let me.
I don’t know what had gotten into him because not even several hours ago, he was calling me weak and said I knew nothing - told me I would get myself killed. That he was so mean earlier, hurt me and will continue to spoil me. That’s what was going through his mind at the time.
After three minutes of holding me there silently, he spoke gently, “I will leave. Just promise me you won’t let your demon win,” He whispered.
Hearing his soft, gentle voice swayed me into melting into his grip. Why am I so easily won over?! I screamed at myself in my head.
The nogitsune gently pulled away and smiled at me, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear and locking gazes with me. “You’ve got this, Snow. I believe in you.”
My entire body melted and heated up as I heard those words; the feeling I got rose in my chest from his surprisingly gentle voice. I swear I could melt the entire Asturdorm snow with how heated up with embarrassment I got. Though, I couldn’t tear away from his intense stare, those amber eyes flickering from one part of my face to another. I then felt my body being lifted off the ground by the nogitsune, and his voice sounded again, but this time in my head.
Stay Safe, Little Snow.
Turning slightly, I met Kurai’s amber gaze and saw a soft smile on his lips. Kurai leaned closer, his breath warm against my skin, and pressed his lips gently to my cheek. My heart fluttered at the tenderness of the gesture, and I felt a surge of affection for Kurai. Did he… Just… WHAT?! Internally, I was screaming. This was straight out of a fantasy book, I swear.
Gently, Kurai put me on the floor and patted my head with his hand before turning away from me and leaving me speechless in the caverns, nothing but the gentle stream fluttering beside me. My eyes were wide, my cheeks flushed, and I shook my head. I stumbled after the nogitsune, but he was gone. Outside the gaze, I scanned the area, but… He was nowhere to be seen. My hand gently touched the spot he had just kissed me on my cheek.
I was embarrassed, but I was also angry. How dare he LEAVE LIKE THAT?! Especially after all the nonsense he put me through earlier! This damned demon! They do suck. My emotions were on a rollercoaster. These mixed emotions, this confusion, I felt it all. Sighing, there was nothing I could do. He was gone, and I probably wouldn’t see him for a while, but I did tell him to leave in the first place. Climbing back to the sleeping bag, I tucked myself in Yushin’s owl form, which seemed utterly relaxed - like he didn’t care. I envied him.
Before falling asleep, I watched the flames dance again, wondering where Kurai was going and what he would do.
Though, the main question I had was what he said,
Just promise me you won’t let your demon win.
What demon?
Kurai Appreciation Post because, I haven't posted many pictures of him!! Let's go Nijijourney! ^_^ There's been a tad bit of a glow up, because three years and other reasons. But. Ya know. Still Kurai.
