Volume 12 - Yomi-no-kuni: Chapter 9 The Madam

The womans voice echoed throughout Yomi, impossible to ignore.

All present stood still.

Lily remained silent, not daring to utter a sound.

The womans voice resonated once more, Wakarai, release that mirror girl, Lily. Allow Rakshasa to take her.

What? Encased in lightning, Wakarais face contorted in suppressed rage, his hands balled into fists. He retorted, I have expended significant efforts to capture this woman and have declared so to Yomis inhabitants. Even if you are the Madam, is not your request to release her somewhat unreasonable? Isnt this akin to seizing my bride before the eyes of all demonkind?

A silence ensued, followed by a daunting pressure from the heavens, as though a mountainous deluge loomed.

Despite his apprehension, Wakarai stood his ground, unwilling to accept such indignity. He believed the Madam would not be unreasonable.

How about this: In three years, send an Empyrean Realm expert to challenge Lily

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. Choose anyone you wish; victory grants you her hand in marriage. I shall oversee the challenge, ensuring no interference.

This Wakarai showed reluctance.

What? Do you intend to personally challenge her in three years?

The very heavens and earth began to tremble, as though the world itself bristled with ire.

No, surely the Madam jests. How could one of my standing engage in such an act? Wakarai felt an unparalleled pressure.

The Madams directive to release the mirror girl, delivered before all of demonkind, while unwelcome, afforded Wakarai a dignified exit.

This concession afforded Wakarai significant respect. How many in Yomi could boast of negotiating terms with the Madam?

Should he refuse now, the issue would no longer be about the Madam granting him face, but rather him disrespecting the Madam.

In Yomi, failing to show the Madam respect was unthinkable.

It shall be as the Madam decrees, Wakarai conceded, bowing his head.

Very well, I entrust the ensuing arrangements to you all, the voice faded, returning the world to its auditory norms.

Wakarai gazed at Lily, suspended in the air, about to claim her as his, yet now compelled to relinquish her. Reluctant, yet left with no alternative. With a dismissive gesture, he lifted the force binding Lily.

Still bound, Lily descended from the sky, her hands cuffed behind her.

Renka, escort her to the Rakshasa Dojo.

Renka leapt agilely towards Lily, seizing her around the waist indifferently, and hoisted her onto Wakakis earth dragon.

Renka peered at the helpless girl, puzzled over what made her so significant that the Madam intervened on her behalf. Observing the Madams demeanor, she surmised the reason behind her highness Rakshasas swift journey of over a hundred thousand miles must be attributed to one of the Madams capabilities.

Wakarai, justice is served. With the Madams verdict, the conflict over this mirror girl concludes, Renka mused silently.

Lets go! Recognizing the futility of lingering, Wakarai metamorphosed into a lightning bolt, streaking across the sky. Concurrently, the thunderclouds vanished, and Tsukou ascended, trailing behind him.

We should also make our exit, back to the Rakshasa dojo. Rakshasa-Onna descended onto the ma.s.sive blue phantom wolf, which then contracted to an appropriate scale and swiftly soared off.

Move out! With Lily secured on the earth dragons back, Renka issued the departure command. The earth dragons, one after another, pivoted and embarked, leaving swirling trails of dust in their wake.

In silence, Mauro and the bull demons watched the departing figures, reflecting on the futile sacrifices of their brethren for no gain.

Yet, before the decree of the Madam, their voices were stilled; there was nothing to be said.

Then, we should also depart, Mauro uttered, his voice laden with resignation.

In defeat, the band of bull demons retreated, their gloom mirrored by the ceaseless cries of monsters in the shadowed land.

Lily found herself under the protection of the Rakshasa warriors, perched atop the earth dragons soaring through the skies

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.

Where are you taking me? inquired Lily.

Be quiet! Are you deaf? Havent you heard were heading to the Rakshasa Dojo? Renkas demeanor s.h.i.+fted drastically from her interaction with Wakarai, her tone sharp and actions cruder, even going as far as raising a foot toward Lilys posterior.

Embarra.s.sed and infuriated, Lily recognized her disadvantage. Contemplating escape, she posed the question, What are your intentions with me?

How should I know? I merely follow orders. Do you think we risked our lives for you by choice? Your presence led to my sisters death! Your beauty brings nothing but calamity, you wretch! Renka spat venomously.

How can you speak to someone in such a manner?

Cursing you isnt enough; Im going to give you a thras.h.i.+ng! Renka declared as she crouched, grabbed Lily, and readied to throw punches.

Whats this argument about? The blue wolf ahead decelerated to align with the earth dragon, with Rakshasa-Onna seated sidelong on its back.

After everything we endured to rescue this woman, to the extent that the Madam intervened, yet she shows no grat.i.tude, even daring to question us!

Questioning? I merely posed a question

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, Lily countered, feeling wronged.

Enough, Rakshasa declared as she dismounted the wolf and astonis.h.i.+ngly seated herself upon Lilys waist. Extracting a cloth, she gagged Lily, reducing her to m.u.f.fled whimpers. While Lily could communicate through psychic means, what would be the benefit? Likely, it would only invite further torment.

Renka, you claimed this woman was virtuous. Why then do you berate her as a harlot? Is she n.o.ble or not? inquired Rakshasa.

Your Highness, she truly possesses virtue. Yet, the loss of Sister Reiko and your injuries compel me to curse. Her presence has brought nothing but tragedy. Despite her allure, I fear her beauty spells doom, Reika responded with a touch of sorrow.

Disaster or blessing, the Madams instructions are clear. We have no further need for discussion, stated Rakshasa.

Understood, Renka acquiesced, left with no choice but to comply.

Following their conversation, Rakshasa still sat atop Lilys waist. Despite not being burdensome, the situation left Lily feeling deeply mortified

Perhaps this is for the best. Given the immense effort they, and the venerable woman, exerted to save me, their intentions likely arent fatal. And being among women, my life and purity seem less at risk than if Id been captured by those demons Lily reflected, her eyes closing as tears began to form.

Meanwhile, her companions within the mirror s.p.a.ce were in turmoil.

Kagura, whats become of Lily?

Why havent we heard anything?

Previously, Lily had forbidden Kagura from disclosing anything due to the peril, but circ.u.mstances had s.h.i.+fted. Master is for now, unharmed.

Despite Kaguras rea.s.surances, her expression alone conveyed the gravity of Lilys predicament.

Suddenly, Reis form vanished from the mirror s.p.a.ce. Amidst the chaos, s.h.i.+mizu and Ayaka took note.

Confined atop the earth dragon, Lily lost track of their journeys duration through Yomi. Despite the dragons swift travel across vast distances daily, a full ten days elapsed before they reached the Rakshasa Dojo.

Rakshasa-Onnas presence deterred any would-be aggressors. Lesser monsters steered clear, while more formidable beings, aware of the recent events, refrained from inciting trouble. This same presence, however, quashed any opportunity for Lilys escape, binding her to the custody of the Rakshasa warriors.

Night had fallen over Heian-kyo, Nara Castle.

A solitary figure with a commanding presence traversed the heart of Nara Castle, approaching the ancient stone gate known as Rash.o.m.on.

This figure bore silver hair and carried a long, slender sword on their back. Despite being sheathed, the sword exuded a formidable aura that seemed to challenge the heavens themselves.

Why are you following me? Rei inquired, halting before Rash.o.m.on.

Following you? We merely share the same path.

The same path? Rei turned under the moons glow to see s.h.i.+mizu at an alleys mouth, clad in a black kimono.

Are you aware of my destination?

Naturally, for I too am headed there.

Thats your prerogative. However, is there any necessity for your accompaniment?

As Ive mentioned, our paths aligning is mere coincidence. Ah, a message from Ayaka; she intends to await Lilys return in Heian-kyo, urging caution on our part. She speculates our efforts might prove futile, potentially placing us in jeopardy, hence her advice against proceeding. These are Ayakas sentiments. Given your absence from the mirror s.p.a.ce recently, I am merely the messenger.

Regardless, Lilys rescue remains paramount. Miss s.h.i.+mizu, should you be resolute in this endeavor, perhaps we could collaborate.

Im agreeable to that.

Rei nodded, casting her gaze towards the moon, The time has come.

With a single step through Rash.o.m.on, Rei vanished from sight.

s.h.i.+mizu attempted to follow through the gate, yet found herself emerging on the opposite side of Rash.o.m.on.

Eh? Why why cant I pa.s.s through? pondered s.h.i.+mizu.

Standing atop a cliff, Rei surveyed the nebulous netherworld below. Aware that this realm should be Yomi Hirazaka, her exact whereabouts remained uncertain, as did Lilys location. Yet, Rei was resolved to proceed, even if it meant traversing the Path of the Shura.

An intuition told Rei that Lily required her a.s.sistance.

Rei lingered for an extended period, yet s.h.i.+mizu failed to materialize. Rei then tried to project her consciousness into the mirror s.p.a.ce, exhaling in relief upon encountering no barriers.

Upon noticing s.h.i.+mizu, she momentarily overlooked the others and queried, Whats causing your delay? Are you not coming?

s.h.i.+mizu wore a look of bewilderment, admitting, For reasons unknown, I find myself unable to enter Yomi

Footnotes:

Robinxen: Theyre giving her power up time!

Silva: They are Earth dragons, yet they are flying?

Robinxen: That is the definition of questioning!