The adventure in the cat realm

Chapter 14

As the magical energy around Yama begins to grow, I start to panic.

- If she unleashes that, we all. I say in my head. Suddenly, I'm pulled out of my thoughts by Tama. He nudges my arm and leans in close before whispering to me.

- I can distract her, but I'll need some cover while I get in place, Tama whispers. I give a slight nod, swallowing the lump in my throat. I step forward as Tama begins to sneak away.

- Okay. I have to keep her attention while Tama makes his move. I really hope whatever he has planned is enough, I say in my head. I raise my chin toward Yama and yell out.

- You think I'm useless. You're one to talk, you hag, I yell. I subtly shift my eyes to Tama, who's climbing one of the pillars around the room. The energy radiating from Yama's magic crackles through the air, and the hair on the back of my neck stands on end.

- We're running out of time, I say in my head.

- Even with all your magic, you couldn't get what you wanted. Just face it Yama, my father will never love you, I yell. She clenches her fist.

- Shut up, Yama shouts. Her eyes flash with fury, but instead of directing it toward me, she turns on my father.

- If I can't have him, no one can, Yama yells. With a sweeping gesture, she sends a huge burst of magic hurtling toward the cage where he's being kept.

- No, I cry in my head. Before I can react, Rei runs toward, leaping in front of the magic.

- No, I yell. After using all of her power to attack my father, Yama's barrier disappears. Tama leaps from the pillar, sending it hurtling down with a ground-shaking crash. My body begins moving before I can think. I run forward with a scream, brandishing the holy sword. With Yama distracted, I have a clear path to attack, and I leap, plunging the sword deep into her chest.

- No, Yama screams. Yama screams, eyes wide as she stares down in disbelief at the holy sword. Before my eyes, she begins withering from her beautiful form into a wrinkled, elderly woman. I back away, marveling at what's happening. As the life drains out of her, her skin becomes gray and weathered.

- What's happening, I ask in my head. In the same way as the guards before, she transforms into a stone statue. Then, Yama crumbles, shattering into a pile of dust. Shaking and out of breath, I stagger backward, looking around.

- No, I was too late, I say in my head. Rei's body lies on the ground, but he's not in his cat form like he usually is after he loses a life.

- Rei, I yell. I run to him, tears forming in my eyes.

- He said he only had one life left, I say in my head. Leaning down, I press my lips to Rei's forehead, tears streaming down my face.

- Rei, why would you do something so reckless, I yell. I bury my face into his chest.

- I thought I was supposed to be the stupid one, not you, I cry. I lean back, vaguely remembering something.

- It was probably just an excuse back then, but if it could save him, I say in my head. I lean down and lick the side of Rei's cheek.

- Like he did for me when I was injured, I say in my head. Suddenly, Rei twitches, his eyes blinking open, and I pull back to look down at him. His breathing is shallow, and his eyes can barely focus on me.

- Idiot, Rei whispers. His voice is feeble and airy.

- Isn't it obvious. I love you, Rei says. I choke back a sob as I stroke my hand down the side of his face, my tears now falling freely. Rei strains his neck toward me, and I lean down, meeting his lips in a weak kiss. His head falls back against the floor, and I watch, helpless, as the light leaves his eyes. Tama walks to us and kneels at Rei's side, looking down at him sadly.