Canticle: Code Caligula

Chapter 39: Wishes of an Ant, Part 6

"Hey guys, I have a plan that might be pretty crazy... But I'm pretty sure it'll save Hangaku's life," Lilith said with confidence. Mura turned in surprise.

"What did you have in mind?"

"Remember back at the Zoroaster Tournament, when that guy suddenly attacked us after we won the fight against him?"

"Yeah, I kinda do now that you mention it..." Mura said, trying to sort his way through the hazy memory. Zozo's possessed hand zipped around the Ouija board as Naraka began to speak again.

"I also recall that evening. He refused to surrender after your victory, so security had to kill him."

Lilith grinned widely, sticking a finger in the air to better make her point known.

"Yes! But remember before they zapped him? They used some kind of spell to force his Thrall out of him! Why can't we use that?"

"Lilith might be onto something, master! We can use that spell to safely exorcise the incubus, right?" Mura asked.

"It just might, actually. But... you haven't learned the Repulsion spell yet, have you?"

Mura and Lilith's smiles faltered. Learning a new magic spell required a corresponding scroll detailing the secret incantation. It also required a blood offering, pressed onto the scroll's parchment as tribute for the arcane knowledge being granted onto oneself.

"We haven't... But that spell is restricted to military and police officials only, correct? Wouldn't a Jikininki classify as one of those? Minister Nergal once said it held a rank equivalent to a captain or something?" Mura asked.

"... I suppose it would. But spell scrolls are kept under lock and key inside the imperial libraries. Filing a request for one, especially one of that level, would take at least a few days before I could receive clearance, Mura."

"Shit..." Mura swore. "We don't have that much time!"

"Hey, I tried!" Lilith sighed, throwing her hands in the air.

"Mura... If there is no way to save her, you know what must be done. I don't like it any more than you do, but you can't always save everyone. Not in this line of business..." Naraka spoke; a level of solemnness in his words.

The Jikininki lowered his head in defeat, wordless and frustrated. There was something they could do now, the thought had already occurred to Mura. However, the level of risk his plan posed could prove fatal. Yet, if he opted for inaction Hangaku and her mother would be dead either way.

"I know of another method. There's a split chance it'll work... and if it doesn't, then the girl will die. Either way, I'm going to finish this contract by the end of the night."

❇ ❇ ❇

Amano Residence, Ema — Later that night. Hangaku Amano was set to return any moment now from the shrine. Mura lurked within the trees outside her home. This was a stakeout. The plan was to ambush Hangaku the moment the incubus took over and escort her to the designated area.

Lilith awaited within the shrine itself, watching as Hangaku left her job once again with headphones blasting music into her ears. The girl was not aware of what awaited her, but they had to be quick and precise.

After a few minutes, Hangaku approached from around the corner of the forest trail. Mura sank lower into the bushes, awaiting that short burst of Tamashiryoku signaling her possession. Beforehand, Lilith had snuck into the house and slipped some sleeping pills into the tea of Hangaku's mother. She was currently knocked out, unaware of what would happen within the coming moments.