The Life You Live

Chapter 31

Akito did not take long to come into the light of the window, his blind eyes searching for something he would not find. His features were tight, specifically because this was not an evacuation area and they would all know it in a moment’s time. When he saw Akito waiting for him, he simply shook his head twice to indicate that she was nowhere to be found. By the way that Yo looked, they would come to the same conclusion.

Something had happened to Kaya.

Akito exited the apartment and met his companions outside. He looked both grim and angry because he obviously had not gotten texts. With no substantial evidence, he felt lost. In a kind of way he never thought he would.

Aften looked as though he wanted to comfort Akito and Yo looked either uncertain or regretful. Either way, Akito didn’t say a damn thing.

As he moved past the duo, a strangely familiar howl called to him in a way that it rend his soul with sorrow. And he didn’t know why, not yet. His blind eyes widened for a fraction of a second, and then, he was lunging off the rail and shifting into a massive white hound. This hound flew threw the streets faster than a man could blink. Aften and Yo bolted after him but were not nearly as fast as the empowered demon.

Akito’s heart was pounding, a million indecipherable things rushing through his mind whilst he made way to the shrine, and thereafter, into the spirit world. It didn’t take him nearly as long as before, not with an intention leading him to the heart of the howl.

When he reached the top of the 100-floor building, it was bursting through the sliding paper doors, teeth bare and blind eyes gazing at nothing. Hackles raised, wings flared. His rumbling voice tore through a snarl, “Nobuno.”

The resentment was audible.

It didn’t take him long to figure out what had happened, not while moving into proximity and finding that they were linked telepathically in some senses. Especially since Kaya was now closer to him than before.

She would feel rage and sorrow, great distress.

At this time, Nobuno laughed and commanded Kaya, “kill him,” as though it were a game.

When the god of Mount Tate then looked at Akito, he said, “If she does not kill you, then you will kill her and suffer as my hounds did when you rend them from me!” Despite that he wore a mask, one might hear the wicked tone to his voice.

As if all his plans were falling into place and finally coming to a head…

. . . .

'He's coming...' Okane whispered to Kaya within the recesses of the mind that they cohabitated. 'I know...' Kaya retorted her mental voice saturated with sorrow with every passing second she could feel Umo Josoku-ka get closer.

'Is there anything you can do to neutralize Nobuno's magic that binds us to his will?' Kaya asked Okane as her canid rump remained firmly against the floor beside Nobuno and his throne; while she twitched in futile attempt to break the dominant effects of his magic flowing through her entire being. 'If I were upon my own mountain, maybe. But here upon his domain where his magic is strongest and has been integrated to this vessel in such a through manner, no.' Kaya sighed, 'I don't know what fate is worse, if Akito had died for me in battle or him slaying me?' Okane raised her eyebrow, 'What makes you think he will not be "noble" and kill himself or allow you to kill him to save you? For surely on skill alone you are outmatched.' Kaya shook her head, 'Because there are fates worse than death. I think he would rather me dead by his hand, over dying my mine and I remain a unwilling servant for Nobuno as consequence of Akito's previous actions.'

The moment Akito burst through the door Kaya could feel him in a manner she hadn't experienced before. It was tragically beautiful and tumultuous. Through the bonds of magic Kaya could feel Nobuno was focusing his dominance over her. For he didn't command Umo Josoku-ka to correct his speech when the enraged higher yokai addressed his superior Lord by only his name; rather than his title and name. She realized in that moment if Nobuno attempted to command dominance over both Kaya and Akito, he would be vulnerable. Nobuno's eerie laughter at Akito made her second guess her suspicions of his possible vulnerability, but instinct told her she was right.