Chapter 64
Twelve astral bodies appeared in front of the tree. Raidou faced them, doing his best to keep the fear out of his eyes.
“Your predecessors shall act as witness to ensure fairness,” said the great spirit. “Incubus, Raidou - answer these questions truthfully. Raidou, you swore an oath on your name with this demon, correct?”
“Yes,” said Raidou.
“And what were the terms?”
“That I bring their Irregular population to America and bring America’s Irregular Succubus population here.”
“We do not know why you have agreed to introduce another type of demon to Japan, but the fact remains that you did, indeed, swear on your name that you would do this. If you were not standing here, would you have succeeded?”
“No…I would have drowned.”
“Incubus. What were the agreed-upon terms of failure?”
“That we’d…that we’d have our way with him,” said the Incubus, reluctantly.
“Then such is the punishment we shall witness.” Immediately, four of the Kuzunoha spirits shifted uncomfortably, turning to look at the tree and then each other, as if to ask, “Is he serious?”
“Wait a minute,” said one of the spirits. “Wait. You’re asking us to watch a guy get raped, here. Don’t you think some of us might have a problem with that?”
“Raidou the Thirteenth, you will act as witness. It is your duty as a holder of a sacred title.”
The spirits quieted, not wanting to argue any further with their superior.
“I thank you. Incubus, you are free to carry out the contract’s penalty.”
“Fine,” said the Incubus. He folded his arms and didn’t move.
“Incubus? You might have misunderstood…”
“The penalty was that we get to have our way with him. Well, my way is…nothing.”
“Semantics are not an issue, demon. The penalty is what was meant rather than what was said. Raidou the Fourteenth, I do not know what trickery you have committed to make this Incubus back down on his word, but-”
“Trickery nothing!” the Incubus interrupted. “This kid is one in a million! I’m not gonna have his blood on my hands!”
“Very well,” said the spirit. “But an oath on a hereditary name such as Raidou is a grave matter. Since one party of the contract refuses to uphold his duty, we shall step in.”
“How!?” protested three Raidous at once. Raidou had been wondering the same thing, himself. For some odd reason, the branches of the great spirit’s tree came to mind. …Well, that wasn’t a very comfortable thought. He shifted his weight, trying not to noticeably squirm.
“Silence. The end result would have been death. This is within our practical and ethical capabilities-”
“Oh, you have ethics?” said the Thirteenth.
“Raidou the Thirteenth, you will not show your elder spirit disrespect!”
“Be quiet, Thirteenth,” said another spirit. “What’s wrong with you?”
“Just because you kiss his wooden butt doesn’t mean I -”
“SILENCE!” the elder boomed. “Raidou the Fourteenth, step forward.”
“Don’t do it, man,” said the Incubus. “C’mon, we can get outta here, easy. Just beat feet, let’s move!”
“I can’t…” said Raidou quietly. “I can’t disrespect the elders of the clan…”
<><><>
As Siegfried, Miyu, and Gouto appeared, the human form was pulled back into Gouto’s body, wrenched backwards by shimmering blue lines attached to his wrists. The moment the soul was back inside, Gouto’s body jerked and he hissed in pain. Nonetheless, he twisted to land on his feet, hitting the floor at a run.
“Follow me!” he commanded.
Miyu took a step, wincing in pain. Siegfried lifted her easily and ran after Gouto. His Summoner was still alive, so he was still bound to protect him.
The demon was having trouble keeping up with the racing cat, however, and spirits, trainees, and instructors were gathering to see why there was a demon with a Kuzunoha Summoner’s mark racing down the corridors with an injured teenage girl in his arms. Those that had seen Gouto were wondering why the cat was there, and those that knew him were shaking their heads and muttering to themselves.
Gouto didn’t care, however. His paws were striking the ground at lightning speed, his reflection a black blur beneath him as he zoomed along. He hoped he wasn’t too late.
<><><>
Raidou stepped forward. The spirits of his predecessors drifted aside to form an aisle. He could not keep from trembling as he walked past them, knowing full well he was not going to be among them when he died. Knowing full well that in the afterlife, the two Incubi he killed would be there, waiting to take their revenge. Knowing full well that Sukuna-hikona was going to be waiting right there with them. Knowing full well that eternal torture awaited him - that he was going to be torn apart…again and again…
He could barely hear the great spirit speak over his own harsh breathing.
“You have failed to uphold an oath on your name. Despite your brave efforts to protect your assigned city, we have no choice but to relieve you of your title.”
“Okay, who’s this ‘we’ you keep talking about?” the Incubus demanded. “All I see is you callin’ the shots!”
“Silence, demon.”
“Fine. Like hell I’m gonna watch you kill the best human I’ve seen in years, though. I’m outta here.”
“Then leave.”
“Sorry, kid…” said the Incubus. “You really were one in a million…hope other Summoners see that we’re people, too.”
Subdued, the demon flew off.
But the second he was out of that room, he flapped his wings to gain speed. He needed to find someone, anyone, that could save Raidou. He had a great idea in his head - that demons were equals to humans, and he couldn’t die until he’d passed that idea on to his children. But for that, he’d have to live long enough to have kids in the first place.
“Hey, demon!” said a shimmering blue spirit, floating into his path. “What’re you doing here? Escape from the training wing?”
The Incubus backwinged furiously to a halt. “Whoa…! No, no, that ain’t it! Look, man, maybe you could help me. Would that tree guy listen to you?”
“…I guess. Why?”
“Listen, I was called here ‘cause I was in a contract with a Summoner -Raidou the Fourteenth. Well, he slipped up, and…well, things had changed since we’d made the contract and I didn’t wanna carry out the penalty anymore. He’s just…he’s given me faith in humanity, y’know? And and that tree’s gonna kill him! Because I didn’t want to!”
“It must’ve been on his name, right? No other way that old man would ever step into a demonic contract. Wait…we’re talking about our current Raidou? The one who went beyond space and time to protect an innocent? The one who dealt with the Red Capes? Did he say he was going to take his title?”
“Yeah, yeah! Willya help me?”
“Yeah. Go on, get out of here before some trainee decides to attack you. I’ll handle this.”
“Thanks, man. You must be related to him - you’re just as good.”
“Heh, everyone here’s related to the four founders. So of course we’re related. Everyone here is, at least a little. Anyway, I gotta get a wiggle on. You do the same.” With that, the spirit flew off.
<><><>
“Wait!” exclaimed one of the Raidous. “You said we’re here to ensure fairness, didn’t you?”
“Yes…”
“Well, I don’t think this is fair. I still have my title, and I lost my life protecting the Emperor from a zombie. This man went beyond space and time to fulfill his duty. Name-oath or no, doesn’t that merit something?”
“Eleventh…” another warned.
“I…” Fear squeezed at Raidou’s heart. “I said…to a witness…that I…if I…can’t…”
“Speak clearly, Raidou the Fourteenth,” said the great spirit. Was it his imagination, or was there a hint of pity in that elderly voice?
“If I can’t uphold an oath on my name…I don’t…deserve it…”
“You were a superb Devil Summoner, Raidou the Fourteenth. And it shows even now that you are faced with death. It is with regret that I say…you have dishonored the sacred name-”
“Like hell,” muttered the Thirteenth.
“Raidou the Thirteenth…I will not give you any more warnings.”
“Fine. Go on.”
Raidou’s body spasmed as a beam of blue light lanced from the tree and connected to him. His face contorted in pain, and he groaned, but would not scream. If not life or title, he would hold on to as much dignity as he could.
“Wait!” a spirit cried, shooting into the room. The great spirit dropped the beam, and Raidou fell to his knees, drained of strength.
“Esteemed Spirit, what is it?” asked a Raidou.
“This isn’t right. He’s done so much, can’t you make an exception?”
“The tenets of the clan cannot be ignored,” said the great spirit. “You of all people should know this.”
“You used to be open to new ideas…” said the spirit. “Now…now you’re just a stuffy old man. You’re twisted as that trunk of yours.”
“That’s enough. We will resume…”
“No,” said the spirit, rushing at the tree.
The tree glowed with orange light. An invisible force caught him and threw him back, sending him sailing through the wall.
“I apologize,” said the Elder Spirit. Raidou couldn’t tell if he was addressing him and his predecessors or the ranking spirit that had attempted to protect him. “As we were, Raidou the Fourteenth…” The beam reconnected with his body, and Raidou, weakened, couldn’t help but let out a scream as pain overtook him. He could feel his strength seeping away, life force torn from his very soul, ripped from his body. His consciousness began to wane, and he felt frail.
He felt feebly for the mental link with Gouto. Most likely, the cat would be too far away to hear. “Goodbye, Gouto my friend. …First, my friend. It was an honor.”
<><><>
The ranking spirit was sprawled about an inch off the ground, limbs hanging limp against the floor. He stirred as Gouto rushed into the room, followed by a breathless Siegfried, still carrying Miyu. Raidou’s goodbye had hardened his resolve, but his eyes widened at the sight of the wounded Kuzunoha spirit.
“Big brother!” Gouto gasped, bounding to his side.
“Hey…it’s Rai-Rai…” chuckled the spirit, weakly righting himself.
“He hurt you?” Gouto asked.
“Nah…I’m all right. He wouldn’t hurt me, not too bad. …Hey. Your protégé…you can still save him. Hurry up…”
“No need to tell me twice. Take care of yourself, brother.”
“See you, Rai-Rai. Send my regards to your Fourteenth. I know you’ll both come out of it alive.”
“Thank you. Siegfried, Miyu, they’re just ahead, we have to hurry!”
<><><>
Raidou was unconscious, held up only by the force of the beam. “Raidou the Second,” said the great spirit. “I will leave you the task of preparing the examination hall for the next potential Raidou the Fourteenth.”
“I doubt you’ll find potential like his,” said a voice. Surprised, the great spirit dropped the beam again, and Raidou collapsed lifelessly onto the floor.
“Gouto!” the Thirteenth cheered as the cat walked into the room, eyes hard and gleaming coldly. Siegfried carried Miyu in behind him. “Hell yes! Maybe you can talk some sense into him!”
“Gouto-douji, what is the meaning of this?”
The fur on Gouto’s back stood on end, and he lowered his head threateningly. Letting out a slow, seething hiss, he said, “That’s Raidou Kuzunoha, old man!” Immediately, his successors began whispering amongst themselves, asking if any other had known this. Gouto glowered at the tree in disgust, his tail lashing the air violently. “I think you owe me some respect, dishonor or no. Especially now that you’re doing this.”
“He admitted it himself, he no longer deserves his title.”
“There were people there that could’ve resuscitated him.” He gestured with his body to Siegfried and Miyu. “You had no right to take him. He wouldn’t have died, so he wouldn’t have broken the terms of contract.”
“And these people possessed this skill?”
“No, but I possess knowledge of it. I could’ve instructed them. Call a Pagan-order out of the training wing. Read my mind. You’ll see. Better yet - Miyu, summon one of your Pagan-orders.”
“Gouto-douji-”
“Call me by my name!” Gouto cried with a hiss.
“Gouto-dou-”
“Raidou Kuzunoha!”
There was a long silence. Only Gouto’s agitated breathing was audible. Miyu whispered something to Siegfried, and he set her down.
“…Raidou. You are allowing your emotional bias towards your Fourteenth and against myself to cloud your judgment. I will continue to carry out the penalty.”
The beam reconnected to Raidou’s body, but an armored form interposed itself between Summoner and tree, breaking it. Siegfried gasped in pain, but did not say a word, whirling and gathering his Summoner in his arms. As he raced out the door, Gouto bounded along behind him, shooting the great spirit a nasty look before leaving. Miyu summoned Cerberus and climbed onto his back, gripping his mane tightly. “I’m very sorry, Honorable One,” said Miyu, lowering her head to her demon’s fur. “But I think he’s right.” With that, Cerberus began to run, and they were off, too.
“Master Raidou…?” Miyu said as they ran. “What did we just do?”
“We defied an unjust judgment,” said Gouto. “The Elder Spirit makes mistakes like anyone else. Let’s get his Summoner’s gear and take him someplace safe to recover.”
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“Your predecessors shall act as witness to ensure fairness,” said the great spirit. “Incubus, Raidou - answer these questions truthfully. Raidou, you swore an oath on your name with this demon, correct?”
“Yes,” said Raidou.
“And what were the terms?”
“That I bring their Irregular population to America and bring America’s Irregular Succubus population here.”
“We do not know why you have agreed to introduce another type of demon to Japan, but the fact remains that you did, indeed, swear on your name that you would do this. If you were not standing here, would you have succeeded?”
“No…I would have drowned.”
“Incubus. What were the agreed-upon terms of failure?”
“That we’d…that we’d have our way with him,” said the Incubus, reluctantly.
“Then such is the punishment we shall witness.” Immediately, four of the Kuzunoha spirits shifted uncomfortably, turning to look at the tree and then each other, as if to ask, “Is he serious?”
“Wait a minute,” said one of the spirits. “Wait. You’re asking us to watch a guy get raped, here. Don’t you think some of us might have a problem with that?”
“Raidou the Thirteenth, you will act as witness. It is your duty as a holder of a sacred title.”
The spirits quieted, not wanting to argue any further with their superior.
“I thank you. Incubus, you are free to carry out the contract’s penalty.”
“Fine,” said the Incubus. He folded his arms and didn’t move.
“Incubus? You might have misunderstood…”
“The penalty was that we get to have our way with him. Well, my way is…nothing.”
“Semantics are not an issue, demon. The penalty is what was meant rather than what was said. Raidou the Fourteenth, I do not know what trickery you have committed to make this Incubus back down on his word, but-”
“Trickery nothing!” the Incubus interrupted. “This kid is one in a million! I’m not gonna have his blood on my hands!”
“Very well,” said the spirit. “But an oath on a hereditary name such as Raidou is a grave matter. Since one party of the contract refuses to uphold his duty, we shall step in.”
“How!?” protested three Raidous at once. Raidou had been wondering the same thing, himself. For some odd reason, the branches of the great spirit’s tree came to mind. …Well, that wasn’t a very comfortable thought. He shifted his weight, trying not to noticeably squirm.
“Silence. The end result would have been death. This is within our practical and ethical capabilities-”
“Oh, you have ethics?” said the Thirteenth.
“Raidou the Thirteenth, you will not show your elder spirit disrespect!”
“Be quiet, Thirteenth,” said another spirit. “What’s wrong with you?”
“Just because you kiss his wooden butt doesn’t mean I -”
“SILENCE!” the elder boomed. “Raidou the Fourteenth, step forward.”
“Don’t do it, man,” said the Incubus. “C’mon, we can get outta here, easy. Just beat feet, let’s move!”
“I can’t…” said Raidou quietly. “I can’t disrespect the elders of the clan…”
<><><>
As Siegfried, Miyu, and Gouto appeared, the human form was pulled back into Gouto’s body, wrenched backwards by shimmering blue lines attached to his wrists. The moment the soul was back inside, Gouto’s body jerked and he hissed in pain. Nonetheless, he twisted to land on his feet, hitting the floor at a run.
“Follow me!” he commanded.
Miyu took a step, wincing in pain. Siegfried lifted her easily and ran after Gouto. His Summoner was still alive, so he was still bound to protect him.
The demon was having trouble keeping up with the racing cat, however, and spirits, trainees, and instructors were gathering to see why there was a demon with a Kuzunoha Summoner’s mark racing down the corridors with an injured teenage girl in his arms. Those that had seen Gouto were wondering why the cat was there, and those that knew him were shaking their heads and muttering to themselves.
Gouto didn’t care, however. His paws were striking the ground at lightning speed, his reflection a black blur beneath him as he zoomed along. He hoped he wasn’t too late.
<><><>
Raidou stepped forward. The spirits of his predecessors drifted aside to form an aisle. He could not keep from trembling as he walked past them, knowing full well he was not going to be among them when he died. Knowing full well that in the afterlife, the two Incubi he killed would be there, waiting to take their revenge. Knowing full well that Sukuna-hikona was going to be waiting right there with them. Knowing full well that eternal torture awaited him - that he was going to be torn apart…again and again…
He could barely hear the great spirit speak over his own harsh breathing.
“You have failed to uphold an oath on your name. Despite your brave efforts to protect your assigned city, we have no choice but to relieve you of your title.”
“Okay, who’s this ‘we’ you keep talking about?” the Incubus demanded. “All I see is you callin’ the shots!”
“Silence, demon.”
“Fine. Like hell I’m gonna watch you kill the best human I’ve seen in years, though. I’m outta here.”
“Then leave.”
“Sorry, kid…” said the Incubus. “You really were one in a million…hope other Summoners see that we’re people, too.”
Subdued, the demon flew off.
But the second he was out of that room, he flapped his wings to gain speed. He needed to find someone, anyone, that could save Raidou. He had a great idea in his head - that demons were equals to humans, and he couldn’t die until he’d passed that idea on to his children. But for that, he’d have to live long enough to have kids in the first place.
“Hey, demon!” said a shimmering blue spirit, floating into his path. “What’re you doing here? Escape from the training wing?”
The Incubus backwinged furiously to a halt. “Whoa…! No, no, that ain’t it! Look, man, maybe you could help me. Would that tree guy listen to you?”
“…I guess. Why?”
“Listen, I was called here ‘cause I was in a contract with a Summoner -Raidou the Fourteenth. Well, he slipped up, and…well, things had changed since we’d made the contract and I didn’t wanna carry out the penalty anymore. He’s just…he’s given me faith in humanity, y’know? And and that tree’s gonna kill him! Because I didn’t want to!”
“It must’ve been on his name, right? No other way that old man would ever step into a demonic contract. Wait…we’re talking about our current Raidou? The one who went beyond space and time to protect an innocent? The one who dealt with the Red Capes? Did he say he was going to take his title?”
“Yeah, yeah! Willya help me?”
“Yeah. Go on, get out of here before some trainee decides to attack you. I’ll handle this.”
“Thanks, man. You must be related to him - you’re just as good.”
“Heh, everyone here’s related to the four founders. So of course we’re related. Everyone here is, at least a little. Anyway, I gotta get a wiggle on. You do the same.” With that, the spirit flew off.
<><><>
“Wait!” exclaimed one of the Raidous. “You said we’re here to ensure fairness, didn’t you?”
“Yes…”
“Well, I don’t think this is fair. I still have my title, and I lost my life protecting the Emperor from a zombie. This man went beyond space and time to fulfill his duty. Name-oath or no, doesn’t that merit something?”
“Eleventh…” another warned.
“I…” Fear squeezed at Raidou’s heart. “I said…to a witness…that I…if I…can’t…”
“Speak clearly, Raidou the Fourteenth,” said the great spirit. Was it his imagination, or was there a hint of pity in that elderly voice?
“If I can’t uphold an oath on my name…I don’t…deserve it…”
“You were a superb Devil Summoner, Raidou the Fourteenth. And it shows even now that you are faced with death. It is with regret that I say…you have dishonored the sacred name-”
“Like hell,” muttered the Thirteenth.
“Raidou the Thirteenth…I will not give you any more warnings.”
“Fine. Go on.”
Raidou’s body spasmed as a beam of blue light lanced from the tree and connected to him. His face contorted in pain, and he groaned, but would not scream. If not life or title, he would hold on to as much dignity as he could.
“Wait!” a spirit cried, shooting into the room. The great spirit dropped the beam, and Raidou fell to his knees, drained of strength.
“Esteemed Spirit, what is it?” asked a Raidou.
“This isn’t right. He’s done so much, can’t you make an exception?”
“The tenets of the clan cannot be ignored,” said the great spirit. “You of all people should know this.”
“You used to be open to new ideas…” said the spirit. “Now…now you’re just a stuffy old man. You’re twisted as that trunk of yours.”
“That’s enough. We will resume…”
“No,” said the spirit, rushing at the tree.
The tree glowed with orange light. An invisible force caught him and threw him back, sending him sailing through the wall.
“I apologize,” said the Elder Spirit. Raidou couldn’t tell if he was addressing him and his predecessors or the ranking spirit that had attempted to protect him. “As we were, Raidou the Fourteenth…” The beam reconnected with his body, and Raidou, weakened, couldn’t help but let out a scream as pain overtook him. He could feel his strength seeping away, life force torn from his very soul, ripped from his body. His consciousness began to wane, and he felt frail.
He felt feebly for the mental link with Gouto. Most likely, the cat would be too far away to hear. “Goodbye, Gouto my friend. …First, my friend. It was an honor.”
<><><>
The ranking spirit was sprawled about an inch off the ground, limbs hanging limp against the floor. He stirred as Gouto rushed into the room, followed by a breathless Siegfried, still carrying Miyu. Raidou’s goodbye had hardened his resolve, but his eyes widened at the sight of the wounded Kuzunoha spirit.
“Big brother!” Gouto gasped, bounding to his side.
“Hey…it’s Rai-Rai…” chuckled the spirit, weakly righting himself.
“He hurt you?” Gouto asked.
“Nah…I’m all right. He wouldn’t hurt me, not too bad. …Hey. Your protégé…you can still save him. Hurry up…”
“No need to tell me twice. Take care of yourself, brother.”
“See you, Rai-Rai. Send my regards to your Fourteenth. I know you’ll both come out of it alive.”
“Thank you. Siegfried, Miyu, they’re just ahead, we have to hurry!”
<><><>
Raidou was unconscious, held up only by the force of the beam. “Raidou the Second,” said the great spirit. “I will leave you the task of preparing the examination hall for the next potential Raidou the Fourteenth.”
“I doubt you’ll find potential like his,” said a voice. Surprised, the great spirit dropped the beam again, and Raidou collapsed lifelessly onto the floor.
“Gouto!” the Thirteenth cheered as the cat walked into the room, eyes hard and gleaming coldly. Siegfried carried Miyu in behind him. “Hell yes! Maybe you can talk some sense into him!”
“Gouto-douji, what is the meaning of this?”
The fur on Gouto’s back stood on end, and he lowered his head threateningly. Letting out a slow, seething hiss, he said, “That’s Raidou Kuzunoha, old man!” Immediately, his successors began whispering amongst themselves, asking if any other had known this. Gouto glowered at the tree in disgust, his tail lashing the air violently. “I think you owe me some respect, dishonor or no. Especially now that you’re doing this.”
“He admitted it himself, he no longer deserves his title.”
“There were people there that could’ve resuscitated him.” He gestured with his body to Siegfried and Miyu. “You had no right to take him. He wouldn’t have died, so he wouldn’t have broken the terms of contract.”
“And these people possessed this skill?”
“No, but I possess knowledge of it. I could’ve instructed them. Call a Pagan-order out of the training wing. Read my mind. You’ll see. Better yet - Miyu, summon one of your Pagan-orders.”
“Gouto-douji-”
“Call me by my name!” Gouto cried with a hiss.
“Gouto-dou-”
“Raidou Kuzunoha!”
There was a long silence. Only Gouto’s agitated breathing was audible. Miyu whispered something to Siegfried, and he set her down.
“…Raidou. You are allowing your emotional bias towards your Fourteenth and against myself to cloud your judgment. I will continue to carry out the penalty.”
The beam reconnected to Raidou’s body, but an armored form interposed itself between Summoner and tree, breaking it. Siegfried gasped in pain, but did not say a word, whirling and gathering his Summoner in his arms. As he raced out the door, Gouto bounded along behind him, shooting the great spirit a nasty look before leaving. Miyu summoned Cerberus and climbed onto his back, gripping his mane tightly. “I’m very sorry, Honorable One,” said Miyu, lowering her head to her demon’s fur. “But I think he’s right.” With that, Cerberus began to run, and they were off, too.
“Master Raidou…?” Miyu said as they ran. “What did we just do?”
“We defied an unjust judgment,” said Gouto. “The Elder Spirit makes mistakes like anyone else. Let’s get his Summoner’s gear and take him someplace safe to recover.”
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