Chapter 12 #2
“Then one day, Ryukage announced he was leaving. He gave no reason why. He just vanished,” Yumi said, opening her eyes and facing Ryuichi.
“A part of Inumagami felt betrayed by his master’s actions.
That part wanted vengeance. But he knows better.
His master had been kind to him once, and now he wants to extend that kindness to you, his son. ”
Yumi released everyone—Inumagami, his samurai, and Naomi—from their trance.
Instantly, Inumagami’s tail began to wag. “I have decided to help you.”
Ryuichi blinked a few times. Was this really happening? Had Yumi convinced Inumagami with her powers?
Masaru folded his arms and smugly looked at the kitsune adviser. “Looks like this is our win.”
The adviser didn’t appear to remember being affected by Yumi’s magic. Neither did Inumagami or his protectors.
What a relief!
“Master, if you are to take them to the Ryukage, you will have to abandon Kagemura, will you not?” Naomi asked Inumagami. “What will happen without your great leadership?”
The lord frowned at those words. “Oh, that’s a good point. You’re right.” He turned to Ryuichi. “I’m terribly sorry. I won’t be able to go with you.” He lowered his head. “Maybe next time.”
Masaru grunted, indicating that he didn’t like the sudden turn in this negotiation. “You would fail to take Ryuichi to his father? Imagine how angry the Ryukage will be. He’s waited all this time for his child to be with him. Do you really want to be the one to keep them apart?”
Ryuichi almost laughed at Masaru’s words. He was laying it on very thick, to the point where it might not be believable. Even after learning that his father was capable of caring for someone other than himself, he still was unconvinced Ryukage could ever really love.
Still, Masaru’s veiled threat worked like a charm.
“No, I don’t.” Inumagami stood and wagged his tail. “I’m sure it’ll be fine.” He turned to his administrator. “I have faith in you, Naomi. You’re more than capable of taking care of Kagemura during my absence. After all, you know what happens to those who disappoint me.”
All of Inumagami’s servants rubbed at the line of their throats where the executioner’s blade would cut through.
Naomi stood there, speechless for several heartbeats, until she finally sighed. “Well, that was certainly unexpected. Nicely done.” She gave Masaru a reluctant but earnest bow.
Masaru did likewise, honoring his opponent.
Then she turned and did the same to Ryuichi.
Hayasaka stepped forward. “Thank you, my lord. We are ready to follow you wherever you go.”
Inumagami cringed a bit. “Well, to be honest, I don’t know exactly where he is.”
Fury whipped through Ryuichi. “Then all of this was for nothing? Are you kidding me?”
“No worries, Kage-taro. We can find him,” Inumagami assured him.
“How?” Ryuichi asked, more frustrated than he’d ever been before.
Inumagami sat down to scratch his leg again. “Patience, young lord. I have a bounty hunter who lives by the docks. Right here in Kagemura. He has helped me track down the most despicable creatures in the city. And he hasn’t failed me yet.”
Masaru shook his head. “And what makes you think he’ll help us?”
“I speak his favorite language,” Inumagami replied. “Money.”
“What kind of yōkai is he?” asked Masaru.
Inumagami cleared his throat. “Shinigami.”
Ryuichi felt as if he might be ill.
Of all the yōkai, shinigami were the worst. The last thing any of them needed was a death god in the mix. Shinigami were dark lords who lived to play tricks and kill. Dealing with one was almost impossible.
“Is there a problem?” Inumagami asked.
Of course there was. Even the quizzical look on Yumi’s face spoke volumes.
“My lord, money will only satisfy shinigami for so long. It is a poor substitute for what they really want.”
Which were souls.
Collecting souls was what these death gods lived for.
“Is there no one else?” Ryuichi asked.
“Satoru is different. You’ll see,” Inumagami said. “He will help us for a reasonable price. No questions. I’m sure.”
Ryuichi wanted to believe that. “It’s the only way?”
“Quickest way.”
That settled it, then. They were going to do something stupid. Again. Tie their fates to a death god who would most likely steal their souls.
Lovely.
“Don’t look so dour, Kage-taro. Have faith,” Inumagami said. “I can sniff out a double cross from a mile away.”
Ryuichi looked over at Naomi, whose wide-eyed expression said she had no more faith than he did.
Neither did Masaru or Yumi.
* * *
Inumagami led Ryuichi and his friends from the palace back into the streets. While he put on a brave face and walked with confidence, he felt anxious about what was to come. The amount of trust he was placing in this strange yōkai was almost foolish.
As if sensing his uneasiness, Yumi took his hand. But Ryuichi wasn’t exactly comforted by the kind gesture. Her delicate fingers made him feel even more nervous. Bashful, even. He wasn’t used to anyone showing him compassion. Not really.
The only girl who’d ever been nice to him had been his teacher, Lord Hattori’s daughter, Takara. And he really missed her. She’d been courageous and sweet. One of the few people in his life who had stood up for him, even when it angered her father.
Sadly, she’d stayed at their school while Ryuichi and his gang of derelicts had been driven out.