Chương 82: Chapter XXII — A Life Betwixted, Even in Death

The memory of the Cang household's bloody vengeance faded as the present pushed through. On stage, a spider yookai finished her tale, her many eyes glistening.

"…she saw only a mother in need. She helped me weave my nursery web. She was… their warmth." She retreated into the crowd. Umiginu slithered to the center.

"Thank you, everyone," she said, her voice calm.

"You have shown that my sister was a friend to us all. Now, the purpose of this gathering is not to mourn. It is to set her free." She looked at the few humans present.

"In our tradition, a soul released by a violent end must have its vessel unmade so it may journey to the Spirit Realm." Asaka… little sister, can you hear me? Umiginu thought, her eyes closed. Are you trapped in that armor? A puppet for their rage? I wish I could deliver vengeance myself… but that is not your way. And so… it cannot be mine. She opened her eyes, clasping her hands. The crowd followed her lead.

"Oh, gods of the fields and forests," she began, the crowd repeating each line.

"I asked that you guide this child, Shimizu Asaka, on her final path. To grant her a safe passage across the River of Three Crossings. And welcome her into the tranquil fields of paradise. Where she may finally know the peace she was denied in this life." She lifted her head, her voice a declaration.

"And so, we shall release her vessel. Not to the cold ground that took her, but to the sky she loved." She raised a torch high.

"By fire, we shall cleanse her! By smoke, she shall rise!" The crowd roared.

"Open the coffin, Tadamaru," Umiginu commanded. Tadamaru rose.

"Yes, Great Elder!" But as the coffin creaked open, Galan peered through Tadamaru's eyes, noticing the still intact face of Asaka.

"Wait, Tadamaru." The raccoon dog froze. A ripple of confusion tore through the solemnity. Galan rose and stepped onto the stage.

"I have a plan that will speed up this case. But I will need to do something you might hate me for, Umi." If you encounter this story on Amazon, note that it's taken without permission from the author. Report it.

"What do you mean?" Umiginu frowned. Galan took a dramatic breath, knowing that he might pulverize all the trust he'd gained with his request.

"You know how this case still hasn't been solved after twenty years of constant investigation? I have an insane idea that might work." A wave of hostility washed over the clearing. Sawako clenched her fists. He's doing it now?! Doesn't he know he's going to get us both killed?! Tadamaru continued thinking.

"What is your intention with my sister's remains?" Umiginu asked, her face calm and calculating.

"Umi… what you say is true. We must help her find peace. But I believe her spirit is not yet free to make that journey," Galan said, his gaze sweeping over the hostile crowd.

"She is a prisoner, her essence trapped and used by the evil that has taken countless lives. This ritual, as beautiful as it is, cannot reach a soul held captive." He placed a hand on his chest.

"My power allows me to bring her back temporarily. To follow the chain that binds her to her captors. To do this, I need an anchor. Her vessel. I am not asking you to desecrate her memory. I am asking for your permission to fight for her soul one last time." The crowd was ready to storm the stage.

"And what do you wish to achieve?" Umiginu asked, her voice sharp.

"I wish to ask what she experienced after her death. Then, I will send her back with a piece of my soul to gain insight from the ghosts." Galan bowed deeply.

"But if you refuse, I will not ask again and shall leave." Umiginu stared into the coffin. Asaka… I wish to see you again, but… is this the right way? The crowd grew more restless, weapons gripped tight. Satanvubo. If she doesn't decide soon, they will decide for her, Galan thought.

"I agree," Umiginu said, returning the torch to its holder.

"But you must promise to free her after your interrogation."

"If I do, it might alert the ghosts of her absence," Galan explained.

"It's a dangerous gamble."

"That is my term," Umiginu said, her tone cold.

"Agree to it or leave." I must figure out a way to convince her after I start the ritual, Galan thought as he looked down. He then raised his head again, eyes burning with confidence.

"I accept your term. Now, can you tell them to stand down? Things are about to get out of hand." Umiginu turned, seeing the killing intent of the mob. She raised her hands.

"Everyone! Lower your weapons! This is a sanctuary of memory, not a battlefield! I have heard his plea and accepted his terms. If he betrays us, I will deliver the judgment. But until then, let us not taint my sister's final journey with unnecessary bloodshed. Stand down!" The crowd hesitated, and then slowly, weapons were lowered. Murmurs of anger and disappointment remained.

"Ugh, just as I was about to pummel that human," Kazanmaru whispered to his comrades.

"Calm yourself. That is her battle to fight, not ours," Raihoo replied calmly, his hand resting on his field sword.

"Being loyal also means having faith in her ability," Akuro added.

"Leave it for now." Kazanmaru exhaled sharply.

"Fine." He glared at the stage, waiting for an excuse to intervene.