Chapter 74: Chapter 74

Jin’s POV
   When Jin got to Kameda Shrine, Ayumi opens up the doors for him once more.

   “Sorry for being late.” he apologizes.

   The shrine maiden shakes her head.

   “No worries. Everyone else just got here, anyway.”

   Since she mentioned a meeting, Jin was expected to be brought to the main hall or some other part of the shrine where important discussions were held. But nope, he was led to the usual room where guests are entertained.

   First of all, there’s the usual gang: the Graylock sisters, Meiko, and of course, Estyshana. Even Ayumi’s grandparents, Iemitsu-san and Mayuri-san are here too. There’s also a laptop computer here with the face of Fox Lady being shown on the monitor. The way her body is moving indicates that this is a live feed.

   “You have Wi-Fi in here?” Jin asks Ayumi.

   “We sure do. I can tell the name of our Hotspot and the password if you want.” she replies.

   Blimey. The shrine these days sure is high-tech.

   The monitor was facing Jin, so Fox Lady could see Jin coming in.

   “Greetings, Minase-dono. It is so nice of you to join us.” she says to him cheerfully.

   “I’m delighted to be here.” he says drily.

   He sits down next to Estyshana nonchalantly. The demon was eating her packed dinner, but flinched a bit when he sat next to her. Even so, she didn’t say a thing and continued with her meal. He, too brings out a pair of chopstick from his Vault so that he could start eating the food her just made.

   “So, what’s this meeting about?” Jin asks no one in particular.

   “We’re here to discuss about the reason the evil version of Shuzo-sama ordered the attack tonight.” Iemitsu-san answers.

   Jin shrugs as he’s dig in to his dinner.

   “It’s probably a message to her. As in “I’m coming for you”, or stuff like that.” he predicts.

   “I see. That makes sense.”

   Jin looks at the computer screen.

   “Rather, isn’t it easier to just ask this version? Since they were the same person to begin with, they probably share the same thought process.”

   This Fox Lady averts her eyes guiltily.

   “My apologies, but it’s no use. I predicted that she was going to take her time and tries to capture me at her own leisure. I was absolutely surprised when she brought out an army of youkais.” she apologizes.

   Jin rolls his eyes.

   “So much for being her other half.” he tells her bluntly.

   She hangs her head in shame.

   “I have nothing to say back against that.”

   “More importantly, what are we going to do from now on? Now that the barriers between the two worlds are basically gone, the lives of the civilians are in real danger.”

   Fox Lady furrows her eyebrows in concern.

   “That is indeed a great concern. As such, we cannot drag on this war any longer. The longer we drag, the more civilians who risk getting hurt or even killed.”

   “Well, I have a suggestion.”

   “Do go on.”

   Estyshana stops eating for a while.

   “I need to say this first. Whenever he says he “has a suggestion”, it usually means that the idea is very, very insane.” she warns.

   “I would welcome idea of any kind at this point, no matter how insane it is. Please enlighten us, Minase-dono.”

   As Fox Lady is talking, she’s constantly looking downwards, as if there’s something there that caught her interest. Jin tries to ignore what she’s doing and continues.

   “It’s pretty simple, actually. We’ll have you come out in the open to lure the evil version of you out. To put it simply, you’ll become a bait.”

   There was a few seconds of complete silence. The first one to broke it is Estyshana.

   “I told you so.” she mumbles.

   “You’re kidding right, Minase-kun?” Ayumi asks in a tiny voice.

   Jin points at himself with his right index finger.

   “Look at my face carefully. This is my “I’m completely serious” expression.”

   “No no no, you can’t be serious! Do you know how dangerous things might be if the two of them ever meet?”

   “The way I see it, dragging this out is worse. The youkais will continue with their relentless attacks until they got what they want, and they’re not going to worry about their casualties. Can it be said the same for our side?”

   Ayumi falls silent.

   “We need to take this risk if we want to decrease the casualties. End of story.” Jin concludes.

   He bites into a piece of fried chicken and munch on it for a while.

   “Of course, it’s up to her. Like I said, this is just a suggestion.”

   All eyes fall on the computer screen. Ever since Jin has suggested the plan, Fox Lady has been deep in thought. She eventually opens her mouth.

   “I am going to do this.” she decides.

   “Please think this over, Shuzo-sama. You don’t have to do this!” Iemitsu-san pleads.

   She shakes her head firmly.

   “Minase-dono is right. We have to end this as soon as possible.”

   “But, it’s too risky!”

   “You seem to underestimate me, Iemitsu. Despite my look, I am Tamamo no Mae, not to mention Yamauchi Shuzo, one of the strongest onmyoji who ever lived. Besides-”

   She smiles at Jin.

   “I have the strongest bodyguard with me.”

   Jin merely shrugs at that.

   “I don’t mind coming with you if you trust me with your life.”

   She bows at him while still being seated.

   “I most certainly do. Please protect me from any incoming harm.”

   The others are quick to notice that her way of wording her sentence implies that she intends to confront her evil half with only herself and Jin.

   “We the onmyojis will stand by your side too!” Ayumi says to her.

   “She’s right, Shuzo-sama. I trust Minase-dono, but it’s better to have more bodyguards.” Iemitsu-dan agrees.

   Fox Lady shakes her head again.

   “No, it is too dangerous. If the hatred of humans that reside in my other half is anything to go by, she will be extremely relentless in her attacks. Besides, I need the rest of you to stall her armies for us.”

   “I’m not doubting Minase-kun’s strength. Even so, it’s better to be safe than sorry.” Ayumi insists.

   “Exactly. I, Ichihara Iemitsu, will gladly-”

   “That’s enough, you two! Shuzo-sama has already made her decision, so stop trying to change her mind.” Mayuri-san chides her husband and granddaughter.

   Fox Lady smiles.

   “Thank you, Mayuri. Ayumi and Iemitsu, I understand your concern, and I really appreciate you for that. Still, I must do this alone. The rest of her army, on the other hand, shall be left to you as we get busy.”

   “I understand.”

   “...Understood.”

   The two of them look like they want to argue some more, but decide not to as they realize that they’ll just be wasting their time.

   Again, Fox Lady looks downwards for a few seconds before looking at the screen again.

   “So, where are we having the final showdown? Here? Or Kyoto?” Jin asks.

   “Neither. We are bringing the fight to them. In other words, the battlefield will be inside the youkai world.”

   Jin whistles.

   “That’s pretty bold.”

   “There is no way we can fight with all our heart if we have to constantly worry about the civilians. Speaking of them, it is better if we do not involve them at all.”

   “True.”

   “Does that mean we get to visit another new world?” Aldenia says with sparkling eyes.

   “We’re not going there for an excursion, Al.” Audrey chides her.

   “Sorry, nee-san. It’s just that it’s so exciting to know that there’s all these worlds besides Ifezan. First this one, then the world where youkai lives. This really is a huge universe!”

   “...I suppose the idea is indeed exciting.” the elder Graylock agrees reluctantly.

   “So, what’s the place like? You’re born there, right?” Aldenia asks Meiko.

   “Well, it’s like an alternate reality of this one. The most notable difference is that the world of youkai are full of ruins which mirrors the buildings of this world.” the female oni answers timidly.

   Aldenia slides forward towards Meiko.

   “That sounds really interesting! Why are the buildings of two worlds mirroring each other, but their conditions are the complete opposite? Do you know?” she asks while her eyes are sparkling even more.

   “W-Well, my mother had a theory that since most youkais were born from dark thoughts of the humans, even the world we live in reflect the darkness of humanity…”

   “That kind of makes sense. You mum’s really smart, huh? What else is there about the world?”

   “Um, well…”

   Jin gets up from where he was sitting and pulls back Aldenia.

   “Stop pestering her, Aldenia. Can’t you see that she’s troubled?” he chides.

   Aldenia lets out a loud gasp. She puts her hands together loudly and bows at Meiko.

   “I’m so sorry, Meiko-chan! It’s just that all these new world things got me really excited!”

   “Please, there is no need to apologize. Rather, I should be the one who apologize for being, um, intimidated by you.”

   Aldenia steps forwards again. This time, it’s to hug Meiko.

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   “Oh, you’re such a good girl! No wonder Minase is so overprotective of you!” she cries while embracing Meiko tightly.

   This time, it took Jin a lot more effort to pull the fujoshi away.

   “Can you calm down? We’re still in the middle of a meeting, remember?” he reminds her.

   “Oh right, my bad.”

   Once Aldenia has settled down, Jin gestures Fox Lady to continue.

   “Needless to say, the war tomorrow will be the most dangerous one yet. The number of youkais that we faced tonight is nothing compared to those who still resides in the other world. And so, I shall give a warning.”

   She looks at the Graylock sisters and Estyshana with a serious expression.

   “The three of you are not from this world. As such, you have no obligation to join us. I will understand if you want no part of it.”

   “No worry, Shuzo-san! I’ll be more than happy to help you out! Besides, there’s no way that I’ll miss out on a good fight.” Aldenia says while cracking her fists.

   “Similar to Al, I also don’t mind being of assistance if it means that this country will be free of a major threat.” Audrey agrees with a nod.

   “...I don’t like doing things half-way.” Estyshana tells Fox Lady after chewing a piece of mackerel.

   Fox Lady bows at them.

   “Thank you.” she tells them gratefully.

   Next, they discussed about the manpower. It’s too risky if every single onmyoji go to the world of youkai and leave this place defenseless. Therefore, it’s been decided that half of them will remain as guards.

   “It’s rather dangerous for those coming with us, but it is inevitable. We cannot focus on the war so much that we neglect the safety of the civilians that we left behind.” Fox Lady says reluctantly.

   “Worry not, Shuzo-sama. I and the other heads will make sure that only the cream of the crop will follow us to the youkai world.” Iemitsu-san assures.

   He pauses.

   “Not that those we left behind are any way inferior than those we will be bringing.”

   “Besides, it won’t be a problem if you and I settle things with your evil half quickly.” Jin adds.

   “I suppose Minase-dono is right. Speed is the key to victory here.”

   The meeting continued about an hour or so until Fox Lady decides to call it for the night.

   “Now that the discussion is over, let us end this meeting. After all, tomorrow is going to be a long day.”

   Jin raises his eyebrow.

   “We’re not doing this right away?” he asks.

   “I am afraid not. Most of us are injured or tired or both. They need all the rest they can get.”

   Jin shrugs as he chews on a piece of potato croquette.

   “Fair enough. Tomorrow it is.”

   Coincidentally, tomorrow is a Saturday, so none of the students here have to worry about going to school.

   “I am glad that you understand. Now then-”

   Fox Lady looks around.

   “Marika? Where are you, Marika?” she calls her unseen servant. “I need you to turn off this machinery.”

   “All you need to do is press the off button.” Jin tells her.

   “That is the issue here. I cannot find the said button at all no matter how long I tried to search for it!!” she complains.

   That explains the way she was constantly looking downwards. It was all to look for a single button.

   “Even my grandmother who lives in the countryside knows how to operate a computer.” he mumbles.

   “That comparison is unfair! This is my first time in ever being in close contact with modern technology such as this. Therefore, you cannot expect me to be well-versed in it!”

   “It’s called keeping up with the time. I’m surprised that you’re bad at it, considering the fact that you’re way older than the first computer.”

   Her breathing got heavier in a second.

   “...I shall ignore the casual insult that you threw.”

   “Oh, good for you. You’re actually being calm instead of lashing out when someone points out something that you hate.”

   “I am the elder one here, after all. I should know better and be a better role model for you younglings.” she says frostily.

   Jin nods his head a few times.

   “Yup, it’s totally true that wisdom is followed by age. And in your case, it’s thousands of years of wisdom.”

   “Minase-dono, I really don’t recommend you to insult her age, of all things…” Iemitsu-san warns in a soft voice.

   “Iemitsu-san, she’ll never grow as a proper person if all she does is running away.”

   “Still-”

   Marika the servant chose this moment to step inside, well, wherever Fox Lady is in.

   “Did you call for me, Shuzo-sama?” she asks her master.

   “Yes, I need you to teach me how to turn off this rectangle board-”

   “It’s called a laptop computer.” Jin informs her.

   “-as I cannot find the “switch” thing you mentioned.” Fox Lady continues while pointedly ignoring him.

   “This is the button you’re looking for, Shuzo-sama.” Marika tells Fox Lady while pointing at something with her finger.

   “Ah, so that’s the one. I was wondering why it is the only one among all these that is being lit up. Now, before I press it-”

   Fox Lady looks up once more.

   “I wish all of you a good night.” she wishes.

   Once that was done, her index finger reaches out to something. A few seconds later, the laptop’s screen has gone blank.

   “Are you sure we can’t convince her to change her mind, grandfather?” Ayumi asks her grandfather.

   “I’m afraid not. You saw her expression. That was a very determined look.”

   “Now stop being persistent. You’ll just being disrespectful if you insist that she shouldn’t go through with her decision.” Mayuri-san says to her granddaughter.

   “I understand, grandmother.”

   Ayumi looks at Jin and bows at him.

   “Please, Minase-kun. Please make sure that you protect Shuzo-sama.” she tells him.

   “Oh, stop that.” Jin tells her irritably. “We’re classmates, so you don’t have to be so formal with me.”

   “Besides, it’s not worth your time to be respectful to him, of all people.” Estyshana says as she’s finishing the last of her dinner.

   “Yup, take a good example from this so-called princess here who has zero aura that’s befitting a royalty.”

   Estyshana glares daggers at Jin while he continues to fill his stomach.

   “You know, I’m rather surprised that you’re not trying to barge in to the youkai world and try to solve this all by yourself.” Aldenia says to Jin.

   “Yeah, that’s not happening. I mean, I don’t know what the evil Tamamo no Mae can do. It’s best to face her with Yamauchi.”

   “You should learn from Minase-san and be more thoughtful about how to face your foes, Al.” Audrey tells Aldenia.

   The younger Graylock laughs awkwardly at that.

   “Yeah, I guess I’m way too reckless at times.” she admits.

   “Well, it’s getting late. Let us all rest for the night.” Iemitsu-san announces as he and his wife gets up.

   The others wish the two elderly a good night, and they wished back in turn.

   “Would all of you like to stay for the night?” Ayumi asks her guests.

   “Oh, is that an invitation for a sleepover?” Aldenia asks with sparkling eyes.

   “Al, you really need to act more mature.” Audrey chides. “We have a huge fight ahead of us, remember?”

   “Are you saying that you’ve never wanted to have one of these, nee-san?” Aldenia demands.

   Audrey averts her eyes guiltily. It would seem that she’s interested in this kind of things too.

   “I am sort of interested.” she admits rather reluctantly. “I wish to stay over for the night. That is, if you don’t mind, Ichihara-san.”

   Ayumi smiles at her.

   “Of course. And please, call me Ayumi.”

   “Um, how about me? I would like to stay over too.” Meiko asks nervously.

   Ayumi lets out a small sigh.

   “...Of course you can.”

   “...! Thank you so much!”

   “I’ll be staying over too.” Estyshana says.

   “Glad to hear it. I shall prepare a suitable amount of blankets for all of you.”

   Jin puts his takeout box and chopsticks back into the Vault and gets up.

   “Well, you girls have fun. I’ll be seeing you tomorrow.” he tells them.

   “Aren’t you going to stay over too?” Aldenia asks.

   “No thanks. I don’t really like sleeping at a place that’s not my own house.” he declines.

   “Oh come on, Esty and Meiko are here~.” Aldenia coaxes.

   That made Jin hesitate. Spending some time with these two does sound intriguing. Still-

   “Nah, I’ll pass. It’s real awkward for a guy to be joining in a sleepover that’s full of girls.”

   “Well, if you insist. See you tomorrow, then.”

   After saying a simple farewell to those who’re still present, Jin leaves the shrine.

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