Page 95 of Lord of the Lone Wolf
His victory was short-lived. The bones trembled and flew back together, reassembling into the towering figure once more.
An arrogant laugh that Kitsuki had not heard in centuries echoed through the night air. “We are gratified to see Brother trained you to become an even better warrior in our absence. You have done us proud, son.”
Kitsuki straightened, his sword raised. “Is it truly you, Father?” He would have found it unbelievable if he had not witnessed Maseo’s mother’s consciousness earlier.
The skeleton inclined its skull in affirmation. “Indeed. While the circumstances are unfortunate, we are happy to be reunited.”
“How is this possible?” Kitsuki asked, his voice tight with lingering adrenaline.
“Ishibiya has been siphoning dead souls from the Beyond Realm to build Nasume a formidable army of lichen skeletons,” Tatsuki explained. “While we are powerful enough to resist, weanswered the call of the death puppeteer because we have a role to play in this war.”
With a gesture of his skeletal hand, Tatsuki extinguished the red flame along the black diamond blade and extended it toward his son. “Store this in your cabinet for now. When you return home after the war, give it to Auslin. Make sure no one else touches it, not even you.”
Kitsuki accepted the sword with cautious reverence, using his magic smoke to handle it. The blade caught the moonlight, revealing intricate etchings along its surface that seemed to shift and change as he studied them. “For what purpose?”
“To do what only he can,” Tatsuki replied. “When the time comes for him to save everyone from the greatest evil, he will understand. You must keep the blade safe from falling into the wrong hands. It contains the power of the Beyond Realm, which would corrupt even the strongest of men. As amazing as you are, only Auslin can wield it without consequences.”
Shock registered on Kitsuki’s face, mirrored in Maseo’s expression as the barrier between them dissolved. “This is a Beyond weapon?”
“The only one in the Living Realm, and with good reason,” Tatsuki confirmed. “It must remain a secret, especially from your two greatest enemies.”
With a thought, Kitsuki transported the sword to his private cabinet in Tiora. “How did you bring such a forbidden soulkeeper sword into the Living Realm?”
Tatsuki’s laugh resonated through the clearing, his bones rattling with the sound. “We have our ways, son. We are pleased to play our part in ensuring the success of your mates.”
Before Kitsuki could respond, Tatsuki turned his attention to Maseo. “It is fortunate that the only thing you share with your father is his good looks. We look forward to you putting an end to that miserable whelp’s life. Nasume has reigned in terror for far too long.”
Maseo’s jaw clenched with determination. “I will do whatever it takes to stop him.”
“Take heart in knowing your success will make you a legend celebrated across the three realms,” Tatsuki said. “You will be richly rewarded for your efforts. By the time we are through with him, your father will face an eternity of punishment in Blightmare Vale.”
Maseo bowed his head. “Knowing he cannot hurt your son or Auslin anymore is reward enough.”
“We will protect your mother upon our return,” Tatsuki promised, surprising both Kitsuki and Maseo. “You have our word that if Nasume does the impossible and reaches Everlight Vale, we will not let him near her.”
Maseo gave a formal bow, deeper than before. “Thank you for protecting her. That means more to me than I can express.”
“We are happy to do so, as she is the reason you possess a loving heart. You are clan, after all.” Tatsuki returned his attention back to his son, the red fire in his eye sockets burning brighter. “Take good care of him, son. You and your mate.”
“He is ours to protect,” Kitsuki said, the words escaping before he could stop them.
“We are pleased you have stopped running from your fate as an Ariake.” Tatsuki’s voice had an approving rumble. “Alyndraoften speaks to me of how proud she is of the honorable and loving man you have become.”
Kitsuki blinked in surprise. “My mother speaks to you?”
Tatsuki nodded. “We have all found peace together in Everlight Vale.” It was the heaven where good souls spent their eternal lives in the Beyond Realm. “Even Arenthia.”
Before Kitsuki could inquire further, Kizoshi strode through the flames into the clearing, resplendent in the full regalia armor of her role as the War Power. She smiled up at the reanimated skeleton of their father.
“There is our precious daughter,” Tatsuki said, his fire burning brighter. “We have missed you dearly.”
“As I have missed you, Father,” Kizoshi replied. “I must say, you look well for a skeleton.”
Tatsuki’s bones rattled with his booming laughter. “It is an unfortunate consequence of the conditions for my brief return to the Living Realm, but worth it to have one last conversation with you both.”
Kitsuki glanced at his sister as Maseo watched them with wide eyes. “I suppose you knew this would happen?”
“Of course I did,” she replied with a laugh. “Has he entrusted you with the sword for Auslin?”
