Chapter 7: Rescue Party
Meanwhile, back in Yuuko's shop, Doumeki clutched his right eye as his vision began to split. His left eye's vision focused on Yuuko who was explaining the compensation for their wish while the right showed what Doumeki knew was what Watanuki saw. Seeing Doumeki grab his eye, Yuuko ceased talking and watched the archer in her typical all-knowing manner as Himawari asked if he was okay. Doumeki remained silent as he was more focused on what Watanuki's vision showed, and he was not happy with what he was seeing. For several moments everyone was quiet as Doumeki saw the scene of tentacles ensnaring Watanuki and dragging him into what looked like a jail cell as he tried to find an escape. His brow furrowed and his frown deepened as he could clearly catch a glimpse of chains that clasped around his wrists and ankles. After a moment of frantic escape efforts, the vision of Watanuki's right eye began to fade as whatever fear had stirred up their link shifted into submissiveness. Within a moment Doumeki's eye went back to normal as Doumeki lowered his hand and a deep scowl evident on his face.
"What did you see?" Yuuko asked. Doumeki glanced at her half-expecting a smirk on her face but instead an equally grave expression met his gaze. Doumeki tried to answer but couldn't quite form the words.
"Watanuki's in really big trouble, isn't he?" Himawari stated rather flatly, which caught everyone slightly off guard.
"Un," he finally grunted in confirmation. "From what I can tell he's in some sort of dungeon. And it looks like something else might just happen as well."
"Then time is of the essence," Yuuko replied. "However, I will first need your compensation before I can do anything." Doumeki fought the urge to argue with the witch, knowing it was pointless. Himawari reached around her neck and undid the clasp of a necklace that was hidden under her uniform shirt, taking it off and placing it in Yuuko's outstretched hand.
"That locket was my grandmother's," Himawari said a little sadly at the memory of he deceased grandmother. "Is it acceptable?" Instead of answering, Yuuko took Himawari's chin gently and tilted it up so she (Himawari) looked into her (Yuuko's) face.
"It is more than enough my dear," Yuuko spoke almost seductively. Doumeki couldn't help but think about how Watanuki would've reacted if he were here. Yuuko then turned her attention to him. "And you Doumeki-kun?"
"My grandfather has a number of old books in his study," Doumeki informed. "I believe a number of them contain some pretty strong incantations or useful information that might be of interest to you." Yuuko placed a finger to her cheek in thought. Doumeki took it as a sign that it wasn't enough and started to add onto it.
"If that's not enough then-" Yuuko raised her hand stopping him in mid-sentence.
"Taking into account the amount of books your grandfather has collected and the worth it possesses, it would be an appropriate payment. However, even then the prices you two have paid do not counterbalance the value of your wish." Doumeki and Himawari felt their stomachs tighten when they heard this.
"You mean it's not enough?" Himawari asked in a tone of concern. Surprisingly, Yuuko shook her head.
"Actually, it's the exact opposite, you have given me too much." Himawari and Doumeki exchanged glances, obviously confused.
"But Yuuko-san, how is this too much?" asked Himawari. Yuuko took a quick drag on her pipe before answering.
"Your wish was to save Watanuki from whatever has snatched him away. That is something I, personally, can do little about. The action of saving him is to be done by you and you alone; all I can do is show you the way. The prices you two have given me are too great of payment for a simple task of simply sending you there. The treasured belonging of a loved one that holds its own power and a tome of knowledge that can repel the most dangerous of foes are far too precious to be taken for granted. Am I right?" Yuuko asked with a grin. The two teens remained silent as they tried to fully absorb the dimension witch's words.
"Therefore to properly balance out our transaction, I will be sending a powerful asset with you on your mission," she concluded. Yuuko raised her arm and the pipe fox (which managed to finally calm down for the most part) slithered out from wherever it was hiding on her and slunk to the floor.
"The Kudakitsune?" Doumeki asked.
"Well of course. The Kudakitsune's spiritual power will blow away any opponent you were to encounter since you had such trouble facing those two spirits by yourself," Yuuko said. Doumeki felt his eye twitch at the painful memory of being overpowered by those two loathsome spirits. "After all, I'm sure the poor dear would be absolutely beside himself if he were to stay behind and not rescue his beloved Watanuki," Yuuko said with a mischievous smile. "Am I correct, dear Kudakitsune?" The pipe fox growled affirmatively as its hackles stood on end aggressively. It shot into the air and began to spin in circles with increasing speed until it began to glow. Light erupted from it and once it died down, a large nine-tailed fox with magnificent fur stood in its placing breathing fire and snarling in a way that said, "Damn straight! Anybody who gets in my way will be burned alive!"
"That's so incredible!" Himawari couldn't help but declare as she beheld the miffed spirit. Doumeki felt like rolling his eyes but repressed the urge to do so.
"Now then," Yuuko began getting everyone's attention. "Are the three of you ready?" Doumeki stiffened slightly.
"Three?" He repeated in confusion.
"Yes, It will be a difficult mission for you and the Kudakitsune alone. It would be more beneficial to have Himawari-chan go as well."
"No," Doumeki objected rather flatly but at the same time sternly. "It'll be too dangerous." Although this was the truth and he didn't want anyone else to be lost or get hurt but mostly Doumeki didn't want her around due to her "curse." Even if he were immune to it for the most part, it might interfere with the rescue itself or worse, befall Watanuki if they were to find him.
"I'll be fine Doumeki-kun I have you and the Kudakitsune to protect me so I'll be okay. Besides, I really want to help Watanuki-kun," Himawari pleaded.
"You will go Himawari-chan," Yuuko declared. Doumeki gave her a look of strong disapproval but Yuuko ignored it. "You will go because you have paid the price already. And I believe you will become an important resource on your quest." Himawari beamed with determination while Doumeki was still against the idea but sighed and reluctantly agreed.
"In that case, let us begin the necessary preparations shall we?"
Author's Note: Apologizes on the longer wait for this chapter. Finding work has not been easy and because of that I will be updating the story probably once a week instead of every few days. So expect the next chapter sometime within a week. In any case, please enjoy!