CHAPTER L
~Tea Before the Storm~
Suddenly, the Korobokkurus, their antennae twitching with urgency and eyes wide, launched themselves at the two supernaturals seated nearby, closing the distance in a blur of frantic footsteps. Their tiny limbs moved in rapid, precise gestures—their “I see you” language—imploring the elders with desperate clarity: Destroy. The. Webs. Now.
But all they received in response was a slow, graceful raise of an eyebrow, relaxed postures, and muted scoffs.
“We’re having a tea party,” Kagami drawled lazily, his cocky grin stretching wide. “Do you take us for barbarians, pests? This is a moment of exquisite refinement.”
Ayaka smiled brightly, her tone light but sharp as a razor’s edge, “One must savor even the smallest pleasures, darlings. Even in a webbed prison.”
Shingure sighed softly, that poetic melancholy settling over him like a gentle rain. “In this fragile respite, may we find the sweetness amidst the silken strands before the storm returns.”
Himari merely nodded serenely, fingers curling around her cup, unmoved by the frantic gestures.
The Korobokkurus skittered backward, frustration radiating in every frantic wave of their tiny limbs, their urgent signals echoing futilely against the calm, web-entwined indifference of the four.
The tableau held, frozen between whimsy and threat—the surreal silence of a tea ceremony beneath the watchful gaze of ancient webs woven with destiny and dread.
The surreal tea party continued under the dim, spider-webbed light as Hisame slowly descended from his massive web, his many limbs moving with an eerie grace. With a deliberate flourish, he signaled toward a spotless, gleaming table set up neatly beyond the webbed throne—a stark contrast to the dark, tangled silk that cloaked the rest of the chamber.
“There,” Hisame’s voice rang, resonant and calm despite the ominous setting, “I present the feast I have crafted myself within the confines of the home economics lab. A sanctuary far removed from these twisted halls—where even chaos can be tamed into something... palatable.”
He gestured elegantly toward the assortment spread before them: dishes of delicate arrangement, not typical fare for such a grim place. There were perfectly formed rice balls glistening gently in the pale light, small bowls of steaming miso soup emitting fragrant wisps, a platter of vibrantly sliced vegetables arranged like a blooming garden, and even a quaint little bento box tied with a silken red ribbon. The curious, almost painstaking care with which the meal was prepared was impossible to miss.
Kagami, lounging with that trademark cocky smirk, cast a quick glance at the spread and then back toward Rin’s earlier vocal complaints. His eyes glittered with amusement as he chuckled darkly, voice dripping with teasing malice:
“Ah, no wonder Rin was screeching about the kitchen being a disaster zone! Looks like Hisame’s got more kitchen skills than our chaos king ever dreamed of. While Rin’s sweating over busted Kendamas, this guy’s out here turning the home economics lab into haute cuisine central.”
Ayaka giggled softly, her bright voice sparkling like sunlight, “Honestly, it’s almost endearing. Even in a spider’s lair, you need that touch of home.”
Shingure, eyes dreamy and glistening faintly, added with poetic finesse, “A feast woven from care itself—a balm for the soul navigating the dark silk.”
Himari gave a quiet nod, serene as ever, watching the feast with gentle approval.
Hisame’s many eyes glimmered in silent pride as he watched the reactions, a subtle smile curling across his lips like the calm before the storm, knowing that even amidst webs and war, a true craftsman’s touch commands respect.
The Kaga-Kaga lizards flicked their tongues appreciatively, their crimson scales gleaming as the tea party took on a hint of unexpected warmth in the cold, tangled realm.
The Korobokkurus — driven by fierce loyalty and desperation — exchanged quick, determined glances. The frustration from Hisame’s side had pushed them past words. If the supernaturals wouldn’t act, then the Korobokkurus would take things into their own tiny paws. It was all on them now: this was their chance to save Yuzuki, Rin, and Mofumi — the three they loved most in the entire realm.
They slipped silently out from Hisame’s ruined lair, careful to put as much distance as possible between themselves and the shattered webbed expanse. Once safely away, they moved into a tight circle with nearly eighteen of their kind assembling in unison. Their little bodies vibrated with raw, focused energy as they began an ancient ritual.
Tiny jaws parted, sharp little teeth biting into one another’s paws, blood glinting dark red in the dim light as silver ink started to seep from their veins. The pain was swift and willingly endured.
With coordinated precision, several of the Korobokkurus scrambled up the warped, web-covered wall nearest Hisame’s ruined domain. Using their combined power, they began to inscribe a single, powerful word: “DESTROY.” The black cleansing ink flowed thick and eerie—thick shadows tattooed into the stone. Then, with their fresh pools of blood, they delicately traced over the letters, their crimson lines intertwining with the ink, binding the curse in a sacred balance.
A faint glow pulsed along the wall, slow and steady at first, but rapidly growing brighter. The whole chamber seemed to pulse and hum as an unseen, ancient force stirred, responding to the Korobokkurus’ desperate spell.
Suddenly, with a deep, resonant rumble, the entire space exploded from within.
Debris and shattered webbing rained down like a storm breaking loose — strands snapping, pillars cracking, the vast silk webbed table collapsing into dust. The once-grand spider lair, a fortress of torment, was reduced to heap after heap of tangled ruin.
Out of the chaos, Kagami came sprinting, wild-eyed and breathless, a dazzling smirk playing on his lips despite the destruction around him. Ayaka clung to his side, graceful despite the turmoil, her bright hair a streak against the shadows.
Shingure—oddly transformed from his usual calm—ran past with the speed and determination of an athlete, wide-eyed and haunted by the violence they’d wrought, his face drained of color but fierce with urgency.
Himari and Kaga-Kaga stumbled into view, steadying themseleves as they took their place among the fleeing chaos.
Behind them, Hisame appeared, his spider form silhouetted against the crumbling wreckage of his domain. The pride in his many eyes was extinguished, replaced by a cold fury as he surveyed the devastation.
Yet the Korobokkurus emerged from the depths, their tiny faces alight with satisfaction. They sang softly in their “I see you” language — a delicate, haunting melody that bore both triumph and solace.
Together, the entire squad—Korobokkurus joyfully leading, with Yuzuki, Rin, Mofumi, and the others close behind—turned as one and rushed back toward the right side, the domain of Tsuchigumo, the menacing twin spider that awaited them.
The air was heavy with tumult and hope, the shattered webs behind them fading into memory, while ahead, the final battle for the Spider Realm’s fate loomed ever nearer.
Every heartbeat quickened as the web of destiny tightened — and now, they moved as one, a storm ready to break.
The cavernous domain shook with raw fury as Rin, Mofumi, and Yuzuki faced the monstrous Tsuchigumo in the heart of the Spider Realm’s shadowy lair. The air was thick with the scent of damp silk and something far darker, ancient and predatory. The spider’s multiple eyes glinted like blackened jewels under the faint, eerie luminescence.
Tsuchigumo’s massive legs whipped violently, flicking thick, sticky strands of webbing with terrifying precision. Each thread shot out like a whip, slapping the air with a sharp snap before lashing toward Rin. At the same time, the spider spat torrents of thick, venomous saliva that gleamed sickly in the dim light. The wet spray hit Rin’s chest, burning cold like ice through his clothes. The shock caused him to stagger backward, a grimace flickering across his face, but his wild grin returned instantly.
“Foolish intruder, you dare tear at the sacred weave? This domain is my eternal web! You shall be ensnared and devoured!” Tsuchigumo roared.
Rin, despite bleeding and clearly injured, mocked defiantly, “Yo, big guy, chill with the goo shower! Gotta say, your spit game’s nasty—but I’m not done playing!”
Tsuchigumo’s jawsclicked ominously as a hissreverberated aroundthe chamber. Itsvoice was venomous, the soundlike stone grindingslowly into despair.
The venomous saliva lashed toward Rin, splattering on his chest, burning like ice even through his clothes. He stumbled, wincing, yet forced himself to stay mobile, grinning wildly to keep the monster’s focus.
“Keep your eyes on me, spider-breath! I’m the storm you didn’t see coming!” Rin taunted.
The spider lunged, its enormous legs lashing wildly as thick strands of web tangled thickly around Rin’s swinging kendama strikes. Meanwhile, Yuzuki crouched low with her school scissors, slicing silk strands close to the ancient stone pillars, each cut quick and precise. Hovering nearby, Mofumi flapped his delicate wings, sinking his small teeth into strands nearer Tsuchigumo, ripping at webs glowing faintly with sinister enchantments.
Suddenly, Yuzuki gasped, freezing mid-cut, fingers trembling in the frigid air. “Mofumi! The enchantment—it’s almost gone!”
Mofumi’s sky blue eyes sharpened, wings fluttering faster. “Then let’s hurry and finish it! We’ll bring this web down RIGHT NOW!” he declared, voice ringing with fierce determination.
Together, they doubled their efforts: Yuzuki slashed silk near the supports, while Mofumi tore at the strands closest to the spider. The massive arachnid growled in fury, eyes narrowing as it spun sharply to spew a glob of venomous saliva directly at Yuzuki.
Time slowed in agonizing detail as the glowing venom hit her exposed arm, the poison burning icy cold against the already penetrating chill of the realm itself. Yuzuki’s body jerked; her breath caught in a sharp gasp. Rin’s heart stumbled as he saw her falter, Mofumi frozen mid-bite, caught unaware.
Without hesitation, Rin abandoned his taunts and evasive dance. His chest heaved as blood dripped from fresh wounds, but he leapt to Yuzuki’s side, swelling protectively to shield her. But then a crashing roar shattered the tense moment.
From the entryway, the rest of the squad burst into view, led by Hisame—his huge spider form trembling as tears streamed down his glossy face.
“SISTERRRR! My lair…has been....destroyed…” Hisame wept.
Tsuchigumo hissed with aristocratic disdain, “Such sacrilege! Who dares desecrate the sanctity of your dominion? Speak, that I may rend those little lives from this profane stain!”
Rin’s jaw clenched, teeth grinding bitterly in anger at their squad’s failure. Yuzuki stood frozen, cold winds whirling through the cavern and venom layering over her skin, chilling her to the core. Her mind stuttered in the numbing cold; for a breath, she was stillness itself.
But with great effort, she forced her gaze to Mofumi’s side. “N-now…” she whispered, voice barely a thread.
Mofumi caught the signal instantly. His wings beat fiercely as he turned to Hisame, voice sharp. “If you want her alive, destroy Tsuchigumo’s web—I’ll take care of the rest!”
Rin nodded sharply, blood trailing down his fingers as he spun his kendama in a swift arc. With a sickening snap and a guttural roar erupting from Tsuchigumo, Rin’s weapon sliced through the core strands holding the spider’s lair. The web tore apart like fragile glass shattered under a hammer, strands unraveling in a cascade of shimmering silk that fluttered and fell like dead leaves.
“Yo, web queen,” Rin taunted fiercely, breathing ragged but wild with adrenaline, “This is your last hurrah. Reckon you’re ready to crash?”
Tsuchigumo shrieked in furious defiance, her many legs lashing out, the web undulating as if alive and desperate. Yet with every strike, the solid strands split, and the spider’s hold weakened.
As this raged, Mofumi leapt gracefully toward the crying Hisame. His soft paws pressed gently against the spider’s head, and suddenly, a fierce blue light cracked through the gloom—a sharp, electric pulse that sent radiant lines shooting outward before collapsing in on itself.
Hisame’s eyes rolled back; his massive form went limp as he crumpled backward onto the cold, wet floor with a breathless thud.
Tsuchigumo let out a broken, desperate cry, calling out to her little brother even as Mofumi’s paws latched onto her. Another pulse of flashing blue light erupted, crackling with power. The great spider’s many eyes rolled lifelessly upward, her body slumping as she fell, breathless and defeated, just like Hisame.
Mofumi sighed softly as he landed on the wet stone floor, the tension in the room thick and electric. Around them, Ayaka, Shingure, Kagami, Himari, the Korobokkurus, and Kaga-Kaga all stood frozen, awe and shock blanketing their faces.
Seconds later, Rin again raised his kendama to strike the last remaining thread. But the blade wouldn’t cut through—it seemed fused by some unimaginable force. His roar of frustration echoed like thunder.
“Why won’t this cut?!” he snapped, glaring fiercely at the stubborn silk.
Mofumi spun suddenly toward Yuzuki, urgency cracking his voice: “You have to cut it too, now!”
Yuzuki’s body teetered, breath shallow, teetering on the edge of collapse.
Rin’s voice cracked in disbelief. “Whaaat?!”
Mofumi bellowed, summoning everyone: “Come here now, everyone! We need all hands—and tethers!”
Kagami grabbed Ayaka’s waist, effortlessly lifting her into the air. “Whoa, Ayaka, chill!” she shrieked, half-laughing in surprise. Shingure lifted Himari in the same way, their fingers entwined tightly.
Meanwhile, Rin’s kendama whirled around Yuzuki’s waist, pulling her close to his chest. Her body was ice-cold; her mouth hung open in a frozen gasp. Rin’s free hand supported her waist firmly, while his other hand guided hers to grip the kendama.
At the same time, Kagami and Ayaka, Shingure and Himari each held their signature weapons tightly—the silver pocket mirror shimmering ominously in Kagami’s hand and the poetic fan fluttering like a living thing with Shingure.
Mofumi’s voice rose over the reverent hush, commanding: “At the count of three, we throw our weapons and destroy this cursed realm once and for all! Got it?”
Everyone murmured assent, except Rin, who was silently studying Yuzuki—her upset, freezing eyes meeting his.
“One…” Mofumi began.
“Two…” The tension was palpable. Air seemed to thicken with expectation, every heartbeat pounding thunderous in their chests.
“THREE!” Mofumi roared.
To be Continued...
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