38 Regaining Entry (2/2)

”Hold on, let me show you something cool.” Now if only I could reopen that portal.

If I remember correctly, Lacrimosa's realm was pretty dark inside. It was almost like the deepest pit of oblivion itself, so I might be able to manipulate the space that separates her realm from this waypoint, after all, I can control anything dark. So if I could only imagine the same portal we used earlier, this should be as easy as counting numbers...I got it.

While it is the very first time that I tried doing this, not to mention I'm yet to explore the extent of my power, I highly doubt if something wrong is to happen. The darkness would never betray me, his chevalier to me is beyond any loyalty. Hmmm.

”Shiro try saying 'Open Sesame' for me.”

”Hai. Open Sesame!”

Having Shiro to say such a trivial phrase, I managed to open a portal in front of us, a carbon copy of the one Lacrimosa makes every time she needs to enter her realm. Well, I could say it's a success perhaps? There's no point in too much skepticism, although I'm dragging this little girl along without prior knowledge of what lies beyond.

Wait. That realm incorporates a time disorientation spell. The time there moves viably slower. I should not waste time when I'm there and I should probably get her outside the moment I come in contact. No questions asked...

Oh right, there's no need, in going critical over such a mainstream feature. Shiro can act as the nullifier since, if a third party other than the deity and the Herrscher is to see someone entering the portal, the time disorientation spell would be impotent. I guess Shiro is quite handy.

”Whoaaww! Did I do that oni-chama?”

”Uhmm. Yes, you did! Nice spell!”

”Teeheee...Uhmm, Is that where Lacrimosa onee-chan is living? It's dark, I'm scared to go in, oni-chama...” Having seen how obscure the portal looks like, she once again found herself cowering in fear, but this time is quite unessential...A kid is a kid Jaiden, there's no helping it.

It is in these types of situations where I would want to say ”Oh no, there's no point on being afraid of the dark, he's a dear friend of mine!” like boasting a very loyal friend... It's in the dark where I can think and reflect on some things. It's in the dark where I can find myself secure and heck, in other words, I don't get it why it is hated and is still relevant as an embodiment of imaginative horror. If there's one thing anyone should be afraid of, its the light of day! It's where those monsters appear and would go to work to have some monetary gains. But, na-ah, I surely can't say that to a kid. Besides, I know how fast Shiro can maneuver over her fears.

”Don't worry, I'm here. And beyond that is the palace of Lacrimosa. It's very magical, I think you would like it.”

”Magical? Are there any pegasus inside?”

”Why don't we find out?”

”Ok oni-chama”

Her tiny fingers then held my hand as she remains assured that everything is fine as a kind stranger in her side said so.

”Ok, Shiro in a count of three! Let's jump ok?”

”Ok, oni-chama I'm ready”

”One...” Hell, I don't know why but I'm somewhat nervous.

”Two...” This is an invasion of privacy in that Goddess's perspective. Oh well, to make it a tie...I, might as well invade...a little.

”Three!” Without hesitation, while holding Shiro, I jumped right in. Wait, what do I do if Lacrimosa is changing clothes as of the moment!? More like, why did that thought only crossed to me now?

The next thing I saw is the great darkness that enveloped us whole, with the portal at our back, starting to close. Quite the opposite of the magical internal palace that I made Shiro expects to see. The atmosphere is so bleak as ever and there is no turning back. It would take another moment or two to imagine such a carbon-copy of the portal again, leading outside.

Shiro's grip in my hands began to add pressure. It's highly understandable, we can hardly see anything. But more importantly, where is she? Wait, don't tell me this place is not it. Calm down. First, let me assess the place.

Darkness? Check?

Chess-patterned tiles? Check!

Hmmm. This is assuredly Lacrimosa's realm. It's beyond question, and I can quite pick up her presence here... Yet, where the hell is she?

”Oni-Chama...Where's Lacrimosa oni-chan?”

”Uhmm. Let's wait for her a little.”

”WHO'S THERE!” Out of the severe darkness, there bammed a door suddenly opening out of nowhere and from it steams came out as if the room was somewhat leading to a hot spring. A rosy fragment then came drifting through my nostrils. The light coming from the same door also is radiant and a silhouette of a lady figure made its appearance wondering who could have had access to this realm. It's Lacrimosa.....fresh from the bath.