A Demon's Tale

To grow strong and live in the battle. That itself was the ironclad rule of oni.

There were some who certainly did not follow with this idea. However, many oni relished in such a phrase. The glory of battle. An avarice for true power. The blood that was spilled was a trophy to them.

Countless oni could be considered strong. Perhaps due to their might, or their speed, even their wit.

However, there was one family name that stood on top. Regardless of how many generations had passed, even after the oni genocide incident, one name was known by all. A family that sought strength, thus the man who would bear the name would find a strong wife to bear the fruit of his might.

The Ryoma family.

Unmatched with the blade, unmatched with their fists. They were oni like no other. They were not nearly as barbaric as the rest of their race for one simple reason. Where their strength rested.

Love. The love of their family was the very thing that pushed them forward. The power to protect those they loved, the power to fight for them, the power to embrace them with everything they could give. Much like the ironclad rule of oni, this was the Ryoma family’s own.

Thus, a phrase was created, passed down from generation to generation. Formed by the Ryoma and remembered by those that fell beneath their feet, the phrase was simple…

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From one smug grin to another, the oni and kitsune stared each other down, ready to begin their battle at any moment. Before they had started, two kitsune were told to assist the others who were engaged in battle on the lower floors. All that remained was a smaller kitsune, who almost matched in appearance to the beautiful, smiling goddess. Swiping her hand in the air, the same goddess gave a command to the final child.

Kōkatsu: [Kaoru, get back a safe distance. Not sure what this battle is gonna be like, so I don’t want ya gettin’ hurt.]

Kaoru: [R-right!]

The small kitsune gave a quick nod as she headed towards a protruding wall several feet away. As she hid behind it, her orange eyes slowly peeked over to observe the fight.

Shortly after seeing this, the oni scratched his chin with one hand and waved with the other.

Ryuusei: [Right, right. I forgot to tell her off as well. Oi, Ryuka! Find somewhere else to fight. I’m taking up this space for now.]

Behind him, an aggressive eruption bursted into his eardrums by his younger sister.

Ryuka: [Ha?! I’m not trying to stay here in the first place! I wanna see Shiro, but this bitch is getting in my way!]

Ryuusei: [Cool, but can you leave for now though? I don’t care where, I just don’t really want my fun to be ruined because you’re being too loud.]

Ryuka: [The only one being loud is you, dumbass! It’s literally what you do!]

Slumping his shoulders down, Ryuusei gave an exhausted look to the floor.

Ryuusei: [Honestly, I’m not gonna be able to enjoy it like this…]

Past the two oni, the purple scaled goddess, Silvia, gazed at Ryuusei and Kōkatsu. Oddly, her eyes grew much more determined and, after pulling her sword out from under her coat, sliced a nearby wall. She then wrapped her tail around an extended arm of Ryuka’s.

Ryuka: [Wh–]

Silvia: [Undersssstood. Pleasssse, enjoy your time with her.]

Ryuka: [Woah! Hey!]

Gently, she threw Ryuka into the nearby room, slithering her way in shortly after. Both the oni and kitsune watched this, confused by the fact that Silvia was the one to move. The loud oni from before was now gone, thus leaving the hall silent.

Ryuusei: [That was weird. She normally like that?]

Kōkatsu: [No. She’s been kinda off today. I don’t know what it is, but ever since this mornin’ she’s constantly givin’ me glances. I might have pissed her off without knowin’]

Pressing the hilt of his scythe-like blade against his shoulder, Ryuusei scratched his chin again with the remaining hand and turned back to Kōkatsu.

Ryuusei: [Hm. Well, hopefully you two get along again soon. Although, seeing as we’re gonna fight, it might not end up that way. With the snake woman out of the way, though–]

Kōkatsu: [Lamia.]

Ryuusei: [Huh?]

Kōkatsu: [Lamia. The correct term for her is lamia.]

Ryuusei: [... Is it?]

Kōkatsu: [Yeah. Do ya not know?]

Ryuusei: [No, no. I knew what lamias were. But you hear a folklore tale or two and just assume “Oh, that’s the type that eats people.”, you know what I mean?]

Kōkatsu: [Couldn’t ya say the same for kitsune and oni folklore though?]

Ryuusei: [... You know what, fair enough. That one is on me. Anyways, how about we start this match?]

Kōkatsu: [Good. I thought I was gonna get all rusty standin’ here.]

Ryuusei: [Please, you seem too refined to get rusty over standing.]

Kōkatsu: [Ohoho! A saucy one! I’m beginnin’ to like ya!]

While Kōkatsu grasped the hilts of her blade and Ryuusei adjusted his stance, a wide smile could be seen by the lamia in the next room over. One who just so happened to be listening in on the conversation.

Silvia: [Exssssscellent. The two of them are making fantasssstic progressss already.]

Ryuka: [... Oi.]

Turning to look back at the oni, Silvia pressed a finger against her lips.

Silvia: [Ssssshh! Don’t interrupt them!]

As Silvia turned back to listen in again, a sudden blue aura filled the entire room around her. She cautiously turned back, holding her blade high as she witnessed the oni girl from before, whose face could not be seen.

Ryuka: [You seem to not understand something, so let me break it to you here and now…]

Ryuusei: [Before we start, I’ll give you a good heads up. There’s a phrase our family really likes to say, so I recommend taking it to heart…]

Anger on Ryuka’s face, a smile on Ryuusei’s, they uttered the phrase they were well known for.

Ryuka and Ryuusei: [Don’t underestimate a Ryoma!]

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Kōkatsu: [... I like it!]

Ryuusei: [Hm?]

After giving the phrase his family was known for, Ryuusei was met with a reaction he had not expected. What should have been a retort or even an insult was instead a compliment. Words of praise to the self created words of the same that his ancestors had made. This enthusiastic kitsune had not belittled, but instead praised those very words.

Kōkatsu: [I kinda want somethin’ like that! I got my title as “Almighty” and everythin’, but havin’ a cool quote beside it is some real good shit! Ya got all ya need to be the perfect heel!]

Ryuusei: [Eh. I was never really a heel kind of guy. Always preferred faces. My sister, Ryuka, was the heel lover.]

A spark was formed in Kōkatsu’s mind. When she had met Yoro, on that same afternoon, an interaction similar to this had occurred. She had brought up a similar topic, but received nothing back. For the past 10 years since then, no matter how often she mentioned it nor how she formatted her words, nobody responded the way she had hoped. Yet, after ten years, there it was.

Kōkatsu: [Ya watch wrestlin’ too?!]

Ryuusei: [Haven’t really done so in a bit considering, you know… But other than that, yeah. I’d say I watch it from time to time, whenever I have the chance to.]

Kōkatsu: [Kah! I can’t believe I finally met someone who also watches it! That took way too damn long! He’s not bad lookin’ either!]

With a hand raised, Ryuusei gave a surprised look back to Kōkatsu.

Ryuusei: [Woah, now! No need to jump to anything drastic!]

Kōkatsu: [I’m not kiddin’ though! Ya got a nice bod on ya, man! Good stuff!]

Placing his hand on the back of his head, the oni scratched his spiky, jet black hair

Ryuusei: [Sheesh. You tryna seduce me or something?]

Kōkatsu: [Hah. Nah, I couldn’t do somethin’ like that. I’m too much of an old lady myself.]

Ryuusei: [Hey, don’t put yourself down like that! You look beautiful!]

Waving a hand in front of her face, Kōkatsu tried to deny his words of praise.

Kōkatsu: [Ya don’t need to make me feel better. S’alright.]

Ryuusei: [I’m serious! Your hair is nice, you got a beautiful face, the kimono and hakama combo really pops out super well, and you’re well endowed, which, allow me to mention, I’m saying that with complete respect.]

Shocked by the truth, Kōkatsu’s fingers started to play with her hair before moving to inspect her kimono. Her glimmering eyes slowly moved back to Ryuusei.

Kōkatsu: [Y-ya really think so?]

Ryuusei: [Yeah. You look great. It’s unfortunate that we gotta fight, but hey, just know that there would be plenty of people who would want you.]

One word. There was one word Kōkatsu latched onto heavily from Ryuusei’s statement. One that caused her to smile as she moved her head down, casting a shadow over her eyes. A small laugh started to escape her lips.

Kōkatsu: [Heh… Heheh… Yeah. Really is unfortunate. Otherwise, that brat of mine could have had the perfect playdate. At least if my body wasn’t all fucked up, anyways.]

Though he did not understand it entirely, Ryuusei picked up on the word “brat”.

Ryuusei: [You got kids or something?]

Looking back up with a somber gaze, Kōkatsu smiled as she elaborated.

Kōkatsu: [Yeah. A lot actually. Last time I counted, we were at two hundred and fourteen.]

Ryuusei: [Yeesh. Not tryna be rude but you might need to give your body some rest.]

Kōkatsu: [Nah. I haven’t given birth at all. I don’t even have a partner. They’re jus’ kids I adopted. I formed my own big family. Love each and every one of them to death.]

Another laugh escaped as she met the dark gray eyes across from her.

Kōkatsu: [Now I seem like a real old bag, right? I mean, what kinda man wants a girl like that?]

A mutual agreement on that would surely come. That was the thought in Kōkatsu’s mind as she said it.

Placing both hands on the hilt of his blade, Ryuusei stretched it out along his shoulders, moving it from side to side as he looked at a nearby painting.

Ryuusei: [I don’t know about other dudes, but I like the sound of it.]

Kōkatsu’s closed eyes opened from the shock. Surely what she heard was not true. Surely she just imagined it or she fell asleep and dreamt of such a thing before death. She tried to pinch her cheeks, but nothing was changing. She was still in front of Ryuusei, who was confused by her actions but ultimately continued speaking.

Ryuusei: [I got a little sister at home. Her name’s Ryuji. She’s quite a handful to take care of, but I like it. I realized recently, now that she’s four, that I like teaching her. It feels good to see the kid learning and growing. I talk about it with Ryuka all the time, about how I’m curious on what she’ll be like when she’s our age or if we raised her right. Having that experience two hundred times or more, I can’t say I’d be upset about it. I’d probably enjoy it, even if it gets tiring on the body.]

Without a moment of hesitation, what came next was an energetic interjection from–

Kōkatsu: [I have one too! N-not a little sister, b-but that brat I was speakin’ ‘bout! They’re four years old as well! S’a handful, jus’ like ya said, but I love every second of it!]

Ryuusei: [See? All you need to do is find someone who fits the bill.]

Kōkatsu: [Y-yeah! Thanks! I’m gonna be honest, I wasn’t sure to go lookin’ around for somethin’ like that.]

Ryuusei: [Hm? Why not? I feel like a partner is something everybody wants in life, right? Well, maybe not everyone, but you get the idea.]

Kōkatsu: [I jus’... never really had it work out. There were two people I was ever interested in, but one of them seemed a little too weak to me and the other… I’d probably die on the spot if I spoke ‘bout. But since I had my family, I figured I was all good jus’ havin’ them and nothin’ else. Then some time went by, and I got jealous. Real jealous. My two best friends get to have fun with their husbands like watchin’ movies on the couch or gettin’ flirty with some dinner, meanwhile I’m on the side with my girls and no one else. We have our own movie nights, but s’jus’ a family thing. We have dinner together, but again, s’jus’ a family thing. S’never anythin’ more than that.]

With all of her might, Kōkatsu clenched a fist and smiled, raising it to Ryuusei.

Kōkatsu: [But thanks! Seriously! As soon as I get back home with my girls, I’m gonna find me a man! Maybe I’ll ask Shiro or Sisi if they know any–]

Kōkatsu’s speech had abruptly paused. She was attacked. However, the issue was how. She could not see a wound, nor had Ryuusei moved or used his ability that Devi had made her aware of prior to their entry. In fact, it was the type of attack she had never felt before. Her breathing was oddly different. She searched the room to see who did it, all the while clutching her chest. Confused by her constant turning, Ryuusei questioned the kitsune.

Ryuusei: [You good?]

Kōkatsu: [Y-yeah… I think so…]

What’s happening?! Who the hell attacked me like that?! Where are they hiding?!

Ryuusei: [Did you spot a wasp or something?]

Why the hell are ya beatin’ so fast, heart?! Calm the hell down! I’ll figure out who attacked you as soon as ya cool it! Same with you, lungs! Why are ya actin’ all funny now?!

Kōkatsu: [N-No, I was attacked by something. I’m just not sure what it was.]

My accent! Where the hell did my accent go?! Why am I speakin’ without it?! I’m not sad! I’m not upset! I guess I am, considerin’ I can’t figure out who attacked me, but I’m not angry enough to lose my accent! What the hell is goin’ on?!

Ryuusei: [... Oh, by the way, nice symbol.]

Kōkatsu: [Huh?]

Turning back to Ryuusei, Kōkatsu was lost over what to think or say. Taking his sword into one hand, the oni used the other to point to her kimono, directly where a flower of nine tails had been.

Ryuusei: [It looks sick. I assume it’s for your family, right? I have one of those as well on my necklace, see?]

With that same hand, Ryuusei picked up the end of the necklace and displayed it to Kōkatsu. Three hannya masks that were placed together, painted to be dark but still dazzling in glitter. Kōkatsu tugged at her kimono to view her own symbol again and speak further about it. All the while, a stutter from out of nowhere had entered words.

Kōkatsu: [O-oh… Yeah this is… a symbol for my family. I made it when I found–I mean, met Kiyomi. She was the muscular kitsune you might have seen before… Tall, black hair, maroon skin, that one… if you remember…]

Ryuusei: [I remember her. That’s nice. Any reason in particular for her?]

Kōkatsu: [W-well, she was my second daughter, so when I met her, I wanted to create something that we could all go by. S-she was a slave at the time, so I cut off her chains and gave her that.]

Ryuusei: [Damn, you’re a real hero, aren’t you? Going out there, fighting a bunch of jackasses and giving the weak the freedom they deserve! I like it!]

Kōkatsu: [Ah–Hehehehe! Thanks! Mhph!]

The goddess’ hands were slapped against her mouth. She hated it. For just a moment there, she could hear it. A laugh she had never produced before. A laugh that displayed nothing of her might or playful nature. A laugh that she could not describe. It was not her, yet it came from her mouth. It was not how she sounded in her own mind, yet it came from the heart. Her voice wasn’t the same. Her mind wasn’t the same. Her heart wasn’t the same. Kōkatsu was no longer the same. Who was this enemy she was searching for? Whoever they were, their attacks were unparalleled compared to the countless foes she had faced.

Tied in a bind from her own body, Kōkatsu still could not decipher where this enemy was hiding.

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Silvia: [Hold on, Ryuka! Jussst wait a moment!]

Ryuka: [I’m not waiting for shit, bitch! Move!]

The room surrounding the lamia and oni was cut and sliced to pieces. Several sections of the floor were destroyed, the fabric on the walls starting to fall apart. A complete and utter mess was the new design for this place. All the while, Silvia slithered along the ground, preventing Ryuka from leaving via the door behind her or the broken wall nearby while Ryuka herself continued to attack, hoping that Silvia would either stop dodging or let her through.

Slowly running out of options, Silvia tried to use her tail to bind one of Ryuka’s legs. Seeing the glint in oni’s eye, however, she knew something was coming and immediately let go. What then followed was a fierce slash aimed at where the tail had been, which cut through the room, stopping short before it could reach the hall.

The opportunity to run was presented to Ryuka, so she did just that. In one massive leap, she charged towards the broken wall from before. Out of pure desperation, Silvia tackled her to the ground, causing the two of them to flip from side to side as Ryuka wished to get the lamia off her back.

Ryuka: [Get the fuck off me! I’ll gut you without a second thought!]

Silvia: [Pleasssse calm down, Ryuka! Not jusssst yet!]

Ryuka: [I’m tired of this waiting bullshit! Move it!]

Clenching her teeth, Silvia reminded herself of the last resort. The last resort was an odd term, she had thought, as it was not necessarily the last thing she could do. However, because those options would be much worse for Ryuka, she chose to avoid them and instead opt for something much more peaceful.

Silvia: [I have no choice. I’m ashamed to do this as a married woman, but here goes nothing!]

With her tail again, she caught Ryuka in a bind. However, it was not a leg this time, and instead her entire body. Every inch of her, excluding her head, was now wrapped by Silvia’s lower half. She struggled to wriggle out, but Silvia prevented her from moving any further by tightening it.

Ryuka: [Ghk! Let me go!]

Silvia: [Pleasssse! Jussst a few minutessss issss all I need!]

Ryuka: [So you can perform some master plan to kill me or some shit?! No way! I’m gonna go see Shiro!]

Silvia: [Why do you wissssh to ssssee my friend that much?!]

Ryuka: [Hah! Yeah right! As if she’s your friend!]

Silvia: [It issss true! I have known her for the passst ten yearssss! Our hussssbandsss are brotherssss!]

Suddenly, Ryuka’s squirming stopped. The aggression in her eyes faded as she looked up at Silvia.

Ryuka: [... You’re kidding, right?]

Silvia: [Not at all. It issss the truth.]

Though she had not gauged the reason yet, Silvia could tell by the things Ryuka had said and her odd appreciation for Shiro that there was no hostility towards the snow-like goddess. A kind look was given back to Ryuka as Silvia prepared a trade.

Silvia: [If I tell you more about her, would you be willing to lisssten to my requesssst?]

Ryuka: [Deal. I don’t even know what it is yet, but I accept. Please let go of me before that.]

Responding in a purely polite manner, Ryuka’s mood had shifted completely.

Silvia: [Firsssst, I would like to sssspeak about my requesssst. Would it be possssible for you to sssstay here while I talk about her?]

Ryuka bit her lip and looked towards the wall, before sighing as she switched back to her polite mode.

Ryuka: [... I’ll stay. Please tell me more.]

Silvia: [Thank you. In that cassse…]

Unwrapping her tail, Ryuka was set free. Instead of running through the open wall, she sat down with her legs crossed. Silvia swiftly joined her, circling her tail and resting the top of it on the lower half below.

Ryuka: [Please.]

Silvia: [Let’ssss ssssee… Sssshe is twenty ssssixssss yearssss old. Sssshe wassss raissssed in the Babylon Disssstrict of Mazsssokuni. Her mother… I likely sssshould not tell you about. Her father wassss a gladiator. Sssshe issss ssssixssss feet tall and three inchessss… Her blood type issss B… In termsss of her favorite foodssss…]

Silvia trods on and on with banal information about the goddess in white. After each fact, she counts it off using her knuckles, almost as if trying to make a quota…

Ryuka: [Um…]

Silvia: [Yes, Ryuka?]

Responding to Ryuka’s raised hand like a teacher, Silvia listened to her concern.

Ryuka: [I like this info, don’t get me wrong. I’m thankful for it and I’d definitely love to know more later… but can I learn about the cool stuff she’s done first?]

Silvia: [That issss not how thessse hisssstory lessssonssss work, Ryuka.]

Ryuka: [N-no, I get that! Sorry! It’s just… I wanna know about her achievements, you know. Like the big guys she challenged and all that. I was interested since I saw her strength and how much she was willing to protect a random little girl she had just met.]

This was not a classroom. This room or even the castle they stood in could barely be considered that as is. Yet, somehow, the two were now immersed in a lesson as teacher and student. One who knew much about Shiro and one who sought out this knowledge.

Placing a fingertip to her chin, Silvia nodded back to the oni.

Silvia: [Hmmm… Alright, due to the importansssse of ssssuch thingssss, I sssshall sssskip ahead.]

Ryuka: [Yes! Thanks, Miss…]

Silvia: [Ssssilvia. Ssssilvia Bloodfire. Perhapssss it will be confusssing to refer to me assss ssssuch, given Devi isssss in the casssstle assss well, sssso you may refer to me assss Mrs.Hemobi.]

Ryuka: [Thanks, Mrs.Hemobi!]

Silvia: [You are welcome, Ryuka. Now then, Sssshiro hassssn’t defeated many notable foessss. However, sssshe did play a part in defeating Yoro of the Ssssandssss along with being the ssssole winner againsssst Daroma the Dark.]

A loud slap echoed through the room as Ryuka excitedly struck her hands together.

Ryuka: [Both Daroma the Dark and Yoro of the Sands! Wow! Wait, come to think of it… I feel like I’ve seen Yoro of the Sands before.]

Somberly ignoring the comment, Silvia continued to speak about Shiro.

Silvia: [Other than thosssse two, there have not been many other notable figuressss that sssshe hassss defeated. With that ssssaid, her capabilities are incredible and exsssseed even that of my own, and many otherssss that I’m closssse with.]

Raising her hand to Ryuka and pointing it at her, Silvia popped a question of her own.

Silvia: [If you do not mind me assssking, Ryuka, I would like to know your reasssson behind thissss infatuation with Sssshiro.]

With a snap of her fingers, Ryuka smiled as she voiced her answer.

Ryuka: [That’s simple! I wanna join her!]

Silvia: [Join… her?]

Ryuka: [She’s already got a team of her own, right? I wanna be a part of that team! I have a little sister at home named Ryuji. She’s four years old, and in our current situation, her life is always at risk. I wanna join Shiro’s team, save my little sister, and from there work under Shiro while keeping my sister safe! My skills are really good, so I think I could easily qualify to be on her crew of people! Unfortunately, the others don’t seem to like me that much. I’m willing to be friends with them if that’s what it takes though!]

After being given the answer to why Ryuka wanted to join, Silvia pushed the side of her own head with a finger as she deduced possible reasons for why Ryuka would not be allowed.

Silvia: [Well, I can imagine the otherssss do not trussst you due to the fact that you are an enemy.]

Ryuka: [Oh. I didn’t think about that. Damn.]

Silvia: [Other than that, however, I cannot imagine Sssshiro would not trussst you. Sssshe issss incredibly trusssting of otherssss, I can ssssay that from exssssperiensssse.]

Ryuka: [So then what about me is–]

A halt had occurred. Though Ryuka tried to question the matter, a finger was presented telling her to wait.

Silvia: [However, there issss ssssomething I have notisssed about you, Ryuka. It will be hard to hear, but I will word it firmly.]

Replacing the kind look from before were snake eyes that displayed full seriousness.

Silvia: [Ryuka, you’re far too much of a risssk.]

Ryuka’s confused eyes widened. Her politeness was still there, but a whining shout was behind her words.

Ryuka: [W-why?! I won’t do anything wrong! I promise!]

Moving her hands, Silvia formed a ball with a large empty space between each palm.

Silvia: [Ryuka, I want you to imagine my lower hand assss ssssoil and the hand above that assss the ssssun. In the ssssoil issss a bud of a flower. A bud that will ssssoon grow. That bud issss you. The ssssoil issss what you carry, ssssuch assss your ssssisssster, your passst, your attitude. The ssssun issss that of Sssshiro. In order to grow, you will need both the ssssun above and the ssssoil below. It issss unknown how large or beautiful you may grow. Perhapssss you will ssssurpassss even Nero himsssself. However, your childissssh recklessssnessss issss what holdssss you back. I have learned from Sssshiro during our meetingssss that you have focussssed on the thrill of the fight. That itsssself issss far too naive. If you only focussss on ssssuch a thing…]

Ryuka: [Ah!]

The lower hand was moved away, causing a loud reaction from Ryuka to slip out, imagining the bud falling to the floor.

Silvia: [And onsssse that occurssss…]

Ryuka: [N-no!]

The remaining hand, the hand of the sun, was removed, to which Ryuka reached out to with her own.

Silvia: [Do you undersssstand, Ryuka? If you wissssh to join her, you mussst abandon the path you are on in thissss war.]

The hem of Ryuka’s black pants were tugged at as she looked at the space inbetween.

Ryuka: [But… how the hell am I supposed to get better if I don’t even know how to stop?! I like fighting and it’s the whole reason I wanna join Shiro! Without that, what am I?]

Silvia: [You’re Ryuka.]

Moving her head back up, Ryuka’s nervous eyes witnessed the return of the kind lamia.

Silvia: [If you do not know how to sssstop, then we sssshall go through thissss together. I believe I know where to sssstart, assss ssssomeone who wasssss onsssse on a ssssimilar road…]

Taking Ryuka’s hands, Silvia firmly clasped them with her own.

Silvia: [Ryuka, I would like to know…]

The oni felt at peace. A kind, understanding smile was shown to her. The topic would likely be heavy, judging by the lamia’s face, but she was prepared to hear it. Taking a deep breath, Ryuka responded.

Ryuka: [Yes… ?]

Silvia: [... Have you ever taken a life without a ssssecond thought?]

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Time was passing as it always had, and Ryuusei Ryoma was watching the peculiar show of a kitsune searching the room around her to find this “foe” she claimed existed. With every passing second, his confusion only grew, leading him to wonder what exactly she had seen or felt. However, there was a much more pressing matter at hand, mainly the fact that the two were not fighting.

Ryuusei: [Tch. There’s gonna be trouble if I don’t do something. Alright…]

Finally, Ryuusei moved from the spot he had stood in for several minutes. Making his way over to Kōkatsu at an average pace, he waved back to her with a call.

Ryuusei: [Hey! Mind doing something for me?]

Taken off guard, Kōkatsu rapidly blinked upon seeing him move over to her.

Kōkatsu: [N-n-no, not at all. What is it?]

Ryuusei: [You’re really strong, right? Mind taking out those katanas and holding them high? Nothing too big, just keep them gripped firm while you do so.]

Kōkatsu: [O-oh, alright. Like this?]

After unsheathing her blades, Kōkatsu raised them above her head as instructed.

Ryuusei: [Yep. Perfect. Keep them steady.]

With that, Ryuusei prepared his sword for an attack. Kōkatsu had realized it far too late and started to panic. Somehow, this incredibly predictable attack was one she had fallen for. She did not understand why she was tricked, but now, her life would meet a pitiful end. Regardless, she continued to do as she was instructed while closing her eyes, awaiting the pain and agony of being cleaved in half. What concerned her most was Kaoru behind her, who would now witness this. That thought alone forced her muscles to flex to the highest degree.

With a swing of his blade… Ryuusei struck the swords lightly, and only the swords. Due to his ability, the sound rippled through the halls loudly. But there was one final piece to this. Kōkatsu was completely safe. Looking back up at him with wavering eyes, she questioned why she was alive.

Kōkatsu: [W-what?]

Ryuusei: [Hold on. I gotta do a few more. Lemme know if they’re gonna break. They seem like high quality swords, so I don’t really want to ruin them if I don’t have to.]

Again, he raised the scythe-like blade and struck down on the swords using his ability. Then a third time, then a fourth, a fifth, a sixth. All amplified by his ability, yet only the sound was what increased and not the power behind the hits.

Ryuusei: [Cool. That should be good enough.]

Making his way back up the stairs, Ryuusei stopped in the same position as before and turned, dusting off his fur coat. Right as he did–

Kōkatsu: [E-excuse me!]

Looking back, he noticed a hand extended out from the kitsune before. Her orange eyes still having a cute, wavering appearance to them.

Kōkatsu: [C-can I ask, what was that about?]

Ryuusei: [Huh? Oh. I was just tryna make some noise so it seemed like we were fighting.]

Kōkatsu: [But… we are fighting, aren’t we?]

Ryuusei: [Well, yeah but… Huh. I guess we are, aren’t we. I completely forgot. It’s weird to say, but talking with you was real nice. I felt kinda at peace there, especially when I thought about Ryuji and your family.]

A small chuckle escaped his lips. He rubbed the bottom of his nose. Lastly, he admitted the truth.

Ryuusei: [I won’t lie, Kōkatsu was it? You did a great job, Kōkatsu. I’ve never really experienced this, so I wouldn’t know, but I think I’ve fallen for you.]

For the first time in her twenty seven and a half years of being alive, Kōkatsu blushed.

For the first time, her ears perked up as high as they could.

And for the first time, she understood why her heart was beating so fast.

Someone admitted they loved her. Not the same love as a parent and child. Not the same love as two close friends. A love that was as pure as it could get. A love between someone who wished to be her lover. Recalling every event from her past, from her rocky relationship with her parents to the years of jealousy over Yoro’s, Shiro’s and Silvia’s relationships to the same amount of time she slept in her bed, wondering if she would have someone, Kōkatsu began to cry. Falling to her knees, she tried to wipe her tears away, only to be ambushed by more.

Ryuusei: [O-oi! You alright?!]

Behind Kōkatsu, Kaoru was ready to rush to her side and assist. However, from behind, she could hear the laughter of soldiers on Nero’s side making their way to her.

Soldier: [Well, well, well! Look what we have here!]

Soldier: [A kitsune girl, all on her own for us to rip apart!]

Tripping as she tried to move, Kaoru pushed herself along the floor as far as she could. Unfortunately, the wall she had hid behind was connected to another not far back and not a room, leaving her trapped in a small, square space.

Kaoru: [S-stay back! I’ll burn you if I must!]

Soldier: [Oh, don’t be like that! This will only hurt, a lot!]

Through her tears, Kōkatsu shot up as soon as she heard Kaoru’s shout.

Kōkatsu: [Kaoru!]

Unsheathing her blades again, a ferocious anger took over Kōkatsu’s body, ready to slice through each of the soldiers.

Kōkatsu: [IF EVEN A SINGLE ONE OF YOU TOUCHES HER, I’LL–]

And before she could continue, a sword was suddenly flung past her eyes, cleaving each of the soldiers like a sharp boomerang in the wind. The scythe-like blade then landed firmly in the ground, close to Kaoru’s feet. The owner made his way over to retrieve it.

???: [Honestly… there’s a special place in hell for you freaks. Guess you lot noticed something was off with the sound before, though.]

Pulling the sword out of the ground, the chiseled oni reeled his arm back while looking at the barely alive soldiers below him.

Soldier: [B-big bro Ryuu–]

Ryuusei: [And another thing…]

Without a second longer being given, their tongues were cut off.

Ryuusei: [... Don’t call me big bro, scum.]

Swinging the sword again to wipe off the blood, Ryuusei pressed the hilt against his shoulder and looked back at Kaoru.

Ryuusei: [You good?]

Kaoru: [Y-yes… Thank you…]

Ryuusei: [No problem… Kaoru, right?]

Nervous but still kind, Kaoru nodded back.

Ryuusei: [Sick. Wanna make sure, considering I’m into your mom. Hope that’s not too odd for you.]

As Ryuusei returned to his familiar spot, Kaoru ran back up to the side of the wall and watched.

Kaoru was no longer the only one watching, as Kōkatsu, who stood only a few feet away from him, witnessed the entire scene. Despite how high up her ears were, she could hear many things incredibly well much like that of a fox. The only noise that had filled up those perked up ears however was her heart.

Louder and louder. Faster and faster. She watched as Ryuusei went from behind her to beside her, still making his way up the staircase. Her mind was now a mess of thoughts that crashed into each other at light speed.

Stop him! Stop him! Grab the sleeve of his coat and stop him! Talk to him! Say something! Tell him how you feel! Kiss him! Make out with him! Do something! Stop fucking standing around and stop him, somehow! If you want him to know, then tell him!

Just then, something she had told an old friend was played back to her. A statement that matched both the person she had spoke of, but also herself

I haven’t discussed much with him regarding stuff like relationships and love and all that junk, but I can tell with how he acts regarding certain things that he isn’t the greatest with admitting some stuff.

Kōkatsu: [It’s now or never.]

The words she told the red-headed, twintail girl came back to her.

Play your cards right, and he might.

Kōkatsu: [It’s now or never!]

Without a second to waste, Kōkatsu grabbed Ryuusei’s sleeve as he walked by.

Kōkatsu: [E-excuse me!]

Ryuusei: [Hm? What’s up? Oh, was my comment to Kaoru back there kinda weird? It was kinda weird, wasn’t it?]

Do it! Say it!

Kōkatsu: [I… I….]

Don’t just stop! Tell him!

Kōkatsu: [T-t-the truth is… I…]

Is that all you’ve got, Kōkatsu Kurami?! Yeah! Don’t like it when you’re called by that name, do you?! If you can’t do this, you don’t deserve the title of Almighty!

Kōkatsu: [The thing is…]

Ryuusei: [... Yeah?]

You don’t deserve those two hundred children either! So unless you wanna tell each and every one of them to find a new mom, look that bastard in his damn face and tell him!

Kōkatsu: [I want to say…]

Ryuusei: [You wanna say… what?]

NOW, DO IT, THE ALMIGHTY!

Looking back up at Ryuusei, an emotional fire burned in Kōkatsu’s eyes as she shouted what she desired.

Kōkatsu: [MARRY ME!]

TOO FAR! WAY TOO FAR! WHO ARE YOU?! SILVIA?! THAT ONLY WORKED FOR HER BECAUSE ALF IS ALF! THIS GUY IS TOTALLY DIFFERENT!

Behind her, a similar reaction was formed by a blushing, teenage kitsune that held her mouth with her hand.

Kaoru: [Bold! Far too bold, Lady Kōkatsu!]

A few seconds after hearing her embarrassing shout, Ryuusei rubbed his chin and looked at the ceiling.

Ryuusei: [Marriage, huh? A little early to ask that and I’m not entirely sure what to expect with you…]

With no hesitation, he waved the previously chin rubbing hand in the air and laughed.

Ryuusei: [That just makes it sound more fun. Alright, I’m in.]

Kōkatsu: [H-huh…?]

She expected the oni to laugh at her. Instead, he laughed in support of the idea.

Ryuusei: [What? I’m saying I’ll do it. I’ll become your husband. No acts, no joking around, just me and you. I’m down.]

Kōkatsu: [You… You shouldn’t be!]

Waving her arms in the air and casting her face away, Kōkatsu tried to deny him of what she had personally requested.

Ryuusei: [Why not? You asked, didn’t you?]

Kōkatsu: [Y-yeah… but I’m old looking…]

Ryuusei: [Like I said, you look beautiful to me.]

Kōkatsu: [I… I have way too many kids… Too many for someone to love…]

Ryuusei: [Awesome. We’ll love them together then.]

Kōkatsu: [I’m too tall for a wife… and too muscular at that…]

Ryuusei: [More room to hold you, along with some tight hugs then. I don’t mind.]

Kōkatsu: [... My cooking is mediocre… My cleaning is usually done by the kids since I’m terrible at it… Same for clothes… I don’t know how to do farm work outside of taking care of flowers… I spend a lot of money on drinking or tobacco for my kiseru… I sleep in the same bed as all of my children… I–]

Ryuusei: [Honestly, do you become a self loathing machine as soon as you’re all flushed? I’m good with that stuff. I can’t help with all of it, but some of it can be left to me. As for the others, we can learn from the kids who I assume know how to. Otherwise, well… heh, I guess we can look up a tutorial or two. And don’t worry about the bed thing, it sounds cozy.]

Raising her right index finger, Kōkatsu pointed at him.

Kōkatsu: [How old are you…?]

Ryuusei: [Twenty two.]

Kōkatsu: [See! T-there’s too much of a gap! That’s nearly six years apart!]

Ryuusei: [What're we in school now? Are you expecting me to say “Ew! You have cooties!” We’re both adults here. We might not be the smartest, but we’ve got our feet in the ground already.]

Tears started to flow down her face.

Kōkatsu: [... You’re trying to make me feel better out of pity, aren’t you! I won’t accept it! I won’t accept someone acting stupid just to make me feel better! Not one bit!]

Ryuusei: [Jeez, you’re starting to act like a kid now. Makes me wonder who’s the parent in the family.]

Kōkatsu: [Shut up! Don’t distract me from what you’re doing! I know you… your type! I’ve never experienced it, but I know there’s plenty of guys who say nice things to make others feel better! I see it all the time! That’s why my parents are the way they are! They don’t like each other and they didn’t like me! That’s exactly what you’re doing! You’re a coward! We’re both cowards! Everybody is a coward! And now I’m sitting here, dealing with this shit while two people I would call my friends are killing each other right above my head! I’m the biggest coward of them all! One who doesn’t deserve this! So why don’t you take your “love” and shove it up your–]

Ryuusei: [Oh for crying out loud!]

The back of Kōkatsu’s hair was suddenly grabbed and pulled in. Her teeth clashed together with the oni’s own as they made contact. More importantly was the reason their teeth accidentally clashed.

Their lips had touched. Though Ryuusei had closed his own eyes, Kōkatsu’s were left in a state of blissful shock. Her hands twitched and shook, her heartbeat made her sweat profusely, and most of all, her blush grew ever more red.

Her proof was here. She believed he was lying, a lie that she had told herself to make his acceptance sound correct. But it was no lie. He proved it here and now. She believed that he had done everything to make her feel better, but she was wrong. He was merely a reckless, charging oni who sped up the process much faster than she could have expected. One who just so happened to match her perfectly in personality. All that was missing was a country accent and kitsune blood, and the oni would be just like her. Envy, sadness, anger, all of it faded away in her mind. Once she had realized that she was meeting his lips, she gave a force back of her own.

Picking him up off the ground by the back of his head and his lower back, Kōkatsu held Ryuusei in the air as she continued to attack his lips. This then prompted a response–

Ryuusei: [Sheesh! You’re a real extreme woman, aren’t–MMM!]

–Only to be forced back to her lips. Without words, she conveyed the message “If yer gonna kiss me, then kiss me, damn it!” back to him with her beautiful touch. In a castle filled with evil, a place where a war had already broken out, a kitsune and oni had found love in each other.

Behind them, Kaoru tried to cover her eyes. Tried was the most important word, as her fingers were open ever so slightly, witnessing her mother find the love she deserved. Her hands had also covered her mouth, which stretched into a wide smile, eternally happy that something like this could happen. She wanted to squeal, but felt that she would only concern the two of them.

Moving their lips away finally, the two gazed into each other’s eyes.

Ryuusei: [... Mind if I…]

Kōkatsu: [Oh! R-right! Sorry!]

Ryuusei: [All good.]

After noticing that she was still holding Ryuusei above herself, Kōkatsu lowered him back onto the floor.

Kōkatsu: [... That was my first time… you know…]

Ryuusei: [Yeah. Same for me. Sorry about the whole teeth thing.]

Kōkatsu: [It’s fine… S-shiro told me that normally happens on the first few…]

Ryuusei: [I see.]

Though they faced different directions, Kōkatsu looked back at the oni before turning away again and crossing her arms.

Kōkatsu: [J-j-just so you know, I won’t accept it that easily either!]

Ryuusei: [It’s like I’m dealing with a fox version of Ryuka here… What to do in a scenario like this… Hmm… You know, I think I got an idea.]

Snapping his fingers, Ryuusei presented his idea.

Ryuusei: [Tell you what, let’s decide this in a duel. First person to defeat the other gets what they want. If I win, I get to marry you. If you win, it’s like none of this ever happened. Deal?]

Kōkatsu: [T-That’s all?]

Ryuusei: [Yep. That’s all. What do you say… Eh?]

Kōkatsu: [Ryuusei is strong! Super strong! He told me himself! “Don’t underestimate a Ryoma!” In that case, I won’t hold back!]

Without warning, a viscous, orange matōki illuminated the entire room. Two fingers were held up by Kōkatsu, who only had a white shine of her eyes visible to see over her heavily shaded body. Hundreds of paper slips were sent through the air via the inside of her kimono and under her hakama, which quickly lit up by the hundreds with a blue flame attached.

Kōkatsu: [Deadly Spell of the Ultimate Yako… Full Might Technique…]

Terrified, Kaoru tried to shout out to her mother.

Kaoru: [Lady Kōkatsu! That’s too much!]

Kōkatsu: [... Parade of One Thousand–]

She was not the only one who was in fear, as the oni in front of Kōkatsu showed signs of it for the first time as he desperately waved his arms before her. Stumbling onto the floor and dropping his sword, Ryuusei pleaded.

Ryuusei: [WAITWAITWAITWAIT! NOT LIKE THAT! I DIDN’T MEAN LIKE THAT! WAIT A MINUTE! PLEASE!]

The pieces of paper fell to the floor as Kōkatsu immediately calmed down and looked back up at Ryuusei.

Kōkatsu: [But you said don’t underestimate a Ryoma!]

Ryuusei: [Maybe don’t instantly kill me, please! Jeez, man, I’ve got a little sister back home!]

Kōkatsu: [But it wouldn’t have!]

Taking a deep breath, Ryuusei rubbed his head. While he did so, a spark of curiosity ignited in Kōkatsu’s brain.

Kōkatsu: [Ryuusei, I had a question I wanted to ask.]

Ryuusei: [Sure. Lemme hear it.]

△▼△▼△▼△△▼△▼△▼△△▼△▼△▼△△▼△▼△▼△△▼△▼△▼△△▼△▼

Ryuka: [Taken a life without a second thought?]

Silvia: [Yesss. Exsssactly that.]

Pondering, Ryuka thought back to the recent memories of battle.

Ryuka: [I guess I have a few times. I’ve never really cared though. That’s something people do all the time, right?]

Silvia: [In ssssome asssspectssss, perhapssss. However, there issss a much greater differensssse between taking a life becausssse you mussst, and taking one becausssse you find joy in it. Do you find joy in it, Ryuka?]

Ryuka: [Kinda? I’m not entirely sure if I do. I’m happy when I get to fight, but killing is something that, naturally, comes with it.]

Silvia: [In that casssse, allow me to asssk. Why?]

Ryuka: [I don’t know. This is really confusing, Mrs.Hemobi!]

Silvia: [Have you conssssidered the possssition of thosssse you have killed? They likely have familiessss assss well. Would you feel alright knowing that ssssomeone killed your brother and possssibly enjoyed it ssssolely becaussse they were in battle?]

Ryuka shot up from her seated position and shook her head.

Ryuka: [No! Why the hell would someone do that?!]

Silvia: [Ryuka.]

At that moment, Ryuka understood why her name was called. She casted her eyes down, over to the katana at her side.

Ryuka: [... Am I a scumbag, Mrs.Hemobi? I don’t wanna be like those bastards…]

Silvia: [Learning issss the firsssst sssstep in the right direction, Ryuka. Assss long assss you learn, that issss what matterssss mosssst. I wassss onsssse the ssssame, until a closssse friend sssstopped me.]

Though Ryuka now felt uneasy about herself, Silvia’s welcoming smile soothed the pain. The incredible lamia was willing to listen to her and direct her to what she should be doing, without forcing her by leash and chain to change.

Ryuka: [If that’s what I have to stop doing, then I’ll do it! I’ll be a Ryuka who only kills when it’s kill or be killed! What next, Mrs.Hemobi?]

Silvia: [There are only two sssstepssss to thissss. You’ve completed the firsssst, thussss, the ssssecond issss all that remainssss. You musssst be yoursssself.]

Ryuka: [That’s easy! I can win Shiro over in no time then!]

Silvia: [You might have not undersssstood correctly, Ryuka. What Sssshiro hassss sssseen issss the verssssion of you that enjoyed the bloodsssshed of battle. What you mussst show her… issss you. The you that issss not held back by common ssssibling quarrelssss or the joy of sssswinging a ssssword. Ssssimply, the you that lovessss Ssssshiro.]

The hilt of Ryuka’s katana shook as she held it, nervous over what to say next.

Ryuka: [... What if she hates the real me, though? I feel like it’s only my little sister that gets to see me like that and sometimes Ryuusei, but my little sister is just a child so she’d never understand and my brother always tries to argue with me so maybe I’m just a problem to everyone.]

Silvia: [Ryuka.]

The slight tears in her eyes started to fall as she looked back to the goddess.

Silvia: [Do you believe Sssshiro will wissssh to ssssee the you that cannot acssssept hersssself, or the real you that I sssspoke of?]

Wiping the tears with her right arm, Ryuka gave a confident answer in the form of a shout.

Ryuka: [Me! The real me! I don’t know if she’ll like it and I’m not even sure if my siblings do, but the real me! That’s what I’ll show her!]

Silvia: [Ryuka, I’d like to now assssk, what are you sssshowing me right now?]

Ryuka: [What am I showing? I’m not… Oh! The real–Ah!]

The instant realization forced her brain to snap to attention. Silvia’s smile grew much kinder in tandem. The entire time, Silvia had forced Ryuka out of her shell and put her true self out into the world.

Silvia: [Do you ssssee now? Issss it sssso bad to be the real you?]

Ryuka: [N-no. Not at all. I feel super good now, Mrs.Hemobi!]

Silvia: [Hmhmhm! I’m very glad! Sssshiro will likely acsssept you into her forsssse now.]

Ryuka: [What if she doesn’t want to accept me, though?]

Closing her eyes and raising the eyebrows above them, Silvia responded.

Silvia: [I have known her for the passst ten yearssss. If sssshe ssssaw you assss you are now, ssssshe’d welcome you in with the biggesssst of hugssss.]

Unwrapping the lower end of her tail to now stand, Silvia pulled out her sword.

Ryuka: [Mrs.Hemobi?]

Silvia: [I would like to put you to a tesssst. I would like to ssssee how much you’ve grown, Ryuka.]

Scratching her cheek, Ryuka nervously turned her head while keeping eye contact.

Ryuka: [I’m not sure this is a good idea, Mrs.Hemobi. I didn’t improve my skills or anything with that.]

Silvia: [You underessstimate yoursssself, Ryuka. Keep all of what I have taught in mind, sssshow the real you and let ussss draw our bladessss. The firsssst to near the other’sssss head sssshall be the victor. Usssse everything you have, Ryuka. I will do the ssssame.]

The two nodded to each other, leading to Ryuka confidently clutching her sheathed blade’s hilt.

Ryuka: [Right! Here goes nothing, Mrs.Hemobi!]

As the two readied themselves, a familiar signature struck through Silvia’s brain from behind. Looking over her shoulder, she smiled as she sensed the aura of the fox.

Silvia: [I see. It seems Kōkatsu is getting quite serious over there. Perhaps their battle of love shall reach its–]

BOOM

Silvia was completely overwhelmed. She gazed back in front of her to see the same oni as before surrounded in a blue aura. No, not just her, the entire room and even beyond there. The oni’s eyes shone in the mystifying shade that covered her entire body. Horns were now visible at the top of her head, thick in width and average in length. What was all the more frightening to Silvia was the comparison to her friend in the hall.

Silvia: [Her aura is even larger than Kōkatsu’s! How is that possible?! It wasn’t like that before! Is this what she’s like?! The true Ryuka?! I would hardly say that she is complete yet, but she’s already at this level! How high would she go if Shiro were to take her in?! I’m proud! I’m immensely proud of her! But this is far too dangerous! She hasn’t gained control of her power yet! At this rate, she’ll cleave the entire castle in–]

Ryuka: [Ready when you are, Mrs.Hemobi–]

Silvia: [I give up!]

In less than a second, Silvia did exactly that. Surrender. Ryuka’s aura dissipated, her horns disappeared back into her head like magic and her posture was corrected. The only part that did not match her normal appearance was the puzzled look on her face.

Ryuka: [Is something wrong, Mrs.Hemobi? Why are we ending the test?]

Taking the time to catch her breath, a tired smile was shown on Silvia’s face.

Silvia: [You’ve proven yoursssself, Ryuka… Well done…]

Ryuka: [R-really?! But I didn’t do anything!]

Silvia: [No… You ssssertainly did… Whether you notisssed or not doessss not matter… I witnessssed it with my own eyesssss… You’re much stronger, now that you’ve embrasssssed the real you, Ryuka.]

Excited to hear her teacher’s words of praise, Ryuka energetically struck at the air with her fists in victory.

Ryuka: [Yeaaah! I did it! Me! Now I can become the strongest… or well, maybe second? I don’t really want to be second strongest but… Either I or Shiro can become the strongest, and then the other one will be second! Woohoo!]

Her energy may have been odd, but Silvia had already grown used to these interesting but cute reactions from Ryuka. In celebration, the lamia clapped alongside the victorious oni.

Silvia: [Well done, Ryuka. Assss a reward, perhapssss I sssshall tell you more about Sssshiro and her journeyssss.]

At the immediate mention of Shiro’s escapades, Ryuka slammed her rear into the floor and awaited the stories to be told.

Ryuka: [Yes please! Go ahead, Mrs.Hemobi!]

Silvia: [Very well… Actually, before that, I had a quessstion for you, Ryuka.]

Nodding rapidly, the oni kindly accepted whatever the question would be.

Ryuka: [Yep! What’s up?]

Silvia: [Truth be told, we are here thanksssss to a member of Kōkatsssssu’s family along with ssssomeone who passssed on some information regarding Nero to her. We sssssadly losssst contact with that persssson ssssome time ago, but we sssstill had what we needed to find thissss plasssse. After Kōkatssssu’s child found it though, sssshe overheard ssssome thingssss within what ssssshe referred to assss the main room.]

Ryuka: [Oh, yeah. I know that place. None of us are really allowed in there. We were allowed on one occasion, where we met Nero for the first time. Other than that though, none of us have ever stepped in there except for the big guys.]

Silvia: [Big… guyssss?]

Ryuka: [Yeah. You know, the upper end dudes. The people standing near the top.]

Silvia: [I… ssssee. Ssssso, you are not on that upper end?]

Ryuka: [Nope! I almost wanna say that hopefully I can make it there soon, but I’m probably joining Shiro soon. So I guess it doesn’t matter too much!]

Silvia: [Hm… If you and your brother are not at the top, that could be quite troubling for ssssome of our forcessss.]

Ryuka: [Anyways, you had something you wanted to mention about that whole thing, right?]

Silvia: [Yessss. That issss correct. I wassss a little worried earlier when you mentioned your ssssisssster and it hasssss bothered me ssssinsssse. Where exsssssactly isssss your family located?]

Ryuka: [Huh? Oh, that’s easy!]

In the hall beside them, a kitsune tightly gripped at her red hakama with fear behind her eyes.

Kōkatsu: [Ryuusei… What did you just say…?]

Ryuusei: [That’s where my sister is located. Why? What’s wrong with that?]

Kōkatsu: [I… I didn’t mishear that, right?!]

In the room nearby, the oni girl continued.

Ryuka: [No, why? What’s wrong with that, Mrs.Hemobi?]

Silvia’s eyes now matched the same look as her friend.

Silvia: [Ryuka… That plasssse is…]

Picking himself up off the ground, Ryuusei suddenly raised his voice to Kōkatsu.

Ryuusei: [Wh-what?!]

Kōkatsu: [Kagami told me herself. She snuck past the demon beasts and clung to a wall near the windows. That was exactly what she told me, without a word of a lie.]

At that moment, Ryuusei turned and picked up his sword, ready to move immediately. It was not to stop what Kōkatsu had told him, but instead what would happen next, which he had already anticipated.

From the room nearby came another hole sliced into the wall, with an oni charging out of the smoke and towards the stairs. All the while, a vicious shout escaped her mouth.

Ryuka: [NERO!]

Silvia: [Wait, Ryuka!]

Ryuusei: [Fuck! She’s gonna get herself killed!]

Neither the purple-scaled goddess who had now reappeared nor Ryuusei could stop her in time. As Ryuusei himself charged towards the stairs, his lover behind him shouted her call to him.

Kōkatsu: [Ryuusei!]

Ryuusei: [Don’t worry about me! I’m gonna stop my sis from killing herself! I’d ask for your help, but I don’t wanna risk losing you either! I’ll be back for that duel! That’s a promise, so wait for me till then!]

Kōkatsu: [Fine! But you better come back safely!]

Ryuusei: [I will!]

Thus, the oni siblings exited, leaving the goddesses and the smaller kitsune by themselves. Slowly, Kaoru made her way over to Kōkatsu and looked up to view her nervous face.

Kaoru: [Lady Kōkatsu…]

Kōkatsu: [Kaoru.]

Kaoru: [Yes, Lady Kōkatsu?]

Kōkatsu: [I lied to him. I'm not waitin’. That’s the only lie I’ll ever tell him. Brace yerself, ‘cause I’m gonna blast right up to the top and I’ll need yer help]

Kaoru: [Yes, Lady Kōkatsu. But… what do you need my help for?]

Tugging at the sides of her kimono, Kōkatsu bit her lip while looking at the stairs Ryuusei had ascended.

Kōkatsu: [I’ve got a bad feelin’. Somethin’ tells me that dumbass is gonna pull a real stupid move.]

Kaoru: [U-understood! I’m ready to move when you are, Lady Kōkatsu.]

Kōkatsu: [Good. In that case, let’s get movin’ right n–]

Suddenly, a pink light came forth from directly behind where they were standing. The two kitsune turned to view what it was and Silvia curiously drew close as well. In the middle of the floor was a circle with nine tails in the shape of a flower, which produced this very light they saw.

Kaoru: [Teleportation! This is Zen’s ability!]

Kōkatsu: [But why now? Did somethin’ happen?]

The pink light was soon replaced by white, as two, or rather, three, individuals appeared. One was a kitsune with braided pink hair, a kimono of the same and six tails.

Zen: [Lady Kōkatsu! We have an emergen–]

???: [HELP!]

The other was a yellow cat girl who the three had recognised from Shiro’s team. In her arms was a blue lamia who went by the name of–

Silvia: [POI!]

Carefully taking the woman from Bachi’s hands, Silvia gently placed her on the ground and looked at her injuries.

Silvia: [Her wound isssss deep! Kaoru!]

Kaoru: [R-right!]

Placing her hands near Poi, Kaoru began her healing process. As she did so, Bachi, who was still crying, tried to stop the bleeding with her hands again. This time without a single compression given. While Kaoru continued to heal the lamia, she spoke to the nervous mother behind her.

Kaoru: [I’m sorry, Lady Kōkatsu. This takes priority at the moment.]

Kōkatsu: [How quick can you be, Kaoru?]

Kaoru: [A minute is all I need. She’s badly injured, but it’s only in one area. It shouldn’t take very long to heal.]

Kōkatsu: [I’m counting on you, Kaoru.]

Kaoru: [Right!]

The healing kitsune then moved her face up to smile at Bachi.

Kaoru: [Thank you, Bachi. That will be enough. I can save her without a doubt now.]

Bachi: [... I’m sorry… I’m so sorry… S’all my fault…]

The girl was ready to receive the consequences of her actions. From the corner of her eye, she could see Silvia moving close. Even if it meant death, Bachi was still sorry for what she did.

Instead of the chilling embrace of death, she received a warm embrace. One that was far more kind, with Silvia holding Bachi to her chest.

Bachi: [... I’m so sorry… She almost died… all because of me…]

Silvia: [It’ssss alright, Bachi. It’ssss alright. I’m very happy that you brought her here. Thank you.]

Kōkatsu looked down at the crying girl, saddened herself that such a child would need to experience something as terrible as this.

Interrupting her sadness was the sound from a room upstairs. The sound of a window being shattered.

Kōkatsu: [Shit! Hurry, Kaoru!]

Kaoru: [I’m almost finished! Just a few more seconds!]

Kōkatsu’s nerves relentlessly attacked her body with the poisonous knife of fear. Looking towards the stairs again, she muttered to the man that was no longer there.

Kōkatsu: [You better keep your promise, Ryuusei!]

The situation grew dire, but something was far worse than that.

None of them had realized what occurred shortly after the sounds of a broken window echoed through the halls.

From beyond the window closest to Kōkatsu, something had fallen.

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