A Demon's Tale

Surrounded by a world she could only call the afterlife, Devi looked around at the clouds with calmness in her heart.

Devi: [I see. So I’ve died then?]

Smiling, she looked up at the cloud-shaped stairs in front of her and moved forward.

Devi: [I suppose there’s no time to waste. I did want to spend more time with Shiro, but perhaps that’s not possible. Death truly is cruel.]

As she made her way up, Devi accepted the sadness that overwhelmed her. All until a voice rang out from afar by a shadowy silhouette.

???: [Oiiii! Vivi! It’s me!]

Looking back up at them, Devi noticed the familiar figure with a mauve ponytail and a white dress.

Devi: [Tequi! I suppose I would see you here, wouldn’t I? How have you been, as odd as that may be to ask.]

Tequi: [I’ve been great! I was watching your fight just now! You and Roro were kicking some major ass! It was awesome!]

Devi: [Hmhm! I’m glad you enjoyed the show. Unfortunately, I’m afraid the two of us could not best him. I tried my hardest, but he took us by surprise in a way I had not expected. I’m just hoping that Shiro will be alright down there.]

Tequi: [She’s got this! I know more than anyone that Roro had the power to beat that jerk! Well, I guess you kinda know more, but I’m at least second!]

Devi: [Indeed you are. Well then, would you care to make some room? I suppose I’ll be staying here for quite some time, so–Tequi?]

As Devi tried to make her way up, Tequi pushed her back down a step.

Devi: [What’s wrong, Tequi? Why are you pushing me?]

Smiling back to her friend, Tequi tilted her head.

Tequi: [You still have something left to do, right?]

Puzzled, but quickly deducing what Tequi had meant, Devi shook her head.

Devi: [I see. No, I don’t believe I can do that anymore. I had thought before that I would be able to, but seeing as I’m here now, my spirit has already passed on.]

Taking a step forward, Devi ascended the stairs again… only to be pushed back by Tequi.

Devi: [Tequi!]

Tequi: [You haven’t passed on, Devi.]

Devi’s crimson eyes widened.

Devi: [... What?]

Extending her arm to point back down, Tequi showed Devi the path she came from.

Tequi: [You can still go back down, right now. Obviously, if you take too long, those stairs are gonna disappear. But right now, if you choose to, you can go right back down there. And that’s exactly what I’m gonna make you do! As your self-proclaimed number one decision maker, receiving multiple awards also given by myself, I’m telling you to go do what you wanna do!]

Looking back at the stairs, Devi slowly turned to meet Tequi again.

Devi: [But… Tequi, this is the same as any other experience in the afterlife, right? Ascending past these stairs and making it to the other side. There are no second chances. There is no returning to the world of the living. The stairs are only meant to be ascended, that’s all.]

Tequi: [... We didn’t have that choice.]

Stunned, Devi’s pupils dilated.

Devi: [W-what…?]

Tequi: [When I came here, I was sent right to the tippity top! No questions asked! I didn’t even get these cool stairs that you have right now! But that’s the thing, Devi. You’ve been given that second chance, even for just one moment! Even if you say it doesn’t exist, it’s right in front of you. So either you take it, or we force you to take it!]

At that moment, Devi noticed something about Tequi’s words.

Devi: [... We?]

Tequi: [Yep! That’s right!]

Phasing in around Tequi were numerous figures Devi recognised. Each encouraging her to descend the stairs.

Sol: [Yahoo! You do what you do best, Lady Devi! Stick to the path that you believe is right! And that path is right down there!]

Estrella: [It’s not like you to give up so easily, Lady Devi.]

Luna: [That’s why we’d like to see you be your truest self!]

Marte: [Just like the Lady Devi we used to know!]

Júpiter: [And just like the Lady Devi that Miss Shiro brought out!]

Saturno: [That’s the type of Lady Devi that we wanna see!]

Urano: [So even if it doesn’t work out and we see you a few minutes from now…]

Mercurio: [... or a whole century’s worth of waiting…]

Venus: [We’ll wait however long it takes…]

Neptuno: [... to see the Lady Devi we love best!]

Crossing her arms, Tequi gave a confident pose to her friend.

Tequi: [Now hurry up and go! Otherwise, I’ll get real mad at you, Devi!]

Though she was a spirit, she felt a pinch of joy in her heart. Though she was a spirit, her tears started to fall across her cheeks. Though she was a spirit, she denied her own death.

Devi: [Alright! I’ll be off then!]

Tequi: [We’ll be waiting! Have a safe trip, Vivi!]

With that, the Braveheart descended the stairs.

With that, the Braveheart was reborn for a second time.

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

Shiro: [NERO!]

Charging forward, Shiro thrusted Tempest above her, crossing it over to the side, attempting to slice Nero in half.

Shiro: [TEMPEST CRO–AHACK!]

Only to be interrupted by a backhanded fist slamming into her face, sending her tumbling along the ground. Her last act of desperation, any and all matōki she had left, instantly wiped away. Dusting off his hand, Nero scolded the succubus.

Nero: [Rushing in blind rage will lead to your death far faster than you can react, Shiro. You should know that by now.]

Looking towards the window, Nero cracked his neck and continued.

Nero: [Now then, I’ll await your answer for whether or not you shall join me–]

Shiro: [FUCK YOU!]

Even if she hardly had the energy to attack, Shiro’s words were still filled with a pure, raw hatred. Pausing for a moment, Nero turned to look at Shiro’s face, his eyes growing more somber as he did so, before moving his gaze back to the window.

Nero: [Unfortunate, but it shall not change what I will do from here. The rebirth of this world shall commence once again. I’ll rid each land of its stains one by one, erasing them as my troops move. However, before I reach that step, there are a few places I shall start with. The capital of Zero is certainly one, along with the towns of those who attempted to harm my wife ten years ago. I’ll likely need to research where the humans that killed my mother were. However, there is one location that I shall start with above all. The closest among all and the one that took the life of my second mother, the Onigashima District. The pitiful cretins that live there refused to show her any mercy. Thus, I’ll provide the same to them. An eye for an eye, judgment given form by the one above them.]

Flipping his cape back, Nero stared back down at Shiro.

Nero: [And there isn’t a single one of you fools who will stop me.]

???: [That’s what you fuckin’ think, jackass!]

A shadow had jumped past the door, instantly appearing beside Nero and sending their katana down to cut him. With jet black hair and clothes that displayed her beastly manner, the girl made herself known as–

Shiro: [Ryuka!]

Dodging Ryuka’s attacks, Nero’s face grew visibly more irritated with each swing of the oni girl’s sword.

Ryuka: [Don’t worry, Shiro! I’m here to finish the job!]

What surprised Shiro more was not that Ryuka had suddenly appeared, but instead the fact that her skills had improved.

Shiro: [He’s dodging! Nero is actually dodging Ryuka’s attacks!]

Chasing him around the room, Ryuka displayed her horns with an intense electricity while steam escaped from the side of her lips.

Ryuka: [Come on! Come on! You can’t keep up with me that much longer, can you?]

Nero: [On the contrary.]

Ryuka: [Ghuk!]

Swinging his leg from the side, Nero sent Ryuka flying, where she landed close to Shiro. Slowly stumbling over to Ryuka, Shiro checked that she was alright, to which Ryuka responded with a thumbs up and a smile.

Then, from outside the door, another voice made its way in.

???: [Not half bad, Ryuka! You’re definitely improving from the clumsy little sis I knew before!]

Dashing through at an incredible speed, an ear piercing clang of metal rang out into the room as a second oni in jet black challenged Nero. Sparks flew off from each of their blades as they made contact. Just like his sister before him, this oni displayed his horns to bring out his hidden strength.

Ryuusei: [Oi, Nero! You wanna repeat that?! You intend to destroy the Onigashima District?!]

Nero: [You heard exactly what I said. I have no need to repeat my words to a fool.]

Ryuusei: [Hah! Big words for a dead man! I told you from the beginning that if you go against what we want, we have no problem killing you! Seeing as our little sister is now in danger, I think that gives us a pretty good reason to do so!]

Slamming down against Martire repeatedly, several powerful attacks from Ryuusei’s ability were unleashed against Nero. The spurs of his boots jingled as his feet slowly moved across the ground, causing Ryuusei to let loose a smug grin.

Ryuusei: [Don’t underestimate a Ryoma, dumbass! You’ll learn soon enough that what you walked into by pulling this shit is a death–]

His blade was struck to the sky, rendering him open for an attack.

Ryuusei: [... trap?]

Nero: [Move, filth.]

Using his hand like a spear, Nero stabbed into Ryuusei’s chest in less than a second. A large clump of blood was spat out of his mouth in response.

Ryuusei: [PLACH!]

Ryuka: [RYUUSEI!]

As Ryuka attempted to stand, Shiro held her down, preventing the girl from moving. With tears swelling up in her eyes, Ryuka tried to shake off Shiro’s grip and help her brother.

Ryuka: [LET GO! LET GO OF ME, SHIRO! PLEASE!]

Shiro: [You’re going to get yourself killed! Stop, Ryuka!]

Ryuka: [I’LL KILL HIM! I’LL FUCKING KILL THAT BASTARD!]

Ryuusei: [RYUKA!]

Her movement ceased at her brother’s call. Smiling with blood between his teeth, Ryuusei spoke in a hoarse voice.

Ryuusei: [Don’t, Ryuka. You should listen to that lady you wanna serve so much. I made a bad call, a real bad one… but it doesn’t mean you need to do the same.]

Ryuka: [Ryuusei…]

The oni girl’s cheeks were slowly dampened by her falling tears.

Ryuusei: [I’ll be… I really didn’t expect things to turn out this way… But damn, I guess this really sucks for me.... Heh…]

Laughing to himself, Ryuusei’s pupils changed somberly.

Ryuusei: [How the hell am I gonna keep my promise to her now…]

Nero: [You need not worry. Your sister will join the two of you shortly.]

Ryuusei: [Heh… No… That ain’t who I meant… I got a lady waitin’ for me… The shy, ready to pass out from being complimented type… She asked me to marry her and I agreed without a second thought… Not like I needed to think about it, though… I can tell she’s special… But now I’m leaving her all alone again…]

His spiky black locks cascaded down his jacket as he lowered his head.

Ryuusei: [Through and through… I can’t keep my promises, no matter how hard I try…]

Nero: [A sentiment you shall take to your grave. Hm.]

Shoving his arm back, Nero aimed to remove his hand from Ryuusei’s chest. Despite trying to, his arm would not leave. Looking back down, he noticed Ryuusei tightly gripping on it. He did the same action again, and watched as Ryuusei still held on tight.

Nero: [Let go.]

Ryuusei: [Oh, come on now… I get lonely at times like these…]

Providing Nero with a smug smile in retaliation, Ryuusei tilted his head.

Ryuusei: [Besides, I already know what I’m gonna do now…]

Nero: [Decay, shall be the next thing that occurs for you.]

Ryuusei: [Sheesh, you just aren’t getting it at all…]

A puzzling look entered Nero’s eyes, as he witnessed Ryuusei’s own gain a new light despite being on death’s door.

Ryuusei: [See, that lady was way too nice… She was mad at herself about a whole bunch of things, but she was the sweetest damn woman I’ve met when she was talking to me… I don’t want her feeling lonely either, so I intend to break my curse… I’ll keep my promise and see her again… That’s what I’m gambling on, at least…]

His grip tightened, showing the true might of an oni.

Ryuusei: [I won’t break my promise to my little sister either… No matter what, we’re gonna protect her… So hey, I figure, why not kill two birds with one stone? I’ll keep both my promises… and bring back a nice sister-in-law for that little rascal… Sounds like a fair deal to me…]

Nero: [A disgraceful final hope of someone who is going to die. You claim that you’ll do both but fail to realize that you can no longer move a muscle. I’ve struck the most vital area of all. It won’t be long until you bleed out to death.]

Ryuusei: [You make a good point… Too bad this wound ain’t gonna last very long…]

Nero: [Fool. I won’t give you the chance to heal.]

Ryuusei: [Good… I don’t need it… At least, not yet… I’m banking on some extra hands… I think my soon to be daughter might be good with something like this, but my only guess is that she uses a special wooden staff… For all I know, I’m shit out of luck… Still, if I can cauterize the wound for the time being, that sounds just fine to me…]

Nero: [Cauterize a piercing of the heart. Of all the jests I’ve heard, that one might be the greatest.]

Ignoring Nero, Ryuusei kept his gaze the same while speaking to his sister behind him.

Ryuusei: [Ryuka.]

With tears in her eyes, Ryuka’s wavering voice responded.

Ryuka: [Y-yeah…?]

Ryuusei: [Sorry about being so much of an idiot… I guess I cared about you and Ryuji so much that it made me act a little rash… I never really meant to scold you, but I knew you could do a whole lot better… Still, you’re my little sister, and I’ll love you regardless of how dumb or silly you act… If I don’t see you again, I want you to know that you and Ryuji are the most important people in my life… I wouldn’t have been nearly as strong as I am now without either of you… So make sure to tell Ryuji that I said thanks… and as for you, well, thanks…]

Ryuka: [Ryuusei…]

Annoyed by Ryuusei’s endless talking, Nero bitterly lashed out at him.

Nero: [Enough of your annoying prattle. Hurry up and fall.]

Ryuusei: [Heheheh… You don’t seem to get it, do you?... I’m stupid, but not too stupid… I know where my limits are and where I fall against someone else stronger than me… especially from a guy as immortal as you… With that said, there’s a real fun move I can use… One that you’ll likely take some time to recover from as well… Because even if your body can heal itself, a self healing body doesn’t compare in the least to matōki healing… Speaking of matōki, that’s exactly what I mean when I say it’ll take some time for you to heal from this…]

Raising an eyebrow, Nero gave a dull stare back.

Nero: [You intend to use matōki, yet you have not considered that I can easily stop you before you attempt to use it. All you’ve done is waste my time.]

Even though he should have been dying, Ryuusei’s eyes were gaining more and more life as he spoke.

Ryuusei: [Oh, looks like the big bad oni finally figured me out. Despite being so cold, it looks like you have a soft spot for listening to sob stories… If you had cut off my head a minute ago, maybe you could have stopped me… But at this point, I’ve built up a little bit too much energy for you to do that. I’m sure you learned in school that all matōki comes from a core, right?... I’m sure you also learned in school…]

His teeth became visible on his smug grin.

Ryuusei: [... what happens when it breaks.]

Despite not having an ounce of fear for the man who was dying, Nero’s eyes widened. Despite choosing not to attack him prior, Nero attempted to do so now, being repelled back at every moment by the thick, orange aura surrounding Ryuusei. Despite choosing to only tell Ryuusei to remove his arm prior and not forcing it out, Nero desperately tried to pull it out from the oni’s chest, only to fail.

Nero: [Let go! Let go of me, you fool!]

With his hair swaying in the wind, Ryuusei took a deep breath and turned over his shoulder.

Ryuusei: [Shiro, right?]

Surprised by her name being called, Shiro slowly rose.

Shiro: [Y-yes?]

Ryuusei: [My sister is a good kid… Do me a favor and take care of her… I promise she’ll work hard… She looks up to you, after all…]

Without hesitation, Shiro nodded back to him.

Shiro: [Leave her to me.]

Ryuusei: [Heh… Thanks a ton… And as for you, my stupid little sister… Take care of Ryuji for me… Make sure she eats her vegetables, does her homework, and doesn’t listen to your life advice… Got it?]

Confused by her brother’s oddly bleak words, Ryuka’s eyes slowly widened.

Ryuka: [Ryuusei?]

Viewing her brother, Ryuka watched as his smile went from the same smug grin she had seen every day of her life to a genuine, caring version.

Ryuusei: [... Stay strong, Ryuka… For both my sake, and Ryuji’s…]

Tilting his head up, his smile widened.

Ryuusei: [I’ll see you later, Sis…]

Nero: [LET GO, YOU–]

Enveloping the room in an orange light that turned pure white, a devastating explosion was let loose by one of the castle’s walls. In the sounds of the explosion, a girl’s screams could be heard.

Ryuka: [RYUUSEI!]

Sending Nero soaring into the night sky with a streak of viscera trailing behind, the proud oni warrior sacrificed everything he had for a single blow.

Ryuusei Ryoma. The proudest of the Ryoma family.

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

On the lowest floor of the palace, two bloodied and beaten warriors stood across from each other. On the watch of the man with ripped clothing, a loud buzzing was sounded off. The man removed the knife placed in his mouth to click his tongue and jumped back.

Knife: [Tch. Interrupted again.]

Puzzled by his sudden need to escape, the angel questioned him.

Hidari: [Hold it! Where are you going?! Our fight isn’t over yet!]

Swinging his hand in a circle, Knife shared Hidari’s irritation.

Knife: [Trust me, I’m not happy about this either. Higher ups are telling me that the boss man wants us to leave. So you know the drill. Hopefully, if you aren’t dead, we’ll try this the next chance that we get. Till then, see ya!]

Hopping out of the room, the angel looked up to the ceiling, confused by the loud noise he had heard seconds before.

Hidari: [What exactly happened up there?!]

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

Face to face with a powerful demon beast turned gladiator, the brilliant mechanic on Shiro Fuloreen’s team and the Strong Second of Kōkatsu’s watched as the hulking figure slowly made his way over to a nearby wall, crushing it as he went through and fell down to the bottom.

Migi: [What the hell?! Where’s he going all of a sudden?!]

Kiyomi: [If I had to guess, it likely has to do with that explosion above us.]

Moving her eyes up, Kiyomi glanced at the top of the hall of stairs.

Kiyomi: [I just hope that’s one of Lady Kōkatsu’s moves being used, and not something worse.]

Migi: [Yeah, or at least Lady Shiro’s rockin’ moves at that.]

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

Scurrying away, the tall man covered in muscle with claws strapped to his hand ran from his fight with the white kitsune. He continued to activate his ability as he dashed, covering up the new wounds he gained.

Chima: [You won’t be that lucky next time, fox!]

With one eye closed, preventing the wound on her head from blinding her, Kagami held her pair of kunai in a stance as she watched him leave, heavily panting in exhaustion.

Kagami: [I need to check on the others immediately!]

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

Looking up at the hole above them while taking care of the blue lamia, the yellow cat girl and older, purple lamia were astonished by what had happened. In an instant, a massive explosion was let loose right above them.

Bachi: [S-stay on guard! Don’t let her get hurt after she was jus’ healed!]

Silvia: [Of coursssse. I’m very thankful that you are protecting her assss well, Bachi.]

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

Rushing up the stairs, the orange kitsune stopped in place after hearing the scream that joined the explosion. The name that was stated was one she recognised. One that she now loved the sound of, but was horrified to see what had happened. Regardless of that fear, her determination was much stronger. Looking over her shoulder, she spoke to the smaller orange kitsune on her back.

Kōkatsu: [I’m sorry, Kaoru, but I’m pickin’ up the speed!]

Kaoru: [Please do, Lady Kōkatsu! We must make sure he’s alright!]

Kicking off the stairs, the kitsune rapidly ascended at an incredible speed.

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

The large plume of smoke started to clear from the room. Ryuka Ryoma, who wasted no time at all to move, desperately searched to see where her brother was. Endlessly, she called out to him, while Shiro sat nearby, horrified that her own incompetence led to the death of not one, but two of her friends over the past two weeks. As the room became more visible, Ryuka had started to notice a familiar, burnt up outfit laid out in front of her. She knelt down, waving her hands in the air to clear the smoke faster, but it had already started to dissolve. Looking down, her tears grew in quantity as she saw him. Her brother, Ryuusei Ryoma, with his eyes closed and a smile on his face, patches of his skin frothing and bubbling like lava.

The clatter of wood could be heard nearby, as another pair of individuals entered the room. Ones who were just as mortified as Ryuka, as this man had grown a connection with them as well. In the larger kitsune's body, a terrible pain that felt like her heart had been squeezed until it was ten times smaller and contorted in shape welcomed her.

Kōkatsu: [No… Nononononono! Kaoru! Quick!]

Kaoru: [I-I’m on it! I’ll do my best!]

Rushing to Ryuusei’s sides, Kaoru attempted to heal him while Kōkatsu held his hand tightly. Placing the hand on her face, her tears started to form as she spoke to the mute oni.

Kōkatsu: [You promised me… You promised me you’d come back… Why? Why did you have to go and do something reckless like that? You would have been fine otherwise… You could have waited for us… Why did you have to do that, Ryuusei?... WHY?!... I’M RIGHT HERE, AREN’T I?!... YOU WERE COMING BACK FOR ME, RIGHT?! THEN COME BACK!... HURRY UP AND COME BACK! I’M WAITING, JUST LIKE I ALWAYS WAS!... I WAITED THIS LONG FOR SOMEONE LIKE YOU, AND NOW I’M HERE, SO HURRY UP AND COME BACK TO ME, RYUUSEI!]

Without a response, Kōkatsu’s sadness could only grow. Moving her head down, she gently pressed her forehead against his hand.

Kōkatsu: [Please… I’m begging you… Come back… Just this once, I want my wish to come true… Please come back to me…]

Crying for what felt like an eternity, Kōkatsu emptied her feelings into his sleeping heart. In front of her, Kaoru came to a bittersweet conclusion of her own.

Kaoru: [I’ve… I’ve healed him!]

Shooting her head up, Kōkatsu’s eyes dilated upon hearing her daughter’s words. Smiling to Ryuusei and Kaoru, she switched who she was looking at in a rapid manner.

Kōkatsu: [Really?! He’s healed already, Kaoru?!]

Kaoru: [He’s… healed… but the injuries are bad… I can say at the very least that he won’t die, at least not right now. We can still continue to treat him while he’s alright!]

The joy on Kōkatsu’s face warped back into sadness.

Kōkatsu: [Wh-what…? But… but he’s healed… so shouldn’t that mean…]

Tugging at her green kimono, Kaoru looked at the floor in front of her.

Kaoru: [It’s hard for me to say this to you, Lady Kōkatsu… but as it stands, he’s currently comatose… Whether or not he’ll wake up is unknown…]

Like a brutal string into her heart, Kōkatsu fell onto her back and stared up at the ceiling. Feeling more tears coming in, she covered her eyes with her hands and released everything. Beside Kaoru, Ryuka knelt her head down, lying on her brother’s chest as a few spare tears escaped.

Ryuka: [Ryuusei…]

Kaoru looked behind herself to see Shiro, who was sitting alone. A terrible, lifeless look had taken over her eyes, barely acknowledging that Kōkatsu and Kaoru were in the room. The room was incredibly depressing. Each of the three around Kaoru were disheveled in some way. Meanwhile, she sat there, upset that she was utterly powerless here.

Only the sounds of cries and sniffles filled the room. However, one of the two had stopped a few moments after. Without realizing, Ryuka had noticed that Kōkatsu knelt down beside her, reflecting a pure somber down to the girl.

Kōkatsu: [Ryuka… Please listen to my request… I know you may not like it, and you’re free to insult me for asking, but please allow my family to take care of him… I promise we’ll treat him as best as we can, no matter what it takes.. I know that I’m a stranger to y–]

Ryuka: [That’s fine… If it means helping my brother, please, help him… I can’t do anything like that, so–]

Ryuka was pulled towards Kōkatsu, who held her in a gentle hug and stroked her hair. The kitsune’s ears lowered while she continued to cry.

Kōkatsu: [Thank you… Thank you so much…]

Slowly hugging Kōkatsu back, Ryuka cried into the white and blue kimono that held her.

A depressing end to the battle, is what the group had met.

On both sides, a terrible loss had transpired.

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

Following the events of the explosion, the raiding team had made their exit from the castle and regrouped outside. Those who were injured were treated as best as they could be. One of these individuals was Kagami Zennami. The short haired, white kitsune, who had bandages wrapped over her forehead. She had noticed her mother making her way over, with an injured man in her hands. He was a stranger, yet she could tell by Kōkatsu’s face that this was someone to be trusted. Moving over to Kagami, the motherly kitsune placed the oni into her hands.

Kōkatsu: [Kagami.]

Kagami: [Yes, Lady Kōkatsu?]

Kōkatsu: [Bring him home and have the girls treat him. Under no circumstance should he die. Understood?]

Kagami: [Y-yes, Lady Kōkatsu. Perhaps I should not say, but you seem quite different, Lady Kōkatsu. There’s an odd seriousness to you, but a cool one at that.]

Kōkatsu: [... Hurry.]

Kagami: [R-right!]

Zipping away, Kagami made her exit as she headed towards the large minka house. Across the field from Kōkatsu, the fox could see Kaoru, Ryuka and Shiro exiting the castle. Each of their faces displaying worse and worse looks, with her closest friend’s being truly awful

Between the warriors, discussions of what to do next were being held.

Hidari: [It seems a large majority of Nero’s forces were taken care of. In that case, we’ll have the advantage the next time we enter battle with him.]

Silvia: [Unfortunately, we were informed that thissss group issss mainly hissss lower level of troopssss. Which meanssss that the nexsssst batch will likely be sssstronger.]

Kiyomi: [On top of the fact that we’re still dealing with Mister Nero of all people. I hate to say it, but our odds sound real bad right now.]

Looking around at the soldiers, a question rose in Kōkatsu’s mind. Turning to Shiro, she tried to speak as softly as she could to avoid worsening her state. The last time she recalled Shiro experiencing something like this was the hospital bed a week prior, where words were spoken that Kōkatsu never wished to hear again.

Kōkatsu: [Shiro, I don’t wanna cause anything, but I need to know, given the Bloodfire soldiers are confused. Where’s Devi?]

Clenching her hands into a fist, Shiro suddenly sprinted away from the group and towards the side of the castle. An emotional outburst none had expected, leading Kōkatsu to feel terrible over asking.

Running and running, Shiro would find her.

Even if she was just blood and guts after falling from that height, no matter what, she needed to confirm to herself that her friend was now dead.

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

A bed of flowers.

Shiro could not believe her eyes. In front of her was a bed of flowers, red and white in color. Chunks of debris crushed the ground around them, but not a single piece hit the flowers. Laying on top of the bed was Devi, who was still bleeding out, but was unharmed past that. Her body wasn’t reduced to nothing, she was still here. Her spirit had not faded, she was still here. The Braveheart had not died, she was still here. The most surprising of all was, though hoarse, she called to Shiro.

Devi: [Shiro… Come closer…]

Her eyes continued to shake as she saw Devi. Her brain subconsciously told her to move over without acknowledging that Devi had asked her to. Making her way to stand beside Devi and kneeling down, Shiro picked up her damaged right hand and looked on at the crimson eyes full of joy. Even though she was gravely injured, Devi still continued to smile. Turning her eyes to the stars above, the dying yet happy voice spoke.

Devi: [I saw them, you know?... Tequi… Sol… All of them… They were there, waiting for me… But they sent me back… They told me to enjoy the time I had here… so I listened… And now, I’m here…]

Tightly, Shiro gripped the hand she held. Her tears that she held back for so long were finally let loose.

Shiro: [Devi…]

Devi: [Don’t blame yourself for what happened to me, Shiro… I know you well enough now, and I know that’s the exact excuse you’ll make… “Devi was killed because of me!”... right?... Hmhmhm… Shiro… You’ve done an excellent job today… I can say it, without a doubt… There wasn’t a single flaw in how we fought… We just couldn’t expect what would happen after… But you were wonderful, Shiro… The fruits of your training truly shined in that battle… The only thing I can say in response to your performance is… magnífica…]

Shiro: [Just hold on a little longer, Devi!... I’m sure… I’m sure Kaoru is on the way, so you don’t ne–]

Devi: [Shiro.]

Halting Shiro’s worries, Devi looked into Shiro's sorrowful eyes.

Devi: [... I wish the two of us could have spent more time together… After my conversation with you, I truly wanted a second chance to live my life… A new beginning for myself, free from the shackles I forced onto my wrists… This week was the best week of that new life… but I wish there could have been more… Still, I can pass with a smile knowing that I was able to spend it with my family… To that, I have no regrets…]

Shiro looked to the side and noticed that Devi was trying to move her other hand over to Shiro’s face. Quickly taking a hold of it, Shiro gently placed it on her cheek, allowing Devi to caress her.

Devi: [... Your eyes are truly beautiful, Shiro… They match that of a Bloodfire’s… The perfect woman to marry into our family… One who is kind, loving, strong and above all else… brave… Take care of my careless grandson, Shiro… I’m sure he’ll continue to be as much of a handful for you as he was for me…]

Shiro’s mouth started to open uncontrollably, revealing her gritted teeth. Sniffling, Shiro’s cracked voice tried to speak to Devi.

Shiro: [Don’t go… Devi… Please…]

Rolling over gently, Devi moved her hand down from Shiro’s cheek and clasped onto the hand that was previously holding her own.

Devi: [Shiro… From–]

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

Running and running, Kōkatsu led the charge to locate where Shiro had gone. The kitsune goddess had taken priority in this operation, as she felt this was caused by her reckless words that likely tore into Shiro’s heart. Wishing to apologize to her friend, she ran further and further, until eventually, she and the others saw a flower bed. Beside these flowers was a crying Shiro, and on top of them was Devi Bloodfire, slowly dying. The Bloodfire soldiers behind Kōkatsu had started to clench their fists, deeply saddened by the loss of who they considered to be the greatest in the world. Whilst the soldiers shared their grief with one another, Kōkatsu listened in on the conversation.

Devi: [... But once that occurs… I’ll know everything will be alright…]

Smiling, Devi said her final words to Shiro.

Devi: [Farewell, Shiro… I’m truly glad… that I was able to… meet… you…]

Her left hand fell lifelessly onto the ground. Her eyes no longer had any light stored in them. The legendary Braveheart and former ruler of the world, a woman many had looked up to in their times of need, had passed. At the age of sixty seven, Devi Bloodfire had died.

Placing the hand she held over Devi’s chest, Shiro closed Devi’s eyes so that she may rest peacefully, away from the hell that transpired around her.

Kōkatsu slowly made her way over, ready to console her friend after another devastating loss.

Kōkatsu: [Shiro…]

Without a word, Shiro picked up Devi’s body and moved over to Hidari.

Shiro: [Hidari.]

Hidari: [Of course, Lady Shiro. I’ll see to it that the soldiers bury her with the utmost respect.]

Shiro: [Thank you.]

Moving away from each other, Hidari brought Devi’s body over to the Bloodfire soldier while Shiro moved in between where Kōkatsu and the rest of the group were standing.

Kōkatsu: [Shiro, if you need to talk, I can listen.]

Shiro: [... We’ll strike Nero while he’s vulnerable.]

A wave of surprise washed over each member of the force after hearing Shiro’s words.

Shiro: [Devi had taught me to live in the present and not be stuck to the past, so I’ll do exactly that. Given his injuries, it’ll likely take another week until Nero’s forces are ready to launch their assault. Before they do so, we’ll spread the news of this to the other gods, and under secret messages, provide the residents of the Onigashima District with a warning prior to the attack. We’ll evacuate as many as we can to nearby districts, mainly that of the Babylon District. Along with that, we’ll use the week we have to prepare for the fight. The next time we face him, we won’t lose. Not in the slightest. Devi’s and Ryuusei’s sacrifices will not be in vain.]

Silvia: [But a week issss not very long at all. Are we ssssertain that we’ll be prepared in time, esssspesssially after our battle before, for thissss war?]

Questioning Shiro on the issue at hand, given the amount of time they now have, Silvia interjected.

Shiro: [We can get stronger. Much stronger. Devi and I assumed a blitz strategy would have worked, but it wasn’t nearly enough. This time we’ll be ready. I know the perfect training regimen to go through to prepare myself for it. Plus, there’s something I’m ready to receive now.]

Her burning, crimson eyes turned to Ryuka. Feeling this new change from Shiro in her soul, Ryuka swallowed the saliva in her throat and prepared her nervous mind for what she would say.

Shiro: [I’d like to know from you, Ryuka. Do you desire to join me? I had selfishly accepted your brother’s request, but I did not hear your own thoughts.]

Hesitating for a moment, Ryuka nodded her head.

Ryuka: [I would, Shiro. It’s not just because of my brother’s request, but I’ve wanted to join for a while. Ever since that day, I’ve been constantly thinking about how strong you are. But even more so than these past few days, right now, you seem incredibly strong. That’s why I want to join you. I want to be able to protect my sister while under your wing.]

Shiro: [Very well. We’ll rush to the Onigashima District to pick her up as soon as we start evacuating the others.]

Closing her eyes, Shiro changed the direction of her words to the signatures present in her mind.

Shiro: [And you two? Just like Ryuka, do you desire to join me?]

Shiro’s team found her statement odd. There wasn’t a single other soul in sight, yet she called out to two people. Unlike the three of them, however, Ryuka looked over at the back of the castle.

Ryuka: [Yeah. I had a feeling they were here.]

From behind the castle came two individuals of different builds. One was a girl with pinkish-red eyes and hair of the same color. In her short, tomboy-like hair was a pink aster. She wore a multicolored patchy robe, a pink scarf, a baggy long sleeve white shirt, dark blue sweat pants and simple pink running shoes. Her body was not only short, but rather flat in appearance. Beside her was a young woman many inches taller. Her long purple hair was braided into a ponytail, the color of which matched perfectly with her eyes. Much like the smaller girl, this one had a purple aster placed in her hair, one that Shiro remembered seeing and placing in her own before losing it the day before. She wore a white button down, a purple skirt, sheer leggings beneath that and purple fur boots on her feet. Not only was she taller than the pink girl, but she was also well endowed across her whole body. So much so that it seemed like her white button down was ready to snap apart.

The stubborn and airheaded members of the Erozena family made themselves known.

Tari: [Just as we’d expect from you, Lady Shiro. We’re happy to see you alive and well after that battle.]

Sena: [And of course, we’d like to join you, Lady Shiro! Although, maybe you might not want us…]

Tari: [Of course she wants us, Sena. That’s why she asked the question in the first place.]

Annoyed by her confused sister, Tari snapped back.

Sena: [But you never know… It could have been a rhetorical question…]

Tari: [Why would she ask a rhetorical question like that?! That doesn’t make any sense!]

While the two continued their banter, Shiro made her way to Kōkatsu.

Shiro: [Kō, do you have your gourd on you?]

Kōkatsu: [Huh? Oh, uh, yeah. I do. Why?]

Shiro: [Pass it over. I need it.]

Kōkatsu stood there, confused by why Shiro required the gourd in the first place. Perhaps it was for a drink, due to the odd nature of the sisters. However, for as long as she had known Shiro, the snow woman did not drink at times like this, usually only choosing times where she was feeling lovey dovey with her husband to do so. It was only then that it clicked, the only time Shiro had requested sake from her over the past ten years they had known each other. Responding with an “Ah! Gotcha!”, Kōkatsu removed the gourd from the inside of her kimono and handed it to Shiro. Sending her free hand through her Illusion World, Shiro sat down and pulled not one, not two, but seven sake cups, one by one, from inside the realm. Placing one in front of her and pouring the sake into it, she moved the rest aside, ready to be used if necessary.

Shiro: [If you wish to serve me, then sit before me and swear yourself in through oath. Those who do not do so are free to leave, choosing the road that they see fit to walk upon. However, if you choose to sit, then I shall take you under my wing.]

Not a single person judged her. No one laughed, nor insulted, nor berated her words. Not a word left their mouths. They merely watched, amazed by the new aura that surrounded Shiro.

The first to move was Ryuka Ryoma, who confidently walked over to Shiro and sat down in front of her, bowing as she accepted the cup.

The next was Hidari, who finished speaking to the Bloodfire soldiers and was ready to accept this gift graciously.

The next… was Bachi, who starred back to Silvia holding Poi. The purple lamia nodded her head with a smile, leading Bachi to slowly move over to Shiro, sitting down on her knees. Her seating position, much like how she held the cup, was fixed as she looked at the two beside her to correct herself.

The next was Migi, who fixed his sunglasses and smiled, ready to take on the new challenges they would face while protecting the one he would serve. Releasing his real arm from its metallic shell, he showed a much more formal side to him that many had not seen.

Then came the last two. Tari and Sena, who bowed to Shiro and sat down, grateful that they had received the opportunity to meet her, even if their first encounter brought them shame.

With sake poured into each of their cups, Shiro raised her own to them.

Shiro: [As the sun falls and the moon rises, from the start of today to the end of our time, you shall serve me, Shiro Fuloreen! Is that understood?]

Matching her rallying cry, the group raised their cups.

Shiro’s Army: [Yes!]

On that day, her team had truly formed.

Shiro’s Army: [... Lady Shiro!]

The legend of Shiro’s Dragonic Force was born.

The Undying Hydra, Ryuka Ryoma

The Holy Wyvern, Hidari Monjo

The Amphiptere Star, Migi Paribozijiou

The Hot Tempered Drake, Bachi

The Silent Serpent, Tari Erozena

The Deadeye Wyrm, Sena Erozena

And finally…

The White Dragon of Snow, Shiro Fuloreen.

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

END OF PHASE 5