A Demon's Tale

Grass lit by the moon swayed in the wind, feeling the pressure of shoes provided by two women making their way to a shrine-like home. Before either of the two could tap on the shogi, it slid open, revealing a short woman with blond hair past it. A greeting was not needed, nor would the reason they had shown up need to be explained to her. This woman, much older than the two, had already known why they were here.

Airi: [... A week will be a hellish process to begin with. Having someone else join in on the training could be fatal, Shiro.]

Shiro: [It’s alright, Mother. I intend for her training to be efficient, but not enough to take away from my own. Besides, if I’m being honest, she hardly needs any with her sword. I’d like to focus on teaching her how to fight without it.]

Moving forward, past Shiro’s position, the oni girl stuck her hand out for the woman to shake.

Ryuka: [It’s an honor to meet you, Airi the Hero! Perhaps Lady Airi would be more correct. Regardless, I’m grateful to be trained under you and Lady Shiro!]

Releasing a deep sigh, Airi showed her irritation at the titles she was given and shook the girl’s hand.

Airi: [Honestly, you need to teach these children better, Shiro.]

Moving out of the way for the two to enter, Shiro and Ryuka took their shoes off and looked into the house.

Airi: [You’ll sleep with a torn up blanket, followed by five weighted variants. The first will cause you to itch, leading your bodies to try and instinctively scratch yourself. If you can push past the weight unconsciously, your bodies will grow stronger. The time that you sleep will also be incredibly minimal. Is that understood?]

Shiro and Ryuka: [Yes ma’am.]

Airi: [Good. Head upstairs. I’ll grab the blankets and prepare your beds.]

As Ryuka made her way in, Airi had stopped Shiro.

Shiro: [Mom?]

Airi: [I could tell from his aura when I first met him. The Virtuoso boy was quite strong. If you were to face him, Shiro, that would require a great deal of strength.]

Her tone became much lower in pitch as she discussed the details to her daughter.

Airi: [To gain strength like that requires an immense amount of practice. Are you sure you’re truly ready?]

Nodding back, Shiro's own voice became stern to reflect her mother's tone.

Shiro: [I'm ready. I have to be.]

Airi allowed Shiro to enter so that the goddess and her commander could get some rest for the night, albeit with a challenge attached.

Thus, it had begun.

The hellish training that Airi had spoken to Devi about, a scenario that neither wanted to force upon Shiro, was now at hand.

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For Ryuka Ryoma, the training she endured physically could not be considered bad.

There were many aspects she enjoyed, even if it required a great deal of work. From hard chores to start the morning, such as tending to Airi’s entire garden in the span of an hour otherwise they would not be fed, to the sparring she performed that provided a change of pace, giving the girl a difficult challenge to conquer as she tried to take on Shiro like many times before, she could say with certainty that she was happy to experience it.

However, though she could handle it from a physical level, her mentality towards it started to wane. For the past two days, she was taught the Babylon Way style. Her expertise in adaptation caused a great shock from Airi, who questioned Shiro on why Hidari would be the instructor for others to learn it and not the girl that rapidly caught up on each lesson she learned, Ryuka. In response, Shiro mentioned that neither she nor Ryuka herself could decide on what the oni girl wished to be within Shiro’s army, choosing to stay solely as a officer of the force for the time being. These words from the two made Ryuka happy to be a part of this training, but Shiro herself had caused a problem. To the oni, she looked up to the goddess like many others who worshiped a higher being. Even if Ryuka stood on a level where she could speak with Shiro, it was an honor at every moment she drew breath to be in her presence. An idol of the highest degree, Ryuka truly loved this woman.

It was for exactly that reason why her body felt as though it was deteriorating with every second. Her muscles felt like stone, her bones felt like they could snap to the touch, each and every nerve gave a numbing sensation. She had not received any pain that would cause this, she had not been injured in a sparring match or anything similar within her training. Instead, there was someone who, for the past two days, had hardly gotten any sleep and continued to try and fight. Ryuka had seen this person be hit and fall to the ground. She had seen them grow weak during the morning garden work, dropping down onto the soil and requiring rest for a few minutes. She had seen them wake up in the middle of the night, running to the washroom to puke, only for Ryuka to later see blood instead of food.

It sickened her, but not because the sight itself was sickening. Shiro’s state had sickened her. To know that she was suffering far more than Ryuka was something that Ryuka herself could not stand. When the girl was sworn in, she had chosen to share Shiro’s pain with her. If Shiro’s body were at risk, it would fall upon Ryuka to bear the greatest of the burden, no matter what it may be. But this was something she couldn't control. The training was for the both of them, not just one or the other. There was nothing she could take for her lady, no pain that could be placed onto her body instead of Shiro’s. Furious with this fact, Ryuka struggled as she continued to practice the Babylon Way by herself. Thrusting forward with a right hook, only to then move back into her stance, she held her right hand close to her face with the left falling slack near her waist, whilst clenching her teeth.

The wind wrapped around her punch.

However, it rapidly picked up as an attack from far away rippled into her spot. Her spiky, jet black ponytail fluttered in the wind as she tried to resist the gale with her hands. Looking over from the top of her arms, she gazed upon the culprits from afar.

Ryuka: [Lady Shiro…]

Against the woman with baggy eyes and an injured body, merciless rapid fire fists were unleashed with less than a second between each other by the blond, blind legend. One last strike from the hero’s fist led the goddess to fly back from the impact. Kicking off the ground as she flew back, as if trying to repel the attack, the snow-like goddess attempted to counterattack with the jagged blade she called to her hand. As she did, a naginata was thrown back to the blond woman’s hands, which slapped the oncoming sword away again.

Airi: [Slow.]

Though her attack was redirected, this did not stop Shiro, as she tried to use the opportunity to kick Airi while she was open. Barely breaking a sweat, Airi ducked under the foot and spun her naginata, ready to dish out another attack. Tempest was held by the flat side, defending Shiro from the strike. This, of course, could not stop the heavy force behind Airi’s power, and launched her back through the air again.

Flipping herself back onto her feet, Shiro charged forward and made several afterimages that would hone in on her mother’s position. What Shiro had failed to realize, or rather, what her tired mind did not deduce was that these afterimages meant nothing to someone who could not see them. Thrusting forward with a chop, Shiro’s arm was grabbed, with her whole body then being tossed onto the ground.

Airi: [Naive.]

From her position on the grass, Shiro attempted to kick back up at Airi. Her efforts were worthless, as a punch was sent directly into her face with a kick to the back of the head to follow, tumbling her body several feet forward. Without any resistance, Shiro’s body laid spread out across the ground, heavily panting as she felt the pain shooting across her body.

Airi: [We can’t continue your training unless you stand back up. You’re the one who requested this, so stand, Shiro.]

Shiro: [Haaaaah…. Aaaaahhckh...]

Her teeth grinded together as she tried to bear the pain. The girl’s refusal to stand caused a loud shout to erupt from Airi.

Airi: [Shiro! Stand, now!]

Shiro: [Ghk!.... Hckk!... Aaaaaahck!]

Her hands slapped against her ears, holding them as if hoping that would cease what she felt. Airi, however, was confused, gazing upon the heat-like signature of Shiro's body. Though she knew Shiro was tired, and though she knew Shiro was hurt, this was to be expected of their training. However, there was an issue about how she was reacting.

Airi: [I didn’t hit her that hard. Even if she’s hurt, she should be fine enough to keep fighting. Ryuka had told me about the previous incidents last night, and I saw her pass out this morning, but she was completely fine on the first night. When she was training with Devi, I never saw anything like this happen, so why now? No, come to think of it, something was wrong then as well… Why? I could tell something had happened during her first battle against that Nero boy. I had felt her energy from here along with a frightening chill… Could it have been that? A change in her body?]

Sensing Ryuka’s signature, Airi kept her head facing the direction of it as she spoke to her daughter.

Airi: [We’ll take a break for the time being. Though this course of training requires the maximum effort, having you killed would be the worst result possible.]

Shiro: [No… Mom… I can keep going…]

Moving her face back to her daughter’s signature, Airi could sense the horrible condition Shiro was in. Her body struggled to stand correctly, with body legs shifted to the inward and her arms trembling as they were raised.

Shiro: [See…? I can still…stand… AHAK!]

Suddenly, the woman felt an immense pain in her body and crashed into the ground, holding her head. Concerned, Airi rushed over to help without a second thought.

Airi: [Shiro!]

Moving Shiro to her side, Airi tried to support her as best as she could. Rubbing her daughter’s back as she coughed up blood and checking the spots in which Shiro was injured.

Airi: [I don’t understand! If you were hurt this badly then why didn’t you…]

It was thanks to both her signature and along with the injuries that Airi had realized something. Her expression grew far more horrified as she noticed.

Airi: [Shiro… No… Don’t tell me…]

Shiro: [I’m… fine… Mom… I can keep… going–]

Airi: [I’M CALLING IT OFF! NOT JUST FOR TODAY! THE ENTIRE REGIMEN IS NOW OFF, NOR ARE YOU HEADING INTO BATTLE LIKE THIS!]

Shiro: [Mom…? What’s wrong…?]

Looking back up at her mother from the grass, Shiro could see a fear in her heart that she rarely ever saw out of the world’s legendary hero.

Airi: [I’m taking you home with Ryuka. If need be, I can train her, but I’m not training you nor will anyone else! I’ll contact Kōkatsu and have that Kaoru girl heal you. After that, you’ll stay in bed for as long as you need!]

Shiro: [I’m sorry, Mom… I don’t know why you’re this scared… but I can’t do that…]

Airi: [There are no exceptions here, Shiro! I won’t allow it in the slightest!]

Even if her eyes were tired and displayed the pain she felt, there was still a spark of fire behind Shiro’s crimson gaze

Shiro: [That’s not your decision to make… Mom…]

Airi: [I said I would not allow it!]

Shiro: [Even if you stop me… I’ll still go… Even if you scold me… I’ll still go…]

Looking towards the sky, Shiro continued.

Shiro: [Even if Dad scolded me as well… I’d still go… Because even if I don’t understand what’s wrong, it’s my duty to see this through…]

Airi: [Duty is worthless without your own survival, Shiro! I know that far better than you!]

Shiro: [Because of Devi’s mom… and Tequi’s dad… right? But you kept moving in their place… right? After all… you were carrying out their dying will…]

Airi was too stunned to answer. Her daughter had perfectly deduced what had happened with the little information she had. Moving her eyes back to her mother, Shiro presented a bloody smile.

Shiro: [Just like you… I’m carrying out Devi and Tequi’s will… If they can’t carry on with their goal… then I need to do so in their stead… It doesn’t matter what state I’m in or how it will impact the future, I need to see this through to the end… because that’s my duty now…]

Shiro’s statement flashed a memory through Airi’s head. A woman with long red hair, styled into a ponytail. Someone Airi had remembered when she was young, was now speaking to her again about a story of their past.

Red Haired Woman: [It didn’t matter what state I was in or how it would impact the future, I had to see it through to the end. That’s my duty, after all.]

Gritting her teeth, Airi grabbed her pants firmly as the frustrating memory returned to her.

Airi: [You’re both fools… You and her are alike in the worst way possible.]

Shiro: [Mom…?]

Lifting herself off the ground, Airi slowly walked away from Shiro.

Airi: [Call Kaoru or anyone you know who can heal you. Under no circumstances should they tell you anything. If they have something they’d like to speak about after they heal you, have them speak to me.]

Shiro: [I’m still going to keep training… even if you stop me… Mom.]

Airi: [That’s why we aren’t stopping. We’ll keep this regimen and heal you when needed. As for myself, I’ll just have to bear with it.]

Watching as her mother walked away, Shiro was left in a state of confusion and pain.

Shortly after, Sena had arrived by Ryuka’s urgent call and rushed over to heal Shiro. However, her face looked visibly stressed after healing Shiro, even though the goddess was now perfectly fine. Much like Airi had requested and Shiro had told the purple haired succubus, not a word was spoken to the goddess.

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Another day had passed, and Shiro’s health was much better than before. Due to a sudden change in course, Airi had chosen to focus on an area that Shiro also required training in. That being conquering the Perfect Matōki Flow, a technique the legendary hero herself was incredibly familiar with. Instead of the standard training the two had gone through, Shiro and Ryuka spent every hour that was not eating, sleeping or any other necessary functions, meditating. With their legs crossed on the grass and their hands created what looked like an O by their feet, the two concentrated their thoughts.

Mainly, Shiro concentrated her thoughts, as the other trainee was unfamiliar with a situation that did not involve fighting or being loud. Constantly readjusting herself, Ryuka tried to find the perfect position to sit in without breaking Airi’s rules. Occasionally, she would mumble her swears to herself as she tried to fix how she sat. Though Shiro was focused, she quickly picked up on the noise beside herself and tried to correct it without opening her eyes.

Shiro: [Ryuka, you need to stop moving around if you want to think calmly.]

Ryuka: [I know, but none of this feels comfy! Everytime I get into the right position, I either feel like I’m sitting right on my ankles or my geta feel like they’re jabbing into my legs! On top of that, my ass is starting to hurt!]

Shiro: [Relax your body and you won’t feel any of it.]

Ryuka: [I’m totally gonna feel way more if I let it stay that way!]

Shiro: [Have you tried?]

Unable to refute Shiro’s point, Ryuka moved back into the same position her lady sat in and tried to think calmly. Unfortunately–

Ryuka: [Lady Shiro?]

Shiro: [Mmm.]

Ryuka: [Lady Shiro?]

Shiro: [Mmm.]

Ryuka: [Lady Shiro!]

Shiro: [Yes, Ryuka?]

Ignoring Shiro’s previous odd responses, Ryuka sought a proper answer from the goddess. Despite the constant insistence to speak with her, Shiro did not lose her temper in the slightest. A powerful difference from her young, teenage self responding to the woman she often called old.

Ryuka: [I’m having trouble being calm. I keep thinking about how I’m sitting.]

Shiro: [Have you never taken a deep breath to relieve yourself, Ryuka?]

Ryuka: [Huh? Oh, uh, no. Not really. Should I?]

Shiro: [Breathe in for five seconds, then hold it for the same, and just like the previous two steps, breathe out slowly for the same amount. Then wait five more seconds before you repeat it all over again.]

Ryuka: [Oh, cool! Lemme try!]

Doing exactly as Shiro had said, twice, Ryuka tried to calm her mind down as best as she could. Unfortunately, the results were rather lacking.

Ryuka: [It’s still not working.]

Shiro: [We’ll take this slowly then. I’m sure there are ways to calm your mind, so we’ll take it step by step until we reach the point where you’re calm. What would you like to talk about, Ryuka?]

Ryuka: [There’s a lot we could talk about! Let’s see… Oh! I was wondering, what’s it like to be a goddess?]

Shiro: [A goddess, hm? I suppose it’s not very different from the jobs of those at the top of the world. I simply listen to the requests of others and help them as I can. Of course, I’m not telepathic, so I’ll only know if someone needs my help after I’ve spoken to them. On top of that, until a few days ago, I did not have a title for myself. But I view these things as a natural learning experience, similar to being a mother.]

Ryuka: [Being a mother?]

Shiro: [Indeed. Both riddle your mind with worry, as you have no idea what to do when you’ve entered those worlds. However, the help of others who are in a similar boat can always provide some relief. Besides, part of that is just learning as you go. A mother is not much different than the baby she holds, as both are unfamiliar with the world around them, but both learn as they grow with time. It’s the simple law in nature.]

Ryuka: [Oh! I get it now! That’s pretty interesting, Lady Shiro!... Wait, you mentioned you didn’t have a title until a few days ago. What’s happened since then?]

Shiro: [I spoke with the people I needed to and received my god ability along with the title I had requested.]

Ryuka: [Woah! Really?! Then, what about your advanced ability?!]

Shiro: [My mother’s training has helped me with that puzzle as well. I’ve figured it out by now.]

Ryuka: [Damn! You’re really quick with this stuff, Lady Shiro!]

Shiro: [We’re going into a battle we may not return from. It’s best to get these things out of the way now. Speaking of which, do you have your own advanced ability to use, Ryuka?]

Ryuka: [Nah. Not yet. I still haven’t figured out what I’m gonna do with that whole thing.]

Shiro: [I see. That’s unfortunate, but I’m sure you’ll figure out what works best for you. I know you will.]

Ryuka: [Hehe! Thanks, Lady Shiro!]

A brief silence occurred between the meditating two. The one to break this silence, on this occasion, was not Ryuka but–

Shiro: [Ryuka, I have another question for you.]

Ryuka: [Sure! I’m all ears!]

Shiro: [What do you wish to accomplish with your skills?]

Ryuka: [Wha–What the hell, Lady Shiro?! You should know exactly why I’ve chosen to get stronger in the first place! I told you on the night that we slept here! I wanna protect my sister!]

Shiro: [I’d like the most genuine answer possible, Ryuka.]

Though she was confused for a brief second, the oni girl quickly realized what Shiro had meant. Taking a deep breath, she uttered the genuine answer.

Ryuka: [I want to protect my sister, Lady Shiro.]

Shiro: [Good, however, I’d like to hear one change from that statement for what you wish to do. Show me your true answer, Ryuka.]

With a radiant smile on her calm face, the student responded.

Ryuka: [... I’m gonna protect my sister, Lady Shiro.]

Matching her look, the master praised her.

Shiro: [... Good, Ryuka. Very good.]

Ryuka: [... Thank you, Lady Shiro.]

Their minds now calm, the two had felt a lot lighter during their meditation.

Neither of them had realized what circled around their figures. Around Shiro was a white, viscous aura that resembled a similar look to flowing water. The same persisted around Ryuka, instead with a blue variant. Far behind them, Airi stared at the two and smiled. They had not only conquered the Perfect Matōki Flow, but Airi had come to a conclusion of her own about the oni girl.

Airi: [Even if you’re unsure where she belongs in your team, Shiro, I believe I know the perfect place for her. Your bond has shown me enough.]

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After nearly an entire week of intense training, the sight in front of Shiro was one she did not understand the most. Throughout her week, she experienced pain, sickness, and a loss of her appetite around every corner. In front of her now was a table. Ryuka had been sent home for the night to get some rest, as their departure would be the next day. However, the tired and starving Shiro sat at Airi’s table. Her mother had prepared countless dishes and placed them down for Shiro to eat. For Airi herself, only small bits of the food were taken, leaving the rest behind for her daughter. Sitting down on the floor opposite to Shiro, Airi granted her permission to start.

Airi: [Eat. You need to for tomorrow.]

Shiro: [... It doesn’t feel right]

Airi: [Hm? What doesn’t?

Shiro: [You made this much food, right?]

Airi: [Don’t worry about the amount. Eat it slowly and digest it well. I don’t need much to begin with.]

Shiro: [That’s not why I said that, Mom.]

Tilting her head, Airi remained confused by Shiro’s statement

Airi: [I’m not sure what you’re referring to, Shiro. What isn’t right?]

Shiro: [You made this much food for the two of us, but if you’re gonna make this much, then he should be eating as well.]

It was then that Airi had understood what her daughter meant. Opening her mouth for a brief moment, Airi stood up from where she sat and moved to the other side of the room, searching for something along the shelves.

Shiro: [A little bit more to the right… Yeah, there.]

Taking hold of it, Airi brought what she had taken over to the table and set it between her and Shiro, on its own side to enjoy the meal. A chiseled stone with handcrafted, clay flowers at the bottom. On the stone a name was written, Goranio Fuloreen.

Shiro: [Make sure he gets a good amount of meat on his plate. Dad always likes how you cook the meat.]

Airi: [I know. Let’s pray first.]

Surprised by her mother starting a prayer, Shiro’s eyes widened.

Shiro: [You’re gonna say the prayer, Mom? Me and Dad were the only ones who did that.]

Airi: [The only thing you should be concerned about is stuffing your face instead of hurting your throat. I’ll do it this time.]

Though the family had not had a meal together in nearly two decades…

… The Fuloreen household experienced another supper in the same usual way they always had.

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???: [Are you gonna be okay, sis?]

Rubbing the short, jet black hairs on the little girl’s head who held a large temari ball in her small hands, the much older oni smiled back at her.

Ryuka: [I’ll be just fine, Ryuji! I promise! Your big sis will be back in time to make you some dinner! While you’re here, feel free to make some friends, alright?]

Ryuji: [Mhm! I’ll make a ton by the time you get back!]

Ryuka: [Perfect! That’s what I like to hear!]

The day had finally arrived. Due to a late arrival from Bloodfire and Tensetsu troops, the citizens of the Onigashima District were evacuated as swiftly as possible. However, this did not stop Nero’s advances, leading to some of the citizens still escaping as his army struck down on the town. Thanks to those who were already there to support, such as Helig Gammal’s troops, Silvia Bloodfire’s and the many within the Bloodfire and Tensetsu families that chose to assist, the residents of the Onigashima District were safely protected as they fled. Before any had evacuated, Shiro Fuloreen quickly made her way up with Ryuka Ryoma to rescue the younger sister of the mighty oni, Ryuji Ryoma. Prior to her rescue, Shiro was catching up on the sleep she had lost for the past week. The sense of urgency to help Ryuka with evacuation had caused the goddess to awaken from her slumber. As she was brought to the Babylon District, Ryuka had thanked her lady greatly for the help and kindly requested for her to get some more sleep. Shiro had wanted to refuse, but all six of her crew members had insisted that she remained at her top form if she were to engage with the battle ahead. Thus, the goddess was once again sleeping, leaving Ryuka to lead the charge for the time being.

Along with Ryuji, countless families were brought over to the minka house Kōkatsu and her family had stayed in, including Shiro’s and Silvia’s own. For the sake of safety, Kōkatsu had viewed this as the best possible option, as many of her children who could still protect them had stayed behind to help, while the rest joined her in battle.

During the past week, each member of the Dragonic Force had honed their skills in battle. Shiro and Ryuka had done so together, but the others were no exception either. Hidari had practiced using his element alongside his arts as well as testing the new weapon Kōkatsu had made for him. Migi was busy working on his special weapon hidden away within his hospital room. Bachi raced around the entire Babylon District, having her time being scored each time by Kagami Zennami holding a stopwatch. Finally, Sena and Tari sparred with each other, using their agile moves and evasiveness to their fullest.

With their stage now set, the last remaining group that had yet to join the battle, Shiro Fuloreen’s Dragonic Force, readied themselves for what was ahead. The first of which was a cat girl, who frantically ran around town, searching for someone.

Bachi: [Ryuka! Ryuka! I need help!]

Turning to meet her, Ryuka and her sister stared at the panicking yellow cat.

Ryuka: [What’s wrong, Bachi?]

Bachi: [The snake lady! Where is she?! She’s got blue scales and smiles a lot!]

Rubbing her chin, Ryuka tried to recall a blue lamia. Though she had no reason to match her sister, Ryuji started to rub her chin as well.

Ryuka: [If you’re talking about someone on Mrs.Hemobi’s team, they’re probably already in the Onigashima District by now. Her group made it there a bit before Kōkatsu’s did.]

Bachi: [Damn it! That lady isn’t nearly strong enough! She’s gonna get herself killed!]

Ryuka: [Ah! Bachi, wait!]

Desperate to see what was going on, Bachi rushed towards the Onigashima District on her own. Ryuka attempted to reach out to her, but the cat was too far gone already.

Ryuka: [You’re only going to get yourself killed if you do that…]

Looking around, Ryuka then noticed another of her allies running towards her, only for them to then run past her position.

Ryuka: [Hey, Migi! You ready to go?]

Migi: [I need just a few seconds and I will be! I’ve gotta head to the hospital to get my secret weapon! I’ve been keeping it there for the past few days while I worked on it! You guys can go on without me, I can fly there on my own!]

Slapping her hand down to her side, Ryuka gave an annoyed groan and looked to the sky.

Ryuka: [Great. We’re about to go into the biggest battle yet, and two out of our six aren’t together. Considering I wanted Lady Shiro to get her sleep, it really doesn’t help that we’re now at a greater disadvantage thanks to them.]

Behind her, several footsteps moved in, each with their own sounds as their shoes crunched the grass below. Looking back at them, Ryuka raised an eyebrow as she saw the familiar angel and double succubi.

Ryuka: [Please tell me you guys are ready to go, specifically as a team.]

Hidari: [You don’t need to worry, Ryuka. We came to speak with you for that reason.]

Sena: [We’re ready when you are, Ryuka!]

Tari: [I don’t really wanna listen to any orders you give, but seeing as Lady Shiro is sleeping, I’ll allow it just this once.]

Smiling back at them, Ryuka nodded with a blaze of confidence filling her soul.

Ryuka: [Thanks, you guys! We move now!]

Hidari, Sena and Tari: [Right!]

The oni girl then crouched down, looking towards the much younger oni beside her. With a firm hug between them, Ryuka rubbed her head one last time and pointed to the minka house a block away. Ryuji nodded back to her, throwing her fist in the air to boost Ryuka’s spirits, and ran towards the house. A warmth made its way not only through the elder sister’s body, but the three behind her who had watched the scene transpire. While they all smiled at the cute child, a familiar voice spoke nearby.

???: [Sounds like you’re all ready to go, so how about I escort you four up there?]

Each of them turned to see who this voice belonged to, witnessing a man with blood red hair, eyes of the same, a blue button down shirt that looked ready to pop and black pants with dress shoes of the same color. Ryuka’s eyes started to check the area around him to identify what he could mean, resulting in nothing being found. This led to a hand of hers scratching the back of her hair, partially embarrassed by not knowing what her lady’s husband had meant or referred to.

Ryuka: [I’m not gonna say you couldn’t, Lord Xander. But from what I can tell, there’s nothing around here that could get us to where we need to go. I don’t think even a car could do it from here, considering all the mountains on this side of the Onigashima District.]

Waving his hand in front of his face, Xander looked towards the sea in the distance behind them.

Xander: [Sorry, it might be hard to tell from here, but I parked my boat near my mother-in-law’s house. We can make it up there in no time at all.]

Ryuka: [A boat? How would a boat–]

Before Ryuka could finish, a single wave erupted from the sea upon Xander waving his hand towards it, as if asking it to come. However, this was no ordinary wave in the slightest. Bending in shape, the wave formed into a line that drifted the boat Xander had spoken about over to their position from the air. As it arrived, the wave lowered down so they could hop on board, with the line in front of it being shot back up into the air. Though the water should have splashed down onto the ground below the line, not a single drop moved from its place, leaving a beautiful sight of a real water slide floating in the air. Shiro’s crew were completely floored by the occurrence, their mouths hanging agape as proof.

Xander: [Man of the Ocean. I guess Shiro never told you about my ability, huh? I can free shape and move the sea as I please. Of course, there’s limitations to it, but we should be alright when it comes to moving towards the Onigashima District. Hop on. I’ll steer the way.]

Making his way onto the boat, he signaled for the rest to join him. Even if they were surprised, the four were incredibly grateful for his help. Thus, they bowed to him and said their thanks.

Ryuka, Hidari, Sena and Tari: [Thank you very much for the help, Lord Xander!]

Xander: [Enough of the “lord” stuff. I’m not too fond of the title.]

The crew hopped onto the sailboat, bowing to the man in front of them again as they sat down.

Ryuka, Hidari, Sena and Tari: [We refuse to call you anything else, Lord Xander!]

Sighing back to them, Xander shifted the position of the sail and looked on at the wave ahead.

Xander: [Guess I’ll need Shiro to tell all of you off, then.]

Snapping his fingers, the boat was pushed forward by miniature waves behind it.

It was now time for the Dragonic Force to enter the battle in the Onigashima District.

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What played out before Helig Gammal’s eyes had looked like a repeat of her last encounter with Nero Virtuoso. Soldiers fighting to protect innocent lives, while losing their own to opposing forces they could not handle. From her own troops, along with the Bloodfire and Tensetsu soldiers sent in, she witnessed it with her own eyes. Some had made progress in defeating these enemies, but the losses were roughly equal on both sides. It felt like a terrible twist of fate in her mind, to see history repeat itself, but there was nothing that could be done. Should she be given the opportunity, her abilities would prove incredibly useful in dealing with Nero Virtuoso. However, the demon was far too powerful to be struck by such abilities. If weakened, perhaps he could be, but not even the now deceased Devi Bloodfire or Tequi Tensetsu were able to do so. Not to mention the goddess who assisted them, who was still not at this battlefield alongside the others.

Holding a golden, bright ax in her hand, she watched the war unfold. She struck down several foes herself, but waited for a moment where she could effectively use her skills against Nero. Every time that she did, more soldiers attempted to charge her. On this occasion, they were cut down by not her, but someone nearby, with loud geta stomping against the stone floor. The figure came into view, blowing smoke from their red and gold kiseru.

Kōkatsu: [Sorry that my girls were a little late. Their mom needed some extra time to say her farewells. So? How’s the situation lookin’?]

Clicking her tongue, Helig gave an annoyed response as she continued to deal with the crisis.

Helig: [We’re short of men and shorter of people that can deal with the oni “god” himself. Unlike our battle prior, we don’t have the assistance of Devi Bloodfire or Tequi Tensetsu by our side.]

Kōkatsu: [Hm. Is that a bad thing?]

Helig: [Of course it is, you fool! I’m hoping for the best, but our situation is far more dire than it was during the previous encounter. We’ll likely lose a large portion of our own, if not all of us in this battle.]

Kōkatsu: [Doesn’t help that he saved the big guns till now, accordin’ to what Sisi heard.]

Helig: [Fantastic. Now we not only have to deal with a greater loss in power on our side, but he’s using the higher end of his own troops now. He’s cornered us like rats.]

Putting the kiseru to her lips, Kōkatsu puffed out the smoke and grinned back at Helig.

Kōkatsu: [Relax. We’ll be fine.]

The blond locks of the angel swayed in the wind as she turned to meet the kitsune, with anger riddled across her face coupled by drops of sweat.

Helig: [How?! In what way, Kōkatsu, can we possibly be fine in a situation like this?! It’s suicide!]

Kōkatsu: [Not entirely. We’ve still got a few tricks left up our sleeve.]

Her eyes twitched, both confused and angry with Kōkatsu’s vague words.

Helig: [Tricks?! What are you referring to when you say tricks?!]

The mighty fangs of the kitsune started to shine past her lips as she looked on at the battle ahead.

Kōkatsu: [Our ace in the hole still ain’t here yet.]

Walking past Helig, Kōkatsu jumped down from the rocks they had stood on to join the battle. Still confused, Helig tried to speak to Kōkatsu from those same rocks.

Helig: [Kōkatsu! What do you mean our ace in the hole?! Answer me!]

The sly fox goddess waved her kiseru in the air back to the angel.

Kōkatsu: [Trust me, ya’ll get real mad if I tell ya who or what it is. Let’s jus’ say ya can trust that they’ll get the job done. Same goes for their peeps.]

Helig clutched her ax tightly.

Mumbling, she increased her own anger to a greater level.

Helig: [Don’t tell me it’s her…]

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Far off in the rocky fields, a oni shark hybrid slashed through his enemies with several knives. Two by his feet, two in his hand, and one in his mouth. With ripped up clothes that barred a close resemblance to those that fought with oni and sharks, as well as the wounds created by knives, the man gave a fierce grin to his work. His only interruption was a loud explosion of dust in front of him that halted his attempted movement in its tracks.

From that explosion his smile grew bigger.

Knife: [Well, I’ll be! You really showed up! The rank promotion paid off well if it means we get to fight again!]

Inside the smoke, a mighty, tall angel stood up.

???: [I said it last time, but I’ll say it again, this won’t end the same way as it did before.]

Knife: [You bet it won’t. I don’t care if the boss man calls me off, I’ll see this fight out to the end! I’ve gotta at least give you that much for being this persistent!]

Holding his knives up high, the hybrid prepared himself. Moving one hand forward and another behind, clenching neither to gain a full view of offensive and defensive options, the angel was now ready to battle.

Hidari and Knife: [Let’s finish this, once and for all!]

The battle at the Onigashima District had now begun.

With it, Hidari and Knife’s rivalry would reach its decisive conclusion.

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