A Demon's Tale

Nero: [...Guh!]

Inkra: [Come on, get back up. You got another two hundred or so to go.]

Dropping to the floor, drenched in his own sweat and saliva, Nero shook under the pressure of his own body giving away. It did not wish to continue, but Nero had tried over and over to move once more.

For countless days now, Nero had undergone an immense training regimen in order to learn the dangerous fighting style that Inkra had mastered. To obtain such an art had scared him in the beginning, as the use of such a style was forbidden by many. However, Nero desires the ability to protect those he cared about. Due to his own weakness, his mother was killed in a deadly fire casted on their house. In order to protect his little sister, Mena. In order to protect those who he may befriend in the future. In order to protect his very own family at some point in time. For all of these reasons, Nero desired to learn from Inkra. He disliked violence, even if there had been a long ancient blood for it within his oni-related veins. But for the method of defending others, it had been the means to justify his ends.

Nero: [Master Inkra…that was eight hundred and forty three of the singular finger pushups. Surely I will be able to take a small break, right?]

Inkra: [I told you, don't go putting extra titles in my name. Doesn't matter what I am to you, I'm always just Inkra. Regarding your training though, that was only on your right finger. You still got the left one to do. Finish up your last two hundred or however much and I'll give you five minutes to recover.]

Nero: [This is a rather harsh way to train.]

Inkra: [You wanna learn how to use my fighting style or not?]

Nero: [Y-Yes! Of course!]

Nero once again kept his body in a narrow form in the air, while only being supported by his right index finger. The weight of his own body brutally crushed the sole finger in pressure alone, but this did not stop him in the slightest.

Nero looked towards Inkra, hesitating to speak to her while he performed his training. He averted his gaze from her shortly after and moved his eyes towards one of the walls. However, despite this, Inkra had noticed what he had done and began to question him.

Inkra; [Oi. What's up?]

Nero: [N-No no…it’s nothing…]

Inkra: [Speak. I don't care if it's a compliment or an insult, as long as you speak your mind.]

Nero slowly moved his eyes back towards her.

Nero: [If it's alright with you, I enjoy occasional small talk while working on things.]

Inkra: [Small talk?]

Nero: [Y-Yes! For instance, I could ask you what your favorite type of flower is, and from there you could give me a response.]

Inkra: [That's all you want?]

Nero had felt that he had irritated Inkra, so he had once again moved his eyes towards a wall in a nervous state.

Nero: [I'm sorry! I did not mean to offend yo-]

Inkra: [Roses.]

Nero: [Huh?]

Inkra: [Don't "Huh?" me. You asked what my favorite type of flower is, and I answered. Roses.]

Nero's face brightened as the sound of Inkra's response.

Nero: [I see! I should have guessed as much considering-]

Inkra: [Yeah, yeah, I know. It makes it sound like that's the reason, right? Or at the very least, why it's called that. But no to both, hell, it's not even the same color as the one you're thinking of. I like red roses. Those are probably my favorite.]

Nero: [Red roses are quite nice. Red is a very beautiful color on its own, and roses often smell quite elegant.]

Inkra: [Hm, that so? You like the color red? Is that the kind of hair color you like on a girl?]

Nero: [Huh-WAH!]

Caught off guard by Inkra's comment, Nero had started to blush before losing his balance and falling face first onto the floor.

Inkra: [Hah! And there's my answer!]

Nero quickly moved his face off the ground to look at Inkra. It had not only been red from her comment, but now red from the heavy slam that came after.

Nero: [T-That is not true! I do not have a preference!]

Inkra: [Didn't think you were the lying type. You can say that, sure, but you slipped up there.]

Nero: [Yes I know. I must perform more pushups.]

Inkra: [Not what I meant. I said you slipped up because my comment caught you red handed. Hah. Red.]

Nero: [What do you mean?]

Inkra: [Let me put it in a different perspective. If someone was working out at a gym, and a buddy of theirs decided it would be a funny idea to tickle their armpits with a feather, what do you think would happen?]

Nero: [They'd…start laughing?]

Inkra: [Something along those lines, yeah. But due to the fact they're laughing, their focus is completely lost. They lose focus, they lose the zone that they were in while working out. It's as simple as that. It's not just laughing though, there's other parts to it. For example, shock, like you just experienced. That's another one that would make you lose focus.]

Nero: [I see. But wait-]

Inkra: [And it's because of that shock that I now know what you like. So go on, tell me what type of style you like a girl's hair to be in.]

Nero: [I-I'm not sure that I would like to speak about this…]

Inkra: [Listen, Nero. I might not be your real mom, but I'm not gonna act like some weird creep who you just met. I'm taking care of you guys, and if it means I can learn more about what you two want, that's fine by me. It's not like I'm some rich woman who can just throw money and get you a babe. But if you end up going to school and seeing a chick you like, I can walk you through the process. Understand?]

Nero: [Y-Yes…]

Inkra: [Alright. Now before I ask anything, first, get back to training. Second, what's the type of hair you like?]

Nero hesitated once again to respond to Inkra.

Nero: [...Will it really be okay if I speak to you about it?]

Inkra: [It's fine. Now go on.]

Taking a deep breath, Nero prepared himself for what he would say next.

Nero: [Alright, if you must know…]

Within this room, words were uttered that only the two of them could hear.

From an outside view however, a small grin appeared on the woman's face as the boy replied to her.

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Kōkatsu: [Haaah…I really wish healin' could fix how tired I'm feelin'. All that fightin', and runnin' and gettin' injured has made me completely exhausted.]

Kaoru: [I'm very sorry for my lack of capabilities, Lady Kōkatsu!]

Kōkatsu: [Don't go blamin' yerself, Kaoru. I'm not even sure if anyone in the world who can heal would be able to remove this fatigue as well. We'll just head to an inn and rest for the day. We got two of the four tasks done anyways.]

The now group of six continued to move through the desert. After a long battle, along with the escape from a castle falling apart, the party was now ready to gain their well deserved rest. However, while four of them continued to walk ahead, two members were stationed a few feet back. One of the individuals spoke to the boy who was much taller than themselves. The boy on the other hand tried to give a signal of help towards his white haired friend, who giggled at the sight of the two.

Yoro: [Hehehehehehe…your arms feel quite nice, Nero.♥]

Nero: [M-Miss Yoro–]

Yoro: [Just Yoro is fine.♥]

Nero: [Yoro, I believe it is important…for the two of us to take things slowly. We have just met, and therefore there is no need to push towards such a relationship. I think it is best if we start as friends, and from there, if things go right, we can–]

Yoro: [I see. So we should start from the bases I was told about then!]

Nero: [Yes! Precisely!]

Yoro: [If I recall correctly, that includes talking face to face, hand holding, and…hehe…hehehehehehe…♥]

Yoro's face turned red as she began to giggle, realizing what the final step of the first base was. Nero, however, noticed how his wording had come off, and started to correct himself.

Nero: [Base as in relationship! Or, well, not a relationship but..you know…how we interact with one another. For instance, we are speaking. That is fine. But then there is the hand holding, which I feel takes things a step too far.]

Yoro: [But I'm having so much fun!]

Nero: [I…well…Shiro, help me out here.]

The small giggles from Shiro quickly erupted into loud laughter as Nero spoke to her.

Shiro: [Pfft-hahahahaha! Oh, oh man I'm sorry. I didn't mean…I didn't mean to do that but this is just so funn–hahahaha!]

Nero: [Shiro!]

While the two spoke to each other, Yoro stared down at the hand she was holding, tracing a finger along the palm of it.

Yoro: [To think that this hand touched my chest…I shall never wash my chest again!]

Nero: [Yoro, I do not mean to be rude but that is not what happened.]

Yoro: [Ah! You're right! It was my dress that it touched, not my bare chest! I shall never wash my dress again!]

Nero: [Yoro!]

Yoro: [Nero!]

Yoro excitedly shouted Nero's back at him, completely unaware of the reason he had done the same with her own name. As the two spoke, Shiro turned to Kōkatsu and Silvia.

Shiro: [I'm shocked you two aren't having a good time with this. Especially you, Kō.]

Kōkatsu: [I still don't fully trust her. She might not be able to cause harm to us, but how far does that really extend?]

Shiro: [Oh come on, Kō. She made a contract with strict rules to it. If she even tries anything, she'll be done in by her own hands. Surely you're fine with her, Sil?]

Silvia: [I do not disssstrusssst her. However, why sssshe hassss dessssided to join ussss remainssss unknown. Overall, I sssshall remain cautioussss.]

Shiro: [Maybe it's just me…well I guess it definitely is just me, but I feel like she's not all that bad. Plus, she said she was alone for a long while, right? Who knows how long she spent her life like that.]

Kōkatsu: [Still not buyin' it. She wants to prove herself, she can. But until she does, I ain't trustin' shit.]

The smile on Shiro's face faded as she received Kōkatsu's words. She understood where Kōkatsu was coming from in regards to Yoro, but something about Yoro had seemed right within Shiro's mind. She did not seem to have any alternative motives, nor did it seem as though she resented the group. She did not speak to many of them to begin with, but regardless of that, she seemed nice from Shiro's perspective.

Yoro: [Ah! Speaking of my bare chest, I have not shown you that! Would you like to see? Wait, what base is that? I don't believe that's one of them…then that means I can do it! Nero, would you like to see?]

Nero: [Y-Yoro–]

Shiro closed her eyes and slowed down her pace. The smile that faded not long before had once again returned.

Shiro: [Alright, alright, I'll step in now.]

She moved beside Yoro, which in turn led Yoro to focus her attention on Shiro. The two had then begun to speak with one another.

Shiro: [Say, Yoro, I noticed it earlier, but you have a ring around your eyes, don't you?]

Yoro: [Ah! Yes! I am a high ranking succubus! As to be expected of course of a mighty demon lord–AH! SHIRO! YOU HAVE THEM TOO!]

Shiro: [Haha! Yep! Guess me and you are pretty similar!]

Yoro: [We even match in the color of our eyes! This is incredible! I've never met someone with so many similarities to me! Though I suppose I haven't met many people…but still! Our high rankings must be the reason we are getting along so well!]

Shiro: [You know who else has a lot of similarities with me? Nero. He and I have quite a few things in common. That makes it even more incredible, right?]

In the back of Shiro's mind, shortly after she spoke these words, a worry quickly formed.

Shiro: [I really just said that to her?! Well, good job Shiro. There goes any chance of making a new friendship. You just compared yourself to the guy who she wants. Nicely done.]

Yoro: [That is incredible!]

Shiro: [Sorry I didn't mea–...it is?]

Yoro: [Yes! To think that Nero had such a friend…Nero! I have decided! She gets the gold star among my new friend list!]

Nero: [I'm…happy for her…I suppose?]

Shiro: [Hah! See that, Kō?!]

Kōkatsu glanced over her shoulder to face Shiro while she walked.

Kōkatsu: [Congrats. You got her equivalent to the type of shit that schools do for kids.]

Shiro: [...I guess it does kinda sound like that…]

Yoro: [I will not tolerate that!]

Shiro: [Huh?]

Yoro: [Fox girl! I believe your name is Kōkatsu, correct? I will not tolerate what you just stated to my friend! Apologize immediately!]

In a fit of rage, Yoro began to shout towards Kōkatsu. Kōkatsu began to snicker in response to the girl.

Yoro: [What's so funny?!]

Kōkatsu: [It's interestin' for ya to say that shit givin' two different things. One, Shiro is the closest friend I have, and from what I understand, I'm her closest as well. And two, I don't give a shit what ya think, I'll make fun of yer weird little system if I want to. Decidin' friends based on Nero and how similar they are to him. What a joke.]

Yoro stopped moving, letting go of Nero altogether. A shadow was casted over her face as her feet stopped.

Yoro: [...Apologize.]

Kōkatsu continued to walk in the same direction as she had been, not giving the slightest bit of attention to Yoro.

Nero: [Yoro?]

Shiro: [Hey, Kō, that was a little rude. I think you should–]

Yoro: [Apologize, slut.]

The air had gone silent. Despite the sand that accompanied the wind, it was as if there was no longer any sound in the area around them. There was a time however, where this exact scenario had happened before. Unlike that time however, the person who had instigated it had now become the one who was being assaulted with words.

That person being…

Kōkatsu: [...The fuck did ya just say to me, ya little bitch?]

Kōkatsu turned to face Yoro. Terrifying gazes were exchanged between the two of them while an intense heat accompanied the air.

Yoro: [You can make fun of me. I don't care. You don't have to trust me. But leave Nero out of this! And Shiro as well! Neither of them did anything wrong, and yet you felt it was sooooo right to insult them with your words as well.]

Kōkatsu: [I made some light comments ‘bout them. Whatever. But ya said somethin' there a little while ago that I didn't particularly like too much. Slut? Real fuckin' rich. Comin' from the girl who a few moments ago was tryna whore her body out to the guy standin' there. The fuck do ya even want out of him, huh? Ya just met him, so there's no way you actually like him all that much. So what do ya gain from it then, huh? Ya need someone real strong to give ya a real poundin' or some shit? Maybe yer hopin' ya can take advantage of him or somethin'?]

Yoro: [And what about you? You don't seem like someone who has too much care over what they do. Your tits are one strong push of wind away from slipping out. Your entire luggage from what I saw was just booze. By any chance, do you make constant advances at people? And I'm saying that with the context being either for the sake of fighting or, well, I think you can already guess the other one.]

Kōkatsu: [Ohoho! Ya wanna talk about that? I could tell ya somethin' similar to what ya were gonna do earlier if ya like. Though, I think if I tell ya, ya might end up killin' yerself thanks to that whole contract thing.]

Yoro's eyes widened in anger as she realized what Kōkatsu's comment was referring to. Before she could perform any reckless actions, Shiro and Silvia interrupted the conversation.

Shiro: [Kō!]

Kōkatsu: [What? If she wants to know–]

Shiro: [Stop!]

Shiro shouted back towards Kōkatsu in anger. Much like what had happened Yoro's eyes, Kōkatsu's eyes began to widen, while her ears moved down. Not out of anger however, but out of a feeling within her that made her feel as though Shiro had lost some trust in her.

Silvia quickly stepped in between the group and spoke to Kōkatsu.

Silvia: [Focussss on our objective.]

Kōkatsu: [Oi, Silvia, are you really sidin' with–]

Silvia: [I am ssssiding with no one. I do not agree with how either of you are acting. We have a tassssk we were given to fulfill. There sssshould be more time sssspent completing that than arguing with one another.]

Kōkatsu: [...]

Kōkatsu's voice fell silent while Silvia turned her attention back towards Yoro and the others.

Silvia: [Let ussss move. We need to find the losssst gem quickly. Otherwisssse our time will be wassssted depending on how long it takessss ussss to find it.]

Yoro: [...I'm still not too happy about how she acted, but may I ask a question?]

Silvia: [Yessss?]

Yoro: [Lost gem, which gem is this referring to exactly?]

Silvia: [The Loucura Diamond…issss what my paper ssssayssss.]

Silvia showed the sheet of paper to Yoro. An image of the gem was attached on top of it.

Yoro: [Loucura…Loucura…Loucura…Oh! I know that one! I snuck out of the castle once, and I explored some caves for fun. I think I found that one there. I didn't really look at it too much since I got a bad feeling from the cave itself. But I read up on it shortly after! I know I saw it for a fact!]

Shiro: [Huh?]

Silvia: [You what?]

Nero: [Come again?]

Yoro: [Did I say something odd? I just did some exploring and that's when I found it.]

Silvia: [...I ssssee. But ssssurely you do not recall the location–]

Yoro: [Nope, I remember it. We can go there tomorrow if you all want to. I'm only saying tomorrow since you all seem tired and honestly I'm tired myself but–]

Shiro: [YOU ALREADY KNOW WHERE IT IS?!]

Yoro: [Huh? Well, yeah. I remember where I went and everything. I even made a map from that one time so I also have the exact location in my book.]

Shiro: [There's no way you're being serious. I'm dreaming. That's what it is. I'm gonna wake up any second now and we're gonna have to fight Yoro. Actually, maybe I'm dead after those explosions, and this is just the afterlife.]

Yoro: [I can tell you right now that I am most certainly right here.]

Shiro: [I've been killed and put into a manga. That's what this is. There's no way the route to our objective would come this easily otherwise.]

While Shiro had been in a state of shock, she turned to notice a now depressed Silvia who she began to comfort.

Silvia: [All that exssssploring…gone with the wind…]

Shiro: [Ah! Silvia! It'll be okay! Even if we know where it is I'm sure it'll still be exciting!]

Silvia: [A fun adventure with friendssss…]

Shiro: [It'll be okay! I swear! Hey, quick! Let's move to the nearest inn so we can cheer her up tomorrow!]

Nero: [R-Right! Let's proceed forward!]

The group then began to move again towards their next destination. Kōkatsu however stood there for several moments in silence. She did not speak with anyone, she did not turn to face them. She merely let the sand hit her body. Not long after, a girl who had started to walk with the group ran back towards her.

Kaoru: [Lady Kōkatsu…]

Kōkatsu: [...I'm alright, Kaoru. Come on. Let's go to that inn and take a shower.]

Kaoru: [...]

Kaoru did not respond to her, nor did she take her hand, but instead looked up at her with saddened eyes. She did not enjoy seeing Kōkatsu in this state.

Kōkatsu: [Sorry ya had to see that…I'm…]

Kōkatsu looked to the ground below her, before turning back to Kaoru.

Kōkatsu: [I know I'm not the only one at fault, but…Kaoru…do ya think I act a little too harsh to people…?]

Kaoru: [...I don't mind when you act intimidating towards those who wish to hurt us…but I find it a little scary when you do something like what happened earlier…I'm sorry, I really shouldn't say such things to you–]

Kōkatsu: [No. 'S fine. 'S completely fine. Just means I have areas I can improve in…]

Kōkatsu thought back to the fox girl she had known. She sang, she danced, she was as happy as she could be. She may have stolen things on occasion, or gotten into fights, but she rarely attacked others with her words.

Kōkatsu: [She wouldn't have done that, so why the fuck did I go doin' it. Not even just now, but back then too…]

Kaoru: [Lady Kōkatsu…]

Kaoru gave a worried look towards Kōkatsu's saddened face. Upon looking back at Kaoru, Kōkatsu's face slowly changed back into a happy expression.

Kōkatsu: [Kaoru, Thanks for existin'!]

Kaoru: [Huh? Oh, well, yes, you're welcome, Lady Kōkatsu. May I ask why you would like me to know this?]

Kōkatsu: [Last time this happened, I think I still had some leftover anger targeted towards life. Not just for myself, but Shiro too. She was bein' made fun of by some girl I really wasn’t fond of, and I still didn't get to start my family yet. Everythin' kinda just sucked for a while even if I really enjoyed bein' with Shiro and the others. Now that I have my sweet little Kaoru, though, I don't even know what made me mad. I mean, I obviously know what she said that upset me but…I think I'm startin' to realize somethin' 'bout how I've been actin'.]

Kaoru: [Lady Kōkatsu…]

Kōkatsu: [Come on, Kaoru. Let's go take that shower.]

Kaoru: [Y-Yes!]

Kōkatsu: [Oh, and one more thing…]

Kaoru: [Hm?]

Kōkatsu: [When we get to the inn, let Yoro know I wanna speak to her. There's probably some things we should talk 'bout.]

Kaoru: [Right! As you wish, Lady Kōkatsu!]

In a similar fashion to before, four members of the group walked ahead, while two stayed a few feet behind.

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Night had risen, and the party finally arrived at the inn to rest at for the night. The room they had rented was special, as it had its own large balcony connected to the room.

Kōkatsu had gone outside, using her kiseru as she gazed up at the stars. She waited for the person she wished to speak with to arrive. There was a chance that this person would not arrive after what had occurred, but she believed they would come.

Smoke escaped her lips as she looked up at the stars before a voice interrupted the moment.

???: [I've never seen the sky like this…It's quite beautiful.]

Kōkatsu turned around to see a girl with long red pigtails by the glass door. Her gaze was focused at the same stars that Kōkatsu was looking towards.

Kōkatsu: [Guess ya probably haven't, what with the castle and all that.]

Yoro: [Certainly. This is my first time ever seeing stars. In a way, I find it fitting on today of all days.]

The two looked up towards the night sky in silence, before trying to speak once again at the same time.

Kōkatsu: [Hey, Yoro, listen–]

Yoro: [Please. Let me go first. I'm incredibly sorry about my behavior. I…I suppose my mind was rushed with emotions. I finally was able to leave, and I met Nero…I felt a new feeling entirely after everything that had happened. I understand why you would not trust me. I truly do. At one point today I tortured you and was on the verge of killing you in a slow manner, the next I insulted you and called you a whore. I'm not even sure I could repair any chance of you trusting me. But everything I said regarding my feelings toward Nero, how I felt living in that castle, that was all true. I suppose the change that occurred struck me in an odd way…so the fault of what happened is entirely on me.]

Kōkatsu: [...Same as me I guess.]

Yoro: [Huh?]

Kōkatsu: [Yesterday, the day before we went to fight ya, I met Kaoru. All I've ever dreamed ‘bout since I was young was a family. I ran from my shitty home, and basically lived by and for myself. I had a similar moment to what happened with you with someone else. It wasn't pretty that time either. But I think at that time, I was just upset over everythin'. Hell…Shiro got made fun of there, and that's what really triggered it. Real ironic, isn't it? I was actin' like a complete dumbass this time. I get Kaoru, someone who I'm happy havin' even if it's only one person, and I decide to stumble around like a jackass. I'm such an idiot.]

Yoro: [No, I don't believe you are at all! You seem like quite the genius in battle, and while I'm not sure about other areas, I'm sure you're great in those too! But wait…umm…]

Kōkatsu: [Sup? Did I say somethin' odd?]

Yoro: [No, sorry, it's nothing really…but..]

Yoro stared down in silence, before looking back up and answering Kōkatsu's question with her own question.

Yoro: [Your dream…you'd like to have a family?]

Kōkatsu: [Yep. Not gonna explain why, but there's no hope in hell I can have my own. So I wanna build a nice big family out of those without one. Ya know what I mean?]

Yoro: [I see. That is rather nice!]

Yoro smiled towards Kōkatsu, leading her to smile back.

Kōkatsu: [Maybe that's why I got so upset…I was just jealous.]

Yoro: [Jealous?]

Kōkatsu: [The odds of you havin' somethin’ are pretty high I'd say. Don't take it in an offensive way, but Nero is a bit of a shy kind of guy. 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.]

Yoro: [You mean–]

Kōkatsu: [Play your cards right, and he might. Who knows, maybe the two of ya will have a kid or two.]

Yoro began to turn red as steam was let off from every surface of skin on her body.

Yoro: [Ch-Ch-Ch-Childreeeeen…]

Kōkatsu: [Oi, oi, calm down. I know it's excitin’ but ya don't wanna die before it happens.]

Yoro: [R-Right! But, I don't even know what to name them…Would I even be able to think of a good name for my children…Oh no…]

Kōkatsu: [Ya don’t need to think ‘bout that this early! Although…Hmmmm. Bis…nah that might not work. Sagi…nah that's more of a last name.]

Yoro: [What are you doing?]

Kōkatsu: [Huh? Oh, just thinkin' of some names for ya. If ya like 'em, ya can keep 'em. Let's see…Vari…us…hey, wait, yeah. Varius is a good one.]

Yoro: [Varius…Virtuoso…I like it! It has a good ring to it!]

Kōkatsu: [Haha! See? Make sure to let the kid know I came up with their name!]

Yoro: [Me, Nero, and Varius. Traveling the world. It truly sounds fantastic.]

Kōkatsu: [Is that your dream?]

Yoro: [Huh?]

Kōkatsu: [Travelin' the world. Is that what ya wanna do?]

Yoro: [The time I snuck out of the castle, it felt so fascinating to see everything. The surface of the sand, the wildlife, everything. It made me desire the idea of seeing more, and made that throne that I always sat on all the more painful. I want to travel around and see more! I wanna know what lies ahead of just some regular old desert!]

Kōkatsu: [Heh. Guess we both have our own scenarios that led us to our dreams. 'S a bit more personal…but…mind if I ask ya somethin’ else?]

Yoro: [Hm? What’s up?]

Kōkatsu: [Do ya think Shiro will forgive me over what happened? She didn’t seem too pleased ‘bout it.]

Yoro: [The two of you are close, correct? I think if you both just talk it out, it’ll be all healed up! If you run away instead of speaking to your friend, it'll only hurt your friendship.]

Kōkatsu: [...Maybe yer right. Crazy to think I’m gettin’ friend advice from someone who I was fightin’ and yellin’ at earlier today.]

Kōkatsu took one last puff of her kiseru, before turning to Yoro.

Kōkatsu: [Well, it's getting pretty late. We should probably head back in for the night.]

Yoro: [Kōkatsu.]

Kōkatsu: [Yeah?]

Yoro: [I know today was rather odd for the both of us, both from fighting physically, and verbally. But I would like you to know, I do not mind the idea of us being friends. I've never really had many besides Corti and Forti. So I really hope I can make some more with all of you. As long as you aren’t getting in my way while I’m with Nero, of course.]

Kōkatsu closed her eyes and smiled back at Yoro before replying.

Kōkatsu: [I'm not gonna be acceptin' right off the bat, but our little chat here definitely helped a whole lot. If ya work hard enough, I might consider talkin' to ya more often. Don’t worry ‘bout the Nero stuff as well. If need be I don’t have any problems roughin’ you up but I’ll trust that ya have good intentions, so feel free to run wild with him.]

Yoro giggled and smiled back at Kōkatsu. Despite their circumstance, from an outsider perspective, they likely looked to be good friends from just their faces alone.

Yoro: [Hehe! I'll do my best!]

She quickly ran back towards the door, waving to Kōkatsu before she left. Kōkatsu did not wave back, but instead raised her hand slightly while giving a quick nod.

As the door shut, Kōkatsu stared back up at the stars above her.

Kōkatsu: [Maybe she really isn't all that bad after all…I might be able to get used to her…]

Now by herself, Kōkatsu took in the night for a few more moments before going back in to join the others.

The third task at hand, the task of finding the lost gem known as Diamond Loucura, would soon begin.

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