A Demon's Tale

As per usual, snow continued to fall on the small village that was nearby the Onigashima Distract. Though this weather never changed, there were other things that did change over time. Several years had passed since two children had entered a large cabin on the outskirts of the village, and the two had grown much older than they once were. The young boy had now become a teenager, and his little sister, while still a child, was much older than she was before. The two of them studied diligently as they lived here, but the one to take things even further had been the boy, who was not only training his mind, but also his very body. He continued to learn the fighting style of the woman who was both his teacher, and his new mother.

Nero: [Yah! Hah!]

Inkra: [Nice. Nice. You're getting real fast with your strikes. You might be able to keep up with me once you're older. Alright, keep going.]

The two of them danced around the room with their feet while attacking and evading each other. Inkra had two large cushioned targets on her hands, allowing Nero to aim at the specific spots he would need to attack without worrying about hurting her. On occasion, she would swing at him with one of the cushions in a random direction, to which he had to respond by dodging the oncoming attack. They moved around to add more realism to their training, as an opponent would likely not stay still while attacks were being thrown at them. Thus, Inkra continued to backpedal around the room, changing directions to mix things up, while Nero followed in quick pursuit with swift blows.

Nero: [Kuh! Ha!...Oriyah!]

Inkra: [Hk! Jeez, that kick is crazy. I said the spear blows were your biggest strength, but man, there's some power to that kick. That'll be good if you need to break your opponent's guard, so keep that in mind.]

Nero: [Yes!]

Inkra: [Still, those spear blows really are something else. We already have a massive pile of ripped up cushions from them.]

While they continued to spar, Inkra studied Nero's strengths. His greatest area had been his razor sharp spear blows, which had left each of the previous cushions they had used in the same state. In the small closet within the room was a large pile of feathers and cotton, the aftermath of fallen targets.

Inkra: [Woo! Alright, we've done a whole lot of training today. I think we can stop for now.]

Nero: [Are you sure? I'm not tired if that's what you're worried about.]

Inkra: [Hah! That's real funny. No, no, don't worry, Nero. I'm tired. Honestly, going against you is kinda tough on my old body. Well I guess I'm not that old, but I'm still getting worn down.]

Nero: [Really? I'm sorry for tiring you out, Moms.]

Inkra: [There's no need to be sorry. I'm just old and you're young. It's the simple way of life. We'll continue again tomorrow.]

Nero: [Yes!]

As the two finished speaking, the door behind them slid open to reveal a short girl with yellow eyes and a purple ponytail.

Mena: [Are you two done training? I'm getting kinda hungry…]

Inkra: [Heh. Alright. Guess I'll get dinner ready.]

Nero: [Would it be alright if I assist in the process?]

Inkra: [You sure? I would have assumed you'd be too tired for something like that.]

Nero: [Are you not tired as well? I feel it would be correct if I helped you with preparing the food.]

Inkra: [Hm. Fair enough. We'll both make dinner then. Mena, do you think you could set everything up for when we're done?]

Mena: [Yes! I shall prepare everything for food immediately!]

Mena gave a quick salute, before rushing towards the dining area. The two that remained in the room laughed for a few seconds at her reaction, before moving into the kitchen themselves. As they began to prepare food, Inkra turned to face Nero.

Inkra: [Say, Nero, I gotta ask since this kinda thing is an important question for a mom, but what do you wanna do once you're all grown up?]

Nero: [What do I want to do?]

Inkra: [Yeah. Most kids choose something like becoming one of the royal guards or becoming a rockstar. So I'm curious on what you wanna do once you're at the point where you're ready to do what you want to. No rush of course, you don't need to decide right now–]

Nero: [A god.]

Inkra: [Hm?]

Nero: [There's a lot of bad things that happen in the world, and I'm not very fond of it. So I'd like to become a god in order to bring peace to the world. Not with violence, but with peace. I wouldn't want anyone to be hurt in order to make it come true, so I'd like to speak to those who have some sort of corruption in their minds.]

Inkra: [Nero.]

Nero: [I know it’s a rather bold desire, but it’s something I would like to do! My mother, and my father, both of them enjoyed helping others. So I want to play my part, and help everyone in the world!]

Inkra stopped cutting up the vegetables that lay on her board, and kneeled down to face Nero. She put her hands on his shoulders and smiled at him.

Inkra: [That’s a fantastic idea, Nero.]

Nero: [Are you alright, Moms? You don’t often act like this…]

Inkra: [I’m happy is all. If that’s what you want to do then I have no problem helping you out.]

Nero: [Helping? What do you mean?]

Inkra: [There’s a lot to accomplish in order to reach that point, right? I can help you out though. We’re already training as is, and the two of you have done a good job at keeping up your studies. All that’s left is money in order to make that whole trip. Luckily, I’ve always had a good amount saved up and I never really had a reason to use it all. I guess you’ll be that reason then.]

Nero: [I-I could never! That money is yours! It would be rude of me to–Ow!]

Nero tried to refuse the money that was being given to him, but was swiftly met with a light knock to his head from a scar-covered fist.

Inkra: [That’s not something for you to decide. A mother’s job is to raise her child, and thus, even if we aren’t related, I need to make sure I can raise you properly. The money is yours, and from here on out, we’ll double our training. Both the physical kind, and the educational kind. Is that alright with you?]

Nero hesitated to respond. He did not enjoy the thought of receiving Inkra’s money in order to accomplish his goal, but at the same time, Inkra felt that she was saved thanks to the two of them. He knew this. But the two of them were also saved thanks to her. Was this truly a correct path for him?

Nero: [Y-Yes…]

Inkra: [Alrighty. Then from here on out, your old lady is gonna make sure her little brat becomes the best in the world! Man, I’m in a real good mood now! Mena, do you wanna join your brother on his journey?]

Mena quickly turned to face Inkra, an excited sparkle glimmered in her eyes as a wide smile began to spread.

Mena: [Yes! I would love to join! I’m not sure about the training stuff that you two do often…but, I can study really hard! I can do it!]

Inkra: [That’s the spirit! Alright! The two of you are gonna get yourselves ready for the next few years, and once it’s time, I’ll send the both of you on your way!]

Inkra excitedly shouted to the two at a constant rate. She had started to smile again after her conversation with Nero many years ago, but the two of them had never seen her this happy. It reminded them of the first few photos they had seen. There was life in her face, which faded shortly after. But now, the life that was once gone had returned. She had Nero and Mena, she had a reason to take care of them, she had a reason to help. She was happy. It made the two of them happy. Nero had even started to feel that he no longer had a reason to complain about her demands. If this was what he would receive in return, then he was alright with it.

The family enjoyed their dinner, and not long after, went to bed. Mena still had a smile on her face as she slept. Nero could not remember the last time she had slept like that. He rolled over to stare at the ceiling and smiled.

When they were with their original mother, they were happy as could be. However, there wasn’t much of a cheery type of energy that persisted within their home. But here, this place that they now lived in with Inkra, this felt like a home filled with happiness. Despite the circumstances of the two parties, despite what had happened before, this place was filled with joy.

Nero thought to himself what else he desired. What really mattered to him.

With these thoughts in mind, he began to think about one thing in particular.

Nero: [I hope I end up with someone as happy as these two…]

Quietly speaking to the ceiling, Nero shut his eyes and drifted off to sleep.

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Kōkatsu: [So there’s a fightin’ style for almost every animal, right? That’s got me thinkin’, does that mean there’s a fish fightin’ style?]

The group of six continued to travel. Their new destination was the castle in which Daroma the Dark resided. On the way there, the party began to chat about miscellaneous topics with each other. One of which happened to be fighting styles that many people had crafted and used.

Shiro: [Do you mean a fighting style specifically for fish people or…]

Kōkatsu: [No, no, no. I mean like an actual fish! Are there any moves that ya could do that would even be like a fish?]

Silvia: [Technically sssspeaking, a ssssnake can move in a ssssimilar manner to that of a fissssh. Perhapssss there issss a type for ussss in particular.]

Kōkatsu: [I mean ya might be able to move like one, but there’s still not a move you could use, right?]

Kaoru: [Biting could be seen as a fish technique depending on how you maneuver while doing so. Oh! Dolphins often swim in a circle to hunt! Perhaps someone could do something like that!]

Nero: [That is certainly true. On top of this, styles often incorporate things like elements and matōki as of recent. There is a good chance you could add much more onto that if you had an affinity to wind.]

Kōkatsu: [Hmm. That’s true. I guess a lot of stuff also involves usin’ odd alternative methods to mimic things. So really, ya wouldn’t have to become a fish. But if ya could implement elements of it in there, that could work.]

As Kōkatsu spoke, an idea sparked within Shiro’s head, causing her to raise her finger into the air.

Shiro: [I’ve got it!]

Kōkatsu: [Ho? Ya thought of one, Shiro? This should be good! Lay it on me!]

Shiro punched her palm with the soft side of her other hand as she prepared to shout out her revolutionary fighting style.

Shiro: [Caveman Brawling!]

The air fell silent. No one responded to what she had said. They merely looked at her with confused gazes.

Kōkatsu: [Caveman…Brawlin’…?]

Shiro: [Yeah! The name is kinda inspired by your whole Flower Fighting stuff, but it’s one I thought of just now! You mentioned using elements of a specific living being in the fighting style, right? Well what if you went completely primal while fighting?! No techniques! No counters! No thoughts to it! Just raw fighting! Like a caveman!]

The group continued to remain confused, with one exception. Kōkatsu, who had been snickering and holding her mouth shut, could not contain the laughter rising inside of her. Thus, her body gave away to it and a loud eruption rose out of her.

Kōkatsu: [YAHAHAHAHA! THAT’S THE FUNNIEST SHIT YA EVER SAID, SHIRO! OH…OH MAN…I’M GONNA HURL…I’M GONNA SERIOUSLY HURL…THAT’S WAY TOO FUNNY!]

Shiro: [It’s not a joke! It’s a real style that I just thought of! Think about how cool it would be! I bet fighting while using it would look awesome, because it would just be complete brutal action!]

Kōkatsu: [WHAT’S…WHAT’S NEXT?! DINOSAURS OR SOME SHIT?! YAHAHAHAHA! SERIOUSLY, THIS IS WAY TOO GOOD! OH MAN!]

Shiro turned to the rest of the group in order to gain some extra thoughts on her idea.

Shiro: [Come on guys! It’s cool, right?]

Yoro: [I’m sorry, Shiro. I believe you have some great ideas! I really do! But…well…this one isn’t exactly the greatest.]

Kaoru: [I think it sounds interesting…but…]

Nero: [If you were to execute it, it likely wouldn’t work very well.]

Silvia: [What would the sssstarting possssition even look like?]

Shiro: [.....Caveman Style.]

Shiro stood there motionless for a few seconds, before slouching her head forward ever so slightly. She then raised her arms up in front of her, curling her hands to form what looked like claws. This resulted in yet another eruption from Kōkatsu.

Kōkatsu: [YAHAHAHAHA! THIS…THIS IS THE FUNNIEST SHIT EVER! I GOTTA MAKE SURE I NOTE THIS SHIT DOWN! I’M GONNA BE TELLIN’ YER KIDS ‘BOUT THIS! HOO!]

Shiro: [I just think it could work! I think there’s something there!]

Yoro: [Don’t worry, Shiro! I’m sure all it needs is a little bit more work! It could definitely–Oh!]

Yoro attempted to cheer Shiro up, but was interrupted by a crow carrying a rolled up piece of paper that landed on her extended arm.

Shiro: [Huh? A crow? What’s it doing here?]

Yoro: [Ah! This must be a letter from my brother!]

Nero: [Brother? You have a brother, Yoro?]

Yoro: [Yeah! I don’t get to speak to him often since he hasn't really visited my castle in a long time…but we write letters to each other! This is likely another letter for him to tell me what he’s up to! I get to tell him all of my exciting stuff in return!]

Kōkatsu: [Well come on then! Open it up! Unless ya don’t wanna show us the contents…which is fair.]

Yoro: [R-Right! I have no problem showing it to all of you! Alright, let’s see what he has to say.]

Yoro took the letter from the crow, and began to unravel it in order to view what was written.

Yoro: [Dear, Yoro. It’s your brother, which you probably already know. How are things on your end this time? Not much has happened here. It’s the same as it always is. Did you try escaping from the castle again? If you did, remember that Dad told you not to. It doesn’t matter if he’s gone, we need to follow his rules. I’m writing this part in a more secure room, but just do what you want to do, Yoro. I keep telling you that and yet all you do is sit around. I know you like sending letters to me, but you have to live a little. As for me, I’m not sure that I wanna do that. Don’t really have a reason to. I can think of various different reasons not to, but that’s just me. Still, focus on what you wanna do. Plus, you mentioned all that hero fighting stuff makes you bored, right? Just find a way out and have some fun from there. Anyways, I hope all is well. Let me know about any changes, Yoro. Though I expect neither of us have changed with our lives. From your brother, Mijime.]

Yoro smiled as she finished the letter, and ran around in circles while cheering.

Kōkatsu: [Despite how depressin’ that letter kinda felt, she sure is happy.]

Yoro: [Because I finally get to tell him what’s happened! There’s so much to speak about! Ah! Kōkatsu! Everyone! If it’s alright, I know we wanted to travel to Daroma, but could we please stop at an inn as soon as possible? I would really like to write my brother back!]

The group turned to face Shiro, as she was the one who was now in charge. This had been her task, and thus, they relied on her input for moments such as this. Shiro did not feel angered nor saddened by Yoro’s request, but instead, happy. A smile rose as she looked back at Yoro.

Shiro: [I would be disappointed if you didn’t ask. Besides, we need to form a plan for when we get to Daroma as well.]

Kōkatsu: [And last I checked, our big strong oni in the group needs to have a chat with ya, doesn’t he?]

Yoro’s face had flared up the same way it always had when Nero was brought up with her.

Yoro: [T-That’s right! I need to speak with him too! Quickly everyone! To the nearest inn! I’d also like to go to some shops if that’s okay!]

Yoro charged forward, speed walking towards a town that could be seen not far from where they had been. The group began to chuckle at her immediate rise in action, before following behind her. Their trip towards Daroma would be temporarily halted for the day while other matters at hand would be dealt with first.

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Four out of the six people in the party remained in the main room. Much like the previous inn they had stayed at, there was a nice balcony area outside. They had provided privacy to the two people who needed to speak with one another, and would fill them in on the plan once they were done. In the meantime, the four discussed what would happen with each other.

Kōkatsu: [Daroma, from what I understand, is a toughy. He’s pretty damn well known, and for good reason. If we wanna beat him, then we need a proper strategy here.]

Shiro: [Which is why I would like to suggest an idea I have. You’re all free to deny me of this, but I’d like to attempt it.]

Silvia: [Very well. Let ussss hear it.]

Shiro: [We got lucky when it came to Yoro. The smart thing would have been to divide our forces and deal with troops from there, but luckily, she only had two people to deal with. Daroma, if I had to guess, won’t be as carefree.]

Kōkatsu: [He’ll likely have his own backup. Strong ones at that. We’re gonna have to give it our all if we wanna go through this whole ordeal.]

Silvia: [On top of thissss, he likely hassss no quarrelssss with using his elite guardssss to fight ussss while we challenge him.]

Shiro: [Exactly. Which means there’s one option that comes to mind, and it’s what my idea is. We split up our forces as we move in. Each of us is incredibly strong in our own right, with maybe the exception of Kaoru, but that’s not really fair to say given that she’s young. If we can split our forces up, we can take care of the guards on the way to him. They won’t be able to assist him, and I’ll be able to challenge him by myself.]

Silvia: [A ssssimple, yet brilliant idea, Sssshiro.]

Kōkatsu: [If that’s what we’re doin’, then I got one part I need filled in this.]

Shiro: [Speak.]

Kōkatsu: [If we’re all splittin’ up, then I need ya to take Kaoru with ya.]

Kaoru: [Lady Kōkatsu!]

Kōkatsu: [I’m not tryna discredit anyone else here, but the two of ya are real close to me. If I lost either of ya somehow because of somethin’ I could have prevented, I wouldn’t be able to live with myself. Therefore, in case ya get injured, or in case Kaoru needs defense, the two of ya need to stick together.]

Kaoru did not provide another response towards Kōkatsu, but instead turned to look at Shiro. Both Shiro and Kōkatsu had looks in their eyes that showed just how serious the two of them had been.

Shiro: [That’s fine. I’d be upset with myself too if I couldn’t help my friend’s daughter.]

Kōkatsu smiled at Shiro’s answer. Hearing the words daughter created a warmth that persisted within her body.

Kōkatsu: [Then it’s settled. That’s our plan. Oh, by the way, I got somethin’ I wanna do with ya later if that’s al–...Ya alright, Shiro?]

Kōkatsu agreed to the plan that was created, but grew confused as she looked at Shiro. The girl who was once prepared for what was to come now looked confused. She rested her chin on her knee, pressing her mouth up against it, as she stared towards the floor.

Shiro: [Doesn’t this seem odd?]

Silvia: [Odd?]

Kōkatsu: [Ya mean the floor? I think ‘s pretty normal. Looks a bit old though.]

Shiro: [No, I mean, the whole task thing that we’re doing. Not just that, actually. Everything up until now. Our trials were hard, but if someone trained hard enough, they could likely overcome them. These tasks are going by without a problem. Something isn’t right.]

Silvia: [You’re ssssaying that it issss all too ssssimple?]

Shiro: [Pretty much. It doesn’t feel like any of this is a challenge. This is supposed to be what makes us become gods and goddesses, but where’s the actual effort in all of it?]

Kōkatsu: [I can’t say I disagree. There’s somethin’ to be said ‘bout the current gods themselves. But even with that, I don’t think that shit would ever be this easy.]

Kaoru: [Is there perhaps an external force involved…like that thing from before?]

Shiro: [I wouldn’t go that far. But there’s definitely something going on. It’s likely something happening within the school itself. If possible, I’d like to try and find out after we’re done with all of this.]

Kōkatsu: [I got some ideas on what it could be, but I obviously don’t have anythin’ concrete. There’s nothin’ to really go off of other than what’s happenin’.]

Silvia: [For now, the plan will remain our priority. After that, I believe thissss will be a good oddity to look into.]

Shiro: [Yeah. Let’s leave it at that. The other two are on their way back anyways.]

The plan made in order to take down Daroma was prepared, but with it, was an odd matter that had been brought up.

The trials they had gone through, and the tasks that were now at hand, why had they been set to such a low level of difficulty?

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While the group continued to chat about their plan inside, two members of the group spoke with one another on the balcony outside of the main room. There was a gentle breeze, a clear view of the moon, and beautiful scenery all around them.

They were silent for a few minutes while they looked at the area around them, before the silence was then broken by the boy standing there.

Nero: [Yoro.]

Yoro: [Y-Yes!]

Nero: [...I feel as though I have acted slightly harsh towards you, but it’s not just that. There’s some odd things happening within me as well, and thus I would like to discuss what I would like to do with you.]

Yoro: [What you would…you wo–]

Nero: [I have a few requests, one of which involves that. If it’s alright, is it possible that you could control yourself when speaking to me?]

Yoro: [Oh! Uhh…Yes! I can do that! Easy! If it’s normal Yoro that you want, I’ll give you normal Yoro!]

Nero: [Good. Though I feel that too must be toned down a bit. Now, I’m going to say something, and I need you to remain calm the entire time. Can you do this?]

Yoro: [Y-Yes! No matter what! I’ll remain calm!]

Nero: [What I will say is what I truly mean. Please do not interpret it as any false words or excuses. This is not a ploy or anything of the sort. I am willing to become…I guess what you would say, your boyfriend.]

Yoro did not freak out like she often did. She did not scream. She did not faint. She merely looked at Nero, her eyes shining much more than they had ever done before. She followed his words. She remained calm. She listened to what he truly wanted to say. This was not the connection of any false love. Yoro could tell. There was only the truth within both of them.

Yoro: [You…You will…?]

Nero: [Yes. I was rather happy to meet you, though I wasn’t sure how I felt at first. Earlier today was rather nice, however. It showed me a lot about you that made me happy. So I’ve decided I am ready. Now, much like before, I would like to establish bases. This time, my own versions if that’s alright.]

Yoro did not utter any words but instead nodded to what Nero had said to her.

Nero: [I have no issues with us holding hands, but if I am being honest, and I may sound weak, but I do not think any kissing related activities will happen for a while.]

Yoro: [That’s fine.]

Nero’s eyes widened with shock at the girl’s smile.

Nero: [You’re alright with this?]

Yoro: [I think I understand what you want. You want to have a proper relationship with me, right? No rushing steps or anything. We’ll just build our love as we go.]

Nero: [Well, yes, but I assumed since you were in an excited mood around me that you did not enjoy the thought of something like that.]

Gazing up at the moon, Yoro continued to speak her thoughts.

Yoro: [I did at first. But there’s always something towards desiring what you want. There’s desires that only exist temporarily, but there’s some that remain permanent. Going further with you in an instant was a temporary one, but the idea of building up our feelings…I like it…I like it a lot. It means we’ll both be much more genuine with one another. However many years it takes, we’ll get married. From there, we’ll decide if we want to have children or not, but we don’t need to rush that either. We can take our time, we don’t need to constantly express our love in that way every single moment that we’re awake, we can just find the right time where we truly feel it. I like this a lot, Nero. In fact, I like the idea of locking off my kiss from you till the right moment. It means the two of us will eventually reach a point where we’re just that close.]

Yoro's eyes had slightly closed as her smile gave her body a sincere look. Seeing this, Nero could not help but return a smile towards her.

Nero: [Very well. I don’t have many boundaries, of course. For example, I am alright with sleeping in the same bed as long as nothing occurs.]

Yoro: [There’s nothing wrong with that. At least from what I was taught anyways.]

Nero: [Overall, I do not mind being close, as long as we don’t rush things too quickly.]

Yoro: [I really do love this idea. Can I make a request of my own, though?]

Nero: [Of course. You are an important factor in this.]

Yoro: [I’d like to cross one step just because we’ve made it this far already. I wanna give you a cute nickname, and you can have one for me too. I’ll call you Nene from now on, and you can call me Yoyo. Is that alright?]

Nero: [Yoyo? Hehe. I like it. It reminds me of the nicknames my sister often gives others.]

Yoro: [You have a sister?]

Nero: [Yes. Her name is Mena. She’s a few years younger than me. She sadly failed a section of the apprentice program so she could not be here with us. I’m sure when we see her again she’ll be quite happy. The two of you will get along wonderfully.]

Yoro: [Hehe! I look forward to meeting her then! Let’s go back inside for now, Nene. I’m sure they’ve gotten quite far into their plan by now.]

Nero: [Very well, Yoyo.]

The two began to walk towards the door. As they moved, their bodies grew closer and closer. Before long, the back of their hands started to touch each other, which was followed by the two of them curling their hands towards one another. They returned to the main room while holding hands, which only created an air of confusion to those who had not heard their conversation. Further confusion was then made after the two discussed that they would be sharing a bed.

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Many of the group had already gone to sleep, but a few of them remained awake. There were two individuals who planned to accomplish something of their own, but on the balcony there was a girl with long red pigtails. She did not want to disturb her newly gained lover while he slept, and thus, she moved her activities to the outside area. The moon providing a perfect light for her compared to that of a table light.

In front of her sat various kinds of material, and in her own hands were a pair of long needles that she continued to use in a harmonic motion against a piece of said materials.

The girl turned to look at the crow who sat nearby, a paper was laid out in front of it.

Yoro: [Crow, do you think you could write a letter to my brother for me?]

The crow cocked its head to the side, and picked up a pen that sat beside the girl with its claw. Despite how odd it had seemed, Yoro was aware of how capable these crows in specific had been. She knew that they would be able to write something back in case she could not. After all, her brother did this as a safety precaution should Yoro somehow fall ill or be unable to move. The crow moved towards the paper and awaited her next words.

Yoro: [Dear, brother. Hi. It’s me, your adorable little sister. I’m sad to hear that not much has happened with you, but I hope my news will cheer you up! I have all sorts of things to speak about. You should probably read this next part in a different room, but I actually left the castle! Well, it kinda came tumbling down, but still! I joined a group of nice friends. I fought some of them in the castle, and it wasn’t as nice as I just made it sound, but we came to an understanding. That’s not the crazy part just yet though. Even if I left the castle, even if I made some friends, I have extra exciting news! I have a boyfriend now! Me and him are taking things slow, which is alright. I told him I enjoyed the idea of that anyways. It will make us a lot closer with how we feel. But I’m sure you might like him too! Well, not in the same way I do, but you get what I mean! When we’re done with what we need to do, you should come visit us! Maybe by that point we’ll be married. We might even have a child by then, but that’s something we need to still figure out. Oh, speaking of which, what do you think of the name Varius? V-A-R-I-U-S. There’s probably a scribble on that paper since I’m having one of your crows write this and they didn’t know how to spell it. Now they squawked at me. Anyways, let me know what you think! From your sis, Yoro. That’ll be all, thanks!]

The crow then put the pen down, and proceeded to roll up the paper like a person trying to balance on top of a ball. It tightly squeezed the rolled up letter, giving a farewell squawk to Yoro, and lifted off into the air. Yoro smiled as it left, before returning to her knitting. A loud thud broke her focus however, and she began to investigate what had created it.

Yoro: [It sounds like it came from over this balcony. What was–Wait that’s…Shiro and Kōkatsu?]

She looked down to see Shiro and Kōkatsu, fighting one another with smiles on their faces. The grass around them ripped apart as they moved. Craters formed inward against the ground as they jumped as well as when they struck down towards it. Damage to the area around them grew as their attacks increased. Much like Yoro and Nero felt earlier, the two of them seemed to be truly happy fighting. But why were the two of them even fighting to begin with?

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While a girl on the balcony brought some materials with her to work on, two girls walked out onto the grassy field behind the inn. They were adorned in the clothing they had always worn despite the time of day. One of them was not fully aware of what would even occur, but they listened to their friend’s request nonetheless.

Shiro: [You had something you wanted to do, so what was it?]

Kōkatsu: [Two things are what made me wanna do this. One, I acted like an idiot towards ya twice. So we’re fixin’ that now.]

Shiro: [You mean the caveman stuff? It’s fine, Kō. I didn’t really take too much offense to it. There were two times though? Wait, do you mean with the stuff involving Yoro? I figured that was fixed as soon as you spoke with each other. At least that’s how I felt about it anyways.]

Kōkatsu: [Yer opinion on it matters, but it still doesn’t fix how I feel. Then there’s a second reason. We’re real close. We’re strong fighters. Strong fighters who are as close as we are, like siblings from different parents, have only one choice. We need to consume each other.]

Shiro: [Consume?! I’m not eating you! Unless you mean a dirty version of that…in which case I’m still not doing that!]

Kōkatsu: [Nah. Nothing like either of those. We’re borderline sisters, I’d say. But if we wanna reach that point, we gotta become one. A fight where we understand each other’s thoughts, our feelings, our blood, our families, our bodies, us as a whole. A fight where we consume everything from each other from just a fight alone. What we enjoy, from shows, to food, to shopping, to when we like to sleep, to when we like to eat, when we like to exercise, when we like to be happy, when we like to be angry, when we like to cry, when we’re filled with rage, despair, excitement, lust, everything! We need to accept each other’s fist.]

Kōkatsu spoke words that too many would not make sense. To Shiro, they were words that shouldn’t have made sense. But they did. She smiled, preparing her stance that she used on Kōkatsu during their very first fight as she spoke back to her.

Shiro: [If we do this, we’ll be one.]

Kōkatsu moved into the stance that she used during that very fight. Their matōki slowly built up, clashing with each other as their very auras met in the middle.

The colors of white and orange constantly trying to overlap one another in power.

Kōkatsu: [Exactly. Once we fight, once we have a real proper match against each other, as friends, as rivals, as sisters who do not share blood. Once we fight like this, we’ll have a full understanding of one another. Words are no longer necessary.]

They smiled at each other as friends. As rivals. As sisters not by blood but by the very words they spoke and the actions they had taken. Two fierce warriors stood facing one another. Shiro’s true appearance began to show and along with it, Kōkatsu began to move her tails from behind her, forming what looked like a flower with them. Though they were a demon and a fox, to many, they would likely look like that of a dragon and a tiger at this very moment. Both on completely equal ground. Both viscous in nature. Both powerful enough to claim their titles as their own. Both of them, warriors.

Shiro: [You ready?]

Kōkatsu: [Heh! Ya need to ask?]

The two charged at each other, smiles etched across their faces and their eyes completely white displaying just how fierce they were. A fight like no other. A fight they had never experienced before. A fight that was completely sublime in nature had erupted on the outside of the inn. Many of the residents spoke to one another the following morning, as they had thought a pair of wild beasts were on the outside of the inn, causing them to not want to leave their rooms. Not even to check if there truly were beasts that waited there. Why would they? Whatever had stood out there would likely take them down in a matter of seconds.

Should they have attempted such a thing, they would only be proven right.

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