A Demon's Tale

A boat.

It was a familiar boat to the girl.

Close to two months ago, she had rode on this boat with numerous other students.

When she had done so, the girl had been alone.

She had no one that she spoke to.

No one who was close.

No one who she could view as a friend.

This time, her ride was different.

There were many unoccupied seats around her.

However, next to her, along with the seats across from her were people.

People she had spoken to many times before.

People she was close to.

People who she could view not just as friends, but close friends.

Though she could speak to them, she did not.

Before, she had taken in the scenery around her instead of talking to others.

Now, she had taken in the friends she had gained. She watched as they talked and laughed with each other.

There was a warm sense of joy that accompanied this feeling.

There was also a sense of sadness.

This would be the final time that they had all gone to school together.

Following the next trial, should they succeed, the four of them would move on from the castle-like building they had grown familiar with.

She had not been there in a while, but the girl felt as if she would miss the mess of a dorm that she resided in.

She took everything in, and gained a new form of courage flaring up within her.

Though she would miss these times, she knew that she could not afford to lose now.

Confidently smiling, the girl watched as her boat got closer to its destination.

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Kōkatsu: [So…beyond these doors…]

Shiro: [...is the fifth trial.]

The four looked up at the massive metal doors that stood in front of them. They had entered the school, shown their reports, and had all of the details signed and confirmed. The staff had been amazed at what they were capable of, but supposedly, they were not the only ones. A singular other group had also succeeded with their tasks. Following their results, the group was told to wait by the fifth trial doors for their next instructions. There were no attendants around them, but they had been told that their signals for when they could enter would be given once it was time.

Nero: [It’s a rather odd thing to see…It might just be a door, but it feels as if something greater lies beyond it.]

Silvia: [To think thissss alone would causssse ussss ssssuch a sssstate of uneasssse.]

Sweat dripped down from each of their faces as they looked up towards the door. Shiro loosened the dryness of her throat as she prepared to talk once more, but a different voice from behind had interrupted this action.

???: [Of all people, I’m rather surprised that you would pass the fourth trial as well. Perhaps I misjudged what you were capable of.]

Shiro had turned to see a familiar sight, which she had not seen in nearly a month. A girl with pale skin and blond hair, all of which radiated with the holy light her body presented, had appeared. She was familiar to all who had gazed upon her figure, as she was known as–

Shiro: [Helig! You made it as well!]

Helig hesitated to respond. She bit the inside of her cheeks as she looked at Shiro, before turning her eyes towards Kōkatsu. She noticed as Kōkatsu’s nose began to wrinkle, and once again changed where her attention was focused. Staring back at Shiro once more, she spoke to the girl who had almost matched her in color.

Helig: [Of course I have. A trial that presents itself before me is nothing but a child’s test. Unfortunately, I had a few “partners” with brains that are comparable to children.]

???: [Aw, c’mon now, Helig! I wasn’t all that bad!]

Helig: [You were not, however your foolish manner of talking proved to be rather annoying.]

???: [You’re acting all upset, but I bet I made you smile on occasion!]

From behind Helig came a harpy girl flapping her winged arms in the air. Both her feathers that connected to her arms, legs and tail, along with the tomboyish short hair atop her head were all light brown in color. She wore a light blue crop top, along with blue jean hot pants underneath. She did not wear any shoes, though this was likely due to her feet, which were instead large talons with three claws to them.

Vogel: [So, you’re the Shiro girl I’ve heard so much about. I think Helig might have a crush on you with how much she likes to mention you! Hehehe! Anyways, I’ve been waiting to meet you! The name’s Vogel! Written as V-o-g-e-l, but pronounced as Fogel. Hope that isn’t too confusing for you!]

Shiro: [Ah, I see. Well it’s nice to meet you, Vogel! My name…Well I guess you already know it, but these three are Kōkatsu, Silvia and Nero!]

Vogel: [I see I see! Nice to meet all of you guys!]

From behind Vogel came two more individuals. The first was a girl with the lower half of a spider, while her upper body looked more like that of a human. Both the spider-like bottom she had, along with her long cascading hair were dark purple.

Patri: [Hello. My name is Patri. Please do not mind what Helig had said. She is correct…but I’m rather scared of entering dark places. I’m sorry.]

Nero: [A spider girl who is afraid of dark places? I don’t mean to be rude, but I have not heard of many like that.]

Kōkatsu: [Speakin’ of afraid, are ya not scared by her appearance, Shiro?]

Shiro: [It's just the actual insect, Kō. Not the people.]

Kōkatsu: [Hm. Fair 'nough. Nice shirt, by the way. I love that band.]

Patri: [Ah! T-Thank you…I enjoy them as well…]

The girl had worn a black shirt of a band that both she and Kōkatsu were familiar with. As Kōkatsu noticed this, an idea sprung into her head.

Kōkatsu: [Shit! I got an idea now!]

Shiro: [An idea? For what?]

Kōkatsu: [Don’t worry ‘bout it. Jus’ gonna backlog the thought for now.]

Finally, the last member of Helig’s group came forward. A wolf man with hands and feet covered in light blue fur and claws. Atop his head was a very fitting dark blue wolf cut. His facial features were sharp, presenting an attractive appearance to him. He wore only a jacket and ripped jeans, which perfectly showed the personality within.

Kōkatsu: [Hoho! Now this might be my type of guy!]

Gratti: [Hello! I am! Gratti! Don’t mind me though…I am merely a night warrior lying in wait! Once I have seen the moon, I shall–]

Kōkatsu: [This guy sucks.]

Kōkatsu had grown interested in the boy who stood before her. However, as he began to pose with every word he uttered, her interest quickly faded away.

Shortly after, the three began to take notice of what they had just heard.

Vogel: [Hey…Wait a minute…]

Patri: [D-Did you say…]

Gratti: [...that her name! Was!.....]

Vogel, Patri and Gratti: [KŌKATSU?!]

Kōkatsu: [So now they take notice…]

Nero: [Ah. I suppose they would have a reaction like that, given who you are.]

Vogel quickly flapped her wings towards Kōkatsu, moving one of her talons forward to shake Kōkatsu’s hand.

Vogel: [Well, I’ll be damned! To think I was gonna see the legendary kitsune here today!]

Patri: [B-B-But I heard you did not want to continue with the…courses…]

Gratti: [So then! Why! Are you here! Now!]

Kōkatsu: [I jus’ found a reason to come back. ‘S all. If there’s anyone to praise, ‘s the girl to my right.]

Vogel changed her focus to Shiro, and once again extended a talon to shake.

Vogel: [I knew you were something special as soon as I heard about you! I hope we get along real well, Shiro!]

Shiro: [Y-Yeah! Likewise!]

As they all continued to talk, Helig, who stood away from the group with her eyes closed, had begun to open them.

Helig: [I’ve been called.]

She stepped towards the iron doors in front of her. The group grew confusing as to both what she said, and the action taken. However, their confusion was only heightened as the doors began to open on their own while she walked.

Patri: [T-The doors opened?!]

Shiro: [So that’s what they meant, huh?]

Kōkatsu: [Somethin’, or someone, calls to ya. From there, they open the doors for ya.]

Silvia: [I’m rather sssshocked at how quickly you two were able to dessssipher thissss. Even I wassss not finisssshed with my deduction.]

Kōkatsu: [‘S a guess, really. But jus’ tellin’ by the doors, I have a feelin’ we’re right ‘bout it.]

Nero: [In that case, we will all likely have to wait for our own turns.]

Shiro: [Guess this might take a decent bit of chatting before we all get in then.]

Without even knowing it, the process of the fifth trial had finally begun.

Those who had stood in anticipation each awaited for their turn to arise.

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One by one, each of the eight had entered through the doors of the fifth trial, and exited out a few moments after. All except one.

Shiro.

She had watched as each of her friends exited the doors, giving a proud but silent motion with their fists as they reunited. It filled her heart with joy, but she had also been anxious about her own results.

Perhaps she was not worthy of such a trial?

Perhaps they did not enjoy her presence?

These thoughts had faded shortly after, as finally, a voice called out to her within her head.

Shiro Fuloreen. Please, join us.

She prepared herself for what awaited beyond. Kōkatsu smiled back to her, before giving a light punch to her arm.

Shiro began to walk forward, past the doors that had opened without a single force attached to them or a single command given.

They closed behind her as she entered, and she continued to gaze at the area ahead.

A bridge of an aquatic looking light was laid out before her. At the end stood a circle of the very same light, which was produced by the endless ceiling above. Surrounding this light was darkness. Complete, total darkness. There wasn’t a single other visible source of light within the room other than what stood ahead of her.

Following the path the bridge had provided, Shiro walked across without a second thought.

She continued to walk further and further, eventually reaching the circle at the end.

As soon as she had reached it, the entire room was filled with a bright white light. Not just the darkness around her, but even the very ground below.

This light continued to stay as a sharp noise echoed throughout the infinite void.

Then, the light had cleared.

Shiro was transported to somewhere else entirely.

Her feet now accompanied by a circular stone platform.

She looked at her new surroundings.

It was as if she was standing within the clouds.

No, to be more accurate, it was more equivalent to the heavens themselves.

She looked at the three large clouds around her, each positioned to form a triangle.

It was an odd sight at first, but the logic behind the clouds soon followed.

On the large cloud to her left, from thin air, a massive blue dragon had appeared.

She gazed at it in awe, before hearing the sound of a mighty bird behind her.

Resting its talons on the large cloud to her right, came a massive red phoenix.

Before she could truly gaze upon the phoenix, she quickly set her sights on the final cloud that was positioned in front of her.

She had already known what would occur after seeing the previous two appear.

And thus, her exact thoughts were answered.

Gently resting its legs on the large cloud as it came down, was a massive green kirin.

In complete unison, they spoke to her.

Dragon, Phoenix and Kirin: [Welcome, Shiro Fuloreen.]

She looked at all three of them in complete and utter shock.

Shiro: [...When Kō said…”a certain group of people”...even if she didn’t know what the trial was about…this is what she meant…]

Shiro quietly whispered to herself as she faced the three mighty spirits around her.

Before she could even consider what was ahead, the spirits spoke once more.

Dragon: [The fifth trial will be a rather simple trial when compared to previous trials.]

Phoenix: [We would merely like to hear your reason for your desire. The desire to become a goddess.]

Kirin: [As long as you are honest with what you speak, we shall allow it.]

Shiro cleared her throat as they had stated their demand. It was not necessarily a hard task, but when presented with the idea where she could not slip up with her words at all, Shiro began to grow nervous. To tell the truth was easy, but to be forced into saying it presented an odd challenge that one might not be prepared for.

Taking multiple deep breaths, and flaring up the mighty resolve that lingered within her, Shiro confidently looked towards the spirits around her. A mighty thrust of her finger was released as she began to speak.

Shiro: [My name is Shiro Fuloreen! As a goddess, I shall bring peace to the world around us! I shall build a family of my own! But finally, I shall become the strongest, so those who live in fear can gain the peace that was once robbed from them!]

A gust of wind blew across her face as the spirits stood on their clouds in silence.

Then, they spoke for one final time in a linked unison.

Dragon, Phoenix and Kirin: [Very well. Henceforth, Shiro Fuloreen will now gain the position of goddess! Among the seven who have joined her, she shall fulfill the duty she seeks to provide! Once the time comes, she shall call upon us again for the divine power of her choosing!]

The spirits moved their heads upwards, and a beam of light came down on Shiro. She felt as though her entire body was shaking with a brand new power. There was nothing that had truly been added into her, but it was a mystical feeling that she had never experienced before.

The white light once again surrounded her, and Shiro returned to her original location.

No longer was she just Shiro, however.

She was now one of eight gods of the world, Shiro Fuloreen.

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As they left the school, every member of the staff had given a round of applause for the eight passing students. It was a success that had never been seen in the world before. Not in over a hundred years had something like this occurred. Yet, somehow, the eight who stood before them had managed to conquer each of the trials that remained in their path. News of their success spread almost instantaneously, reaching multiple networks across the world. It was a story like no other, a story that had never been told before in the entire history of Shin.

As they continued to walk with the accompanying applause, Nero had reunited with his little sister, Mena, who sobbed for several minutes over her brother’s success. The trio watched in joyous laughter, enjoying the spectacle of the two siblings bonding.

The group moved over to the docks of the school, preparing to each head their separate ways.

Shiro: [So, I guess that’s it, huh?]

Kōkatsu: [Yep. Seems like it. Feels weird to be actually done here, but I guess I really am. Can’t exactly enjoy my free dorm space now.]

Silvia: [I’ll missss thissss, even if the time I enjoyed wassss with you three.]

Nero: [Yeah. I feel the same way. I’m sure both I and Mena will miss all of you.]

Mena: [Yeab! I’gg bonna mibb all og yog guys!]

With the usual crying face that accompanied her, Mena spoke to the group around her. They began to chuckle as she attempted to speak with them.

From the sea beyond them, a boat began to make its way towards the dock with scales painted on the side.

Silvia: [Well, I ssssuposssse thissss issss my ride.]

Shiro: [Are you gonna be okay on your own, Sil? I remember you mentioning something about your home not being super great.]

Silvia: [I sssshall be alright, Sssshiro. Living quarterssss were provided upon requesssst for me and my family. My life issss no longer the ssssame assss before. Both for my family, but alsssso all of you.]

The group smiled at her, before providing a big group hug to her. Much like Mena had done, they had all begun to cry. However, their tears were merely tears of saying farewell and not that of sadness.

Nero: [Take care of yourself, Silvia.]

Mena: [Bye, Silbia!]

Silvia: [Thank you, Nero. Pleasssse tell Yoro that I would like to thank her assss well. And of coursssse, thank you, Mena.]

Nero: [Heh! I shall do so!]

Mena: [Broger, whog ig Yoro?]

Nero: [...We’ll worry about that later, Mena.]

Kōkatsu: [Next time we see each other, I’m a hundred percent gonna win at poker!]

Silvia: [Alright, but you’d besssst bring ssssome fine alcohol.]

Kōkatsu: [Ya know damn well I will!]

Shiro: [I’m gonna miss you, even if it’s for a short time, Sil!]

Silvia: [...Likewisssse, Sssshiro!]

The four watched as their friend departed. They waved as her boat departed, and in turn, she waved back to them. Smiles on each of their faces, and tears in all of their eyes, they said farewell to Silvia.

Kōkatsu: [...Hah. So, who gets to go next? Is it us two, or the two of ya?]

Nero: [I did not consider that you two were leaving together. Though it does make sense, given Kaoru and Kiyomi are at Shiro’s house.]

Mena: [Broger…whog ig–]

Nero: [...I shall explain that later as well. Do not worry, Mena. Though I feel that will be much easier to explain than Yoro.]

A boat with a pattern resembling ice had begun to move its way towards the docks. Nero softly grabbed onto his sister’s hand as he prepared to move.

Nero: [Well, I suppose this is where we part ways.]

Kōkatsu: [That boat’s pattern is kinda weird, but I guess ya did mention that ya don’t really live in that one district anymore.]

The duos gave another group hug to each other as they prepared to say farewell.

Kōkatsu: [Tell Yoro she owes me royalties for Varius’ name! Yahahaha!]

Nero: [I’ll try, but she might make a remark about you shortly after.]

Kōkatsu: [As I’d expect of her! Take care of yerselves, alright?]

Mena: [...I wang tu ack bug I thib I knob whag thegg answern wigg beeg…]

Shiro: [Make sure to invite me to you know what!]

Nero: [Of course! I’ll make sure to invite all of you!]

Shiro: [Hehe! I’ll be sure to buy the two of you gifts just for it!]

Mena: [Bye, Shigro! Bye, Kōkagoo!]

Shiro: [Bye, Mena! Take care of your big brother, alright?]

Kōkatsu: [Don’t be too much of a pain for ‘im…or better yet, be an even bigger one! Yahahaha!]

They watched as the two waved their goodbyes before moving onto the boat. As it began to move, Kōkatsu gained an almost devilish smile of her own.

Kōkatsu: [Ya know what, I think I’m gonna do it…]

Shiro: [Huh? Do wha–]

Kōkatsu: [HEY, MENA!]

Mena quickly turned to face the orange haired kitsune who stood on the docks of the school.

Kōkatsu: [YER BROTHER HAS A WIFE, JUST LIKE YA WANTED! YER A SISTER-IN-LAW NOW!]

They watched as Mena’s eyes began to fill with more tears and a greater amount of joy. Nero, who sat behind her, gained a shocked expression over what Kōkatsu had said, and was quickly assaulted by Mena with questions. He looked back at Kōkatsu, who simply stuck a tongue out at him. Her lips silently spoke out “That’s for all the shit Yoro’s said to me!”.

Finally, the remaining two stood there, awaiting their boat.

Shiro: [So, what’s the plan for your family?]

Kōkatsu: [I’ve got a lot of money saved up, plus I now have a big title to my name. I think I’ll buy the biggest mansion I can find, and live there with all of my children]

Shiro: [And where will that be located, might I ask?]

Kōkatsu: [Hmmmmm. I’m not too sure…I heard there’s this real nice district I might try and live in…]

Jokingly pondering about where she planned to live, Kōkatsu and Shiro looked at each other with goofy smiles attached to their faces.

They watched as the final boat arrived, a pattern of demonic faces adorning it.

Shiro: [Well, shall we head out?]

Kōkatsu: [Of course! I got kids waitin’ for me!]

They gave a small laugh to each other, and moved forward onto the boat.

Taking a seat beside each other, they watched as the boat began to depart.

Both of them had looked back to the school they had once studied at, already missing the times they had once had there.

The very place they had met, the very place they became friends, the very place they had studied, the very place they had sparred, the very place they had made friendship bracelets, the very place they had conquered every trial presented to them.

They watched as the school they were so familiar with faded into the distance.

They looked onto the endless horizon of the sea, wondering where their journey would take them next.

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