A Demon's Tale

Amidst the beautiful sunset view by a cliff stood three different women with long hair. One sat with their legs crossed along the grass, with white taking form on both their clothes and their swaying hair. Nearby stood a woman of very little, orange silk clothes who drowned their pink hair in the harsh light. Lastly stood a woman with valor emanating from their very presence alone, their blood red eyes and hair sparkling with the vast view of the land behind them.

In the middle of the red haired woman’s confident pose, the woman clad in white spoke to her.

Shiro: [...And you mean that? You truly mean that?]

Devi: [Of course. The words I speak come from my very own heart, and are untainted of any possible malice.]

Shiro: [Hm. I see. Alright, I guess we should head out then.]

Devi: [Huh?]

Sol: [Wait, what?]

Many times now were the two members of the Bloodfire army surprised by the goddess that stood before them. Much like every time before, confusion rose on their faces as she spoke her response.

Shiro: [What? I’m agreeing with the idea. Let’s go get that other person and head out.]

Devi: [Well…I am happy with the answer, and it is precisely what I wanted to hear…however…]

Shiro: [Did I do something wrong?]

Sol: [It’s just…your response was much quicker than we anticipated.]

Shiro: [Oh. Well, I just figured since all of your troops are already here that we would leave as soon as we could. We probably want to get there early to begin with.]

Devi and Sol: [She sensed all of them?!]

A bond was formed between the head and her right hand as they shared the same thought regarding Shiro.

Perhaps it was similar to the hidden talent Devi had seen, Shiro was able to sense all of Devi’s army that waited in the field around them. They had lowered their presences as instructed, and even moved a fair distance away in order to avoid being spotted. However, she was still able to successfully spot each of them within her mind.

Devi: [You’re certainly an interesting one, Miss Shiro Fuloreen. You remind me of someone within my family.]

Shiro: [Who would that be, if you don’t mind me asking?]

Devi: [One of my grandsons. He’s a rather…how would you put it…mercurial type of person. I by no means am saying this as a bad thing to neither you nor him, it’s just the manner in which you both act.]

Shiro: [Hmmm. For a second I almost thought you were referring to Alf…]

Devi’s face immediately lit up with curiosity upon hearing a familiar name.

Devi: [Oh? You know of my grandson, Alf?]

Shiro: [SHIT! UHHHHH…I-I JUST KNOW A GUY WITH THAT NAME IS ALL!]

Devi: [Well I suppose it would make sense. I had heard from him a few years ago that he had gotten married, and to a friend of yours no less. I believe her name was Silvia Hemobi, correct?]

Shiro: [Ye-Yeah! She got married a while back…It was really nice!]

Though she remained calm on the outside, a loud scream was let loose within Shiro’s mind as she began to internally panic.

Sol: [Oh! I remember hearing about that! Say, you’re the same age as that friend of yours, right Miss Fuloreen? Have yoooooou gotten married yet?]

Shiro: [I…well…It’s a bit of a tricky subject…See…Actually, give me just a moment. I-If you don’t mind me asking, Miss Devi…]

Devi: [Devi is just fine.]

Shiro: [R-Right. Devi, do you have every single record of our families and connections within your files or something…?]

Devi: [Well, in some ways, yes. However…Are you alright, Shiro Fuloreen?]

Closing her eyes as she recalled her files, Devi opened them back up to now see a version of Shiro who was sprawled out across the ground. Her face appeared similar to that of someone being suffocated as she silently gripped at the grass around her.

Sol: [...Should I perhaps heal her again?]

Devi: [I…I believe she is fine, but I’m not sure. If something changes, do so immediately.]

Sol: [Sure thing, Lady Devi!]

Devi: [Right, where was I? Ah, yes. I have many records of these things, although I have not kept track of all of them. It’s rather hard to do so in the first place. Which reminds me, I have not updated any files regarding your own family since around ten years ago, when you were appointed to the status of goddess. I was busy with quite a few tasks at the time, and could not focus on the records. If you would like, given the possible battle we are headed towards, I can ensure the safety of your family with my own protection. I will just meet with them myself and–]

Shiro: [NOPE! WE DON’T NEED THAT! THANK YOU FOR THE OFFER BUT MY FAMILY WILL BE SAFE, I PROMISE! PLEASE DON’T WORRY ABOUT THEM!]

Devi: [Are you sure? I was rather looking forward to meeting them. Besides, providing protection would be best, given the current predicament you are in–]

Shiro: [NO, NO! WE’RE OKAY! I GOT A FRIEND OF MINE TO COVER FOR THAT SO WE’RE AAAAALL GOOD!]

Devi: [Hm. Understood. If you need any assistance with protection, however, feel free to ask.]

Shiro: [Mhm. Yep. I’ll do just that if I need…that.]

Sol: [Hehe! You’re right, Lady Devi! She’s just like Xanxan!]

Shiro: [Xanxan?]

Sol: [Yep! It’s the name some of us gave Lady Devi’s grandson when he was a kid! We liked to take his name, that being Xander, and repeat the first part! So then, we got Xanxan out of it!]

Shiro: [Heh. That’s kinda funny…hehehe….Xanxan….Pftft…Oh….What a silly nickname…]

Devi: [Are you alright, Shiro Fuloreen?]

Shiro: [Yeah, I’m fine. Just having a bit of a laugh. By the way, you don’t need to put the “Miss” or the “Fuloreen” in there. Just Shiro is fine.]

Devi: [Very well then, Shiro. Out of courtesy, I’d like to have a formal greeting between my own troops and yourself.]

Shiro: [...I’ve gotta ask, given what I’m sensing, how many are there?]

Devi: [Let’s see…I brought a large number of soldiers for this mission, but that was merely one twelfth of our full amount. So to be exact, I believe it is around 119,483 in total.]

Frightened by the number, Shiro slowly raised a finger before talking again.

Shiro: [How…How about, and hear me out here, I just greet the people on the higher up end? I don’t wanna be rude to the rest but…that’s a lot.]

Devi: [Understood. That narrows our numbers down to eleven.]

Shiro: [See? Much better! Where do I start?]

Devi: [Well, first we have my right hand woman, Sol.]

Sol: [Yahoo! Nice to meet you, Miss Fuloreen!]

Enthusiastically shaking Shiro’s hand up and down, Sol greeted her with a smile.

Shiro: [It’s…nice to meet you too. You’re very strong.]

Sol: [You’re too kind! Thank you very much, Miss Fuloreen!]

Devi: [Next, we have…]

And thus, a grand meeting of the higher placed forces within Devi’s army was arranged.

Following the greeting, the group then moved out towards their next stop. The recruitment of their third force.

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Multiple horses dashed across the moonlit land as they hauled large carriages filled with people behind them. For many of these carriages, the seats were only filled with that of soldiers. However, for one carriage in particular, only two individuals sat within the large box of wood. One of those people being the Braveheart, Devi Bloodfire. The other being a goddess of the world, one who was framed for a crime they did not commit, Shiro Fuloreen.

Due to the plan at hand, extra assistance was required in order to follow through. As luck would have it, however, the palace in which they were headed to had been on the very same path they needed to travel.

Staring out the small open window, Shiro spoke to Devi with her attention focused on the wisteria-covered land outside.

Shiro: [I’ve never seen this side of the world…It’s incredibly pretty…]

Devi: [According to my records, you were raised within the Babylon District, correct?]

Shiro: [Yeah. I was born and raised there, and even now, I still live there.]

Devi: [A village such as that is beautiful to begin with, is it not?]

Shiro: [Have you been there a lot by any chance?]

Devi: [Only a few times, and it was quite the sight to behold on every occasion. Why do you ask?]

Putting both of her index fingers up, Shiro provided a visual example to the words she produced.

Shiro: [Let’s look at it this way. If you visit a location only a few times, it feels like a brand new experience. If you start living there for longer than a short vacation though, you tend to grow used to it. For example, in your eyes, the Babylon Distract is a beautiful little village that you’ve only seen sometimes. For me, while it is pretty, I’ve kinda gotten used to it. I’m sure the same could be said for your castle. If I were to travel there, it would probably be something that blows my mind. For you, though, you’ve lived there for a long while, right? You’re probably used to seeing it by now. It’s just in our nature to view things as normal when we see something amazing after so many previous times.]

Crossing her legs, Devi put a hand against the top of them as she placed the other under her chin.

Devi: [Hmmmmmmm…]

Shiro: [Ah! Sorry! That was probably really confusing!]

Devi: [No, not at all. I was rather impressed with your words. The statement you provided was true, but I had never thought about such a thing before. I must say, you’re well educated, Shiro.]

Receiving a kind smile from Devi, the blushing Shiro began to scratch the back of her head as she giggled.

Shiro: [I just have a smart mom as all! She taught me a lot of important life lessons!]

Devi: [Oh? Like what?]

Shiro: [Well, she mentioned to me once that love is the most important thing in the world. She said that to me after my dad passed, which at the time, I didn’t really understand why she said that. As I grew older, though, I guess I started to understand it a lot more.]

Devi: [Hm. That is certainly a good lesson. One that I myself am quite familiar with.]

Shiro: [I don’t mean to pry into your family life…but you have a husband, right?]

Devi: [Yes, although he passed away many years ago.]

Though Devi continued to smile, Shiro started to worry about the question she had asked.

Shiro: [Ah! I’m so sorry for asking! I keep making this mistake in some fashion and I don’t know why–]

Stopping as she noticed the hand placed in front of her, she turned her eyes to Devi’s own.

Devi: [It’s quite alright. My very own question caused you to speak of your deceased father. I believe it is only fair to answer with full honesty.]

Shiro slumped back on her seat, and pondered a question she wanted to ask.

It was not one that she felt should be presented, but without thinking, it slipped past her tongue.

Shiro: [...Did you love him?]

Devi looked up towards the now scared Shiro, who was frightened by what she had said. Hearing the question provided, Devi’s smile only grew more kind as she answered.

Devi: [Yes. With my entire heart.]

Shiro provided a deep exhale to calm herself, before readjusting her seating.

Shiro: [I guess my mom has taught me a whole lot of useful stuff when I really think about it. She even taught me how to use her fighting style.]

Devi’s face brightened upon hearing Shiro’s words.

Devi: [Oh, I see. So she taught you the Babylon Way style, then?]

Shiro: [Yeah! I wasn’t really sure about learning it at first, but–]

Just then, it struck Shiro.

Her eyes widened with wonder as she looked towards Devi, a kind smile still resting on her face.

What she had just said…

Shiro: [Why…Why do you know tha–]

Before her new question could finish, the front window of the carriage opened. A soldier of Devi’s army appeared as he spoke to the two.

Bloodfire Soldier: [Your Highness, we have arrived.]

Nodding to the soldier, Devi uncrossed her legs, and started moving off of her seat.

Devi: [Very well. Shiro, let us move.]

Bewildered with an innumerable amount of thoughts blurring her mind, Shiro looked to the scarlet eyes that stared back at her.

Shiro: [Huh?...Oh…Right…Yeah, let’s go.]

Stepping out of the carriage, the two walked a few steps forward before seeing what stood in front of them. A large gold castle, with countless spots that shined like glitter along the walls.

Shiro: [This is…a lot more than I was expecting for a castle. I don’t really know if I’d have one of this style if I could even own a castle.]

Devi: [The taste of its owner is different from that of my own. I do not dislike it, but I cannot say it is of my own personal preferences either.]

Walking towards the door, Devi prepared to knock only for–

THUD

The massive doors were swung open, a woman with a mauve ponytail stood in the same place with her arms spread out.

Excitedly looking up, she ran over to Shiro, grabbing her hands and speaking to her with almost no distance between their faces.

???: [Hiiiiiiiiiiiiiii! I’ve been wanting to meet you for a while now! So tell me, how old are you? How did you complete the trials? Is your hair natural? If not, could you recommend me to your stylist? How’s life been for you? Are you married or are you single? If you’re single, do you want me to contact some people to help? Do you have kids? Are they adopted? Do they look more like you or your partner? Did anything crazy happen recently? What school did you enroll in? Do you wear contacts? What’s your favorite type of meal? How’s auntie been? Do you have a favorite animal? Where do you get your clothes?]

Devi: [Tequi.]

Tequi: [How tall are you? Do you workout often? Did we by chance run into each other without knowing?]

Devi: [Tequi.]

Tequi: [How often do you visit your doctor? Do you have any friends? What are their names?]

Devi: [Tequi.]

Tequi: [Huh? Oh! What’s up, Devi!]

Making her grand, shocking entrance was Tequi Tensetsu. A woman of the royal Tensetsu family and a former rival for the throne. On top of this, she was someone who often visited Devi to play chess with.

Turning her focus to Devi after asking endless amounts of questions to the overwhelmed Shiro, a calm response was released.

Devi: [I do not wish to interfere with your methods, however, we are low on time. Would it be possible to provide a more formal introduction for Shiro?]

Tequi: [Ohoho! Shiro, huh? I guess you two got close before I even showed up! Guess I better catch up quick!]

Moving her eyes back to Shiro, Tequi released the hands that she held with her own as she provided a tall salute to her.

Tequi: [Tequi Tensetsu! That’s me! And from what I know, you’re Shiro Fuloreen, correct?]

Shiro: [Y-Yes. It’s nice to meet you, Miss Tensetsu!]

Tequi: [No need for all the formality! Call me Tequi! Better yet, let’s get the one up on Devi! Call me Tete!]

A somber smile rose on Shiro’s face as she received the gifted nickname.

Shiro: [That naming convention reminds me of some friends of mine…Well, I guess at this point, they’re…]

Tequi: [Ah! I’ve made things worse! Teq, then! Teq works, right?! If it doesn’t, we’ll just stick to Tequi then! No harm in using a normal name after all!]

Letting go of the sadness that shaded her mood, Shiro joyfully looked up to Tequi.

Shiro: [I like Tete as a nickname! We’ll go with that!]

Tequi: [Haha! Perfect! Our friendship has only just begun!]

While Tequi triumphantly raised her arms into the air, Shiro moved her eyes to Devi’s own, causing Devi to raise her eyebrows as if questioning her.

Shiro: [I guess we’ll go with Dede for you, or maybe Vivi…Hmmmmm…Tete, which one sounds better?]

Tequi: [Ooooooooo! That’s a good question! Hmmmmmm…Dede….or Vivi…which to choo–Oh? OH? Shiro, look! I’ve never seen her blush before! You’re making her blush!]

Shiro: [Huh?]

Looking back to Devi once more, Shiro noticed a tinge of pink across Devi’s azure skin. Noticing the two that were now looking at her, Devi moved her face away from them as she spoke.

Devi: [I-It is an odd matter that is being presented, that is all. We should focus on the mission at hand…I believe. Yes, that is what matters most.]

Tequi: [Hmmmm. Let’s test it…Dede!]

Tequi and Shiro locked eyes with each other, before moving back to Devi, who did not turn from her current position. Looking back to each other again, the two prepared for the next test.

Shiro: [Vivi!]

Looking towards Devi, they noticed a singular crimson eye looking back at them.

Tequi: [Aha! That one! That’s the one!]

Shiro: [Then from now on, we’ll call you Vivi!]

Devi turned to face Shiro, her finger now thrusted towards her as she continued to blush.

Devi: [You…You will do no such thing!]

Shiro: [Oh? What are you gonna do about it?]

Tequi: [Yeah! I’ve got Shiro’s back, so what now, Vivi?]

With their arms crossed and backs against each other, the two exchanged sly smiles with the frustrated Devi.

Stomping down the stairs of the castle’s entrance, Devi shouted to the duo behind her.

Devi: [Let us focus on our mission at hand…quickly!]

Shiro and Tequi: [Aye aye, Vivi!]

Devi: [Without the tomfoolery!]

The pair snickered as the former ruler of the world erupted in anger and embarrassment.

Moving down the steps, Shiro and Tequi continued to make small talk as they walked.

A new bond with two of the most important figures within the world was now being formed by Shiro.

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Tightening bags and loading them into carriages, the three women prepared for what would come next. A long journey would lie in wait for them, what the road ahead would bring was still unknown.

Checking their belongings and supervising the soldiers, the three each put a single foot against their carriage.

Shiro: [So our next stop…]

Devi: [...is the kitsune village.]

Tequi: [Are either of you nervous? I can tell you right now that I’m really excited!]

Devi: [I do not have a reason to fear what lies ahead as of yet.]

Shiro: [I guess I’m kinda nervous, but I’m not giving up! Not with everything that’s happened!]

Raising her fist in the air, Tequi affirmed Shiro’s resolve.

Tequi: [Yeah! That’s the spirit, Shiro! Let’s do this thing! Come on!]

Stepping into the carriage, Tequi took her seat as the two outside continued to look at the vast amounts of transportation behind them.

Devi: [Is it your first time going on a journey like this?]

Looking towards her smiling comrade, Shiro responded with her own gleeful words.

Shiro: [Would you believe me if I said this wasn’t?]

Devi: [In some ways, I would have been disappointed if you didn’t. Let us move, Shiro.]

Shiro: [Yeah! Let’s do this, Vivi!]

Devi: [My oh my. I’ll have to get used to this, won’t I?]

The smallest of all carriages was now filled with the smiles of three.

The very same three…were beings who were held in high regard within the world.

Their journey to the kitsune village…had now begun.

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In a dark castle of red and gold stood a succubus in a maid outfit. Though their job was simple, they remained scared at all times. There was fear within their heart, no matter the place or time of day. Sweeping the dust that was built up within the palace, they viewed their position similar to that of the dust beneath them.

The dust they had collected, at any point in time, could be disposed of. Without a care in the world, those who plucked it from the floor and swept it into the garbage would rid the world of that very same dust.

Just as that dust was treated, so were they. Should it be decided, the woman could be killed without a moment’s notice. No chances to fight back, no chances to protest, no chances to scream, their very life could be dealt with in a mere second.

Keeping her focus on the broom in her hands, she continued to sweep.

A chilling sensation struck her back as she heard a noise from outside.

The flapping of a cape in the wind, incredibly quick at that, descending down to the front doors nearby.

Attempting to calm her heart, and asking her own mind to stop sweating, she nervously continued her task until a sound echoed through the room.

A creaking produced from the front door.

Placing the broom behind her along with her hands, she provided a bow to the person who had entered.

Succubus Maid: [W-Welcome back, My Lord!]

???: [The status of the experiment.]

Succubus Maid: [A-Ah! Well, it is coming along smoothly….but…]

???: [Speak.]

Succubus Maid: [Y-Yes! Forgive me for my foolishness! It is just…there is some disdain being shown for creating the experiment. She does not view this as the correct option, nor is she happy with it, but she has continued the progress as you requested.]

???: [See to it that it is finished. I do not wish to ignore her feelings. However, something like this is absolutely necessary for our cause.]

Succubus Maid: [Y-Yes, My Lord!...]

Feeling a cold stare being pressed against her, the fear within rose to even greater heights.

???: [Speak.]

Succubus Maid: [It-It’s nothing, My Lord! But, there is a feather on your cape…I felt the need to address this to you…]

The chillingly, terrifying owner looked down to the shoulder of the opposite side, to see a black feather resting there.

???: [Tch. Even in death, he still continues to get in my way.]

Swiping the feather from off of his chest, the spurs of his boots rang out as he moved across the dark red carpet.

???: [Remove that before you are finished.]

Succubus Maid: [Y-Yes! Of course, My Lord!]

Walking down the long hall, the man approached another set of doors.

Slowly cracking them open, he continued to move across another carpet presented to him.

The elongated ornate window at the end of the room provided a beautifully dark light with the moon in full view.

He continued to march down towards the opposite side, his boots echoed with each step.

Finally, he reached a small set of stairs laid out before him.

Moving up them, he looked towards the throne in front of him.

Behind the throne along with one on each side were large celtic crosses made of stone.

Stepping past his throne, he moved towards the window at the end.

Beside him was a table of gold that held a large case above it.

Rather, not a case…

…But a glass casket.

Placing his hand atop the glass, the man stared down towards the resting figure within.

A woman with beautiful red pigtails, and a luscious black dress.

Her eyes closed off from the world around her.

Though her dress had a ripped hole by the chest, the skin underneath remained unharmed.

With his soft eyes staring at her for several seconds, he shut them as he turned to the window before him.

The softness that was once there was now replaced by incredibly sharp, thin eyes.

Basking in the dark light of the moon, the man stood with hatred boiling in his heart.

Behind him stood several people in uniform who had knelt down as he entered, creating a line on both sides of the carpet.

Without a word, he continued to stare at the moon with a taste for blood filling his eyes.

The man who would lead his own army against those who had caused harm to him.

The man who would rid the world of its impurities, and bring forth a new era.

The man referred to as Nero Virtuoso…made himself known.

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END OF PHASE 3