A Demon's Tale

Born into an esteemed family of angels was a young boy with sharp white hair and sparkling orange eyes.

Though the boy’s family was large, it was not often that he and his siblings had gained the attention of their parents.

They were raised to be smart, incredible children who could accomplish anything.

To some degree, the boy enjoyed the thought of this.

Even if he had not spent much time with his parents, he believed that they only saw the best in him.

Their goal was to push their children forward into the world, ready to overcome whatever they may face and live their lives as they desired.

Many of the boy’s siblings had diligently studied each subject that was thrown at them, with the boy following behind at a slower pace.

His smarts were not equal to those around them, but his perseverance completely outshined them.

No matter what, the boy continued to push himself without end.

Studying and studying, he moved forward just as his parents wished for him to do so.

Eventually, he not only gained the attention of his parents, but their praises and love as well.

They saw a diamond in the rough from the very core of his determined being, and allowed him to shine even brighter.

With the loving joy in his heart, he continued to study to the fullest.

…However, there was a single day that changed the boy’s life forever.

For a large period of time, the boy was unsure of what he wanted to do.

Though he studied at almost every hour of the day, he did not understand why he did it.

For the love he had gained from his parents? Perhaps.

But they wanted to push their children into a world where they could achieve what they wanted.

What exactly did he want?

He was unsure.

While the boy continued to study, he turned the television in his room on in order to relax his body.

He did not want to focus on the television, and was merely using it as noise for his ears.

And yet, something caught his attention.

A news broadcast, showing events of the past.

The footage was quite old, with blurry visuals and static distorting the depicted video on screen.

But regardless of that, he could see it.

He could see her.

A young woman, flying and spinning as she dealt with numerous great threats.

He had heard of cartoons and the like before, though his family did not watch any of these things.

But this was no cartoon.

This was reality.

A young woman with blond hair and crimson eyes was effortlessly defeating the heinous villains who had stood before her.

Spinning and spinning like a top without end, she released several combos of strikes from her arms and legs.

She used her body to the absolute fullest, and decimated those who placed themselves in opposition to her.

It was an incredible sight to the boy’s eyes.

He should have focused on his work, yet his eyes were glued to the screen.

And then, it appeared.

His calling.

It was clear now what he desired, however, it would mean he would have to stray from his current path.

Thinking it through for several hours, the boy accepted his thoughts.

A kind letter was written and placed atop his desk.

His essentials were placed in a small bag that he tossed over his shoulder.

While the drops of rain attacked the outside world, he soon joined it.

Moving across the land on his own, the boy lived for himself.

Through the days without food, through the days without sleep, he moved past the challenges of life.

Without the help of his parents, the boy pushed himself forward.

He desired the idea to teach others of this knowledge.

He did not understand it himself, but he wished to bestow it to those who seeked such a concept.

Taking apart what he needed, and building his foundation, the boy grew older as he created what he sought to make.

Growing from a boy into a man, he created his home.

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Standing outside the large dojo were many individuals, three of which were highly important figures within the world. Their goal had originally been to travel from the castle of Tequi Tensetsu all the way to the kitsune village, where they would meet up with several other teams in order to plan something much larger. However, a halt in their trip occurred as a large gate stood in front of them, housing a massive dojo on the left side while the right had a grand factory slapped onto it.

Forming a plan within the mobilized group, they chose to speak with the owners of the buildings in order to gain the understanding of what was happening, or why either of these were here.

Standing in front of the shoji, a member of the group shouted in order for her voice to reach anyone inside.

Shiro: [Hello? Is anyone inside? If it’s alright, we just need to speak with you!]

Tequi: [Don’t say it like that, Roro! Now we sound like a bunch of creeps!]

Devi: [I don’t believe her sentence sounds like that. It sounded fine to my own ears.]

Providing an annoyed frown, Shiro casted her eyes onto the two who stood behind her.

Shiro: [Thanks, you two. I sure do feel great about shouting that with your encouraging words.]

Devi: [Was there something wrong with what I said?]

Tequi: [I think it’s because you sound too normal, Vivi.]

Scratching her chin, Devi raised her eyebrows as she spoke to herself.

Devi: [Too normal? Hmmmm. Should friends perhaps speak in an odd manner, then?]

Tequi: [Odd might be a weird way to put it, but yeah!]

Devi: [I see. Shiro, let us speak with these…cool dudes!]

An air of silence filled the space around the group as they stared back at her. The high ranking troops behind her did not wish to see their lady falter, and yet, they had witnessed such a scene in a verbal sense.

Tequi: [On second thought, don’t do that again…]

Shiro: [You’ll get used to speaking in different ways with other people, Vivi. It’ll happen eventually.]

Devi: [Is that how it occurs? It’s a skill gained through time?]

Shiro: [Yup. Eventually all of that formality will fade and you’ll just talk to me and Tequi in the same way that we do with each other.]

At the sound of Shiro’s comment, Devi provided a resolute pose in her posture as she turned to her.

Devi: [I should always remain formal. I have a much higher role than others to carry upon my back.]

Shiro: [Don’t you ever want to break free from it, though?]

…Only for that resolute nature to crumble apart with the newly gained curiosity.

Devi: [Break…free?]

Shiro: [Yeah. I mean, surely it gets boring after a while, right? I’m not saying you can’t speak the way you want to. But the real question is, is being formal you or is being formal your job?]

Before Devi could provide her own comment, a shorter woman colored in blue attempted to step towards Shiro.

Estrella: [Hey! Miss Fuloreen! We aren’t exactly fond of people who–...Lady Devi…?]

A hand was now placed across Estrella’s chest from none other than Devi herself. Pushing her head up, she now looked towards Shiro with a bright smile on her face.

Devi: [I understand, Shiro! I shall try it!]

Shiro: [Wait, try wha–]

Her question could not be given, as a much louder voice was released beside her.

Devi: [Excuse me! We are trying to speak with you, whoever is in there! We just need a moment of your time, so step outside! Please!]

Once again, silence filled the air, but with a new feeling melded into it. Surprise.

Though it was a statement with a similar pattern as Devi had normally spoken, there were traces of a different Devi sprinkled throughout it.

Shiro: [Wow. That was a fast change.]

Tequi: [She seems to still be struggling with turning off her “royalty mode”...but overall, I’m certainly impressed! She might even enjoy her nickname now!]

Devi: [Devi is still fine.]

Tequi: [Well, it was worth a shot!]

At the sound of the shoji opening up, the three turned their gazes forward.

Not a single presence was felt, not a footstep or response rang out into their ears.

And yet, a tall man colored in a gi of white, with hair of the same and angelic wings to match appeared before them.

???: [Ah, apologies! I was rather busy moving some things around, so I was not able to answer the door at the time.]

Providing a kind bow to the group, the man introduced himself.

Hidari: [My name is Hidari Monjo! I am twenty three years old and the owner of this dojo. Currently, I am its only member, but I wish to branch out and gain students of my own. Please, step inside!]

Presenting the dojo in front of them, the man stood to the side with his arms guiding the way. Both Devi and Tequi attempted to move forward, but a single word halted them.

Shiro: [Shoes.]

Devi: [Pardon?]

Shiro: [If you were walking around someone’s house, you’d take your shoes off, right? The same logic applies here, and you keep them outside instead of inside.]

Removing her shoes, Shiro gently placed her shoes onto the floorboards as she stepped into the dojo with her white socks. Bowing to the man, and receiving a bow in exchange, she continued to move forward.

Tequi: [Awwwww! But I’m not wearing socks!]

Shiro: [Not having socks is a hundred percent more respectful than walking in here with your heels on.]

With her back turned to the two, Shiro continued to explain the rules to them. Without hesitation, Devi took her boots off and entered the dojo, lightly bowing to the man as she went. Tequi provided a pouting look with her cheeks, before taking off her heels in an annoyed manner and bowing to the man three times rapidly. A small laugh was gifted as he watched her do so.

Devi: [The three of you will keep watch of any outside threats, is that understood?]

Sol, Night and Estrella: [Yes, Lady Devi!]

Closing the shoji, the man stepped towards the last remaining pillow of four. Three of which were now occupied by the three women who had entered, with only one of these women sitting in a more relaxed position before receiving a look from their well informed friend shortly after. This of course resulted in a fixing of posture to avoid causing additional problems.

Sitting at his own pillow with his legs crossed, the man spoke with the group in front of him.

Hidari: [You wished to speak, correct? What is it you would like to speak about?]

Devi: [If you do not mind, we would like to know why the gate around these two buildings has been built. We are currently trying to travel to a specific location as quickly as possible, but our progress has only slowed down because of this.]

Raising his finger and moving it in a bobbing motion, Hidari closed his eyes after gaining the lingering question.

Hidari: [Ah, I see. Well, it’s a difficult subject to speak about, but it’s a dispute of land.]

Shiro: [A dispute of land?]

Hidari: [Yes. My dojo was built on this land for quite some time, but around ten years ago, another boy who was my age had shown up and created his very own factory.]

Though her posture had been fixed, Tequi’s seating crumbled apart as she slapped her hands to the floor.

Tequi: [Whoa! By himself?!]

Hidari: [Indeed. I had not looked into it very much myself, but I do know that not a single other person assisted him. He seemed to be quite the genius in terms of crafting things, along with using technology. He’s still in that building, even now. His name is Migi Paribozijiou.]

As the name was provided, two different reactions were formed across the royal figures. Tequi, who attempted to silently pronounce the last name with her lips, and Devi, who started to count each syllable within the name in order to learn how to say it.

Shiro: [Odd last name aside, that’s some intense irony with his name.]

Tequi: [Hm? What do you mean, Shiro?]

Shiro: [The building here is on the left, which just so happens to be in the same direction as Hidari’s own name. The factory over there, however, is on the right. If his name is Migi, it means that he’s just like Hidari with his dojo.]

Devi: [I see, so their names are a play on the directions. But coincidentally, they’re two strangers to each other who own these buildings on the same side. I must ask in order to clarify, but the two of you are not related, correct?]

Hidari: [Correct. We were born into different families of different races. I am that of an angel, and he is that of an incubus. Whether we met by fate or not is something I am unsure of, but we have been unable to come to an agreement on who owns this land for quite some time. It’s not as though we signed legal documents to confirm such a thing, but the two of us built our foundations at the same time. We’ve only been able to now discuss it with one another, and that’s all we can really do about it.]

Devi: [I must commend the work both you and him have provided to your own facilities. As someone who built their very castle from my own bare hands, I know how difficult such a task can be.]

Hidari: [Thank you, Miss…]

Devi: [Devi. Devi Bloodfire.]

A sudden jolt occurred within Hidari as he acknowledged the name.

Hidari: [Devi Bloodfire?! As in the former ruler, Devi Bloodfire?!]

Devi: [Indeed. Both Tequi and I have traveled here in order to reach our destination. Unfortunately, the gate from outside has stopped us.]

Hidari: [To think I'd meet two royal figures today…It's quite the honor. As for the gate, I apologize, but I don't necessarily have control over that. Migi had installed it shortly after our dispute in order to prevent any interference from the outside. He would be the only person who can help you with that.]

Devi: [Understood. We shall speak to him about it, then.]

Concluding the topic, the three took notice of the woman in the middle, who was repeating the same actions over and over again.

Scratching her head with her eyes closed, Shiro attempted to sort the thoughts residing within her head.

Shiro: [Not to pry into things, but what exactly is the purpose of this dojo? You mentioned that you were the only member and the headmaster of it, but if there hasn’t been anyone around to help, then what’s the point of it?]

In response to her own scratching, Hidari began to scratch his cheek in embarrassment.

Hidari: [Perhaps it is odd to say, but I currently do not have a style to my own name. The only thing I truly have is my hand-made nunchaku, but other than that, there isn’t a way of fighting that has been formed yet. I’ve merely learned some of the more advanced basics to martial arts, but that is all. I'd like to find a style in which I could use however, and teach it to those who wish to learn it.]

Suddenly, a beam of light exploded within Shiro’s mind.

Finally, it was here.

There was something that she had forgotten about.

Something she herself wanted, but had never gained.

With joy filling her mind to the brim, she erupted in a gleeful manner.

Shiro: [You should join my team then!]

Hidari: [Pardon?]

The three in the room all turned their attention to Shiro, yet she paid no mind to anyone other than the man in front of her.

Shiro: [I’ve been wanting to build my own team, kind of like what my friend Vivi has! A bunch of strong, high ranking people to join me on my tasks! If you need a fighting style, then look no further! I’ll provide that for you as soon as you come along!]

Closing his eyes again with a smile, Hidari prepared his response.

Hidari: [If I may ask, what is your name?]

Shiro: [Shiro! Shiro Fuloreen! I’m one of the eight goddesses of the world and a successor-in-training for one of the strongest fighting styles to ever exist!]

Hearing her introduction, a quick comment was provided from Tequi.

Tequi: [Hey! Roro! Don’t go saying that! It’ll create a problem for us!]

A response was not provided by the energetic Shiro, but instead, the woman of red, black, and blue sitting beside her.

Devi: [It’s fine, Tequi. If he knew, he would have made a comment about her as he introduced himself.]

Focusing their attention on Hidari, they watched as he bowed his head to Shiro for the entire period that he spoke.

Hidari: [Firstly, I must say it is an immense honor to be in the presence of a goddess. However, I’m sorry, Miss Shiro Fuloreen, but I cannot abandon this dojo. Your offer pleases me. It truly does. If it weren’t for the many years that I’ve been attached to this building, I would likely accept that offer without any hesitation. However, I cannot leave what I have created. This is my passion, and I wish to see it through to the end.]

With her smile fading, Shiro provided a new question.

Shiro: [And if the end is not what you expect?]

Hidari: [There’s nothing I can truly expect to begin with.]

Shiro: [What if your creation is damaged by nature or other forces?]

Hidari: [Then I will build it back up from its roots.]

Shiro: [And if there’s nothing left to build?]

A small laugh was released from Hidari’s mouth.

Hidari: [Well, I suppose I can’t do much then.]

Closing her eyes, Shiro crossed her arms under her chest as she sat back into her pillow.

Shiro: [Understood. Alright, you two. Let’s head over to the other building.]

Tequi began to move her eyes around the three in the room due to the bewilderingly quick choice from Shiro, who was now making her way to the front door.

Tequi: [Huh?! We’re leaving already?! We haven’t solved our problem yet!]

Shiro: [We can do that after. For now, let’s get an understanding of the factory.]

Turning her eyes to Devi, Tequi provided an expression that asked “What is she doing?!” with her eyes and mouth alone. In response, a simple shut eyed shrug was given as Devi began to stand.

Once again irritated by the scenario playing out, Tequi provided an annoyed pout as she allowed her legs to finally stretch.

Devi: [Thank you for taking the time to speak with us.]

Hidari: [No problem at all! It was nice speaking with all of you!]

Shiro: [Hidari.]

Suddenly, Shiro called out to the man. Moving his head up, he took notice of the call.

Hidari: [Hm? Yes?]

Shiro: [If you took my offer, would your ambition fade away? You would no longer have a dojo, nor a style to call your own. I would merely teach you what I know, and from there, those lessons would be taught to others. Would that ruin the foundation of your dream?]

Giving a small laugh, Hidari responded with a smile.

Hidari: [If I had taken your offer, I would likely be more satisfied with what I could accomplish. But that is only an "if" when my building is involved. In a way, my dojo is both a blessing and a curse upon myself.]

Shiro: [...I see.]

Turning her head back to the shoji, Shiro proceeded forward. Thus, the group took their exit from the large dojo.

Their next goal was now in sight. The factory that was placed on the opposite side of the land.

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Bright light illuminated the lonely insides of the mechanical building.

Constant blaring lights of different assorted colors shined across the man’s muscular yet slim physique.

With his abdomen glistening in the tinted beams, the long jacket that hung over his shoulders now had the text placed across the back in full display

ROCK★STAR

An absurdly large mechanical hand resided on his right, while the rest of his body remained organic.

Raising his left arm of flesh into the sky, he pointed to the lights above him.

With a chiseled body, spiky purple hair, and sunglasses that reflected the beams that attacked them, he finally provided words into the empty room.

???: [It’s time…TO ROCK!]

Quickly moving his body, he now moved his arm to the side, curving his posture and pointing towards the beingless air beside him.

With a cool smile on his face, and his dashing purple eyes, his performance had begun.

A question was then provided to that very same void.

Migi: [Are you ready to rock?]

The man of grand entertainment and ultimate physique, Migi Paribozijiou, gave his stunning, solitary introduction to the room around him.

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