A Demon's Tale

In a carriage with an open roof sat two succubi of noble families. The two, along with their troops, would soon reach a kitsune village which would be used as a rendezvous point. However, a small concern began to arise within their minds. A third succubus, one who was of a similar high standing like the two along with having a couple of troops of her own, had still not returned to their carriage.

Looking around the room was the woman of mauve and white, inspecting the carriage as if that would allow her to appear much faster.

Tequi: [Soooooooo…do you think she’ll be back soon? It’ll only be a few minutes till we arrive, and even if we wait for her, I don’t know that the people in the village will be all that welcoming to some uninvited gues–]

Her words were cut short, as a tall white figure quickly moved into the carriage. On her back was a much shorter cat girl, colored in yellow across her hair and fur, and clothing patterned like that of a tiger.

Smiling at the return of this woman was Devi, who was thankful that Shiro had arrived on time.

Devi: [Welcome back, Shiro. I see that you’ve gained another trustworthy soldier to your force.]

Shiro: [Yeah. She’s a bit of a handful, but I like her!]

Bachi: [Ha?! Who are n’ya callin’ a handful?! I’ll destroy n’ya, weak white lady!]

Annoyed by Shiro’s slightly harsh, and slightly kind statement, Bachi started to throw a tantrum against her back in response.

Allowing Bachi to get down, Shiro knelt low so as to not drop the girl and instead allow her to safely stand on the floorboards of the carriage. She then moved to her seat, only to see Bachi still standing in the middle of the carriage.

Shiro: [Sorry, but she’ll be in our carriage for the time being. Hey, Bachi. Come sit beside me for now. It’s dangerous to stand while it’s moving.]

Bachi: [I’m fine as is, an’ I don’t take orders from n’ya, remember?]

Shaking her head, the girl refused to remain seated.

Accepting her response, Shiro provided an ultimatum for her.

Shiro: [Oh? In that case, I suppose we won’t have our rematch then.]

An explosive reaction of surprise and anger erupted from the cat.

Bachi: [Wha–Hey! That’s not fair at all!]

Shiro: [If you sit right here for the rest of the ride, the rematch will be possible again. But only if you sit down.]

Tapping her hand against the spot beside her, Bachi quickly threw her rear to the seat, allowing almost no time for Shiro to narrowly move her hand away before a collision. Now seated, the girl crossed her arms and puffed her cheeks out.

Bachi: [There! I’m sittin’!]

Shiro: [Good. Now, I’d like to also mention that we’ll soon be meeting some friends of mine. I need you to be as respectful as possible with them, Bachi.]

Bachi: [Ha?! Stop givin’ me orders! I don’t need to follow a single damn–]

Shiro: [Rematch.]

Pointing a finger to Shiro’s face, Bachi’s anger only continued to swell.

Bachi: [That’s not gonna work this time! I know for a fact that n’yar lyin’! Why the hell would we not have a rematch?! That’s the whole reason I joined!]

Shiro: [True, but I’m also the person who held back during our first match, correct? I could do the same again, or perhaps during a rematch, I could choose to not move at all.]

Bachi: [Ghk!--FINE! I’ll be nice, I’ll be nice! Is that ok, white la–-er…]

Shiro: [You’re free to continue with that name, I would just ask that you remember the names of others.]

Bachi: [I remember n’yar name! I jus’ don’t wanna say that lady stuff cause I’m not n’yar subordinate! ‘S that simple!]

Shiro: [Then why not say Shiro? Are you perhaps fighting the urge to refer to me as Lady Shiro?]

With a devilish smile on Shiro’s face, a red blush was formed on Bachi’s to match. This, of course, only led to more furious shouting. At the same time, the two in front of them quietly observed the spectacle at play.

Tequi: [She figured out how to put a leash on her pretty quickly.]

Devi: [She’s accepting the girl’s terms, but also not allowing her to carelessly run free. I must say, Shiro is beginning to grow quite skilled at creating a powerful team of her own.]

As the leader and officer continued their interesting dynamic, another voice butted into the conversation.

Tequi: [So, Roro, I’ve gotta ask. How many more officers do you think you’ll want?]

Raising her eyebrows, Shiro pressed her index finger against her chin as her eyes circled the room.

Shiro: [Hmmmmmm, that’s a good question. I’m sure we’ll have lower ranking soldiers and the like, but in terms of the higher up ones….Bachi, how many do you think we should have?]

Bachi: [Ha?! Why would I know?! ‘S n’yar army, is it not?!]

Shiro: [True, but you’re a high ranking officer yourself! I’d like to see how many you think would be good. Plus, I trust whatever you choose!]

Providing a kind smile with her eyes closed, a blush was forced to form again on Bachi’s face. Moving her eyes away from Shiro, she scratched her cheek while attempting to reach an answer.

Bachi: [W-Well…I assume we don’t really want too much, and personally I don’t want too many people in one space…so I think anythin’ less than ten is good…]

Shiro: [Anything less than ten, got it! That’s what we’ll do then!]

Bachi: [Wha–Hey! D-Don’t jus’ go sayin’ that because I said it! ‘S n’yar army! N’ya get to choose how it should be!]

Devi: [I have around eleven in my own force if that helps you with deciding, Shiro.]

Catching the attention of Bachi, a finger was now instead pointed towards Devi herself.

Bachi: [Eleven is too much! No wonder n’yar skin is all blue, n’yar way too old to decide stuff!]

Devi: [Does she believe that having blue skin makes someone old?]

Tequi: [I don’t have very many high ranking soldiers in mine. I think I have around three or four. Something like that!]

Bachi: [That’s way too small! Alright, listen! We need more than four, but less than ten. Got it, La–w-white lady?]

Shiro: [Understood! I’ll keep note of that at all times! Thanks for the help, Bachi!]

Rubbing under her nose the once extended finger, Bachi averted her eyes again from Shiro.

Bachi: [N-No big deal…I’m jus’ really good at this stuff…]

Suddenly, the carriages started to slow down in pace. Following this, the front window of the carriage was opened.

Bloodfire Soldier: [Lady Devi.]

Giving a firm nod, Devi stood up and looked towards the others.

Devi: [Right. Ladies, we’ve arrived.]

Tequi: [Yeah! Finally! I’ve been waiting for today for so long!]

Bachi sat in confusion, only to then turn to Shiro.

Bachi: [On the way here, n’ya said n’yar group was travelin’ for a few days now.]

Shiro: [We were.]

Bachi: [So why’d she say it like that?]

A shrug was provided, which left Bachi’s confusion unanswered.

Shiro, however, focused her attention on the window beside her, looking towards the kitsune around the area.

Shiro: [I’ve been waiting to see them for a while…]

Bachi: [Who are they? Weird family members or somethin’?]

Joining her eyes at the window was Bachi again, who stuck her face close to Shiro’s own.

Shiro: [Hahaha! Yeah, something like that! Let’s go, Bachi!]

Bachi: [Yeah, yeah. I’m comin’.]

The two followed close behind both Devi and Tequi, and exited their vehicles. Each of the group’s officers quickly followed beside them. As a result, a question was then raised to Shiro by her very own.

Migi: [Hey, Lady Shiro.]

Shiro: [Hm? What’s up?]

Migi: [It’s nothing, really. But who's the cat girl?]

Shiro: [Oh, she’s our new officer. Her name is Bachi.]

Migi: [I see. Neat!]

A hand was then extended to the girl by the angel in white.

Hidari: [It’s nice to meet you, Bachi!]

A mutual hand of her own was not exchanged, and instead, she turned her gaze to the opposite direction.

Bachi: [Yeah.]

Though Hidari felt that he had done something wrong despite how little was performed, he accepted that this would be a relationship built with time.

Continuing to walk past the many kitsune around them, the group was spotted by a muscular kitsune with a clipboard in the distance.

Her eyes began to widen as she looked across the field, and a wide smile on her open mouth was slowly formed.

Kiyomi: [Miss Shiro…?...HOLY SHIT! MISS SHIRO!]

Running across to meet her, the maroon kitsune quickly picked up Shiro and hugged her as softly as she could so as to not injure her. However, despite its lack of power, it was a hug filled with love, joy and tears. Even if she had been held slightly above Kiyomi’s own head, Shiro provided a wrapping of her arms around Kiyomi's head and shoulders as well.

Shiro: [It’s good to see you again, Kiyomi!]

Kiyomi: [You’re safe! You’re really safe! Lady Kōkatsu will be so happy to see you!]

Gently placing her down, Kiyomi looked towards the people standing directly behind Shiro.

Kiyomi: [Don’t tell me! Did you already start building a team of your own?!]

Shiro: [Haha! Yep! I’ve finally gotten started on doing so, all thanks to this long journey! This is Hidari Monjo! This is Migi Paribozijiou! And finally, this is Bachi! The three of you, this is Kiyomi! She’s a high ranking officer of my closest friend’s team, and a member of her family at that!]

Providing a gentle hand to the three, she shook the hands of Hidari and Migi, while Bachi was scared by the woman’s immense size.

Kiyomi: [It’s nice to meet the three of you!...Although I might struggle with one of those names. Regardless, thank you for assisting Miss Shiro!]

Migi: [Wow! So this is a member of the elite Kōkatsu family, huh? Guess I should’ve expected some big things from someone so closely affiliated with Lady Shiro!]

Hidari: [If it’s alright for me to ask, how did you obtain such incredible strength?]

Showing her fangs in a smug manner, Kiyomi shut her eyes off from the two.

Kiyomi: [That’s simple, really.]

Lifting her left arm, she flexed it to reveal her absurdly defined muscles.

Kiyomi: [My love for Lady Kōkatsu! Plus…]

Then raising her right, she once again provided another grand display of power.

Kiyomi: [...My love for my husband!]

A shocked expression now took over Hidari and Migi’s faces.

Hidari: [Husband?!]

Migi: [I sure hope her husband is alright with that much muscle to deal with!]

Shiro: [Wow! I can’t believe I almost forgot that you got engaged recently, Kiyomi!]

Kiyomi: [Haha! Yep! I’m now a new woman, and a much stronger one at that! We’re still filing the papers so I can get his last name, but we’ll get there when we get there. It sucks that I can’t see him right now though…]

In response to Kiyomi’s saddened look, Shiro started to rub her rough back.

Shiro: [Awwwww, it’s okay, Kiyomi! We’ll all go home once this plan is done, and you can have as much of your husband’s love as you want! I’m sure Kō will allow for that as compensation!]

Feeling her energy return with Shiro’s reassuring words, Kiyomi puffed out her chest in a heroic manner.

Kiyomi: [You’re right, Miss Shiro! Once I get back, I’ll spend as much time with him as I can!]

Shiro: [See? That’s the spirit!]

A voice was then released behind the two.

A voice…that was incredibly familiar to them.

???: [Oi! Kiyomi! Who are ya talkin’ t–Well, I’ll be.]

Shiro turned to face the voice, and saw the two women she could recognize far better than anyone else within the world.

With an agape smile on her face, she ran towards the woman with long orange hair, and sharp orange fox ears. Before the two could meet, a hug was firmly placed upon them at the same time, in perfect synchronization.

A pleasant look now rested on both of their faces, while their heads rested on each other’s shoulders.

Shiro: [Hi, Kō. I missed you, you big oaf!]

Kōkatsu: [Oi, oi! Who ya callin’ an oaf, ya no good troublemaker!...Ya aren’t hurt, are ya?]

Shiro: [Nope! I’m completely safe! I had a few moments here and there, but I’m all good now!]

While keeping her head on Kōkatsu’s shoulder, Shiro opened her eyes to see a much smaller kitsune behind her.

Shiro: [Hi, Kaoru! How have you been?]

Kaoru: [I’ve been doing well, Miss Shiro! Ah! Don’t worry! Everyone is okay, in case you were worried over the past week! We even have Kagami and many others along with her staying at our home just to be safe!]

Shiro: [Perfect! I’m glad to hear that! Thank you for your help, Kaoru!]

Kaoru: [A-Ah! Well, it was nothing. Lady Kōkatsu always tells us that our families are the same family after all!]

With the succubus and kitsune releasing their hug, Shiro turned to face the woman beside Kōkatsu. A snake clad in purple, with a long red puffy coat.

Shiro: [Sil.]

Smiles were given, and another hug was then exchanged.

Silvia: [I’m glad you are alright, Sssshiro.]

Shiro: [I’m glad you’re alright as well! How’s Alf?]

Silvia: [Good. I wassss ssssaddened that I could not be with him while we are here, but it issss for the besssst.]

Shiro: [Awwwww, look at you! You used to be so focused on school and all that stuff, but now you can’t keep your husband off your mind!]

Silvia: [Hmhmhm! You’re one to talk!]

Kōkatsu and Kaoru continued to provide kind looks towards the two, only for Kōkatsu to then turn attention to someone else with Shiro’s group.

In a single moment…her joy faded, and was replaced with a furious expression.

Walking along the grass, Kōkatsu moved towards the person. Taking notice of her movement, Kaoru questioned what was occurring.

Kaoru: [Huh? Lady Kōkatsu? Where are you going?]

Step by step, Kōkatsu’s geta touched the ground below…

…before she quickly knelt down, and dashed forward at an incredible speed.

In the midst of her straight forward flight, she pulled out a single sword from the side of her hip, and pointed it to the person’s throat.

That person being…Devi Bloodfire.

The sudden threat caused Devi’s troops to quickly go on the defensive, which only resulted in multiple different moves from Kōkatsu’s own group.

A hand was then raised by Devi, ordering her soldiers to back down. They hesitated to follow with the order given, but ultimately succumbed to it. The same was then done for Kōkatsu’s own.

Kōkatsu: [I need you to do some explainin’ for me. A close friend of mine is dead, and the other has gone off the deep end. All of that leads back to ya. So now I need to know, the hell is yer involvement in this? If I don’t like the answer given, I can’t say it’ll be pretty.]

Taking notice of Kōkatsu’s actions, Shiro quickly panicked as she realized a single critical detail. Kōkatsu was not aware of what Devi had spoken about.

Shiro: [Kō! It’s alright! She explained everything to me!]

Turning an eye to Shiro, before moving it back to Devi, Kōkatsu spoke in a cold tone.

Kōkatsu: [Is what she’s sayin’ true? Is there some sort of misunderstandin’ here?]

Devi: [It is indeed true. I understand where your anger resides, and I find this action to have reason as well. Yoro Kobi was killed, and that was not my intention. I only wished to speak with the two, yet a trigger was pulled despite my orders given.]

Kōkatsu: [One of yer own did this despite what ya told them? The hell….]

Devi: [I’m very sorry for your loss. I would have preferred that the situation was handled differently, in a much more peaceful manner. As to why it ended the way that it did, I still do not understand.]

Setting her posture straight, Kōkatsu sheathed her sword and adjusted her hair.

Kōkatsu: [Sorry ‘bout the sword there. I’ve been on edge ‘bout this stuff for a while now, and I jus’ needed some answers.]

Devi: [That’s quite alright. If I’m being honest, I would have found it strange if those who were friends of hers did not threaten my life in the slightest.]

Turning her back to Devi, Kōkatsu spoke for a final time.

Kōkatsu: [.....She was a good person, y’know?]

Devi: [After what Shiro Fuloreen had told me, along with the reports I received, I could tell that she had grown into a fine young woman.]

Kōkatsu: [...Hm.]

She then walked away, while Tequi provided a quick observation of the woman.

Tequi: [Wow! So that’s Kōkatsu, huh? She’s a lot bigger than I remember her being!]

Devi: [And far more well built as well.]

Moving past the group, Kōkatsu continued to walk while placing her hands forward in order to–

Bachi: [H-Hey! Let go of me, n’ya crazy b–Ah~! NO! STOP PETTIN’ ME LIKE I’M A DAMN HOUSE CA–AAAAAAAAAT~! Ears! Let go of my–Ah, wait, lower~. Lower, lower~! There! That’s gooooooooood~!]

–In order to pick up Bachi, who she then gently caressed the ears of.

Kōkatsu: [Names.]

Hidari and Migi: [Huh?]

Kōkatsu: [I wanna know the names of Shiro’s team. So? What are yer names?]

Adjusting his sunglasses, Migi provided a dashing look towards Kōkatsu.

Migi: [Just as I expected of Lady Shiro’s closest comrade! Seems like it didn’t take long at all for her to figure us out! Right then! I’m Migi Paribozijiou!]

Kōkatsu: [Migi Paribozijiou. Got it. Angel boy?]

A shocked look that overshadowed any shocked look in existence formed on the faces of nobility.

Devi and Tequi: [She pronounced his name perfectly?!]

Hidari: [A-Ah! Hidari Monjo, ma’am!]

Kōkatsu: [I see, I see. Hidari Monjo and Migi Paribozijiou. Finally, what’s your name, you little cutey?]

Bachi: [B-Baaaaachi~! Just Bachi! I’m the third member of Lady–white lady’s team~!]

Kōkatsu: [Awwwwww! Sounds like someone is a wittle shy to call their lady by her name!]

Bachi: [I-I’m not shy! I just don’t take orders from heeeeeeeeer~!]

Turning her focus to Shiro while she continued to please Bachi, Kōkatsu spoke with a relaxed smile.

Kōkatsu: [I’ve gotta say, Shiro, I’m impressed! Ya really got yerself quite the team in such a short amount of time! Kinda curious to see what they’ll be like a year or two from now.]

Shiro: [Thanks, Kō!...Oh shit…]

The joy that was once on full display on Shiro’s face had quickly faded into worry and fear.

Silvia: [Hm? What issss it, Sssshiro?]

Following Shiro’s eyes, Silvia was met with a woman of red hair and blue skin that was approaching the two.

Shiro: [Hey, so, Sil. Bad news. Alf might have told her about some stuff.]

Silvia: [He did WHAT?!]

Face to face with the woman who could now be considered her grandmother-in-law, Silvia began to sweat as she worried about how to speak to her.

Devi: [You’re Silvia Hemobi, correct?]

Silvia: [Y-Yessss, ma’am. That issss me. I-I believe I have ssssome thingssss to exssssplain. However, if you are going to refer to me by my full name, pleasssse do sssso with the ssssurname–]

Devi: [Bloodfire.]

Instead of the expected eruption of fury, Silvia was met with a peaceful smile.

Devi: [May I ask, how is my grandson? In your opinion, I mean.]

Moving her eyes to the grass swaying in the wind, Silvia moved her fingers around each other as she smiled.

Silvia: [He forgetssss where he putssss hissss keyssss often. He issss quite critical of the dinner that I make on ocassssion. He sometimessss forgetssss that I assssked him to take out the garbage, sssso it fallssss onto me. He dissssagreessss with me on choissssessss of furniture. He can’t leave the housssse without hissss hat. He needssss a calander to remember hissss own birthday, but can remember mine along with our anniverssssary jusssst fine. He hassss trouble with checkout devissssessss in grossssery sssstoressss. And assss I have now learned, he sssspeakssss about ssssecretssss assss if they were normal converssssation topicssss.]

Devi's radiant teeth gleamed past her lips.

Devi: [So, I take it that you love him?]

Silvia’s teary-eyed face now looked up to meet Devi’s scarlet eyes.

Silvia: [...I would ssssooner die than let go of him!]

Devi: [He was always quite the handful of a grandson. I’m glad to hear that he’s found a wife who can properly take care of him.]

While Shiro and Kōkatsu watched the heartfelt moment between the granddaughter-in-law and the grandmother of the same, they looked towards the air to see several white boats that rowed through the sky.

Kōkatsu: [Welp, here she comes. Unless Patri, Gratti or even Vogel show up, this is all of us.]

Shiro: [Kō…]

Kōkatsu: [Don’t worry. We’ll explain what’s goin’ on to her. Plus, we’ve got the bonus of Devi and Tequi bein’ here.]

Though her words were calming, something else had bothered Shiro.

For some reason, Kōkatsu looked irritated.

Shiro: [Kō? Are you alright?]

Kōkatsu: [Huh? Oh…yeah. I jus’ have a question for Helig. I haven’t gotten the best sleep the past few days ‘cause of it.]

Shiro: [A question? About what?]

Kōkatsu hesitated to open her mouth, but looked towards who she had been speaking to. A calm feeling upon seeing her closest friend’s face allowed her mouth to move.

Kōkatsu: [S‘bout–]

???: [What is she doing here, Kōkatsu?!]

Before they even had noticed, the boats had landed on the surface. From within these boats came the golden, angelic goddess herself, Helig Gammal. With a gold ax in hand, she pointed towards Shiro as she approached.

Helig: [At the current moment, that succubus is one of our enemies! Failure to follow through in dealing with the threat will result in a declaration of betrayal without a word produced from your mouth.]

Kōkatsu: [And I told ya, ‘s not her! Right now, our focus should be on the bigger problem!]

Helig: [The “bigger problem” is the one standing in front of us! Either she is captured without a single complaint, or the both of you will be arrested! And do not touch me you heath–L-Lady Devi…]

A hand had stopped Helig from proceeding forward. Angered by the sudden touch against her chest, Helig turned to face the individual only to be met with the former ruler of the world.

Devi: [At ease, Helig Gammal. It’s as Kōkatsu says. She is with us.]

Helig: [S-Surely you know that these are merely sweet words in order to allow her friend to escape the charges that were given!]

Devi: [The charges that you speak of were fabricated.]

Helig: [Lady Devi…I do not wish to insult you, but please do not fall for her trap!]

???: [So if I also think she’s okay, does that mean we’re free to continue?]

A voice then rang out from behind Devi, only to reveal the rival figure who had previously competed for the throne, Tequi Tensetsu.

Helig: [L-Lady Tequi…]

Tequi: [Honestly, I don’t wanna be rude to you, but you can’t just believe everything that you see. I wish the same could be said about the rest of the world, though…]

Though it took some time for Helig to accept what was said, she returned her gaze to Shiro. Much like before, she was still unhappy to see the succubus, but took the words of Devi and Tequi into consideration.

Helig: [...I’m not pleased with working alongside you, and should anything arise to reveal that the broadcast was in fact you, I will take immediate action in dealing with the problem. However, for the time being, it seems we must combine our efforts…unfortunately…]

Breathing a sigh of relief, Shiro gave a weary smile.

Shiro: [...I wish we had a better relationship, but I’m glad we at least got past that. Huh? Kō?]

Much like before, Kōkatsu had started moving without a word.

However, unlike the almost quiet fury of a march she had performed before, her anger was now visible by the stomps she provided.

Reaching for the collar of Helig’s clothes, Kōkatsu performed a tight grip as she bared her fangs.

Kōkatsu: [Oi! Helig! I was told there’d be a transfer! Yet for some reason, I didn’t get another call! The hell is that all ‘bout?! Where the fuck is yer guy?!]

When Kōkatsu yelled at Helig on occasion, a frustrated look was mutually shared between the two.

It was the same way for the few times that it had happened.

Yet, on this singular occasion…

…Helig casted her eyes down.

Helig: [...I don’t know…]

With that single statement, an anxious fear rose within Kōkatsu and stretched out onto her face.

Kōkatsu: [W-What?! Whaddya mean ya don’t…know…?]

Helig: [...I’ve made my orders clear many times to those who work in my undercover facility. I’ve told them to contact me at least twice per day to confirm that they’re alright, or if any assistance is needed. After the initiation of the transfer…even though I told him to keep the schedule of calls going…I didn’t receive a single call…]

The grip against her clothes was slowly released. Kōkatsu’s eyes started to waver, and her legs started to shake as if an immeasurable amount of weight was placed on them.

Kōkatsu: [T-Then….Then where’s….little….Where’s….DAMN IT! Devi, Tequi, I’m sorry to ask but we need to get this plan started right now!]

A furious explosion occurred in a mere second as Kōkatsu moved towards the rest of the group.

Devi: [Understood. Let us proceed then.]

The forces from each side huddled and sat in a circle in order to listen to the directions that would soon follow. The plan created by Kōkatsu and Silvia in order to stop Nero was now set into motion.

Devi: [First off, we will need the means to corner him in the location that he is residing in. Additionally, we must know exactly where that location is. I would like to hopefully resolve this peacefully, but some force may be needed in order to reach this conclusion.]

Kōkatsu: [I’d have to agree. I don’t really wanna hurt the guy, so to begin with, if we can talk him down, that’s the best option. My team can cover for some defense and lookout. We’ve got some strong ones there, plus some who can handle their own on the battlefield.]

Tequi: [I’ll likely stick back with the lookout people! My bow can work wonders with them by my side, and I’ll be able to detect any threats hiding under the radar with my super good matōki sensing.]

Silvia: [Thank you for that. It allowssss for many of ussss to move into without any issssuessss. Now, in termssss of entering…]

As the conversation went on, Shiro continued to listen and waited for the moment where she could provide her own input. However, before she could do so, her shirt was tugged at by the short yellow cat girl within her squadron, Bachi.

Shiro: [Bachi. This is important, please.]

Bachi: [Yeah. I’ve got somethin’ important to say as well, white lady. Somethin’s approachin’.]

Shiro’s eyes widened at the last two words she spoke

Somethin’s approachin’.

Shiro: [What…?]

Bachi: [There’s at least ten ships comin’ through the air right now.]

Shiro: [How…How do you know that?]

Bachi: [My ears are pickin’ it up. I didn’t mind the others at first…but…]

Shiro: [But…?]

Sweat dropped down Bachi’s face before she responded.

Bachi: [I don’t like the feelin’ my whiskers are givin’ me on these ones…]

Confused by Shiro and her subordinate speaking to each other, Kōkatsu turned to face them and called out to Shiro.

Kōkatsu: [Oi! Shiro! Somethin’ wrong?]

Slowly, she turned to face Kōkatsu. Her expression was not filled to the brim with fear, but there were traces of it.

Shiro: [Bachi was just telling me…that there’s around ten airships approaching.]

Kōkatsu: [W-What?!]

The group immediately turned to face the same direction as Bachi.

What was said…was indeed true.

From beyond the clouds came ten air ships, each occupying a different space from each other.

Silvia: [Thissss could be Vogel. Her group issss rather large after all.]

Kōkatsu: [It could, but I don’t see why they wouldn’t jus’ fly. Hah! But if it is her, the help is appreciated! No way in hell that ‘s Gratti and Patri, so ‘s either her or another force jus’ like Devi and Tequi that wants to help!]

Devi: [There are many factions around the world who would likely assist us, but I’m not sure that they are aware of our plan, isn’t that right…Tequi?]

She struggled to finish speaking, as when she turned to Tequi, she was met with a horrifying gaze that was focused on the airships.

Tequi: [...I don’t know any of these signatures…]

Devi: [What?]

Tequi: [...There’s so many signatures, and a large number of powerful ones at that. There’s some who are even concealing themselves rather well. Yet…not a single one of them…is a presence I recognize…]

While the group remained confused, Kōkatsu turned to Shiro to assist.

Kōkatsu: [Oi! Shiro! Yer sensin’ is good, right? Can ya tell who they are?]

Shiro: [No, not just yet. If they get closer, I might.]

Kōkatsu: [Huh. Well, I’ll just assume ‘s Vogel. I don’t know how big her group is in terms of power, but she never really tells us much anyway–]

Suddenly, an anthem started to blare out from the ships. The group that kept their eyes on these ships had taken notice of it. Those who had been at the outpost had taken notice of it. The villagers from beyond that point had taken notice of it.

From ten ships, the ship in the middle now had soldiers walking out onto the deck in full view for all to see.

In military outfits that mixed in colors of black and white were many who carried weapons beside them of differing shapes and sizes.

All the while, they chanted the same anthem that had blared.

An anthem of grim words, and horrifying implications.

There was one notable feature among these soldiers however.

Helig: [None of them have wings…I don’t believe these are Vogel’s…]

Shiro: [They’re not………]

A quiet reply was given by Shiro, with the group turning their focus to her.

Kōkatsu: [Shiro! Can ya sense who it is now?! Who are…they…?]

Looking towards the friend she cherished, Kōkatsu witnessed a face she had not seen in many years.

It was a face that she had only seen on one occasion.

When Shiro had challenged Daroma the Dark alongside them, there was a singular moment in which Shiro had adorned the same face.

A horrified beyond belief expression, that gave the look of someone who was witnessing hell unfold before them.

At this very moment…that face returned.

Shiro: [...We didn’t say anything to anyone…]

The anthem continued.

Shiro: [...There wasn’t a single way the plan could have leaked…]

They sang with gestures to match.

Shiro: [...There wasn’t even enough time for something like this to happen…]

It did not stop.

Kōkatsu: [S-Shiro…?]

Shiro: [WHY IS HE HERE?!]

Growing concerned over her friend’s state, Kōkatsu attempted to call out to her, only for a horrifying scream to be let loose.

Her words were vague…yet every last one of them understood what she had meant.

Each of them…gained their very own expressions of horror as they looked towards the warships.

These ships were not here to assist with the next destination.

This was their destination.

The soldiers split into two lines, and created two rows of kneels as they welcomed their leader onto the deck.

From within the ship…

The spurs of boots echoed out into the hall.

As the door opened, a wave of a hand allowed the cape that drifted along the arm to flow freely.

Marching down the line, the leader picked up a large greatsword formed from a disc that was held out to them by two maids. A multitude of wings protruding atop of the circle that surrounded the hilt of the sword, with a final centerpiece of a red metallic rose that met the wings in the middle.

Marching with a terrifying cold gaze, the leader continued to move down the line until he reached the end of the deck.

Standing at the end, he cracked his neck with the free hand before looking down at those below him like ants.

Tequi: [That man is...]

Devi: [Nero…Virtuoso…]

As the anthem faded, the nightmare that stood above them spoke.

Nero: [Rejoice, mortals. The cleansing and purification of this world…]

Shiro’s eyes continued to shake as Nero’s own remained solid.

Nero: [...will now begin.]

With a chilling end to his words, the soldiers stood up and gazed at those below them.

Shiro was horrified beyond belief. Kōkatsu was bewildered by the jump that he had gotten on them. Silvia could not release even a single word. Helig was terrified that the words about his army were true. Tequi was in fear of the number of soldiers behind the man.

But most of all…

Devi Bloodfire was concerned, as a pair of bloodthirsty eyes were focused on just her alone…by that same man.

An unexpected war for survival was started.

What many of them had assumed would be a foolproof plan…was merely an approach towards their own deaths.

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