A Demon's Tale

The loud clashing of swords continued to ring out into the air of the war. There were many weapons that faced each other on the battlefield. But two in particular created a much larger scene than the rest. One was a sword, searing white, held by a succubus adorned in red and black, gold outlining the sides of her tight clothing. Her aqua blue skin and blood red hair only became more dazzling as her heated sword danced in the air. The other was a cleaver-like blade that was similar to that of a scythe, used by an oni dressed in a fur coat with nothing beneath it other than a three hannya mask pendant. With ripped wallet chain jeans and nothing but geta at his feet, the man provided a wild appearance of his own.

While the two continued to clash, a woman with mauve hair and a beautiful white dress provided support to her ally nearby. Allowing her fingers to dance, she pierced through the foes who attempted to interrupt the duel between the two.

Tequi: [I’ve got you covered from back here! Just focus on your fight, Devi!]

Devi: [Gracias, Tequi. Your help is appreciated.]

Drifting her eyes back to the foe in front of her, Devi continued her dance of blades while observing her enemy. Unbeknownst to her, however, the oni she faced was equally alert.

Their swords were far more quiet than before and a lack of pushing now remained. What once started as a struggle in power was now reduced to mere quick slashes in an attempt to throw one another off guard.

Devi: [He’s not providing as much of a fight as he did prior. While this is to my advantage, this could also cause some trouble. Should I open up at any point in time, he’ll likely use that moment to his advantage and launch an attack with his noise related ability at full force. I need to remain on guard until the moment in which he tires himself out.]

Ryuusei: [What a damn pain in the ass. That seared blade of her is gonna make it hard to close the distance. All I can really do is attack and back off. If I don’t, I’m just gonna get burnt like I did before. There’s always some other options I can resort to, but I don’t know that many of them will work. Actually… come to think of it… Yeah. That one might do the trick.]

Simultaneously, the two charged at each other with determination in their step.

Devi and Ryuusei: [In that case…]

Moving his cleaver-like blade into the air, Ryuusei prepared to launch an attack from above Devi’s head. Before he could provide his attack, something had thrown him off. Devi was not relying on her sword but rather an extended fist. It did not provide much force once it touched his chest. But after a second had passed, a great amount was now applied onto him. A sharp pain rose in Ryuusei’s body. He could hear far more than just a creak of his bones from within. The punch had enough power put into it that he flew several feet back before stomping his geta into the ground to resist. Placing a hand over his chest, Ryuusei heaved while a slightly bloodied grin started to form on his face.

Ryuusei: [The hell? You’re even capable of using martial arts?]

Devi: [It’s a rather basic version of my mother’s style. She had passed before I could even learn it myself. I merely imitated it off of what I observed from her practice along with the one she taught the style to. Though I’m not very proud of my odd viewing methods for the latter.]

Ryuusei: [Heh. I’ll admit, you’ve definitely got some absurd levels of skill. I can’t even point out a flaw in any area of your fighting. You were even able to deduce my ability way faster than anyone else I’ve met.]

Ryuusei moved a hand away from his sword and placed it under his chin to scratch.

Ryuusei: [If you were willing to help out our kind back then, I’d probably join you as soon as I could without a second thought.]

Devi: [Once again, I’m sorry that I was unable to help at the time. If it was possible to change the events of fa–]

Ryuusei: [I’m gonna stop you right there. You’re saying sorry over and over a whole lot. It doesn’t exactly make the word all that powerful, you know? If anything, you’re reducing the emotion you’re trying to attach to it. Plus, I don’t wanna hear all that “fate” crap.]

With a single finger held up, Ryuusei provided a rude interruption in the middle of Devi’s statement. Placing the same hand back onto his sword, his fangs became visible as he put his sword above his head just like he had done moments prior.

Ryuusei: [Right then. I’m a little bit bored of your game. It’s hard to keep up with you like this so we’re changing the rules. Let’s try mine out, shall we?]

Veins protruded along his arms as every muscle in his body allowed for the next strike he would deliver. With a heavy slash aimed towards the ground, Ryuusei roared out in fury.

Ryuusei: [GRAAH!]

Devi: [The ground?]

Several cracks started to form along the dirt. Devi braced herself for an attack that would likely form via a shockwave or a cloud of dust that would provide Ryuusei with the opportunity to attack.

Her thoughts were not entirely incorrect but also were at the same time. From below her were several pillars of stone that flew high into the air. Among them was a pillar that appeared from the same location Ryuusei had stood on. Before she could react, she was lifted high into the air as well.

Tequi: [Devi!]

Devi turned to face her ally several feet below her. While Tequi could still provide support, Devi was no longer there to protect. The person who was the closest in distance to her other than the foe who stood in front was another not far behind. A man who sat on a throne atop the deck of a ship. A ship that Devi’s deceased right hand woman had damaged. His cold, empty stare looked directly into her soul as she appeared.

Ryuusei: [It’s unfortunate for him, but I’m gonna play with you a bit more if you don’t mind. The rules of our game are simple. We’re gonna fight the same as always but now we’ve got these pillars around us. Each of them vary in width and length. All you need to do is charge in and attack me. Sounds simple enough, right? There’s a catch to this game though. All I need to do in order to hit you…IS THIS! GRAAAH!]

Another heavy slash from Ryuusei’s sword was thrown into the air. A hardly visible distortion within Devi’s vision moved closer and closer to her location. With a split second jump to another platform, Devi watched as the previous platform she had stood on crumbled into pieces after a mysterious force crashed into it.

Ryuusei: [Do you get it now? Your element isn’t exactly advantageous in a fight like this. You may have had the upper hand with it when we were on the ground. But when we’re up here thanks to my own element, I’m the one with the advantage. Air is a great insulator, after all! Now let’s have some more fun!]

Devi: [Tch.]

Three more slashes were launched from Ryuusei’s blade. Each causing Devi to leap to a new pillar in order to remain safe. Her options grew more limited with every attack. There were a finite amount of pillars around her and it would be unlikely that more would be created. This plan was made with the intention to corner her into a singular location where she could not dodge what would come next. Should she try to dodge, she would only fall to her death. Normally, Devi's succubus blood allowed for her to fly with her wings, but…

Devi: [Flying won’t be an option here…]

There was one problem with the idea of flying. It would give Ryuusei the advantage. This plan not only created a scenario in which Devi would be forced to defend herself rather than remaining on the offensive, but she could also not gain much distance from her opponent. If an attempt to fly was made, Ryuusei would likely give chase and strike her down from the air.

Devi continued to jump along the soon to be destroyed pillars as she looked towards Ryuusei. He had praised her skills before creating this strategy, but Devi felt that the same should be given to him. If the two were able to see eye to eye with each other, she would have allowed him to join her just as he mentioned. He was not the ordinary type of fighter that she had been used to for several decades now.

Her choices for movement grew heavily limited after several pillars were already destroyed. There was now only one idea left for Devi. With a swift wave of her arm, an immense fire shot through the air and towards Ryuusei. In response, the same grin from before only grew wider.

Ryuusei: [I told you! I’m the one with the advantage!]

A slash bursted past the fire, dissolving it instantly. Devi jumped to another platform to avoid the attack but almost slipped in the process. The pillar she now stood on was far smaller than the rest. There were now two new problems presented to her.

The first was her fire. When she had fought Ryuusei on the ground, her fire had been effective given the close range between the two. There was little to no hope in avoiding it besides his ability to silence its power that could allow for his escape. The two were now in the air and a sizable difference had distanced the two. More than enough room was provided for Ryuusei to effortlessly cut through the flames.

The second was the pillars. The one she had now stood on was small but there were not many options left. Only a single other pillar existed near where she had started. A pillar she had avoided given how close it was in the beginning.

Ryuusei: [I see it and so do you. How about we wrap this up?]

A slash was released. Devi leaped across the air in a front flipping motion before landing on the final pillar. The small one from before was now destroyed.

Her options were dangerous. If she chose to attack, she’d likely open herself up to counters from many angles. If she chose to stay back, Ryuusei would come to her.

Ryuusei: [I was kinda hoping for more out of you but I guess this is all I’m getting. Oh well. Let’s just end it already.]

Though there was not much left, Devi was not afraid.

In fact, she viewed this situation as one in which she would need to get serious.

Despite how little was left, only now did this thought occur to her.

Devi took a glance at the platform she had stood on. It was the largest among them all. She gently tapped her boots from left to right to observe the sturdiness of the rock. It provided no issues to her quick motion.

Ryuusei: [Did you go insane or something? The hell are you doing?]

Her blood red eyes finally met Ryuusei’s own dark gray confusion.

Devi: [If you don’t mind…]

It was about to begin.

Devi: [...I’d like to ask you a question.]

Ryuusei: [This again? Alright. Seeing as you’re gonna die, I’ll humor you. Go on then. Ask.]

Devi: [Very well then.]

Devi’s greatest option along with a mistake of the same level would soon be at play.

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Within the same timeframe as a battle between the former ruler of the world and a jet black oni, another was now face to face with a jet black oni of their own. In this battle, the goddess who opposed the oni provided an opposite in their appearance. A snow-like appearance across their hair, overshirt, pants and shoes. The differences in her appearance being her crimson red eyes that sparkled with life, a dark grey turtleneck beneath her overshirt and a friendship bracelet of red and white placed on her wrist that became visible following an unraveling of the wrists.

The oni girl in front of her provided a rough retort to the goddess’ elegant appearance. Smooth black hair that cascaded down her back. A long black coat that clung to her shoulders and did not have arms placed through it. A sarashi that covered her chest. Black pants that were brightened by gold wallet chains. Finally, much like her brother, geta placed at her bare feet.

In her hands sat a katana that she refused to sheath. With the place for it to be sheathed being tied to the belt loops on her pants, she relied only on her blade alone. A mystical outline started to form around her figure that gave off the same colors as the goddess’ bracelet. The eyes of the oni that were once closed with concentration quickly opened with a fierce, gleeful look. The pupils of her eyes that were a dark black before had now transformed into a blinding white.

Her crazed change was all too sudden. The goddess, Shiro Fuloreen, took quick note of such and prepared a stance of her own should an attack be launched. With the girl’s beastly fangs shining with insanity, she broke the silence between the two.

Ryuka: [Sorry to keep you waiting. This is the real me. And now, you get to experience it in full!]

Shiro: [Nothing changed…That’s odd. When I used Tempest, Storm’s appearance changed. Kō’s was related to her smithing. I’ve never seen Sil’s or Nero’s. It’s really hard to gauge what I’m up against when there’s no clear indication. Damn it!]

Slow footsteps were made towards Shiro’s location…

Ryuka: [Now, let’s start! Round two!]

…with a quick stomp against the ground shortly after that propelled Ryuka through the air and straight into Shiro. The two clashing blades as soon as impact had occurred.

The same rush that Shiro was now growing familiar with had started up again. Only this time did Shiro have the power to counter it. The offensive and defensive side started to flip flop as the two released a relentless barrage at each other.

However, something was wrong. Shiro could not see her own face, but she already knew that it did not match the girl’s.

She was smiling. A wide smirk persisted on the oni girl’s face as she clashed with Shiro. Perhaps she was excited. After all, she enjoyed her battle with Shiro ever since it had started. Despite that however, something felt awry in Shiro’s mind. It was as if the girl wanted Shiro to attack.

Shiro performed a natural attack pattern that Ryuka followed. A diagonal slash upwards to the legs, the opposite to the shoulders, across the chest and down to the head.

In order to prevent repetition, she mixed in new slashes while keeping some of the old. A diagonal slash downward from the side of the hip to stop the incoming attack, shifting her blade to the opposite position and aiming up at the chest, aiming down at the shoulde–

Ryuka: [I’ve seen that one!]

Shiro: [What?!]

A spark manifested within the girl’s pale white pupils and a quick shift in movement was made with just a spin. Before Shiro could notice, Ryuka’s blade was already making its way to her head from the side. With a skip in her heartbeat and a rough dodge, Shiro narrowly avoided having her head sliced in half. Instead, a small wound was produced on the opposite cheek that she had wounded Ryuka on.

The wild change was incredibly off putting to Shiro. She stood still for a moment to grasp at her situation.

Shiro: [What was–Ghk!]

Ryuka: [Don’t go assuming that I’ll give you the time to think!]

The moment was interrupted at an absurd speed as Ryuka launched back into battle. The barrage from before continued and Shiro provided her same balance of offense and defense. She did not understand why her strikes had changed. She did not understand why she missed nor the reason as to why Ryuka’s blade was so close. None of it made sense.

She restarted her attack pattern. The legs would be the most ideal area to strike on a person. In order to give yourself the advantage in battle, the legs and eyes created a path to success. The eyes were far less vulnerable as they were connected to the head. An area which many defended to avoid imminent death. However, the legs were far more prone to danger and thus created a perfect opportunity for an opponent.

Shiro moved her blade down and started her process again. Upward at the–

Shiro: [Huh?! Shit!]

Ryuka’s geta had been lifted in less than a second and stomped down on Storm. The blade was now forced into the ground. Snapping out of her state of shock, Shiro noticed the impending counter attack. A slash aimed to slice her in half. Releasing her grip on Storm, Shiro jumped back before the slash could make contact. This time she had far more luck than before, as the strike only cut the buttons on her overshirt, causing her turtle neck to no longer be ever so slightly hidden.

With a snap of her fingers, Storm disappeared from Ryuka’s feet causing her to look down. The blade now back in Shiro’s hands, she attempted to cut Ryuka down from above–

Ryuka: [When are you ever gonna learn?!]

Shiro: [Ghk!....Hnnnhhh!]

A slash from the side that Shiro was unprepared for was given in return. The side of her waist was now visible with blood trickling down. The wound was not severely deep, but it was enough to cause a great deal of pain to Shiro. A hot pain screamed out from the wound as Shiro grinded her teeth together. She was rarely ever injured in the past. Perhaps when she was young due to her childish antics. However, as Shiro grew older, it was rare that she had received an injury that harmed her as much as this did. The only time she could recall was when she fought someone who would later become a close friend of hers. The Deathly Sweet, Yoro Kobi. A woman who no longer existed. Other than her, it was a pain on a level Shiro had not experienced in five years.

Shiro: [What’s going on…Why can’t I hit her properly?! Every time I try to attack, she just counters it! There isn’t…Wait….]

As the two were met with the same song and dance, an idea popped into Shiro’s head.

Yoro.

Yoro was not the only one who Shiro had learned the ability of.

There was another who she had met that same ten years ago, around the very same time.

She did not see the ability for herself at first. However, there were times in which Shiro was assisted by her friends on missions following their ascension into godhood.

The likes of which included Nero, Silvia, and…

Kōkatsu.

Among Kōkatsu’s family, there was one individual who stood out from the rest. Taller than them all. Physically stronger than them all. An abnormality among kitsune but one that was welcomed with open arms. A woman who Shiro observed in battle during a mission.

Gripping her blade again, Shiro provided a dull strike to the right of Ryuka. The opposing blade swifty blocked the incoming attack.

Shiro then performed the same move agai–

Ryuka: [As if!]

Only for Ryuka to kick the blade before it made contact and slash at Shiro’s legs. With a swift backstep, Shiro received a shallow injury along her knee.

Shiro: [Kiyomi…It’s just like Kiyomi’s but faster! There’s less power in it, probably due to the user, but it also allows for more directions to counter from than hers!]

For only that moment did Ryuka stop her attacks.

Ryuka: [Oh? So you know someone that has the same awesome ability as me? Well, I guess it’s fair to choose something this good. Only if you know how to use it, of course.]

She placed the dull side of the blade against her back.

Ryuka: [Counter Oni! That’s my ability! I don’t need some sort of ridiculous strength if I can just cleave through my opponent. You saw it with Gouki, didn’t you? I didn’t need it for that dumbass but he got sliced like a sandwich. What makes mine so good though is exactly what you mentioned. I can choose however I feel like counter attacking as soon as a move I’ve already seen is used. Might be a bit dangerous telling you all this, but what the hell are you even gonna do against it–Ghk!]

A palm was suddenly thrust into Ryuka’s stomach which caused her to step back in pain. Several coughs were expunged as she provided a look of fury to Shiro.

Ryuka: [The hell was that for?!]

Shiro: [You asked what I can do against it. That. I can do that.]

Shiro shifted her weapon to a single hand and lifted the other. With her empty hand, she formed a stance in which she held her sword high and kept her palm facing herself.

Shiro: [I’m not only well versed in swordsmanship but martial arts as well. Should it come down to it, I can fall back on what I know best. Besides, all I need to do is come up with clever methods to counter your attacks, right?]

The anger on Ryuka’s face was replaced by the same fang colored grin as before.

Ryuka: [Clever methods, huh? Alright then…]

Her geta sent dirt flying into the air as she performed another charge. In response, Shiro moved her empty hand back onto her blade and held it high into the air.

Ryuka: [Go ahead and tr–]

CLUNK

The hilt of Storm was sent skyrocketing down and successfully hit its target. The top of Ryuka’s head.

Ryuka: [OW! OW! OW! OW! OW! FUCK! WHAT THE FUCK! ARE YOU CRAZY OR SOMETHING?! BITCH!]

Ryuka dropped her blade onto the ground and furiously swiped her hands across her head. There was no physical counter provided but only verbally.

Ryuka: [Ow! Is there a bump?! Am I bleeding at all?! Fuck! I don’t want a concussion this early! Come on! I can’t tell from here! Damn it!]

Shiro: [And that proves my theory. If the attack itself is one you’ve yet to see, your ability doesn’t register it as a second instanc–…Are…Are you alright?]

Ryuka: [Do you think I’m alright?! You just conked me over the head and now you have the fucking audacity to ask that shit?!]

Shiro: [I mean, I just did it to test. I didn’t really mean to hit you that badly.]

Ryuka: [Well you did! Fuck! This hurts like a bitch!]

The constant complaints and endless shuffling that Ryuka performed caused a kind smile to form on Shiro’s face.

Shiro: [You’re starting to remind me of them. It’s kinda cute!]

A beet red cloud loomed over Ryuka’s cheeks as she erupted again.

Ryuka: [Don’t call me cute! That’s weird! Are you trying to hit on me or something?!]

Shiro: [I can assure you, I’m not. I have a husband that I love very dearly. I’m sorry if that disappoints you but do note that I support your choice!]

Ryuka: [I don’t need your support or anything like that! First you hit me on the head and now you’re making all these assumptions! Could you get any more annoying?!]

Shiro: [Should I provide some bandages?]

Ryuka: [Where the hell are you gonna get bandages from?!]

Shiro: [When you’re in the same position as I am, you never know when you’ll need them. That’s why I always keep them on me!]

Ryuka: [I don’t need any bandages! What are you, my mom?! Besides, why the fuck are you gonna treat your enemy!]

Shiro: [I guess I probably shouldn’t. At the same time though, I don’t really want to kill you.]

Ryuka raised her eyes.

Ryuka: [...The hell do you mean by that?]

Shiro: [There’s some people that are definitely beyond saving. But there’s a whole lot more that should be saved. I don’t really like killing others and I've had times where I’ve been forced to.]

A dullahan flashed in her mind.

Shiro: [But I want to be able to help others more than hurting them. Everyone has a family of their own, right? I guess it’s just my own logic that I kinda became more attached to as time went on and I experienced a lot more in life.]

A stern look was presented to Shiro.

Ryuka: [It’s dangerous to have that kinda thought process, you know?]

Shiro: [Maybe it is. But it’s one that I’ve lived by for a long time now. I’m interested in becoming the strongest to make the world a better place. I don’t want others getting hurt or being afraid to leave their homes.]

For several seconds, Ryuka did not respond. Her eyes were casted down to the sword she picked up from off the ground.

Ryuka: [...My brother talks about the oni extermination incident stuff a lot. Do you know about it?]

Shiro: [...Yes. I’m not really sure what else to say other than it was a horrible event. I wasn’t exactly born around that time, but I learned about it in school.]

Ryuka: [...How do you feel about humans?]

Shiro: [I believe there are good and bad examples among them. Just like every other being in the world.]

Ryuka: [...What about oni?]

Shiro: [The very same.]

She was unsure as to why, but Shiro noticed a change from Ryuka. Her fangs started to bite into her bottom lip. She then turned away from Shiro, but continued to speak with her.

Ryuka: [...If there was a–...Damn it….I can’t…]

Shiro: [Are you alright?]

Ryuka: [Yeah. I just…I had a dumb question. It wasn’t worth the trouble.]

Shiro: [I like to tell many that I speak to that there’s no such thing as a dumb question. Now, go on.]

Ryuka: [No really. It’s…It’s not worth it.]

One of Ryuka’s hands was then raised, wiping her mouth and somewhere else.

She then turned to face Shiro again, her neutral gaze now refreshed.

Shiro: [If you don’t mind then, I’d like to ask you a question just like I did before.]

Ryuka: [Sure…Go ahead.]

Her voice sounded tired.

Shiro: [Are you sure you’re alright?]

Ryuka: [I’m fine! Hurry up and ask the question!]

The tiresome tone was replaced by irritation. A change that caused Shiro to jump.

Shiro: [R-Right. Well then. If it’s alright, I’d like to ask the reason behind why you want to be the strongest.]

Ryuka: [Fear.]

Shiro: [Huh?]

Ryuka: [You heard me. Fear. It controls everything. If I’m the strongest then that’s all I need.]

Shiro: [Fear is a rather odd thing to look towards. If you were the strongest, there would likely be many that would look up to you rather than fear you.]

Ryuka: [You can control a crowd way better if there’s fear in their hearts.]

Shiro’s mind grew with concern, causing the volume of her voice to rise.

Shiro: [That’s not true! Look at people like Devi Bloodfire! Her bravery and actions have filled the hearts of many with hope! Someone like her is there to make sure everyone around the world has nothing to fear!]

Ryuka: [And yet, there’s still people who fear her, right? Regardless of her assistance, there’s others around the world who are terrified to even confront her.]

Shiro: [Even if they did, Devi would welcome them! She’s the type of person who forgives others, just like me!]

Ryuka: [That’s worse then. She’s inviting death into her own home.]

Shiro: [That’s not true at all!]

At every moment that Ryuka had exploded in anger, Shiro kept her cool. Their roles were now the reverse over the topic of fear. Ryuka did not smile nor yell while Shiro provided loud verbal counters of her own. Each laced with a small hint of anger.

Ryuka casted her eyes to the main ship above the two of them.

Ryuka: [I don’t see eye to eye with the guy. With that said, he’s pretty damn smart when it comes to his own fear. When we first met him, there were barely any who gave a shit about his presence. You wanna know what his image is like now? There’s barely any scumbags around the world who wouldn’t bow in his presence left. They wouldn’t do so out of anything like respect. No. It’s fear. They know how much scarier he is. How much stronger he is. Even his voice scares the shit out of them. There’s been a hefty decrease in activity with some of these people and it’s all thanks to him. Although I guess with his plan in motion, that might not mean shit for them. They’ll go from an underling with a bomb strapped to them to a disgraceful bootlicker by the time everything is done.]

Shiro struggled to provide a response. The words had completely escaped her. She wanted to disagree. She wanted to say Ryuka was wrong. But she could not find an error. She neither believed the logic was true nor false. It was as if her mind was stuck in an endless limbo.

Taking notice of Shiro’s change, Ryuka added a final comment onto her statement.

Ryuka: [Not everything is so black and white, you know? Sooner or later, you’re gonna have to realize that the world doesn’t function on made up fairy tales, happily ever after rules.]

She then placed her blade above her with a single hand. The same stance she took up at the beginning of their fight.

Ryuka: [Hurry and take up yours again. I still wanna have a good fight.]

Shiro’s eyes were not visible to the girl at first. She understood why they were not, but what shocked her was what came after. A gaze of pure, shining resolve rested in Shiro’s stern eyes. A look that put Ryuka’s stance off just from the eyes glaring back at her alone.

Shiro: [If I force you to back down, will you admit I’m the strongest?]

Ryuka: [What?]

Shiro: [You heard what I said. Don’t make me repeat it.]

Confusion. Anger. Excitement.

These were the emotions that Ryuka shuffled through after hearing Shiro’s question.

Ryuka: [Hah…Hahahahahahahaha! Oh man! You really are something else!]

Opening her laughter filled eyes again, a look that mirrored Shiro’s was now reflected back to her. Only this one had a grim smile to it.

Ryuka: [Alright. You’ve got yourself a deal. Let’s see you prove it then.]

Shiro: [Fine. I’ll start by activating my own matōki ability.]

The latter two emotions were erased.

Only confusion remained.

Ryuka: [What…What did she just say?! Was she not using it at any point in time?!]

In the air, a similar conversation played out.

Devi: [It’s as I said. Would it be alright if I used my ability in this game of yours?]

Ryuusei: [The…The hell do you mean by that?! Was that fire shit earlier not–]

Devi: [Not at all. It is rare that I ever use such a thing and far more rare for the advanced version. However, I believe this battle calls for a change of pace.]

Ryuusei: [Tch! That’s annoying to think about…Fine! Go ahead and use it! It’s not like it’ll make much of a difference for you now.]

Devi: [I thank you for that.]

The goddess placed the arm holding her sword over her head. The former ruler planted hers in the space between her feet.

The goddess pointed to the oni in front of her. The former ruler gripped tightly at the hilt of her blade.

Clouds started to form from the sky above. Embers soared to the same place.

A silence broke out across the battlefield. A silence that shattered like glass with two loud statements.

Shiro: [Come to me…]

Devi: [Burn ever brighter, until all nine circles are burnt to cinder…]

Shiro: [...TEMPEST!]

Devi: [...Extreme Infierno Ardiente!]

A devastating thunderbolt crackled down onto the ground. Close to the top swirled a tornado of fire.

The two women who stood near the top of the world set their sights on the climax to their fights.

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