A Demon's Tale

The room in which a small cat girl, along with an azure woman of royalty had sat was silent. Beneath the yellow cat was the legs of a sleeping succubus of white. Her body looked weak, likely due to what little nourishment she had consumed over the past day. Though the elegant woman who sat across from the two had crossed her legs and patiently waited for the succubus to wake up, she grew curious over the constant sound of pages being flipped. These pages being that of the photo album that rested in the cat girl’s hands.

Finally, her curiosity got the best of her, and she spoke to the girl.

Devi: [If you do not mind me asking–]

Bachi: [She said n’yar not allowed to see it.]

Though the cat had not looked up at her, a firm response was provided before she could even finish. Devi’s appearance widened with confusion, as she was unsure what had happened to cause this.

Devi: [May I ask, who said I was unable to look?]

Bachi: [The big fox lady. She said the blue person or any of her friends aren’t allowed to see. N’yar the first one, and therefore, no lookin’.]

Devi: [I see…]

With a hand placed at her chin, Devi digested what she was told for a few moments. Raising her head again, she formed a new question to ask.

Devi: [If it is a photo album, I assume it is of Shiro’s own family, correct?]

Bachi hesitated to respond, as she was unsure of how far the rules were applied. She exhaled a deep sigh before accepting the question, since she had only been told not to show it to Devi.

Bachi: [I think so. She’s in there, and then there’s some big guy with large muscles. Honestly, it looks like his shirt is about to rip open because of them.]

Devi: [I see. That must be her husband then. What else is there?]

Bachi: [Three… I still don’t know what to call ‘em. They’re kinda small, little people. They’re not the fairy type of small, but the tallest is only up to the white lady’s legs.]

Suddenly, Devi’s eyes lit up upon realizing what was being described.

Devi: [Shiro has children?]

For the first time, Bachi looked up from the photo album to gaze at the blood red eyes in front of her, before turning back to it.

Bachi: [That’s what those are?! I didn’t know kids were that short.]

Devi: [You were a child once as well, were you not?]

Bachi: [Yeah, but I never saw what I looked like when I was. I didn’t realize I was that small too.]

The room fell silent again as they accepted what they had just learned. Shiro Fuloreen, a woman who within their minds was not that far ahead in adulthood, had already started a family of her own. Though Devi had started hers even earlier, it was a shocking surprise for her to see the young woman in front of her as a mother.

Devi: [To think that this whole time, she had children of her own. I can hardly imagine what they might be thinking after that broadcast. It sickens me that this could happen to someone as kind as her.]

Her frustrated, closed eyes slowly opened with kindness behind them as she prepared another question.

Devi: [Which of the three is your favorite?]

Suddenly, Bachi grew both angry and flustered as she received Devi’s words.

Bachi: [Ha?! What do n’ya mean favorite?! I haven’t even met them or anythin’!]

Devi: [True, but you’ve been staring at that album for quite some time now. I was curious if you have a favorite so far, seeing as you’ll likely be taking care of them as well.]

Bachi: [The hell do n’ya mean I’ll be takin’ care of them?!]

Devi gave a kind smile as she placed a hand against her own chest. Once again, her eyes were shut off from the world.

Devi: [When my children were young, along with my grandchildren, those who had served directly under me had chosen to assist with raising them. I by no means forced them to do so. It was they themselves who pushed forward and asked me about such a thing. I can only assume that you along with the others will likely do so.]

Averting her eyes, Bachi tried to mumble her words in a shy manner.

Bachi: [I’m not here to serve her. All I want is a race.]

The same eyes now moved back to the album in front of her.

Bachi: [... The middle one.]

Devi: [Hm?]

Bachi: [N’yar not allowed to see, but they’re all lined up in front of the white lady and the big guy. The middle one. That’s the one I’m pickin’.]

Devi: [I see. Do they look more like Shiro or their father?]

Bachi: [... The white lady, ‘cept for–]

Suddenly, a shift in the bed occurred. Bachi turned her head to see the same woman she was speaking about, with her eyes now slowly opening up.

Devi: [Shiro.]

???: [Good, I was praying you’d get up soon.]

Suddenly, a third voice echoed into the room. All three moved their eyes over to see a familiar kitsune they had all seen just a few hours before, now standing in the same spot as the door.

Kōkatsu: [Thanks, Bachi. I’m glad you kept your word. You almost went a little overboard at the end there, though.]

Bachi looked towards Devi before staring back at the album in front of her. She then closed her eyes and released an irritated sigh.

Bachi: [Yeah, I figured as much.]

Moving into the room, Kōkatsu placed a tray by Shiro’s bedside table that was filled with various types of food. After placing it down, she moved her hands to support Shiro’s back as she attempted to lift her up.

Kōkatsu: [You need to eat, Shiro. Let’s get you up.]

Shiro: [... I want to die…]

A chilling shock struck each participant of the chatter.

Silence had filled the air again, only for a loud eruption to shatter it into pieces.

Two strong hands moved from supporting Shiro to grabbing her by the collar of her clothes.

Kōkatsu: [What the fuck did you just say?!]

Though she was shouting directly in front of Shiro’s face, not a single glance to the orange fox in front of her was given. She merely kept her eyes set down, focused on the messy display of bedsheets in front of her, a hollow look resting beneath her eyelids.

Shiro: [... I want to die… That’s what I said…]

Kōkatsu: [Listen to me, Shiro! You did nothing wrong, nor was there ever a problem with your actions to begin with! None of us could have expected what he would resort to!]

Shiro: [That’s not why I want to…]

Kōkatsu: [I had a feeling that the story you mentioned to me when we were teens would happen. It was only a small feeling, but it was still there, in my gut. Even if it was rare, even if it was barely documented, I still had a feeling. But regardless of that, nothing you did in that moment was your fault!]

Shiro: [That’s not why I want to…]

Kōkatsu: [There were a lot of casualties, but none of that should be the reason as to why you should join them either!]

For the first time, a piece of life was put into Shiro’s eyes. Instead of a proper view of her beauty, however, it was a complete and utter ferocious look behind them. Finally looking at the fox, she shouted.

Shiro: [ARE YOU EVEN LISTENING TO ME?!]

Hearing the sudden yell from her close friend, Kōkatsu’s eyes wavered. The grip she held on Shiro quickly weakened and released her clothes from under her nails.

Shiro: [All of it! Every single thing that I’ve done is wrong! I’ve caused this entire mess to happen! Me! It was never just this or that, it was all of it! Every living, breathing moment I managed to fuck something up! If I wasn’t stupid during the first of our tasks back when we were doing the fourth trial, Kaoru wouldn’t have had to experience any of what happened to her village! If I wasn’t stupid during the next one, I could have understood where Yoro was coming from, and we would have been able to save her even faster than before! Those two guards that she loved could have even stayed with her as we traveled! She wouldn’t have had to lose them!]

Shiro struck down at the bed in front of her, causing Bachi to slowly move off out of fear. In her hands, she tightly clutched the photo album so as to not ruin it.

Nearby, Devi’s eyes grew worried over Shiro’s state, while Kōkatsu’s own could not be seen.

Shiro: [If I wasn’t so damn stupid, Yoro wouldn’t have been killed! I could have just stayed with the two of them for that night, I hadn’t seen them in so long after all! But no, I had to go and screw things up, just like I always do! It’s all thanks to me that she’s gone! Better yet, if I didn’t get my husband to pull some strings, Devi would have met her even earlier and we would have never had this whole scenario play out! It’s all my fault that so many people have died so far! It’s my fault that Tequi is dead, and it’s my fault that I even became that thing! And now, I have to live with all of this shame, because not only did that whole village burn down, but those two kids are gonna remember me as the woman who was responsible for their parents being killed–]

Without another word, a fierce slap struck the side of Shiro’s face. A slap strong enough to even injure the one who had performed it, Kōkatsu the Almighty.

Kōkatsu: [...Don’t you ever go saying shit like that again. Neither about those girls nor Kaoru.]

With her face still turned away from the slap, Shiro continued to speak.

Shiro: [... I’m right though, aren’t I? If I wasn’t around, Kaoru would still have her family and so would the other two. That would be better, right? They’d have their families still, and you wouldn’t ever have to worry about if they were sad or not ever again. But sadly, it’s because I’m around that prevented any of that from happening. Everywhere I go, I only bring misery.]

Kōkatsu: [You’re wrong.]

Shiro: [I’m not. It’s because of me that all of this happened. Not Nero, not you or Devi or anyone else.]

Kōkatsu: [I’m telling you, you’re wrong.]

Shiro: [And who are you to tell me that? Even if you’re Kō, you still aren’t me. You aren’t the person who’s forced to live in this shitty reality. It’s me. I’m the person who’s doing that. You have no idea what it’s like to have thousands upon thousands of these needles from the past poking at you, telling you that you could have done this to stop that, or done that to prevent this from happening. Every single day since Yoro died, I had to imagine how I could have stopped it. I couldn’t sleep a single time without crying about what I should have done better. And now look at me, a shitty friend of hers who couldn’t even stop her husband, who is also a close friend, from going ballistic. So now, let me ask again, who are you to tell me that, Kō? Huh? Who are–]

Kōkatsu: [I’M SOMEONE WHO’S ALIVE BECAUSE OF YOU!]

Finally turning to Kōkatsu, Shiro could see the furious face that awaited her. A face that was drowning in tears.

Kōkatsu: [Every day! Every fucking day I contemplated the idea of offing myself! I couldn’t do shit! I had no aspirations to become a goddess! Worst of all, I couldn’t even have a family of my own! I spent years like that! Day in and day out, I sat in that fucking dorm room and did nothing productive! The only thing of merit was making these swords, but I was just about ready to use them on myself! And then, I turned eighteen, and I had just about had it! I was pretty much ready to do it within the week! But there was someone real noisy outside, who was making a big fuss about how they needed somewhere to stay! So I figured I’d help them out a bit, and give them my place for the night! I grew to like them a bit, and let them stay permanently! And then, they told me what they wanted to do! It fucking clicked for me! If I couldn’t start a family of my own, why did it need to apply to the same rules as all families that do?! There’s love without romantical love, so why can’t something similar be said for the rules of a family, whether they're blood related or not?! And that’s what I started doing! All because of that one person! I made a family of my own, hundreds of lost children in it, all because of them! It’s because of you that I’m even alive, or that I even have my family! It doesn’t matter what you could or couldn’t have done, you saved me!]

Shiro’s eyes started to water as she pulled her sheets close to her face.

Shiro: [But… I… I’m a monster… You should hate my guts… and yet…]

Kōkatsu: [Why do I need to hate you?... You’re my sis… aren’t you?]

With her bleeding, clenched fists, Kōkatsu spoke.

From behind her, a figure placed a hand on her shoulder.

Devi: [Kōkatsu, could you please step aside? I would like to speak with her, but I need to make her understand in the same way you did.]

Nodding, she accepted Devi’s request.

Kōkatsu: [Right… Go ahead.]

With light taps of her boots, Devi moved beside Shiro’s bed.

She kept her voice soft, but firm. A tone that would show that she was both serious but also understanding of where Shiro had stood.

Her azure lips parted as she called out to the one in front of her.

Devi: [Shiro.]

Moving the blankets away from her face, Shiro looked up to Devi with her tearful, wide eyes.

What then followed–

Shiro: [GHLK!]

–was a fist that struck her directly in the center of her face.

Before another word could be spoken, a hand grabbed Devi by her neck and slammed her against a wall, causing a large dent to form behind the figure. The result of the thrust caused the table in between them to fall onto the floor, knocking over the tray of food along with the canned drink placed onto it. In the ferocious eyes of the culprit, a seething voice spoke out to her.

Kōkatsu: [A punch is different than a slap, you shit stained, ketchup-colored–]

Devi: [Shiro, allow me to ask…]

Though a firm grip was placed onto her neck, Devi continued to speak to the woman beside her. Her gaze unmoving, as her crimson eyes met the eyes of a matching color.

Devi: [... Why is it that you continue to fight? I do not speak of now, but rather, when we were engaged in that battle only a day prior. You have a reason behind each of your actions, do you not? Even if the reason is not the greatest that you could possibly imagine, so long as there is a benefit to it, I believe that is correct. Focusing on the past and trying to correct what you cannot is a path that will only lead you down a dark road. A road in which you will eventually find that you cannot turn back. As you are now, there are still countless roads in front of you. Countless options for you to continue with your life. Tequi is gone, but she has left us with her own will to inherit. It is up to us to take on what comes next. We cannot back down from it, nor can we run away from it. To do so would be betraying that trust she placed in us, and only then would there be a fault in your actions. No matter the step you take, you must keep pushing forward. No matter what you face, or who opposes you, even if it is a cracked reflection of yourself, you must break down whatever it may be. Break the mirror that is placed in front of you. Take fate into your own hands.]

The grip against Devi’s neck was slowly released, causing an apologetic bow from Kōkatsu. Devi gave a kind nod in return, and moved back to being beside Shiro’s bed.

Shiro’s words failed to leave correctly. Her voice was rough and constantly stuttered, often blocked by her own teeth creating her words or the sniffling of her nose.

Her blankets were constantly shifted as she gripped them tighter and tighter.

Bachi did not enjoy taking orders from Shiro, or at times, even just her presence bothered her. Yet, for the first time, a somber look was on her face as she placed a hand on Shiro’s own from the opposite side of the bed.

Shiro: [But… What can I even do… anymore? They’re all gone now…]

Devi: [They are gone, but that does not mean you have lost everything. I am still here, and so is your subordinate, Bachi.]

Bachi: [I’m not her–... Yeah, I’m here… white lady.]

With a firm clench of her hand, Bachi took hold of Shiro’s own. Another hand was placed on her left leg by the teary eyed kitsune.

Kōkatsu: [I’m here for you as well, Shiro.]

From the doorway came two more.

Hidari: [We’re here for you, the same as we have been before, Lady Shiro.]

Migi: [Yeah. We aren’t going anywhere anytime soon.]

Devi: [On top of that, there’s still a reason for you to fight, is there not?]

Her eyes turned to Bachi, who then lit up with an “Oh!”. Moving to a nearby chair, Devi sat down to avoid what would be shown, just like Kōkatsu had wanted. A quiet thanks was given by the kitsune, with another nod being exchanged.

Hopping up onto Shiro’s bed, Bachi placed the back of her head on Shiro’s chest as she opened up the book.

Shiro: [This is…]

Bachi: [The fox lady told me to show n’ya this at some point. This is n’yar people, right?]

Shiro’s tears struck down against her clothes much faster than ever before. It was a sight that she loved, but could not contain her emotions upon seeing. Four familiar faces. Faces that were etched into her mind for days and years. Photos that not only contained the same five people, but occasionally friends alongside them.

The back of her throat made sorrowful squeals as she could not hold back her tears. She constantly tried to form a smile, yet it only became a rough shape of what she had wanted to make.

Finally, she gave her answer to Bachi. Repeatedly, she nodded her messy face towards Bachi.

Bachi: [I knew it! I like this one. This one seems cool.]

Shiro: [I see… That one is my favorite… Would you say that one is your favorite as well, Bachi?]

Bachi: [I mean, if I had to pick, yeah. That one looks the coolest out of them all.]

Moving beside Shiro after being prompted to by Kōkatsu, Hidari and Migi both looked at the photo album in front of them.

Migi: [Hmmm… If I had to choose, I’d say this one. There’s a real rockin’ style about that one!]

Bachi: [Ha?! That’s stupid! The one I picked is clearly the best. She even agreed with me on that.]

Migi: [Oioi, Bachi! We’re all allowed to have our own opinions here!]

Bachi: [N’ya can try, but mine is the only one that matters!]

Hidari: [If I had to say, I believe this one is my favorite. There’s a very peaceful nature displayed from that one.]

Migi: [Man, you sure are boring.]

Bachi: [See? Even he doesn’t like that choice, and his choice sucks!]

Hidari: [Why are you both ganging up on me all of a sudden?!]

Migi: [And why was I also attacked in that statement?!]

Nearby, Kōkatsu and Devi watched as the three continued to argue. Both with smiles on their faces as they did so.

Devi: [It’s rather odd to see them arguing about such a thing, assuming the topic is what I think it is.]

Kōkatsu: [It’s odd… but I don’t mind it. Look.]

Directing Devi’s eyes with her chin, Kōkatsu pointed towards Shiro’s own face. The despair from before now vanquished, all that remained was a smiling face that continued to cry as it looked towards the photo album.

Kōkatsu: [I think that really was all she needed.]

Devi: [I suppose I’ll have to thank her husband for being such a wonderful person. To think that merely a picture of him could cure the chains latched on her heart.]

Kōkatsu: [Heh. Don’t count on it. He’ll probably start runnin’ before you even find out.]

Devi: [Find out? Find out what?]

Kōkatsu: [Nothin’. Don’t worry ‘bout it for now. Jus’ enjoy her smile.]

Accepting Kōkatsu’s words, Devi continued to reflect the same smile that was placed in her eyes.

The goddess had returned.

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???: [Sorry to be such a burden to you, Sil.]

In one of many hospital rooms stood a goddess dressed in white. One who had regained their iconic long hair plus side ponytail combination following their recovery. With a hand placed beneath the purple hair of her friend, kind smiles were shared between the two as they spoke to each other. Nearby was a drip stand with a blood bag placed on it, connected directly to the purple snake goddess resting on the bed.

Silvia: [It issss ssssomething you do not need to apologisssse for, Sssshiro. Thissss goessss beyond even that of my endlessss debt to you.]

A small giggle was released from Shiro’s mouth as she tried to cover it with her free hand.

Shiro: [Honestly. You and that debt. I keep telling you that you don’t need to worry about it anymore.]

Silvia: [I thank you for your offer, but I refusssse.]

Shiro: [Hey now! That wasn’t an offer!]

The two erupted into small laughter. A perfect show of their close friendship could be seen from their chatter alone.

Silvia: [You look much better than I had heard.]

Shiro: [Yeah, well, I finally got some food in me. So there’s that. But I also just feel better now.]

Silvia: [I can tell. It sssseemssss the woman of love hassss returned.]

Shiro: [Hey, I know for a fact that you would be the same way if you saw a picture of Alf.]

Silvia: [Which issss why you brought one, correct?]

Shiro: [Nope. You’ll have to ask Kō for it.]

Silvia: [Wha–FIEND! WITCH! TRAITOR! My debt issss exsssspired!]

Shiro: [Oh, cool! Thanks for that!]

Silvia: [My debt will never end!]

Shiro: [Alright, see? Now that’s how you give a good threat.]

Moving her hand to her right pocket, Shiro pulled out a photo and passed it to Silvia. Upon seeing the photo, Silvia proceeded to gently squirm around her bed with glee.

Silvia: [Thank you very much. I presssssume you musssst head off ssssomewhere?]

Shiro: [Yeah. They’re holding a small funeral for Tequi before they move the urn to where the rest of her family is so they can hold a proper one. I wanna say my goodbyes before doing anything else.]

Silvia: [I ssssee. You are assss kind assss ever.]

Shiro: [It’s nothing. I figure it’s just the right thing to do here.]

Silvia: [Well then, pleasssse give my own farewellssss to her if you could. Kōkatssssu’ssss children inssssissssted that I sssstay here for at leasssst a few more hourssss.]

Shiro: [Will do! Make sure you get nice and healed up for later!]

Making her way to the door, Shiro heard a question filled with confusion as she went.

Silvia: [Later? What issss happening later?]

Shiro: [Oh, you didn’t hear? After me, Devi, and the others sort some things out, we’re laying low for a bit. Meaning we’re moving back to the Babylon District.]

Turning her head over her shoulder, Shiro gave a devilish smile to Silvia before she walked away from the room.

Shiro: [You’ll get to see your husband tonight.]

Silvia’s eyes widened at the enchanting words.

Silvia: [Sssshiro?! You’re joking, right?! Thissss issss another joke, like that picture sssstuff, right?! Sssshiro?!]

Not a single word was given back, as the goddess had already left.

Looking down at the photo in front of her, Silvia formed a wide smile as she clutched it against her chest with all of her might, swinging along the bed from side to side.

Silvia: [Alfy!]

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Within a large church hall of yellow was a framed photo of a beautiful woman. With mauve hair, tan skin and a beautiful smile, she was a succubus who radiated a wonderful presence from just her image alone. Those who had known her had often felt the very same way, or possibly to a higher degree. She was a woman who had once attempted to compete for the throne, and though she did not succeed, she was ultimately viewed as royalty herself.

Many had already said their farewells to her, and thus, the room had been almost empty.

Only one had now kneeled in front of her picture, lighting small sticks of incense to allow her soul to rest.

With their hands clasped together, the individual spoke to her.

Shiro: [Hey. I’m not really sure how to say bye to you. It feels weird, given that we haven’t known each other for very long, but I also felt like I was super close with you. If you don’t mind though, I thought of a way to say something before you go. You wanted to know about my family, right? I guess I can talk about them before I say my goodbyes. Where do I start… I guess with me. So there’s me… who you already know. Hehe! Then there’s my husband. I’m sure you already saw him in that picture, and you probably already know who he is, but he’s really nice. We actually met because I almost had my purse stolen, but he took care of them before I could. We went for coffee after, and got into a fight over which of us would pay for the other. We ended up splitting the bill because I was making such a loud commotion about wanting to pay for his drink, and he did the same for me. It’s a really funny story. I feel like the norm would be the opposite, but meanwhile there’s the two of us who go against that. Still, I love him dearly. I get a little too defensive when people insult him. I guess that just shows how much I care. Right, next we have the three. The first is my oldest child, who is an absolute sweetheart. She’s as kind as can be, and definitely takes after her father the most. She’s polite, smart, and never argues with anyone. Though, I can definitely tell where she takes after me from. I mentioned how protective I am with my husband, and, well, she’s very protective of the other two. Oh, right, then there’s the next two. They’re big eaters and often get into arguments with each other. Still, I love them with all of my heart. Even if they’re reckless and silly sometimes, they’re the sweetest children I could ask for. If my first was the kindest, those two have the most joy that they like to spread around to the family. All three of them, along with my husband are the greatest gifts I could ever ask for.]

Placing her forehead on her clasped hands, Shiro remained still for a few moments before looking back up to the photo of Tequi Tensetsu.

Shiro: [Get some rest, okay? It’s something you deserve for all of the joy that you also helped spread. That's an order from both me and Sil!... Thanks, Tete.]

With both hands placed on her knees, Shiro stood up and gave a bow before exiting the church.

The final farewell to the gleeful, skilled archer was sent on its way to the next world over.

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