A Demon's Tale

Two demons of opposite shades now stood in front of each other. A succubus of white facing off against an oni in black. Even the very clothes the two had worn were drastically different. The white succubus presented an appearance of someone rather formal, while the oni stood in complete opposition with their rough attire. The expressions on their faces showed a difference in scenario as well. While the woman in white was confused as to why her opponent was now here, the oni girl in front of her continued to present a wicked smile.

In the hands of the girl laid a katana that she carelessly circled around the air. As she did so, the geta by her feet continued to advance towards the succubus.

Finally presenting the oni-shaped fangs within her mouth, the forceful girl spoke to her opponent.

Ryuka: [I sure am lucky! It didn’t take very long at all for me to come find you! I’m on a bit of a time limit here, not to mention I’ve got a pair of assassins under my throat, but I’ll do what I can to savor the experience!]

Gripping tightly at the blade she called Storm, the succubus goddess felt the need to question Ryuka.

Shiro: [I’m not exactly in the mood for a fight, especially since I need to be somewhere right now, so let me ask you this. Why are you even here?!]

In response, one of the girl’s eyebrows was lifted closer to the top of her forehead.

Ryuka: [Ha? Ain’t it obvious? I’m getting a good fight in! We got interrupted by that asshole last time, on top of my brother getting hurt real bad during his fight, so I came to settle the score!]

An intimidating glare was now present on Shiro’s face.

Shiro: [There is no score to settle. Now, move.]

Placing the back of her katana against her shoulder, Ryuka used her unoccupied hand to wave a finger in the air from side to side.

Ryuka: [Ah, ah, ah! We’re even right now! You got some nice hits in on me, but I did the same to you! Regardless of what might happen from here, we need to settle which one of us is the strongest of them all! You said that was your dream, right?]

Shiro: [Then I hate to break it to you, but you aren’t even close to the same level as me.]

Ryuka: [Ohoho! Looks like someone knows how to bite back!]

As the distance between them grew shorter and shorter, three individuals from behind the girl appeared. An angel, an incubus and a catgirl, all of whom were ready to charge at her.

Hidari and Migi: [Lady Shi–]

Ryuka: [NOBODY FUCKIN’ MOVE!]

An immense aura of blue matōki burst forth from the girl, causing a complete halt in their actions. At the top of her forehead, two long horns that were colored in red and white glimmered in the dark sky after they had quickly emerged from within.

Ryuka: [Any of you three, along with the other two shitheads watching me right now! If a single one of you decides to interfere, I’m cleaving your fucking heads off, understand?!]

Her pupils were now a much different shape and color from before. The darkness within them now turned to a pure white light and was shortened in width to a mere almond size. The fangs by the side of her mouth grew ever so slightly, providing a much scarier look to her face. The fury of the oni was now visible in full.

Turning to meet Shiro again, she pointed the katana directly at her as she continued to speak.

Ryuka: [No more games. Let’s just see which of us is the strongest!]

Kicking off the ground, the girl immediately flew towards Shiro’s position in no time at all. Shiro provided a swift counter as she released Storm again and a painful ringing of metal was created in the air.

Much like their previous fight, Ryuka did not back off in the slightest. However, this was not due to an ability or anything of the sort. In fact, she had yet to even activate such a thing. Instead, steam was released from the sides of her mouth as she forced her body to move back towards the ground and aimed directly at Shiro’s head. Placing both hands on her blade, Shiro attempted to guard against the attack, but was pushed along the ground from the heavy force.

Suddenly, Ryuka dropped down onto the grass and sent a swift punch towards Shiro’s gut. Something that Shiro had not anticipated, thus—

Shiro: [Ghk! Gah!–Ghnh!–Kah!]

Following her punch, Ryuka took advantage of the situation and quickly grabbed onto the collar of Shiro’s overshirt. From there, she repeatedly smashed Shiro’s nose with her forehead. A kick had almost finished her brutal combo, but the delay in between allowed Shiro enough time to kick Ryuka directly in the chest.

Ryuka: [Keh! Mmph—Pah!]

Due to the fact that Shiro was skilled in the martial arts her mother had taught her, she shifted from the swordplay of before to the Babylon Way fighting style. In order to extend the damage from her kick, Shiro gave a quick elbow to Ryuka’s jaw and a powerful strike of her palm against the same spot on her chest as before.

Ryuka: [Enough of your martial arts bullshit!]

Shiro: [Woah!]

The single foot of Ryuka’s that stood in the air was slammed against the ground. With all of her might, a heavy swing of her katana was thrusted upward. Just barely dodging it, Shiro moved to the side and watched as small strands of her hair were effortlessly torn through.

Another slash approached at an incredible speed, this time aimed towards the same level as her eyes. Storm was placed beside Shiro’s head and using every fiber of muscle within her arms, Shiro redirected the dangerous katana into the ground.

At that moment, an odd movement occurred within Shiro’s view. Her legs had been spread out enough for a single person to slide through, and Ryuka had done just that. Grabbing her katana again as she did so, Ryuka raised herself on one knee before turning back to Shiro to cut her in half. Shiro had already seen through her move and attempted to counter the slash with her own, but her arms were forced into an awkward position as she tried to guard it.

Ryuka then opened her mouth and moved in to bite Shiro’s arm. Her efforts were in vain, as the attack had left her far too open and forced her to receive an uppercut from Shiro as a retort.

Again, Ryuka’s resistance against the pain showed itself as she charged at Shiro with the horns on her head. An attack such as that was easy for Shiro to dodge, but what was more difficult to deal with than that had been what then followed. From behind Shiro again, Ryuka jumped towards her following the charge and held her katana behind her, using the speed of her swing as the means to cleave Shiro. Ducking below the sword, Shiro gave a heavy punch to Ryuka’s gut, causing her to stutter in motion as she tried to absorb the pain.

Ryuka: [Kh! I said I’m done with… that shit!]

Shiro: [Ghk! Ha!]

Ryuka: [Hk! Damn bitch!]

What was once a mere sword fight now turned into a slugfest as the two continued to endlessly punch each other with their powerful hooks. Their swords no longer mattered in that moment, as it was now a true competition of strength. Blow after blow, the two had roughened up their cheeks severely as they hit each other.

The one to withstand this however… was the one who was at their strongest. The one who had gained a boost in all areas thanks to their horns, along with the healing their body had undergone as time passed thanks to those very same horns.

Ryuka grabbed the collar of Shiro’s shirt again as she continued to slug her with punch after punch. Her gut, cheeks, nose and jaw were relentlessly attacked as she continued.

Ryuka: [Come on, goddess! Where the hell is that special sword?! If we’re having this bout, then you better bring that shit out! Otherwise, you’re as good as dead!]

Shiro: [Ghhk!... Hnnk!]

The three behind Ryuka could barely watch. The beatdown that was now being unleashed was far too vicious to call a fight. It was like watching a beast take advantage of a helpless animal. Though Shiro was strong, she was now forced into a position where she couldn't help but become a punching bag. Several things had weighed down her mind, and as a result, she could not fight as she wanted. On top of this, conserving her energy after what had already happened along with the battle ahead was something she had prioritized.

With her face now a disheveled, bloody mess, Ryuka grabbed the limp Shiro who could no longer stand by the collar one last time. Looking down on her with disdain, Ryuka snarled.

Ryuka: [So? Where the hell is it, Shiro? I came here for a fight, not a warmup.]

Shiro: [I… I can’t… use it… just yet… I need to… to save my energy… for now…]

In comparison to Ryuka’s cold and lively voice, Shiro struggled to speak, only being able to do so after deep breaths between her words.

Ryuka: [Sure you can. Otherwise, you’re dead. Didn’t we have that understanding already?]

Shiro: [Not… not while we’re near…]

Ryuka: [Near what? Them? Why do they matter? If they’re strong, they’ll know how to deal with that big thunder explosion. So what’s it gonna be, Sh–]

After looking at the agitated group behind her, Ryuka turned back to face Shiro… only to see something between them.

A little girl who had looked lost and was now staring at Ryuka in horror.

In her mind, a single person flashed through from within Ryuka's memories.

A girl of the same size with a black bob haircut.

At the split second sight of black-haired girl, Shiro was dropped to the floor as Ryuka’s expression changed into a far more sad look. Following the drop, the girl tried to run away as fast as she could.

Ryuka: [No! Wai–]

Shiro: [Wait…!]

Moving her dark gray eyes down to Shiro, Ryuka witnessed a broken smile on her face as the goddess continued to look at the girl who had now stopped running. Calmly raising her hand, Shiro presented it to the girl.

Shiro: [Are you… lost?]

The girl did not respond with her words, but instead nodded back to Shiro.

Shiro: [Your village is behind us… correct? It’s very late… for a girl like you… to be out here… Would you like for me… to walk you back… ?]

She did not move a muscle.

Shiro: [I promise… you’ll be safe with me…]

Slowly but surely, she made her way over. After gently taking Shiro’s hand, a soft hand rubbed the top of the girl’s hair in return.

Shiro: [You’re a good child… Now, let’s get you back… to your parents. Ghk! Hnk!]

Moving herself off the ground, Shiro experienced a relentless amount of pain as she tried to stand. In response–

Ryuka: [O-Oi! Don’t get up so quick! You’re gonna hurt yourself even more!]

Shiro: [Ryuka… was it?]

Ryuka: [Huh? Y-Yeah. What’s up?]

Shiro: [I would like to return this girl to her village… After I do so, we can continue our fight…]

Ryuka: [W-What…?]

Shiro: [Does that not sound… alright to you?]

Ryuka: [N-No, it’s fine, I guess. I just…]

Shiro: [In that case, let us go…]

From there, Shiro and Ryuka, along with the three that assisted Shiro prior to the battle, had made their way to the nearby village.

△▼△▼△▼△△▼△▼△▼△△▼△▼△▼△△▼△▼△▼△△▼△▼△▼△△▼△▼

The village was within sight, and the group continued to move forward. Ryuka’s horns had now returned back into her body, a much different expression now accompanied her look. What was once the display of a relentless, bloodthirsty oni, was now a confused girl who questioned what was happening.

Walking beside the little girl the two had focused on escorting, Ryuka attained the needed courage to speak up.

Ryuka: [Hey, I’ve got a question.]

Shiro: [Hm? What… is it?]

Ryuka’s eyes moved down to the little girl, who’s appearance from before had undergone a change just like Ryuka’s had done. The girl who was once afraid of the two was now gleaming with a bright smile on her face as Shiro continued to hold her hand.

Ryuka: [Why’d you help her? I’m not asking out of some scumbag type of reason, but I wanna know why you care.]

Shiro looked down towards the same girl. The kindness on her face could only be compared to that of a loving mother.

Shiro: [I have a daughter, the same age… as this girl. When I saw how scared she was, it reminded me… of her. That is why I chose… to help her.]

Ryuka’s eyes widened in response as she looked back up to Shiro. Her mouth was left agape, but one more change had occurred. A question she contemplated during their battle on the previous day had made its return.

Ryuka: [You… You really mean th–]

Before she could continue, the two could see the girl’s family by the entrance of the village. Shiro released her grip from the girl’s hand and watched as she ran over to them, all of whom were overjoyed with her return.

As Shiro and Ryuka approached, they endlessly thanked her for the assistance.

Girl’s Mother: [Thank you, ma’am! Thank you so much for bringing her back home to us!]

Shiro: [It’s nothing… I’m aware of just how hard it can be… to keep track of what your children are doing as well…]

Noticing Shiro’s appearance, the father attempted to assist her.

Girl’s Father: [Ma’am, if you would like, we have doctors within our village! They could treat you right away!]

Shiro: [It’s nothing… The girl’s safety was the most important part… Besides, I was my very own reason for getting hurt… I have friends that… can heal me up in no time anyways… For now, you should all spend some time… with your daughter…]

Waving off to the family while they said their farewells, Shiro continued to show a kind smile. As they moved further and further into the distance, the three behind Shiro spoke out to her.

The first being the calm angel that served her, who gave a polite smile back.

Hidari: [You truly are something else, Lady Shiro. Your kindness knows no bounds.]

A chiseled incubus then joined the praises of his ally.

Migi: [Yeah! What he said! You’re on a whole different level of cool, Rockin’ Lady Shiro!]

Then, a yellow cat girl, who averted her eyes while a small blush appeared on her cheeks.

Bachi: [... N’yar recklessly stupid, as usual…]

However, not even the girl truly had the final word, as the one with that was–

Ryuka: [I’VE MADE UP MY MIND!]

An explosive roar was released into the air, causing the four in front of Ryuka to snap to attention. With her finger pointed at the sky, Ryuka quickly lowered it back down as she now pointed towards Shiro herself.

Ryuka: [I know what I’m doing now!]

Reminding herself of what had been promised moments prior, Shiro calmly shut her eyes.

Shiro: [Oh… right… I promised you that we would continue our fight… I suppose I’ll have to–]

Ryuka: [I’D LIKE TO JOIN YOU, MA’AM!]

The conversation now fell silent. Only the wind created a whistling sound for a moment. On each of the faces in front of her, different degrees and expressions of confusion could be seen.

Shiro: [Pardon…?]

Hidari: [I’m rather confused myself. Could you repeat that?]

Migi: [What did she just say?]

Bachi: [Come again, crazy oni bitch?]

Ryuka then shifted her extended arm in place, causing her finger to bend as it continued to dart itself at Shiro.

Ryuka: [Shiro! I'd like to work under you, starting from right now!... Actually, I should probably go tell Ryuusei first and then see if he wants to come along… Alright! Starting from… I’d say twenty minutes from now, maybe a little bit more, I along with my brother, hopefully, would like to work under you! I’d also like to ask if it's possible for us to make a quick trip to the Onigashima District after I go get him! Assuming he joins, of course! If he doesn’t… then who cares!... Come to think of it, I don’t know what that Nero guy will do if I become a traitor… New plan! If something bad happens, me and you will go and kick that guy’s ass together! That’s what you wanted, right? It’s a win-win for the both of us! We get each other, and we also get to beat that guy! Completely free of any charge!]

Though Shiro was still confused, an attempt for reasoning was made as she slowly raised a hand to the girl.

Shiro: [Slow down there… You aren’t making yourself very clear…]

Ryuka: [Huh?! I’m not?! Shit, do I need to do something extra? What should I even… Oh! Cups! Sake cups! We need to share cups, right?! That’s how the whole process works! At least my old man did that when he was young. I can do that! Easy! I even have some cups back at my place, so if we just run over there, grab them and then grab–]

Shiro: [Ryuka…]

Ryuka: [Yes?!]

Seeing the girl’s intense level of energy, Shiro almost felt like smiling. What had held her back was the sudden change in tone from the oni.

Shiro: [I’m still confused as to why… you had such a sudden change… You wished to battle with me… not long ago… but now you’re interested in fighting alongside me?]

Opening her mouth, Ryuka released an “Oooooh” while waving a single finger in the air.

Ryuka: [Right, right. Sorry. That was stupid of me to gloss over. I just saw how cool you were and felt that I had finally made a decision on what I would do. I debated for a while if I wanted to choose this, I liked having you as a rival after all. But after some thinking and seeing how you acted just now, I felt like I had a proper answer to it all. I told my brother about it before I got here and he told me to slug it out with you to make my decision and what do you know?! He was right! Plus, you showed me a very important detail about you that really put the nail in the coffin, which leads me to believe I'll be just fine working under you!]

From behind Shiro, an annoyed voice responded.

Bachi: [Oh, good. So she’s explained nothin’.]

Shiro: [... What do you three think?]

Shiro then moved her head back to the trio behind her in order to receive their opinions on the matter. In response, the cat girl furiously raised her eyebrows.

Bachi: [Do you even need to ask a stupid question like that?! Why the hell would we bring her with us?!]

Migi: [The “us” in that implies that you’ve accepted Lady Shiro, you know?]

With a glare being shot back to the incubus, Bachi continued.

Bachi: [Keep sayin’ that and I’ll dice n’yar nuts up, shitface. I’m not sayin’ I’m a part of this team at all, but it’d be stupid to try and bring her along! Her bein’ here would be the equivalent to havin’ a knife under our throats at all times!]

Moving her eyes to the angel on the farthest left of the three, Shiro repeated her question.

Shiro: [Hidari? What do you… suppose we should do…?]

The angel’s left hand was raised which then scratched his cheek as he spoke.

Hidari: [I don’t doubt the possibility that she would be a good addition, but… much like Bachi, I’m unsure that she is fully trustworthy.]

Migi: [Yeah, if I’m being honest here, Lady Shiro. Someone as strong as her sounds cool, but trusting her that easily… It’s kinda… You know…]

Shiro: [What…? It’s kinda what…?]

Bachi: [N’yar askin’ to be killed by trustin’ her. That’s what n’yar doin’. Do we really need to spell it out for n’ya?]

Shiro: [I think it’s fair to trust others… You never truly know what they’ve gone through… or what they’ve been forced to deal with…]

Bachi: [That doesn’t change anythin’ I said. N’ya have a big sign on n’yar back that jus’ reads “KILL ME! KILL ME!” by doin’ that.]

Slowly, Shiro returned to meet Ryuka again, whose face was comparable to that of a begging puppy.

Shiro: [Well, I’m sorry to say, Ryuka… but my team doesn’t necessarily have a good first impression of you… and I’m not quite too sure how to feel about your request mysel–]

Ryuka: [No, no, no, wait! Hear me out! I have a lot I can bring to the table! Let’s see… I’m an alright cook! I’m really strong and a great training partner! I have a brother! I’m great with kids… at least the one I’m familiar with anyways. I’m strong, which I already mentioned but I think it’s important that I make that clear! I–]

Before she could continue, a sudden buzzing sound was made from the right pocket of her pants. Pulling out a phone from the same place, Ryuka looked at her screen, causing her face to contort with despair.

Ryuka: [Fuck! Why is it already this late?! I need to get back within five minutes! Shit!]

Placing the phone back in her pocket, Ryuka looked back up at Shiro and pointed once more.

Ryuka: [Alright, listen! I’m gonna guess you and your team are gonna come attack that Nero guy again! So when you do, bring me along with you, or at least think about the idea, okay?! I’ll be waiting, Shiro!]

Shiro: [A-Alright… I guess…]

As Ryuka went to turn, she stopped short as her eyes met the village again.

Ryuka: [... Come to think of it, I’ve been here before…]

Shiro’s confusion now shifted back into a soft display of curiosity.

Shiro: [When you were young…?]

Ryuka: [Huh? No, it wasn’t that long ago actually. That Nero guy brought us here because he was tracking down some guy as well as someone else. Don’t really know the details after that, but he looked pissed when he came back to the ship. Didn’t seem like he found whatever he was after either.]

For five seconds and five seconds alone, Shiro was still unsure of what Ryuka had spoken about. As that time passed however, her pupils started to shrink as the words were finally accepted.

Following her recovery from the previous battle, Shiro talked about a great deal of different topics with her closest friend.

One of these topics… just so happened to be something similar to what Shiro had heard now.

Shiro: [You don’t mean…]

Ryuka: [Look, I’d love to stay and chat, but I’ve got somewhere to be! We’ll talk when the fight starts!]

Moving her eyes to the nearby trees, Ryuka’s joy faded into anger as she then shouted.

Ryuka: [Hey! One of you dipshits should come and treat her! So much for giving a shit, eh?!]

A final look to Shiro was given, with Ryuka saying her farewells.

Ryuka: [Later, Shiro.]

A single geta struck down against the grass, knocking up dirt into the air as Ryuka left. Jumping from tree to tree, Ryuka made her departure from the scene.

While the three behind Shiro watched as she disappeared, Shiro herself fell to her knees, causing them to switch their attention back and rush to her side.

Hidari and Migi: [Lady Shiro!]

Placing her arms on their shoulders, the two focused on helping the lady that they served. All the while, tears could be seen streaming down her face. In a low voice, she mumbled to herself.

Shiro: [That poor girl… If that’s what happened, I’m not even sure if she’s safe anymore… Damn it…]

A small cat girl then walked past the two, only to look back over her shoulder at Shiro.

Bachi: [N’ya gonna do the same shit as earlier, Schmiro? Or are n’ya gonna keep movin’?]

The arms that had rested on Hidari and Migi’s shoulders were then moved back to Shiro’s face, rubbing away the tears, snot and blood that was there.

Shiro: [Right… Let’s keep moving…]

Just as they started to stand, a single pebble in the distance was dropped from a nearby wall onto the ground. Due to the sudden sound, the three immediately became alert of their surroundings and guarded Shiro from the front.

Migi: [Hidari! Bachi!]

Hidari: [Right! Stay alert, team!]

Bachi: [The hell do n’ya think I’m doin’?!]

Their eyes scanned the area from right to left. Not a single soul could be seen. Regardless, the group kept their fists clenched, weapons ready, and claws sharpened. If someone were to appear, they would likely not receive the chance to gain the first attack.

As Shiro continued to watch them, along with looking around the area herself, she slowly turned around to look behind.

Before she could do so, what felt like a hand readjusted her head to face forward from behind her. Additionally, the same feeling of a hand was felt along her back, which was then followed by a soothing warmth.

Finally, a single statement was whispered.

???: [You’re healed, Lady Shiro.]

Shiro had noticed the lack of blood pouring down from her face, as well as the pain that had been expelled from her body. Her speech was no longer slow and her vision did not falter any longer. As she turned to meet the individual… not a soul was there.

Before she could even investigate–

Hidari: [Are you alright, Lady Shiro?]

Hidari turned to meet her, surprised by the look of bewilderment she had worn.

Shiro: [Y-Yeah. Someone came by and healed me, I guess.]

Migi: [Really? I’m a little worried if they somehow laced anything with it, but if healing you was all they did, I guess they’re real kind!]

Shiro: [I’m glad they did, but I don’t understand why they called me Lady Shiro…]

Migi: [Huh… Maybe you have more fans than you thought?]

Bachi: [Enough of this shitty chit-chat! We should hurry up and go! We’re wastin’ enough time already and we don’t know what we’ll come across on the way there!]

Shiro: [Bachi is right. Let’s move.]

Hidari and Migi: [Yes, Lady Shiro!]

Placing her hands against the grass, Shiro used the strength she had now regained to lift herself back up. As the other three moved forward, Shiro turned around one last time, only to notice something she hadn’t seen before.

On the ground, directly behind where she had sat was a flower.

Kneeling down, she picked up the flower to gaze at it with her own eyes.

Shiro: [A purple aster, and telling by the lack of the root’s other half, it wasn’t grown here… How odd.]

Redirecting herself back to the objective at hand, Shiro placed the flower into her hair as she continued moving with the group.

With the three who could fly soaring through the air, along with their brash cat companion that hopped along the trees, their plan was set back into motion.

The building that contained the previous eight gods was now their next destination.

△▼△▼△▼△△▼△▼△▼△△▼△▼△▼△△▼△▼△▼△△▼△▼△▼△△▼△▼