A Demon's Tale

Dressed in white and red polka dot pajamas was a woman with beautiful snow-like hair. Yawning as she walked downstairs, she slowly stretched her arms as she made her way into the kitchen. As she entered the room however, she soon found that she was not alone. The man that she loved with every ounce of her being stood directly in front of her, making coffee with his back turned to her. Yet her presence was known and was greeted with a smile. Wearing a soft white T shirt and black sweatpants, he turned to his loving wife and spoke.

Xander: [For being the last person who fell asleep, I’m shocked that you’re up earlier than the rest.]

Wrapping her arms around his abdomen, she placed her beat red cheek on his very own and gave a smile.

Shiro: [Don’t lie. You started holding me as I was falling asleep.]

Xander: [Damn. I’ve been caught.]

The crimson man turned back to the pot of coffee in front of him and slowly pulled another cup from the cabinet above him.

Xander: [I assume you’d like some?]

Shiro: [Yeah. I could really use it right about now. I’ve got a really small headache that’s kinda irritating me…]

Suddenly, Xander stopped moving and slowly turned his eyes towards Shiro.

Xander: [Shiro…]

For a few seconds, Shiro had not realized why this reaction was given. However, following that brief passage of time, her face quickly lit up with a new panic behind it.

Shiro: [I-It’s not that! Don’t worry! I’ve had this before… especially during those times… b-but I’m sure this time is different!]

Xander: [You’re sure that’s not the reason for the headache?]

Shiro: [Positive! There’s no way!]

Xander: [Alright. But if it is, you owe me big time.]

Shiro: [Wha–That’s not fair! This is a cooperative thing between us in the first place! You can’t just say I owe you!]

Xander: [Sure I can. I just did.]

Shiro: [Hmph!]

Pouting her cheeks like a child, Shiro gave a combined look of being flustered and upset. As her coffee was poured into her cup, this expression slowly faded into a new fusion. One that displayed a troubled look rather than one that was angry, yet kept the flustered piece she had before.

Shiro: [About last night, I’m really sorry, darling. I didn’t mean to… You know…]

Xander: [It’s all good. I’m sure a lot has happened and you probably have a bunch that you’d like to discuss. Besides, it’s been a week since we were with each other, right? I’m sure you had a lot of pent up love that you wanted to give.]

Once again, Shiro suddenly bursted into a blush panic.

Shiro: [N-Not true! I’m very calm at all times! Especially with you!]

Xander: [Oh, I see. So me being unable to move around when I sleep because your arms and legs hold me in a bind is calm, right?]

Shiro: [T-That’s normal! I’m sure even Silvia does that! A bunch of other couples do that too… probably!]

Xander: [There’s also the time that we were near a perfume store and as soon as the lady providing samples took one look at me, you sent a glare her way like you were ready to kill her on the spot.]

Drifting her eyes away from the victim, Shiro stared at an empty corner in the kitchen as she puffed up her cheeks again.

Shiro: [... She might have tried to steal you.]

After pouring coffee into both cups, Xander gently placed the pot down and moved towards Shiro. A kiss was firmly planted on her forehead, causing Shiro’s eyes to widen only to then bashfully shrink and drift away from him. Xander’s muscular arms wrapped around her, holding her tightly against his chest.

Xander: [All I’m saying is, if you need to let it out every now and then, I don’t mind. I’ve never been opposed to it, even if you always manage to scare me with how fierce you are.]

Playing with her hair, Shiro continued to look away from her husband.

Shiro: [J-Just so you know, I’m not really interested in it, but I don’t mind having more than three.]

Xander: [This again? I’m starting to doubt the honesty you had earlier.]

Shiro: [S-Shush! You don’t get to say these things after encouraging me like that!]

Xander: [Not sure that I’d call what I said “encouraging”, but I guess we can go with that.]

Caressing Shiro’s forehead with his right hand, Xander’s smile slowly faded as the conversation shifted.

Xander: [... Kōkatsu filled me in shortly after transferring your mom, the kids and I over to her place. It might not be my place to say, but I think it might be good to talk about it.]

Matching her lover, the same saddened look rested on the goddess’ own face.

Shiro: [Yeah… Is it alright if we move to the table?]

Xander: [Of course. Lead the way, my dear.]

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Xander: [I see. It’s pretty obvious, but that whole thing must have been a lot for you.]

Shiro: [Yeah. It was.]

Now sitting at a small table nearby, the two had spoken about the events of the week prior. Both of the lovers had mimicked each other, whether they had chosen to or not, as they looked at the cloth placed atop the table while firmly gripping the handles of their mugs.

Xander: [Yoro’s gone. Nero’s changed. An entire war has been sparked and your face is on the broadcast that started it. Not to mention how many have lost their lives as a result. I can’t imagine how Grandmother Devi is feeling after losing Tequi, Sol, all of them.]

Shiro: [... Xander.]

In a low voice, Shiro had suddenly responded to him.

Xander: [Hm? What’s wrong?]

Shiro: [... You don’t think that the person in the broadcast was me… right?]

Silence. A pure silence filled the room.

Shiro lowered her head, trying to bitterly swallow Xander’s lack of words.

Yet, instead, what came shortly after to break this pure nothingness was–

Xander: [Hm. Hmhmhmhm.]

Raising her head, Shiro looked back up at her husband. His eyes were now closed and a chuckle was being suppressed by his shut mouth.

Shiro: [... You’re laughing?]

Finally, his blood red eyes sparkled as they came into view again, reflecting Shiro’s beautiful image within them.

Xander: [My answer should already be known, but I’ll share something that should tell you what it is.]

His bright gleaming teeth were now visible as he continued.

Xander: [Would you like to hear what one of your children said in response to it? Even if they didn’t understand what the broadcast was referring to, they sure knew how to talk back.]

Moving a single hand away from the cup, Xander held up his index finger and mimicked the tone of his own child.

Xander: [Mama would never do that! Mama is strong, like me! The weird TV lady is stupid! Me and Mama aren’t stupid!]

Shiro’s eyes looked down towards her coffee. In the mug, she could see herself smiling, yet there were also tears moving down across her face.

Shiro: [I have a feeling I know which one said that…]

Xander: [The most troublesome one out of the bunch, and yet that very same one always makes sure to hold your name high. Your mother got a good kick out of it as well.]

Shiro: [Honestly… That child…]

Smiling back to Shiro, Xander took a sip of his coffee before moving the subject back to its origin.

Xander: [Even after a week though, it still doesn’t sit well with me that Nero turned into a monster. I might not be as close to him as you are, but he’s been someone that I’ve gotten close to myself not long after I met you. He lost Yoro, so it’s understandable that there would be some anger behind it… but still…]

Shiro: [I spoke to Yoro the day before his birthday. Apparently something similar happened ten years ago. His adoptive mother was killed at the time, and a similar outburst of rage occurred. If I had to guess…]

Xander: [It was a swelling anger that only got worse. He lost too much and couldn’t go back. I can only assume that if his daughter was nearby at the time, that likely made things worse for him.]

Moving his cup close to his nose, Xander paused.

Xander: [... It might be a touchy thing to say, but knowing you as well as I do now, I feel like the same thing would probably occur if you lost all of us.]

Shiro opened her mouth to respond… yet no words escaped. She wanted to provide a counter of her own, to show Xander that this was not true at all. Yet, only one thing appeared in her mind. A creature she did not understand. One that she could not see even though it had taken control of her at the end of her battle against Nero.

Thus, her answer was clear.

Shiro: [... You’re right.]

Confused by the response, Xander placed his cup down and raised his hands up, as if surrendering.

Xander: [N-No, no. It was a brash statement. I really shouldn’t have said it at all. Sorry, honey–]

Shiro: [No. I mean it. You’re right. When I was out there, fighting with Tequi and Devi… after Tequi died, I thought about our home and lost control of myself. I don’t know what I became, but it wasn’t me at all.]

Xander: [Lost control of…]

Slamming his hands against the table, Xander kicked himself off his chair. His eyes widened as he recalled a tale he was once told as a child. One that he and Shiro had shared memories of.

Xander: [Shiro! You don’t mean…]

Shiro: [I’m not sure. I’m not even sure that I want to know. All I know is that you’re right. If I lost all of you, I’d probably become that monster again, maybe something worse.]

Xander slowly sat back down in his chair, tracing his eyebrows with his finger. Whilst he moved his hand back down to speak to his wife, the very same beauty spoke before him.

Shiro: [Xander.]

Xander: [Yes?]

Shiro: [... Devi and I are going to train for the next week or so, along with three by my side. After that period of time passes, we’ll attempt another strike against Nero’s forces. When that happens, I want you to stay here, ok? I know you’ll be worried about my safety… but…]

Xander: [That’s fine.]

Shiro: [Huh?]

The crimson eyes of Shiro swiftly moved back to face the same from her lover.

Xander: [You’re here now after already fighting him, right? I trust that you’ll come back safely. It’s not from a careless outlook or a thought with little behind it. I just trust you. If the thought of losing us created a monster, then that means you won’t lose as long as we’re around.]

Shutting her eyes, Shiro gave a gentle smile.

Shiro: [Honestly, you…]

Xander: [Besides, even ignoring the Nero stuff…]

Xander’s head moved to look out the nearby window.

Xander: [I’m not really the fighting type, so I’m not sure that’s a situation I’d like to handle.]

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With the stretch of her arms, the beautiful braveheart rose from the soft guest bed she had slept on. Though the sleepwear she borrowed from Shiro was not dirty in the slightest, she dusted off her knees and shoulders before standing tall. Five minutes of different stretches were performed, targeting each area on her body to fully awaken the sleeping muscles inside of her. Once this was finished, she slapped her hands together repeatedly and shook her hair. Now, with her awakened routine finished, she moved towards the door and opened it. To her right was the hall that led to the stairs. To her left was the continuation of the hall that she stayed in, which now had a small yellow cat girl walking down the path. Nodding her head, the braveheart greeted the girl with a smile.

Devi: [Miss Bachi.]

Bachi: [Blue Lady.]

Devi: [Please, call me Devi.]

Bachi: [Blue Lady.]

Devi: [...Hm.]

Attempting to keep her smile, Devi sparked up a new conversation with Bachi.

Devi: [How did you enjoy your time here yesterday?]

Bachi: [S’nice, I guess. Bed was soft. Food was alright. Met the cool kid.]

Devi: [Cool kid? Are you referring to the one you saw in the photo album?]

Bachi: [Yeah. I made the right choice. That one is neat.]

Devi: [I’m glad to hear that. Perhaps I will be able to meet them as well.]

Moving past Devi, Bachi continued to speak as she made her way towards the stairs.

Bachi: [Good luck with that. I only ran into ‘em by accident. Not sure anyone else will get the chance. Anyways, I’m gonna go get some grub.]

Devi’s azure fingers gripped at her chin as she started to think about what Bachi had told her.

Devi: [I suppose I’ll need to try some new methods to see the other two children then. But for now, I must agree with Bachi. I believe a good meal should help with our training today.]

As Devi followed close behind and made her way down the stairs, she could hear the banter between a husband and wife from the nearby dining room.

Xander: [Self defense is totally different!]

Shiro: [It counts as fighting! You know how to fight, Xander!]

Xander: [But I’m not gonna go out of my way to do so!]

Shiro: [If someone attacked you, what would you do in response?]

Xander: [I’d stop the attack and subdue them.]

Shiro: [There you go! That counts, doesn’t it?]

Xander: [Not at all!]

Devi: [May I ask what is going on?]

Moving into the dining room, Devi watched as her grandson and granddaughter-in-law turned to meet her.

Shiro: [Devi, Xander is saying that his style isn’t a method of fighting at all!]

Xander: [Which is true, might I add!]

Shiro: [Is not!]

Xander: [Is too!]

Placing an arm under her chest, Devi proceeded to use the very same to hold the elbow of the opposite and placed a hand against her cheek.

Devi: [Xander is well trained in combat. There is a firm reason as to why I had chosen him among Divinia’s children to lead our military group. His skills are superb and his focus is often resolute.]

Shiro: [See!]

Devi: [However, what he has said is indeed true as well. His primary focus is that of self defense. He will not engage in battle unless someone else opposes him and attempts to strike him down. In some senses, it could be considered something different than fighting.]

Xander: [See!]

Finally, Devi closed her eyes as she finished her thoughts.

Devi: [In the end, much like the woman he loves, Xander will likely continue to argue over pointless debates such as this until the end of time.]

Surprised by the jab, the two looked back up at Devi with their mouths agape.

Shiro and Xander: [Wha–]

Bachi: [Hah! The Blue Lady is kinda funny now! The hell did the two of n’ya talk ‘bout yesterday that changed her, Schmiro?]

Moving around the kitchen with multiple articles of food in her hands, Bachi erupted into a small laugh while listening in.

Shiro: [D-Devi! That’s mean! Where the hell did that come from?!]

Xander: [I’ve never seen a version of you that wasn’t formal! What the hell, Grandma!]

Clapping her hands together twice, Devi kept her eyes shut as she provided a command to the lovers.

Devi: [Yes, yes. Please kiss so that your dispute may be solved and we can continue with our day, lest I force it upon you with my own hands.]

Once again, the same agape reaction occurred. Only now a blush was stretched out across their faces.

Shiro and Xander: [Wha–]

Devi: [Right then, moving on from that, allow me to explain the plans for today along with the rest of the week. We’ll be training for the time that we have, as well as preparing anything that we may need for our attack later on. Once this attack occurs, we will follow the same strategy that we had originally made before, only this time we will have less forces behind us. Given the strength of Kōkatsu, Silvia, Shiro and I, it is my belief that everything shall still work in our favor. With the amount of time we have, our advantage should only rise to a much greater height. I would like to request for a small force of additional troops, Xander. As for you, Shiro, we will train by your mother’s house alongside your commanders. There are many regimens we shall go through, but I believe that this will work out very well for us. Any questions?]

Shiro: [I… I still don’t–]

Devi: [Good. Let us all grab a healthy breakfast and enjoy the time that we have. I would like to request for someone to please wake up the remaining two among Shiro’s crew.]

Xander: [I can do that. I need to get the kids up anyway. It might be a weekend, but I can’t exactly have them sleep in too much.]

Xander pushed his hands down against his legs, shifting the chair back and allowing him to stand. As he exited the room and made his way to the stairs, Devi proceeded with the final step for the morning.

Devi: [Perfect. Shiro, if you must relieve yourself of your desires, please feel free to grab my grandson at this moment before we enjoy our breakfast.]

A far brighter red than before was slapped onto Shiro’s cheeks which she now tried to hide with her hands.

Shiro: [D-D-Devi!]

Xander: [WHY THE HELL ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT THAT OUT LOUD, AND ABOUT YOUR GRANDSON OF ALL PEOPLE, GRANDMA?!]

Bursting back into the room, Xander gave an echoing shout.

Devi: [Is there something wrong with what I said? If Shiro were to do her best with not only her training, but also the battle ahead, it is best that she experiences any relief she may need.]

Xander: [And that makes it appropriate to talk about now?! Have you gone senile or something–EEK!]

In response, a chilling glare was sent Xander’s way, which caused him to not only jump back and shriek, but also experience what felt like countless bugs crawling along his skin.

Devi: [Xander. I believe there are three children whom you should have spoken to me about, that you now said you would wake up, correct? Perhaps you should do that before I decide that their father should experience a much greater pain than yesterday.]

Seeing Devi crack the knuckle of her index finger without the assistance of her other hand, Xander quickly dashed out of the room and back up the stairs. Calming herself down, Devi turned to face Shiro with a smile.

Devi: [Let’s enjoy some breakfast shall we, Shiro?]

Puzzled, Shiro sat in her chair with a single thought that made its way past her lips.

Shiro: [... With every passing day, I understand the Bloodfire family less and less.]

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Several were gathered in front of the home that bore a close resemblance to an old shrine. At the time in which many of them had arrived, they were greeted by an individual who stood out among all. No matter the person, no matter where they were from, everyone had known or at least heard of Airi the Hero. The legendary name that provided hope to those were in fear, and terror to those who caused it. Her name was well known enough that her very status and title were held higher than that of royalty or any notable figures. Even those who did not know of the Bloodfire Family were aware of Airi Natsuri.

However, that legendary woman had died many years ago. A public funeral service was held to honor her, yet not a single malicious being took advantage of the moment. It was as if her ghost was still haunting them from beyond the grave. To many, this is where her legend had ended. To only two individuals in Shin however, her story continued. One of those being that of Goranio Fuloreen, the man who had married Airi Natsuri, replacing her last name with his own and allowing her the freedom she desired. The other was a small child she and Goranio had named Shiro. The girl who had now been fully grown, with a family of her own and the status of a goddess.

Now, there were several who were before her. The former ruler of the world, who had known Airi a long time ago, Devi Bloodfire. A little girl with a similar appearance to the girl Airi had raised. Which only made sense given that this young girl was her granddaughter, Yui Bloodfire. Two men who looked up to Airi the Hero as an idol and the very reason they chose the paths they now walked along, Hidari Monjo and Migi Paribozijiou. Finally, a girl who had no affiliation with Airi nor did she care about her, Bachi.

With her powerful voice alone, the legendary hero caused the two men in front of her to kneel while the cat girl continued to stand, annoyed by the noise.

Airi: [In tandem with Devi’s training, I will be training the three of you today.]

Hidari and Migi: [Yes, Lady Airi!]

Bowing their heads down to her, the angel and the incubus showed the utmost loyalty to her. However, though she could not see them, Airi’s cheek started to twitch from the enthusiastic way her name was pronounced.

Airi: [Enough of this lady business! I am not the one whom you serve!]

Hidari and Migi: [Yes, Miss Airi!]

Airi: [Do not exclaim that either! Just “Mrs.Fuloreen” is enough! Moving past that, I’ll separate each of you into your own categories. Hidari!]

Hidari: [Y-Yes!]

Moving his head back up, the angel with white hair and a gi of the same color responded.

Airi: [Shiro has informed me that you lack a style of your own. Thus, I shall teach you the basics of the Babylon Way. However, this comes at a cost. This is not a style you can simply learn and use on your own. It is a style that excels in being shaped by your own hands. If you wish to conquer it, you must be able to find the way in which you can use it best, along with the stance that allows for this.]

Hidari: [Thank you, ma’am! It’s an honor to be able to learn such a thing!]

Airi: [Migi!]

Migi: [Yeah!]

Next, the incubus with spiky purple hair and flashy sunglasses raised his head.

Airi: [Your mechanical arm seems to be your biggest focus. Thus, you shall receive armed combat training. Though I may be unfamiliar with mechanical weapons, I’m sure Kōkatsu can assist in making some adjustments to it and provide it with more than just a simple arm cannon combination. Before she does so, you’ll learn the basics of each weapon I have. From there, we shall see which suits you best and implement it into your machine.]

Migi: [Understood, ma’am!]

Receiving the salute she could not see, Airi nodded and moved onto her final student.

Airi: [Bachi!]

Bachi: [What?! Don’t yell at me! ‘Sides, I don’t take orders from anyone!]

Roaring back, Bachi gave an annoyed shout towards the previously praised woman.

Airi: [My daughter had told me many nice things about you. From what it seems, you do not have many areas in which you falter. However, there is one that is extremely weak that I am sure she hesitated to tell me about, and that is your discipline. We shall work on that for the day.]

Bachi: [Ha?! The hell do n’ya mean?! I’m jus’ fine the way I am, n’ya prick!]

Airi: [Language, young lady. Do not speak this way whilst near my granddaughter.]

Bachi: [Ghk!]

Though Bachi attempted to overpower Airi with her harsh words, a terrifying chill ran up her spine as Airi talked back to her in a low voice. The scene of Bachi backing down out of fear had been so rare, it left the previous two along with Shiro herself surprised. Bachi took several steps back, before looking at Shiro.

Bachi: [Is she always like this?]

Shiro: [She’ll give you a good understanding of how scary she can be if you decide to misbehave. Besides, I would rather you didn’t talk like that while near Yui either.]

Bachi: [Tch. F-Fine, I’ll do the discipline thing. Not like I need it. What’s the Blue Lady need to do anyways?]

Clicking her tongue, Bachi looked away from the group before moving her eyes back to Airi.

Airi: [That is simple. Devi will–]

Devi: [Pinchy-Pinch!]

Yui: [Eii!]

Devi: [Squeezey-Squeeze!]

Yui: [Phooo!]

The group looked over to Devi, who had started to pinch Yui’s cheeks as far as she could without hurting her. From there, she quickly let go and squished her hands back onto Yui’s cheeks, causing them to move close to her mouth. All the while, the two of them continued to smile and laugh.

Airi: [Devi.]

Snapping back to attention, Devi had noticed that her name was called.

Devi: [Hm? Oh, right then. I had focused on the activity I often loved doing with my children that I had forgotten about the training. Perhaps I will try to do the same to the other two when we have some free time.]

Shiro: [Well, you might be able to catch one of them. I’m not sure about the other, though. They inherited my innate ability, after all.]

Devi: [Innate ability? Meaning they’ve inherited your Illusion World?]

The Illusion World is that of an innate ability, granted to Shiro Fuloreen. Innate abilities themselves were a rare occurrence, often only given to one in every a thousandth child. It had been said that such a thing was more rare than being born with divine chi, however this was never proven to be true. Unlike divine chi, there was a much greater risk to this as well. Many could not determine their innate ability, and as such, there were risks of injury or death when it came to using it. Some may have their advantages, while others might only be cursed by it. It was a gamble given from birth that one may need to tackle.

However, there was one spot within the puzzle that led the study between how rare innate abilities and divine chi were to the inconclusive result. It was far more likely for one to receive an innate ability should such a thing exist with a parent. Thus, though innate abilities were rare, out of the three children Shiro Fuloreen had given birth to, one of them was gifted with the very same ability she had received.

Airi: [Honestly, if that brat ends up on the wrong path, it’ll be G.o.S all over again.]

Raising an eyebrow, Shiro looked towards her sighing mother.

Shiro: [G.o.S? What’s that?]

Airi: [Guillotine of Shark. I’ve never told you about her, have I? I’m sure Devi has heard of her.]

Devi: [Apologies, Airi, but I have not.]

Surprised by the lack of an understanding from Devi, Airi scratched her hair with her index finger.

Airi: [All those old comments from Shiro way back when are starting to catch up to me. Maybe I really am getting there. Anyways, she was someone strong that I once knew. She gave me a few headaches back then, both mentally and physically. Let’s focus on the here and now though. Devi, I believe you have a training regimen for my daughter.]

Looking down at Yui, Devi smiled as she picked her up from under the arms and moved the girl from her lap to the porch beside her. She then stood up, holding the hilt of her sword as she made her way to Shiro.

Devi: [Shiro and I shall train in armed combat. There are many things that I saw within her potential that I would like to bring forward. In order to do so, I must dispel what holds her back and push her beyond that. I’m sure there’s aspects of this that I could learn from myself, which is why I wish to do so. For today, I would like to target her ability to sense, or rather, how she will combat an opponent she cannot see.]

Summoning Storm from the air around her, Shiro gave a confident smile as she looked back at Devi.

Shiro: [That sounds good to me. If you don’t mind though, I’d like to do a special course of my own for our final training day, once that arrives.]

Suddenly, Devi’s right boot kicked at the floor and launched a stick into the air. She then took hold of the stick and pointed it towards Shiro, causing a visible look of pain on her face.

Devi: [Prove to me that you will be strong enough for our upcoming battle, and I shall accept.]

Shiro: [Another stick, huh? I don’t have the greatest memories of the last time you used one.]

Devi: [Rest assured, I do not plan to strike you down in the same manner. This is simply training, after all. Now please, close your eyes and anticipate the attacks.]

Following the instructions, Shiro shut her eyes off from the world. She could not see Airi moving away with the three. She could not see her daughter. She could not see Devi. The next few moments would be ones in which she could not see a single thing. A concept that would strike many with fear, yet Shiro stood strong before her opponent. In this void of nothing but the wind, the grass and the sea, Devi entered the same realm with her voice.

Devi: [I shall start by speaking whilst I attack. From there, we will remove each piece bit by bit until you have perfected this anticipation. This shall continue for several hours until I feel that you are ready to move on.]

Shiro: [Got it. Let’s do this.]

Devi: [Very well. Then let us begin.]

In Shiro’s mind, the next sound that could be heard was similar to that of a cannonball being fired. In front of her, a loud boom exploded and was making its way towards her from the left. As this was done, a single grunt could be heard.

Devi: [Hm!]

Noticing Devi’s voice, Shiro quickly released Storm and struck at the left, causing a loud ring of metal to electrify the air around them. It had been odd that a stick was able to cause such a thing, but in the hands of Devi Bloodfire, it was only natural.

Devi: [Good! Next!... Yah!]

From the grass behind her, Shiro could hear a shift in position, which was then followed by a grunt to her right. Moving her hands along the hilt of her blade, Shiro swiftly struck at the right, causing another ring to echo out.

A much faster shift along the grass was made, this time being from the right to directly in front of her.

Devi: [Here!]

With all of her might, Shiro struck back at the stick that rushed towards her forehead. As a result, Devi was sent a few feet back from the force.

Devi: [Very good, Shiro. Let’s try without the grunting now.]

Not much had changed within Shiro’s mind. The noise from Devi’s mouth was now gone, yet she could still hear the grass around. She knew every position Devi would come from. Slightly to the left, then a quick shift to the right of Shiro’s body. From behind, then jumping over and attempting to strike her chest. Towards the left shoulder, and then the same to the right thigh. Each attack was brilliantly countered by Shiro.

Perhaps it was simple. Perhaps it was basic. After all, the grass itself was a dangerous tool in a battle without sight. It could easily give away one’s position without much effort at all. Thus, this step in Devi’s training had the same level of ease to it as the one prior. She could even Devi return to her original position, ready to move onto the next.

Devi: [Good. Now, I’ll take things up a notch. My attacks will be far more consecutive, along with not a single sound shall be heard.]

Devi’s words were a surprise to Shiro, but one she accepted. There was still one thing she could see. Devi’s aura. If Devi’s aura was visible, this was all she would need to continue.

From that very aura, Shiro watched as a red tinted visage of Devi moved towards her and danced with a flurry of strikes. A song should have been created with the harmonic rhythm that she attacked with, but her control was next level. There was not a single sound that could be heard, just like she had stated. Over and over, she struck Shiro from different angles and directions without a ring attached to it. But even without that, though Shiro could not hear her, she knew where Devi was. The task was the same as before, the advantage she had still remained, and with that, Shiro could counter each of the attacks aimed at her. There had not been a single one that made contact with anything but her sword. A perfect trust between Shiro and her Storm. With a final kick to the blade being given by Devi, the next step would soon arrive.

Devi: [Excellent, Shiro. However, our games are now over. It’s time for the final step.]

The words were chilling, but Shiro braced herself for what would come next.

What she had not been prepared for however was exactly that.

Suddenly, in one deep breath, Devi’s aura had disappeared from Shiro’s mind.

Her mind was now shaken and messy. Her hands trembled along the hilt. She did not know where to expect Devi’s attacks from or how to counter them. And then, it arrived.

Shiro: [Ghk! Hk!]

An attack to her right shoulder, an attack directly aimed at her stomach. Shiro lowered a single leg close to the ground as she attempted to support her body. While she did so, a sound suddenly entered her ears.

Yui: [Mama!]

Shiro: [Mama needs silence! Please, Yui!]

Lifting herself back up, Shiro readied herself again, only to be hit by several more attacks. She could tell that Devi was not disappointed but likely wanted to see how Shiro would break through this or if she even could. Perhaps it would take hours, perhaps it could happen now, this is what Devi most likely had thought. However, Shiro did not believe such a thing was possible in a short amount of time.

She was not sure what Devi saw in her. Shiro knew that she was strong, she had defeated Daroma the Dark after all. However, there were still several things that Shiro lacked. She could not compare to the legendary braveheart, Devi Bloodfire herself. There was a chance she could not reach this level at all. Yet for some reason, Devi noticed something when the two of them had fought. There was something that showed Devi what Shiro was truly capable of.

Shiro: [Hnk! Ghik! Ack! Rhk!]

It would all soon end. Devi would most likely call off the fight before things would worsen. All it would take was one more clean hit, and her training with Devi would likely be finished for the next few hours. This process would then repeat later, where the same thing would occur. In the worst case scenario, Shiro would have to endure this for the next six days. The idea that she had for the regimen would likely not come to fruition, but also, Shiro’s own improvement would not burst forth. This is how things would end up, and thus–

Yui: [You can do it, Mama!]

Reverberating in Shiro’s mind, she could hear the voice of her eldest daughter. The daughter she loved and cherished with all of her heart. Beautifully soft, perfectly kind, the girl that embodied the same gentle feeling that both she and Xander had in their very blood.

With that voice ringing out to her, Shiro sheathed Storm.

In less than a second, she pulled at the hilt and drew the blade forward.

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Devi Bloodfire had seen many things in her time. There were many opponents she had overcome, and many fighting styles she had gotten used to. Armed or unarmed. Skilled or lack thereof. Matōki abilities, the advanced variants, countless different methods of attacking, defending and engaging in combat. It was rare that she was ever surprised nor thrown off guard. Her title of Braveheart was no joke.

The only time she could recall was her recent battle with Nero Virtuoso. A man who was much higher than any other in every regard. His skills could be considered unmatched, as he was able to take on Shiro Fuloreen, Tequi Tensetsu and Devi herself in battle. In that clash, Tequi had even lost her life by the end of it. At the time, Devi was told not to use the full extent of her capabilities, that being her advanced technique. However, even with it, there was a chance that Nero may have had his own to counter.

That man was the only instance that she could recall in which she had been thrown off guard. That was until a child shouted to her mother, and she gazed upon what would come next.

Immediately, as Devi attempted to thrust her stick towards Shiro’s chest, a flash of green went by as her blade was sheathed and unsheathed. In that instant, Devi watched as the stick was effortlessly cut in half without a sound. Her eyes could not help but widen, yet it did not stop there.

Following that slash, Shiro's assault continued. Jabs from the tip of her blade, elegant slashes in different directions. Devi was forced into a corner in which she could only dodge. Even when she attempted to move to the side, the unthinkable occurred. Shiro followed her. The Shiro who could not hear her. The Shiro who could not sense her. Shiro perfectly caught up and continued the newly formed dance that she had created to counter Devi’s own.

Countless words filled Devi’s mind as she bore witness to Shiro’s graceful attacks.

Elegant.

Sublime.

Magnificent.

Perfect.

Flawless.

Beautiful

Completely and utterly untouchable.

Shiro had not aimed to kill, yet her strikes almost made it seem like the attacks would instantly sever Devi’s life. She was at a loss for words. In her entire life, Devi had never seen such perfected swordplay before. Not a single warrior she had fought, not even that of Nero Virtuoso, could compare to the snow-like beauty in front of her that danced with pure divinity.

In one final attack, Storm drew close to Devi’s neck, stopping just short of touching the skin.

Slowly, Shiro opened her eyes.

Shiro: [How did I do–Oh shit! Devi! I’m so sorry! I didn’t mean to come that clos–]

Devi: [Shiro!]

Though Shiro had dropped her sword and attempted to apologize, Devi swiftly grabbed her shoulders with a radiant smile. A confused reaction took form on Shiro’s face, puzzled by why Devi was smiling over such a thing.

Devi: [That was perfect! I’ve found it! I know what your strength is now!]

Shiro: [Y-You do…? I’m still a little confused on what it is myself.]

Devi: [Your family! That very love you have for them! You have not considered them while fighting up until this moment! I was correct about my analysis from our first encounter! That is what it is!]

Moving her blood red eyes over to Yui, Devi gleefully shouted to the girl.

Devi: [Yui! Please do me a favor and stay here while I practice with your mother! Keep encouraging her as we do battle! I’ll reward you with some ice cream after!]

Yui: [If that’s what I need to do to help Mama, then I’ll do it!]

The girl lifted a fist in the air as she gave her kind reply back. Devi then looked to the floor and picked up Storm, passing it back to Shiro.

Devi: [Again, Shiro! Let us go again! Our progress is already off to an incredible start!]

Shiro: [Right!]

Picking up Storm, Shiro moved her head over her shoulder to look at Yui. A kind smile was shared between mother and daughter. She then looked back at Devi with a ferocious fire of resolve filling her soul.

Shiro: [I get it now, Devi. Let’s go right to the final step from the very beginning!]

Devi: [Good! I was hoping you would say such a thing!]

Thus, the true electrifying battle that scorched the air had begun.

From just the first few hours alone, Devi’s training was already off to an overwhelmingly perfect start.

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Cloud Watching.

It was something Shiro had done ever since she was little.

She had no real reason to do so, nor did she feel like anything else would be boring.

It was simply an activity that she enjoyed most.

Thus, following the few hours of training she had done with Devi, Shiro had taken a break to relax. Her clothes were now dampened with sweat, her breaths were long and loud, and her energy was almost fully spent. This would not be the end for the day, but she now had the time to regain all the energy she needed. While Devi went to an ice cream shop nearby to keep her promise to Yui, Shiro continued to watch the clouds above.

As she did so, all alone, a single sentence left her tired mouth.

Shiro: [I hope you’re watching us from up there, Tete.]

Smiling back to the clouds above, Shiro continued her cloud watching.

That was until the shogi behind her opened up. Airi and the others had already been away, thus the person to arrive between them was someone else entirely. Xander and their other two children had come by to deliver some things along with providing Shiro with a bottle of water. After they finished, the three remained in Airi’s house, waiting for Shiro’s training to end and preparing their own praises.

Shiro supported herself with her arms as she looked up to see who was at the door. Then, the purest smile she could ever give was shown.

Shiro: [Ah. It’s you.]

Tilting her head, Shiro patted her chest as she looked at them.

Shiro: [... Would you like to watch the clouds with Mama?]

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