A Demon's Tale

The final day had arrived. The day in which many would depart to a great battle at Nero Virtuoso’s castle.

Wearing a black sweater and blue jeans, a pink-haired man sat by his lonesome in the back of a carriage. His eyes had been shut off from the world around him. His arms were diligently crossed over each other. Lastly, the man was completely lost in his own thoughts. He paid no attention to the world around. Not a single ounce given to whatever sound had entered his ears. All except for one voice. A voice that had suddenly risen from the gate that allowed entry and exit of the carriage.

???: [There you are. I found it rather odd when I was unable to find where you were hiding this past week, given that we do not have many left within our army. I was right to check the carriages though.]

Opening his eyes to the one he served, the man turned to see the smile of an azure woman with blood red hair. Due to the fact that he had disappeared for quite some time, the man apologized to her.

Night: [I’m sorry for my sudden disappearance, Lady Devi. I required some time to think.]

Devi: [There’s no issues with that. Would you mind if we had a chat about it? I’m curious to hear what’s on your mind.]

Night: [Of course. Please, sit.]

Devi Bloodfire provided a firm nod to give her thanks, before entering the carriage and sitting on the bench opposite to Night. It had only been a week, yet Devi had looked much different within his eyes. There was far more joy than he had ever seen within her. The way in which she spoke felt oddly proper, as if she had removed any fragment of emptiness from her body. Her desire to speak with Night itself was rather uncommon. All of this had led to a singular response from him.

Night: [You’ve changed, Lady Devi.]

Smiling back, Devi tilted her head.

Devi: [Do you mind this change?]

Night: [No. It’s good. There was a fire in you when we had met, but I never saw the version of you that Sol and the others spoke of. I think what I’m seeing now is exactly that, maybe more.]

Devi gave a small chuckle that she covered with a finger, before continuing to speak with her eyes glued to her knees.

Devi: [I suppose I’ve returned to my former self this past week. Shiro has done an incredible amount for me, so much so that I’m unsure of how to repay her. Perhaps the fact that she is now a part of my family could be considered payment, but I only view that as more that I owe to her.]

Night: [That means you’ve found out who her husband is, correct?]

Devi: [Indeed. I’m well aware you wished to share these details earlier than I had learned. However, in a sense, I’m rather glad that I found out the way I did. It felt… natural. Yes, natural is the way I shall refer to it.]

Lifting her head back up, Devi displayed her smile once more.

Devi: [Enough about me. What has been on your mind, Night?]

As he was asked this, Night’s eyes drifted towards the partially visible blue sky from the back of the carriage.

Night: [... I’ve been thinking about some old friends of mine. It’s been a while since I felt this nostalgic.]

Devi: [If I recall correctly, you had spoken about them before, yes?]

Night: [At one point in time, long before I met you, I was with them. We agreed to meet up again when the time was right, but that didn’t end up happening. At least for me anyways. Ever since a week ago though, I’ve been thinking about that promise. I’ve been wondering how they’re doing, or if they’re still alright. Maybe they need my help or maybe they’re just fine. I’ll never really know, but I can’t stop thinking about it.]

Devi: [Then why not search for them?]

Night’s eyes shoot directly back to Devi in an instant, whose kindness lit up the shaded carriage around them. Repeating a similar action to what Night had done before, Devi’s eyes moved to the same clear blue sky.

Devi: [It won’t be long now until we enter a battle like no other. Should we succeed… Well, it’s odd to say, but I’m not quite sure what I’ll do. I’d like to visit my daughter and speak with her. Not about her role as the current ruler nor any political matters, but a chat. A simple chat between mother and daughter. I’d like to learn what Divinia has enjoyed recently in her life, perhaps the things she is concerned about as well in order to help push her forward. After that, I could visit Yuri and speak to him as well. I’ve focused on Divinia for so long that I feel I haven’t spent enough time with my son. From there, I believe I will enjoy my time with my great grandchildren here, with Shiro and Xander. At this point, I’m retired. I’ve only chosen to fight due to my own responsibility in this matter. I was the one who lit the flame, thus I should be the one to put it out. But after that, I think I’ll enjoy some rest with them.]

She moved her crimson eyes back to Night.

Devi: [Which is why you should search for them when we are finished. After our battle, we will pay our respects to those we have lost and move our separate ways. I am not trying to imply that you should no longer serve me, but if there is something you wish to seek, then seek it. I shall spend my time here, with Shiro and Xander. Perhaps until the days that I grow old and slowly fade. I’ve lived a long life already, even if I was lost for quite some time.]

Night: [Lady Devi…]

Slapping her knees, Devi quickly stood up and made her way to the exit.

Devi: [For now, I’ll leave that decision up to you, Night. Whether you join me in my rest or seek the answers to your questions is entirely for you to decide. Telling me your choice isn’t required either. Simply choose where you wish to walk and I shall allow it. But first, we must prepare for what comes next before we prepare for after.]

With that, the Braveheart exited the carriage.

Night sat alone once again, taking in his own thoughts. However, after a few moments, he stood up in a hunched position to avoid breaking the top of the carriage and made his way to the exit as well.

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Stepping into the living room of the two story house was a goddess of white. White hair, a white overshirt, white pants and white shoes. There were small pieces within her outfit that did not match in color, but many articles displayed the same look. As she made her way into the room, she held the hands of her well built lover and provided a kiss to his lips. Following their performance of love, the man with blood red hair and eyes of the same spoke back to her.

Xander: [Have you said bye to the kids yet?]

Shiro: [Why do you think it took me nearly half an hour to say bye to you? Yui had no problem saying bye, but the other two were bawling their eyes out.]

Xander: [Heh. Yep. Sounds about right for them.]

Pressing their noses up against each other, the two stared deeply into the eyes that matched in color. The only thing that had interrupted them was the sound of a nearby door opening, which now had an azure woman standing where it was once. The lovers removed their hands, while Xander specifically turned to face this woman. As she approached, both him and the azure figure spread their arms out, greeting each other with a hug.

Devi: [Take good care of those children while we’re gone, Xander. Otherwise, you won’t hear the end of it from either of us.]

Xander: [The same to you two. If I hear either you or Shiro got hurt, you won’t hear the end of it, Grandmother.]

Devi: [Now why is it that Shiro was not included in the consequence?]

Xander: [Simple. It’s my own personal bias to the woman I love.]

A mutual laugh was shared with the three. Though what would soon arrive provided a spike of fear into each of their hearts, they had ultimately enjoyed the time that they had. Focusing on the present was all that was important now. After three small pats on the back from both the grandmother and the grandson, their hug was lifted. It was perfect timing, since two more had arrived at the door. A kitsune with long orange hair and a snake woman with hair of the same length, only purple.

Kōkatsu: [Sounds like we’re all ready to go! I’ve got my peeps in our own carriages, ready to depart and the same goes for Sisi! We all good here?]

The snow-like goddess smiled back to her closest friend.

Shiro: [Yeah. We’re ready to leave. We’ll be with you in just a second, Kō.]

Kōkatsu: [Great! I’ll be waitin’ out he–Oh! Wait! Almost forgot! I gotta go say bye as well!]

Taking off her geta, Kōkatsu swiftly ran into Shiro’s home and up the stairs.

Shiro: [I guess me and her share the same mind. I forgot this would happen as well.]

Devi: [Kōkatsu needs to say bye? To whom?]

Shiro: [My kids. Get ready for another half an hour of waiting. She’ll be there for a while.]

Turning her head back to the door, Shiro greeted the other friend who was waiting.

Shiro: [Why don’t you come inside for some tea, Sil? It’ll be a little bit longer now till we have to leave.]

Silvia: [Very well. I have already ssssaid my farewellssss to Alfy. I believe ssssome tea sssshall calm thissss tiny hint of ssssadnesssss within my heart.]

As Silvia slithered her way into the dining room with Xander close behind, Devi closed her eyes and smiled.

Devi: [Come to think of it, there’s also a small piece of sadness within my own. I’ve still yet to pinch the cheeks of the last child.]

Shiro: [If you’d like to, Kōkatsu is upstairs right now. They’re probably the most vulnerable when they’re crying to her.]

Devi: [No. I feel as though it would be cheating to do that. I’ll do so when I receive another opportunity, perhaps when we return. Besides…]

Puzzled by her sudden pause, Shiro lifted an eyebrow while looking at Devi’s smug face.

Shiro: [Besides?]

Devi: [... I have a feeling that interrupting Kōkatsu’s time with those children is far more dangerous than that of Nero Virtuoso himself.]

Mirroring back the same look, Shiro smiled at her friend.

Shiro: [It’s not a feeling, Devi. That’s the truth.]

Though another thirty minute wait was required, the group enjoyed their tea and said their farewells following Kōkatsu’s return.

Shiro was now away from her home once again, after returning for only a week.

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With everyone gathered in one place, the plan was repeated so all could hear.

Devi: [Let’s return to the plan we had created during our time in the kitsune village. As we approach the castle, we will split up into two groups with our forces. One group that shall join their leaders in the charge and another that will stay back, awaiting any surprise attacks from enemies behind or around us. It is important that we keep the latter in mind, as positioning ourselves between posts after a battle has concluded will allow for ease of joining up in the next battle. For these forces, a great deal of Silvia’s own, along with what remains of my troops and a handful of Kōkatsu’s shall guard these areas. As for the rest, they will join us in the attack against Nero Virtuoso. Shiro along with the three that serve her, Kōkatsu and the rest of her troops, Silvia with hers and myself shall be the ones that move in. It might be rather selfish, but I would like to request that any who are on the charging force leave Nero Virtuoso to Shiro and I. We shall deal with him on our own. As for the rest of you, there are many within his army and many that are quite capable. From what I had seen in our last battle, there were two in particular that stood out much more than the rest. Those two can be fought by Kōkatsu and Silvia, with whomever of the two choosing to fight one or the other. If we do this right, we should be able to secure victory with ease. To be honest, I had hoped that in my time training with Shiro, I would be able to construct an Advanced Matōki Ability for her current ability, Tempest. However, we were unable to do so in time. Despite this, I believe Shiro’s ability is much stronger than ever. Our blitz strategy should work brilliantly, even against an opponent of this caliber. I have said a great deal, which I apologize for, but I would like to ask, is this understood?]

Everyone: [Yes!]

Devi: [Good! Are we ready to move out?]

Everyone: [Yes!]

Devi: [Excellent! Then let us move!]

As each and every troop made their way to the respective carriages, the leaders stuck close by to each other. Whilst doing so, Kōkatsu had suddenly picked up on something in the ground which she made her way towards.

Kōkatsu: [Would ya look at that. I’ve never seen red tsubaki grow here.]

The three had turned to meet what Kōkatsu was touching and saw exactly what was described. Red Camellia flowers that had grown in a large bed along the grass field.

Devi: [Red camellia. What a rare sight in a place like this!]

Lifting herself up by her knees, Kōkatsu turned back to the group while gesturing to the flowers with her hand.

Kōkatsu: [Y'know what they represent, right? S’clearly talkin’ ‘bout the bravery and strength we have goin’ into this fight! After all, we got the legendary Braveheart herself, Devi Bloodfire with us! What else would it be there for?]

Raising a finger, Devi gave her own input.

Devi: [The red camellia are also known for symbolizing love. The exact thing that shall give us strength in this battle. The love for our families.]

Shiro: [That’s a great point, Devi! It’s like the flowers are giving us our clear sign of victory! We’ll have all the strength and courage we need to take Nero on, all thanks to our love!]

Devi: [Precisely! I’m glad you understand, Shiro!]

While the two succubi continued to praise each other, Silvia’s eyes drifted back to the flowers and then to Kōkatsu.

Kōkatsu: [What? I got somethin’ on my face?]

Silvia: [Perhapssss the flowerssss are sssspeaking to you.]

Kōkatsu: [The flowers are speakin’ to me? Oh… I get it. ‘Cause I’m strong right? Of course they know that!]

As Kōkatsu started to flex her muscular arm within her kimono to Silvia, her enthusiasm started to wane as the snake’s expression did not change.

Kōkatsu: [I don’t get it, Sisi. The hell are ya tryin to say?]

Moving towards the carriages, Silvia finished the conversation between them.

Silvia: [It isssss good. You have been rather ssssad for far too long.]

Kōkatsu: [The hell does that mean, Sisi?!]

Silvia: [You will likely undersssstand ssssoon. You were the firsssst to notisssse, therefore, I believe the flowerssss are telling you that it issss your time.]

Scratching the back of her irritated head, Kōkatsu followed close behind as she made her way to her own carriage.

Kōkatsu: [Way to sound dark. Honestly, that girl.]

Now all that remained was Shiro and Devi, who looked at the vast sea beside them.

Shiro: [Devi.]

Devi: [Hm?]

Shiro: [When we come back, what do you say to a sailing trip? Me, you, Xander and my kids. We’ll go out there and have fun. Maybe we’ll go camping somewhere nice after and you can tell the little ones all of your interesting stories while we eat meals by the campfire.]

Moving her kind eyes from Shiro to the sea, Devi responded.

Devi: [... I would love that. I hope you don’t mind, but now that you’ve presented the idea, I’ll be holding you to it.]

Shiro: [That’s fine. We’ll get it done, one hundred percent! Right after we beat Nero!]

Devi: [As long as you understand. Let us charge forward, my friend!]

Determination clashing in their eyes, the two locked their arms together as a sign of cooperation. In their stride to the carriages, a voice rang out to the two.

???: [Morina and Ginsa are watching over the two of you!]

Looking back, the two saw the short, heroic woman with blond hair standing nearby.

Airi: [It’s not just them either. Your father, Goranio, is watching over you, Shiro.]

With a smile, Airi continued.

Airi: [... You’d best not disappoint them.]

From a cloud of smoke, Storm was summoned into Shiro’s hand which she clutched the sheath of.

Shiro: [It’s not just them, Mom.]

Airi: [Oh?]

Holding the hilt of Infierno Ardiente, Devi looked back at Airi.

Devi: [Our close friend and comrade in battle, Tequi Tensetsu, is with us as well. She shall witness our every action and cheer us on from the next world over.]

Pressing their backs against each other, they shouted.

Shiro and Devi: [And that’s exactly why we can’t lose!]

A small laugh could be heard within Airi’s mouth. As she did so, her smug grin started to shift in shape as it turned into a much more sincere smile.

Airi: [I’ve lit a candle for each of you. The flames shall provide you with the strength of those who have fallen.]

A tint of somber could now be seen within Shiro.

Shiro: [I promise I won’t let Dad down, Mom.]

Devi: [Your father?]

Shiro: [“Lighting candles tells the spirits from the next world over to carry your tired arms.” It was something my father had told my mother and I.]

Devi: [Then we’d best use their strength to the fullest!]

Shiro: [Right! Let’s go!]

Waving off to Airi and receiving a wave back, the two succubi departed.

The time had finally arrived.

The location they approached, the battle that would soon draw near.

The clash against Nero Virtuoso was at hand.

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