"A myriad of things drift here.
You can find anything. UFOs from nowhere, expansive libraries, abandoned spaceships, leftover sushi, and more…
Sometimes entire planets will end up settling here.
People refer to this dimension of defunct or forgotten objects as the 'Netheruniverse'
The objects swirling and drifting around the core of the Netheruniverse come and go as if of their own volition.
It's truly a mysterious space, ripe with magical forces and advanced scientific technology…
Donuts and ruins, too.
Today is just another ordinary day in the Netheruniverse…as ordinary as it can be…or as ordinary as we can be!"
-Demon Dog King Kanata.
It was just an ordinary day at the Netheruniverse, every living inhabitant were all doing well now ever since the year before where a giant black hole had almost swallowed the said universe and their dragon deity suddenly exploding, not damaging the city of course. All the people that saw the incident were all worried at what was happening at that time since their King did not really tell them anything.
It continued on for several days until the current ruler, Demon God Gem Shuten suddenly announced that they were just adjusting the scenery of the Netheruniverse, he said that the Dragon Deity had become too boring, that's why he had it destroyed while the black hole was actually used so as to gather all of the Drifting objects on one place and suddenly blow them all out of their home since it was dangerous to be so near the said universe and to make the 'getting it away from here' part flashy.
People had been glad to here this 'reason' and continue on to living life just as before, even thinking that the 'change of scenery' was a pretty a good thing. Now was just the same, it's just that as said earlier, it was actually a week starting today before the first year anniversary ever since the 'permanent change of the Netheruniverse' happened, or for those looking for the real name of the soon supposed to be celebration, it was the 'One year anniversary ever since the end of the battle of the Demon Dog King and his companions against the Ruthless Goddess Ashura' though of course, the public does not know this and think of next week as nothing more than an ordinary day… a certain Demon God Gem doesn't think so though…
PROLOGUE
"In the Throne Room of the Demon Palace"
"Give me one good reason why we shouldn't celebrate our victory next week!" Demon God Gem Shuten roared with all his might at his cowering violet haired vassal.
"B-But have you forgotten, my lord? The public does not have any idea of what truly happened a year before, they won't find any reason to attend a party that means nothing to them." The Castle Overseer Suzaku explained nervously.
"I don't care! It's a big thing to my family to finally be rid of that so called goddess, besides, it's my son and his friends, even you included that were the ones that risked your lives just to end Ashura's tyranny! I can't just let your good deeds go unrewarded and unknown! I mean, you didn't even asked anything in return!" the Demon God Gem explained and you heard it right, not one, even Etna nor the Prinnies had asked for any reward after that life threatening battle, the following are their individual response to Shuten after being asked for a reward:
"It may have been dangerous but it was fun, it was a great adventure, I couldn't ask for anything more since I was able to experience such a great event with my friends! But thanks for the offer father!" –Demon Dog King Kanata.
"I was able to fulfill my duty as a Valkyrie, even though I may have been raised and trained as one with lies, in the end, I was able to prove my worth and myself as a true agent of light, no prize could have had surpassed nor tied at my current feelings though I thank you for the wonderful offer, Demon God Gem Shuten."
-Valkyrie Rizelea.
"So long as Master Kanata was safe and happy, I, his vassal would wish nothing more. Seeing a smile on his face and innocence on his eyes is more than enough for all the hardships that I have faced, nevertheless, the offer was very much obliged, my lord." – Fox Spirit Tsubaki.
"Haaah-haha! So the Demon God Gem himself recognizes me, a Dark Hero, for his abilities, worthy enough for a great reward! No other emotions could even equal to the pride I am feeling at this moment but despite that fact, I will not ask for anything in return for my services, for a Dark Hero only has he's eyes for fear, recognition and power! Not mere trinkets! Yet do know that the opportunity for honor was gratified." – Dark Hero Lucius.
"We did it in the name of Love! We won because of Love! And our reward was even more valuable than anything you may be able to give us, and that is the Love we share with each other, so I have to say no to any reward but I do feel the Love that you are trying to show through giving so don't think that it is unappreciated!" – Universal Witch Girl, Galaxy Flonne.
"Meh, this place doesn't have the sweetest of sweets or even the less sweet sweeter of sweets so your offer doesn't really have any value to me whatsoever but maybe if the wish is still available later then I may have thought of something, until then I don't care what you do with that offer of yours. Still it was nice to be looked up so highly so thanks for the chance, now you can't say that I didn't do anything for ya." – Galaxy Beauty Pirate Etna.
"Well if Master Etna didn't wish for anything (which was very weird but since she were travelling with a Love Freak and an Adventure Freak then there's really no way that Master Etna's already corrupted mind couldn't be corrupted with a different kind of corrupt which is a good kind if you know what I mean) then we, the Prinny Squad also does not have anything we want but to be offered was really nice so it was appreciated dood." – Low Income Worker Prinnies.
"Oh my, a gift you offer? I'm sorry but as a ghost, I don't think that anything that has a hard exterior will actually be of use to me but if anything then I would like to be friends with everyone until they become like me! (giggle) But I'm the only one who could do that so I guess there really is nothing for me to ask though do know that this chance was valued. (giggle)" – Ghastly Inn Mascot Pamela.
"Well, I don't mean any disrespect but since I'm an alchemist, I could synthesis almost anything I want and travelling for ingredients is fun, especially with my friends so I would have to turn down your offer and instead, acquire items the traditional way, I hope you don't mind and do know that you have my sincerest gratitude for this option." – Alchemist Violet.
"I'll be damned! I came here for treasure hunting and now the owner of possibly the greatest of all treasures in all of Netheruniverse is offering me one wish that I could get! The possibilities! ...is what I would have responded but a true treasure hunter only claims the goods he acquired with his friends in tow and since I'm sure the others didn't wish for anything then you'll hear the same response from me, thanks for the credit though!" –Treasure Hunter Recit.
"A-Any wish…! U-Uhm…please let me think…oh no! I shouldn't make the Demon God Gem wait! But what will I wish? Money? No! No! I can't be greedy! W-Well Mr. Demon God Gem, please don't be mad but I d-don't really have a wish for myself since I o-only want to-to help my family and my friends and it won't matter much if I don't do it myself… I'm sorry, you have given me this alternative and I only take it down…b-but I was very glad Mr. Demon God Gem…I'm very thankful for it…" –Managraphic Artist Miyu.
"(chuckle) You should know that a high class idol like me would never take any reward for granted, plus since my popularity had already increased sky high after my come back on the biz, wishing for more wouldn't be very good for my image as a main heroine, sorry but it's just an actress' job to break hearts, don't worry, in exchange, I'll give you this autograph with sign of appreciation (chuckle)" - Super Assassin Idol Mizuki.
"The Netheruniverse was safe; its beauty was able to be preserved after all these years with flying objects covering it plus your heir, Master Kanata, was safe and sound, I could not wish anymore greater than this, in the first place, this was what I had been hoping to happen, now that it did, I could not ask for anything more but I thank you for this chance, Master Shuten(bows)"- Castle Overseer Suzaku.
"Such performance of accurate revision Master Shuten." Suzaku complimented.
"Don't think that you can sweet talk your way out of this you bi-polar vassal of mine!" Shuten announced, it's incredible that despite the thunderous shouting's inside the throne room, nobody seem to neither hear nor care for it.
"Ahhh! Your words cut me deep than any blade can hope for, I am deeply hurt my lord." The bi-polar vassal exclaimed while posing dramatically.
"See, this is what I am talking about…(sigh) though seriously, Suzaku." The DDG started which makes the violet haired man in front of him to look at him seriously, "I fear that my time will soon come what with all that ruckus last year, at least before I pass on, I wish to be able to do something grand for my son and his companions, including you of course, all I really need is the right reason." The Demon God Gem solemnly reveals.
"I can understand, Master Shuten, after all, decades of war and you being unable to truly be a father to your son will certainly take its toll on your very being itself but please do not forget that all this secrecy was part of the peace that all of us are sharing right at this moment." Suzaku explained with guilt in his voice.
"I know but like you said my very being will never be able to acquire true peace if I couldn't at least become a true father to Kanata in some way, not as the Demon God Gem but as Demon Lord Shuten, this is truly difficult." Kanata's father explained as he goes into his worried position.
"…" The Castle Overseer looks at his master with a pitiful look before changing it into a thinking one.
"…You've been quiet for some time now Suzaku, what's in your mind?" Demon God Gem Shuten asked.
"If I may suggest my opinion, my lord, perhaps I have the solution to your dilemma." The lavender head explained, much to the delight of his boss.
"Really! Then what are you waiting for! Tell me now!" The Netheruniverse' late Overlord commanded.
"As you wish Master Shuten." Suzaku started as he stood up straighter and looked at his boss with glee, "From the discussion from the beginning to the present, we can summarize that the only thing that stands in the way of your wishes was the acceptable reason to start a celebration, correct?"
"Yeah, I guess, just get to the point already." The impatient giant gem stated.
"Patience, my lord, now if you remember, the only thing that started all of this was a lie made by yourself one year ago, correct?" Shuten nods, "Now think about it, if you have lied then, what's stopping you now?" The vassal further questioned.
"Oh, I see, if I make up or lie for a good enough reason to start a party, everyone may come and join the celebration thinking what I had announce as the 'reason' as the truth while I feel a personal satisfaction for their involvement." The boss summarized.
"We are clearly thinking about the same thing, my liege." The boss' vassal said with a happy tone.
"I guess it will suffice, I mean, I am the only one feeling down here so a personal satisfaction shall do the trick but what kind of true 'reason' will I say to the townspeople? Any old lie won't be enough for everyone to actually want to attend a party you know." DDG informed his servant.
"Do not worry Master Shuten, I already thought of the perfect reason for a celebration that every inhabitant on the Netheruniverse will simply have to attend." Suzaku said with complete confidence.
"And that is?" The Gem asked.
"My lord, tell me, what are the reasons for a big celebration that the Netheruniverse had been a part of before the fall of Ashura? From the most important to the least important of reasons." another question asked but the lavender head.
"I don't know where this is going but the most important reason then would have been the coronation of the new overlord, second to that was the birth of an Overlord's successor, third was the union of the overlord and his queen and lastly…" Shuten suddenly stopped and looked thoughtful for a moment, "I see what your thinking, that might just work, and Kanata was at the right age after all."
"I am waiting for your orders, Master Shuten." Suzaku said with a smile on his face which was mirrored by Demon God Gem Shuten as he said his words.
"Summon my son, Demon God King Kanata, now." said Demon Dog King's father ordered.
"In the Living Room of the Demon Palace"
The Living Room was occupied by the Demon Dog King's friend, vassals and servants, the whole group that saved the world from Ashura last year with the exclusion of Suzaku.
"Alright! I won the match!" Kanata shouted while waving the ps2 controller in the air with both of his arms and a happy face.
"No fair! I want a rematch!" shouted by Rizelea who was also holding a controller, the screen where both controllers are attached was displaying victory for the red car and loser to the pink car.
"Sure thing but let's first confirm our total number of wins each first." The Demon Dog King said as he looked at the score sheet where his name was written with Tsubaki raising it by one point, "How many score, Tsubaki?"
"It's now upgraded from 19467 to 19468, Master Kanata." Tsubaki said with a smile.
"Yes! I'm leading!" cried out by the Demon Fog King.
"That's impossible, I was leading 4 games ago!" shouted by the surprised Valkyrie.
"Uhh, you might want to take a look at this, Riz." The valkyrie's henchman, Lucius said as he show Rizelea her score sheet with the numbers 19467 written, "The Demon Dog King is now in the lead."
"(grunts) I'm really not good at sports games…" annoyingly said by the pink head.
"If you aren't going to ask for a rematch, with me leading means that I'll be the leader of the group on the next mission!" Kanata taunted.
"I just asked for a rematch earlier, you stupid dog!" shouted by the angry other leader of the group, the two of them then started their insulting and mockering shouting match, unaware of the others around them.
"They're still in it? Last night the score was just 9945 before I go to sleep, right?" lazily said by Etna as she wakes up from the couch she was laying on, she also took off her earplugs and eye cover, "I thought it will be interesting but I didn't know it will take this long just to pick a leader for the next quest."
"That just show how immature and non serious this group really is, dood." One prinny said as he handed Etna her morning cup of coffee.
"Is'll right ya'll, I mean it's not like were in a hurry or someth'ng, those treasures won't be leaving their places till I came there anyways." Said with slang by the resident treasure hunter Recit while sharpening his axe.
"That's not the right attitude for a treasure hunter, you know." Another prinny said as it was helping Recit with organizing his weaponry.
"Well it's not like there are a lot of places we could go to either these days, so long as I have my ingredients and you guys, I'm happy, besides, peace like this wasn't so bad, right?" the alchemist, Violet reminded them as she gave each person a morning breakfast which consists of carrot flavored rice and juice, while the prinnies handed the mature person coffee, "Here Rizelea, Kanata, Lucius and Tsubaki."
"Oh, thanks Vio, I'm really hungry, in fact, I didn't even know it was morning already." Rizelea said while the two other food offered boys started digging in.
"Thank you." As usual, graciously said by the fox Spirit.
"Don't worry Miss Rizelea! Even I didn't notice the passage of time because of you and Sir Kanata's overflowing love for the title as leader!" the fallen angel, Flonne said with hearts for eyes.
'Let me guess, she hadn't sleep yet like those two right?" Etna asked while the spoon was in her mouth.
"Nope and neither do I! In fact, we switch places with Lucius and Tsubaki last night in counting scores and have just recently switched again (teehee)." A voice from nowhere stated until Pamela suddenly appeared in front of Etna, scaring the prinny near her.
"(Yawn) (stretch) Good Morning everyone! Your favorite Idol, Super Assassin Mizuki has woken up!" cheerfully said by the kunoichi after standing up from her futon, "Now I'll reveal to all of you how an Idol usually starts her day!"
"(yawn) O-Oh! Have I woken up late!" the snow cat spirit, Miyu asked with panic in her voice, "I didn't, (sigh) what a relief, good morning everyone." After calming, the snow head said with joy.
"Well, now that I'm full, I suddenly feel very fatigued, not that I'm running away or anything Riz but I could really use a nap, just look at the insect in my eye!" Kanata said after looking at the mirror and pointing at his deprived of sleep state of eyes.
"Hmph! Just make sure that you didn't do it just so we will stop when you were the one leading." Said by the seemingly non fatigued valkyrie.
"Say what you want Riz but the reason that you loss in that last match in the first place was because you entered a sudden state of tiredness and was actually not moving but sleeping for one whole minute." Stated by the Dark Hero while adjusting his tension gauge.
"Rrrhh, shut up Lucius!" the valkyrie's quote was heard yet again.
"Come now Master Kanata, since I know that you wouldn't want to go to your own bed let me at least guide you to the nearest couch." The ever faithful and loyal Tsubaki said as she assist the standing Kanata.
"Thanks, Tsubaki." Kanata said after standing up, it wasn't noticeable but Tsubaki blushed a bit because of the Demon Dog King's smile.
Suddenly, the door leading to the Throne Room opened to reveal the Castle Overseer, Suzaku who was looking very serious.
"Master Kanata, your father, Master Shuten has ordered for your summon to the Throne Room immediately." Suzaku ordered.
"Sorry Suzaku but Master Kanata is very fatigued, he would have to take a rest first before doing anything, much less attend summons that would end for who knows how long." Tsubaki said with much strictness, as if she wouldn't let anyone attempt to even make her think otherwise, it didn't work on Suzaku though.
"I'm afraid it's simply too important to be delayed any longer than necessary." The purple head replied with matching strictness.
"But like I said earlier-" the Fox Spirit started before being interrupted by Kanata's hand touching her shoulder.
"Relax Tsubaki, I'm fine really, I can handle one meeting, besides it's not everyday that father actually wanted to have a serious conversation with me, wouldn't want to waste it, especially if it's important." The current Demon Dog King explained which caused his servant to have no choice but to give in.
"If that is what you desire, Master Kanata." The green haired woman said, "I am coming with you though, as your vassal."
"(chuckle) Wouldn't have it any other way." The Demon Dog replied which caused the said vassal to again blush, still unnoticeable though.
"Perfect, if you would please follow me then, Master Kanata." Suzaku said while already walking towards the door he came from.
"Okay Suzaku." Kanata replied, "Well, you guys have fun, I'll be back in no time." He said while looking at his allies before starting to follow Suzaku with Tsubaki in tow.
"I-Is Kanata, going to be alright?" Miyu nervously said after the door closed.
"Psshh, you know how his dad thinks, no way are they gonna be having anything to talk about that we have to worry about." Etna replied while eating some dessert.
"Etna's right ya'll, it's nothing to worry about, let's just continue what we always do till Kanata returns." Recit said and then resumes to polishing his axe.
"Okay then, come on Prinny, let's play (teehee)." Pamela said as she drags some random Prinny that was near her.
"No! Spare me! Dood!" the one unlucky Prinny wailed.
"Come on Miyu, let's practice your singing voice! You too Flonne!" Mizuki said as she starts to drag Miyu to the small hand made stage in the left most corner of the room.
"I know that you're all just disguising your worry to Sir Kanata by pretending that everything's normal, that's why I'll play along because worry means love!" Flonne declared which made everyone in the room to stiffen simultaneously before again resuming their everyday activities like nothing happened, now with the inclusion of the Fallen Angel.
"I guess Flonne got us huh, right Riz?" Violet said, "Riz?" she asked after a moment of silence, she turns around to see that the Valkyrie was already sleeping but what surprised her was that said Valkyrie was sitting while leaning her head to the blushing Dark Hero.
"Don't talk if you don't want your neck to face the wrong way." Lucius threatened while being mindful to not be too loud, "And tell the others to keep it down."
"(chuckle) Okay." The alchemist said as she stands up, she notes that the location of the duo was being blocked conveniently by a closet since they were at the lower left most side of the room before walking towards the trio of girls in the makeshift stage to deliver Lucius' message, leaving the two alone.
"…I'm not…done yet…" Rizelea mumbled in her sleep which caused the blue haired youth to look at her.
"…(grumble)…and you were the one who was asking for a rematch." Lucius stated, he then smiles as he adjusted his sitting position to make him more uncomfortable and to make the leaner more comfortable.
"…I…win…" Rizelea said as she smiled in her sleep, looking more content at the new position.
"…Yeah, Dark Heroes always lose…" Lucius again mumbled with a hint of humor at the end.
"In the Throne Room of the Demon Palace"
"Ah! You have finally arrived my son, you may be wondering why I summoned you here but first, answer this, what do you think is the-" Demon God Gem Shuten started, talking about the earlier conversation with his Vassal and also using the same words used earlier with the said vassal also talking at some point.
"What could have been so important that Master Kanata have to be dragged in here at his state to talk about?" Tsubaki thought while sitting beside the Demon Dog King, unmindful of the giant being and it's vassal who were talking in front of her in favor of her processing thoughts, "I can't really think of anything that maybe an enough reason for this summon, just what is it that was-" her thoughts was interrupted by the sudden weight she felt on her left shoulder, looking at the source of the weight, she saw a bundle of dusty white colored hair.
"…zzz…" Kanata sounded as he sleeps at the now blushing Tsubaki's shoulder.
"What the! I knew something like this would happen! They really should have hold off this stupid summon!" the Fox Spirit thought but when she looked closer at Kanata's sleeping form, her rage slowly dissipates, "Still, it has been a while since we have been this close, physically speaking…I guess I should just enjoy this rare moment of peace with a not so hyper Master Kanata…I have almost forgotten how warm his body felt…" Tsubaki thought as she adjusts herself to a more comfortable posture, she then looks at the two in front of her who were still talking.
"In the Living Room of the Demon Palace"
"I-It's almost n-night now and w-we still haven't h-heard from Kanataaa…my throat a-also hurts from all th-this singing…." Miyu complained with tears in her eyes.
"Your vocal cords need some more work Miyu but your right, Doggie still hasn't come back yet, the main character is worried." Mizuki replied with worry in her voice.
"Hmph! I'm going to in there and check if everything's alright in that side." Recit said while readying his weapon.
"Now-Now Recit, don't get too excited, let's think this over first." Violet said while trying to calm down the orange haired man.
"Vio's right! You should believe and trust Sir Kanata and Miss Tsubaki." Flonne said with vigor.
"You say that but your already clutching your weapon yourself." Etna remarked to the now blushing Flonne.
"The same could be said to you, dood." One Prinny while pointing at Etna's spear, this resulted to it exploding seconds later.
"My My, everyone's really fired up, let me join too!" Pamela said as she opens her umbrella.
"Heh, and this is when something anti-climatic happens." Lucius said from where he was sitting with the still sleeping Rizelea.
Right on cue, the door leading to the throne room suddenly opens, revealing an annoyed Fox Spirit that was assisting the Demon Dog King to stand by having his arm around her shoulders.
"Hey guys! I have an announcement to make!" Happily said by Kanata before anyone else could say anything, much to the look of dismay by his vassal.
Moments after the announcement, Recit's and Etna's weapons were lying in the ground along with their jaws, the Prinnys are exploding just by standing, Flonne was flying around along with Pamela, Miyu and Violet were unsure on what to say, Mizuki was writing something about a guest list, Lucius was stunned, Kanata was sleeping again, Tsubaki was more annoyed than before and Rizelea was waking up because of everyone's ruckus.
"Did I miss something?" Rizelea said as she rubs her eyes.
"Oh nothing much, just the Demon Dog King's announcement about a wedding engagement one week from now." Lucius sarcastically remarked which caused another jaw to crash to the land.
END PROLOGUE
Disclaimer: I don't own anything.