This is the chapter that finally made me realize that I am simply incapable of sacrificing quality for quantity.

I did not know what to do at all when I began this chapter, but pushed to create it anyways. In the end, I was extremely dissatisfied with it.

I'm leaving this chapter up as a testament, a reminder to myself, when I'd rather take it down. This isn't to say it's a bad chapter, per se; it simply deserves more love and care. Perhaps I'll develop it into a proper fic, someday.

Envoy of Peace

After so many years, Pandaemonium was finally nearing complete reconstruction. Now the crystal towers once again rose above the roofs of Makai, stalwart sentries against invasion.

After so many years, people had forgotten the death and destruction of that day. Humans were beginning to disappear from their minds, and the various demons and youkai went about their daily duties with a cheerfulness and carefree attitude that had been missing for so long.

After so many years, the wounds had begun to heal.

After so many years, the humans returned.

Civilians stared at her as she walked down the street, confused as to her nature. Her clothes and her scent marked her out as a human, and yet there was a ... otherworldly heel about her, as of a great and powerful youkai. She travelled in the direction of the crystal palace, gathering something of a crowd as she did so.

Her pace never slowed, and her steps never faltered. Smoothly and gracefully she glided up to the glittering gates, only stopping when the guards blocked her way.

"State your name," they demanded, "and your intent."

"My name is Byakuren Hijiri," said the young woman calmly, bowing her head. She raised her eyes and regarded the guards from beneath the fringe of her purple-brown hair.

"As a resident of Makai, I would like to request an audience with Her Highness, Shinki, the Great Goddess and Creator of Makai.

The young woman with the purple-brown hair strolled unhurriedly down the crystalline hallways of the place. She approached the doors to the throne room, and they were thrown upon as a servant announced her name.

She walked calmly down the aisle to the throne, sparing nary a glance for the assembled youkai nobles and demon lords and ladies on either side of her. Her gaze and her focus were fixed solely on what lay in front of her.

Stopping before the throne, she curtsied deeply to one of the most powerful beings ever to walk the earth.

"I am called Byakuren Hijiri," she introduced herself, "and it is a pleasure to stand in the glory of the ruler and maker of this great realm I have been living in for these very many years."

"I am Shinki, creator of this realm," intoned the figure that reposed on the crystal throne, "and may I say, I am surprised I have not heard from you before. A youkai magician of your level of power would surely have drawn my attention before now."

The court murmured interestedly. So this was what had confused them. The magician must have maintained a human mask; one that only Shinki would have the power to see through. She must be powerful indeed, for other youkai magicians had been known, and their masks had fooled only the humans.

"My apologies," said Byakuren, curtsying again. "It has taken me many years to assemble the power required to send even this flimsy projection past the border that surrounds me and my people."

"Border?" mused the goddess, resting one cheek on a propped fist. "So you reside in Hokkai."

"Indeed, Your Greatness."

"Interesting. That area of my realm has been sealed for such a very long time now. I had almost forgotten it existed. No wonder your current form appears to be lacking in power, if it is only a projection, and one sent through the Hokkai barriers at that."

"Exactly as it is, Great Goddess. Though, may I say, your own power appears to be depleted as well."

The court gasped in shock. None had ever been so direct with the Ruler before.

A small smile appeared on Shinki's face.

"Perceptive, magician," she replied. "Indeed, at the moment, I am less than a fragment of myself. I have recently suffered a rather...ignominious defeat."

"I express my utmost wish for your well-being," stated Byakuren, "and would enquire as to the nature of those who defeated you."

"Your enquiry is granted. A group came to Makai, some years past. They were four in number: a miko, a human witch, a magician's spectre, and an ancient and powerful youkai. They came in response to my policy of allowing tourism to the human world. Evidently, they got their point across."

"I am sure your generosity had its part to play in their success."

"Your flatteries are appreciated but unwarranted." Shinki smiled benevolently. "Let us be frank. I was defeated fairly, and was given quite a sound beating at that."

"You honour me, Goddess."

"Yes, yes." Shinki was clearly becoming bored with the pleasantries. "Now, on to the reason for your visit. Was this merely a courtesy visit, or may I assume that you have an offer for me?"

"Your directness is appreciated," said Byakuren, curtsying again. "If Your Greatness would allow me, I would make a request."

"Which is?"
"An alliance." Byakuren looked Shinki squarely in the eyes. "Great Goddess, I was sealed in Hokkai long ago, for having joined with the youkai. In reality, I had not joined with the youkai; rather, I saw them as full beings like myself, and strived to aid them. If you would, I would like to have the same relationship with you and your subjects."
Shinki looked pensive, yet interested. "You do realize that we are mostly demons, here in Makai. We are not the same as those youkai you once knew in the world above."

"That is true. However, there is no doubt in my mind that you are full and true beings all the same."

"Is that so? Then, I would have you know, I cannot help you in breaking the barriers around Hokkai."

"I would never dream of asking you for such a favour. I have forces working for me in the world above. My presence here is purely in the interest of a lasting friendship between my people and yours."

"You say, your 'people'. What do you mean by this?"

"I was sealed along with many youkai, and a rather large number of fairies. I am sure that Your Greatness knows how a large number of fairies trapped within a small space can quickly lead to trouble."

"As a matter of fact, I have no lasting memory of fairies, as I have not been to the outside in some time." Now the goddess yawned. "I am tired, and I believe you have provided me with enough information for the time being. Allow us to retire. I will provide a full set of rooms for your projection; though it is a shade, I am sure it requires rest and privacy."

"Your generosity is received with heartfelt thanks, Goddess. Know that my soul is kindled by the warmth of your words."

"As it should be. Now, to rest. I will consider your request. In the morning, we shall speak again."

Like everything in Pandaemonium, Byakuren's suite was constructed entirely out of beautiful crystal. The walls were warmly pulsing blue crystal, while the furniture was carved out of soft amber. There were two large and comfortable couches and a coffee table in the first room and a large four-poster bed in the second. Two large wardrobes and a gracefully carved dresser also stood against the walls, which were adorned with several paintings. Curious plants stood in jars upon small tables placed tastefully around the suite. Finally, a set of French doors were cut into the bedroom wall, leading out onto a balcony.

Altogether it was a bit much for Byakuren. Ignoring most of it, she went immediately out onto the balcony and gazed out over Makai. Light still glowed from the city, lighting up the depths of the cavern. She smiled at the beauty of it; such heavy concentrations of life always caused her to reflect on the beauty of existence.

She then sat down on the balcony to meditate.

For two hours she sat there in contemplation. During this time she was not disturbed once, and she did not move at all. Her breathing slowed to the point where it was almost inaudible.

Then, after exactly two hours she stood.

"You can come out now," she said, seemingly to nobody.

However, she was not speaking to nobody: from the shadows appeared a maid in red and white, with long blonde hair. She stepped forward and bowed.

"Your abilities of perception are without measure," she complimented Byakuren. "Clearly, my silent protection was never necessary."

"Let's not be so formal, shall we?" said Byakuren as she stepped back inside, the French doors closing behind her. "And I know Shinki sent you to spy on me, so let's drop the 'bodyguard' act."

"Ah, you are indeed perceptive," said the maid. "I am honoured to be in your presence."

"If you're so honoured, would you care to speak more informally?" Byakuren sighed. "After today, I am tired of trying to be polite and proper."

"Ah. Um…all right, ma'am."

"Just call me Byakuren."

"Yes, Miss Byakuren."

The monk sighed. "You truly were trained well. Now, as you already know my name, I'd like to know if it would be possible to know yours."

"I am known as Yumeko, Miss Byakuren."

"Yumeko." Byakuren nodded. "All right, Yumeko. If you were sent to spy on me, then is it possible that you could tell me what Shinki thinks of my proposal?"

"Actually, Miss Byakuren… I came here of my own free will."

"Indeed?" Byakuren looked intrigued. "Why?"

"I, er…wanted to make sure you were really as peaceable as you seemed."

"So you were a spy." The monk sat back in a chair and rested her elbows on the table.. "Just not for Shinki."

"I guess you could call me that, yes."

"Well, I can assure you that my intentions are exactly as I have stated them. I have no intention of harming any of you. My only goal is to foster peace among our various races." She motioned to the chair opposite her. "Now why don't you take a seat? I can't have you just standing there."

"Ah…thank you, Miss Byakuren." Yumeko sat in the offered chair a little uncomfortably. As a maid, she wasn't used to this kind of generosity.

"Now why don't you tell me about yourself?" asked Byakuren interestedly.

Yumeko coughed nervously. "Well, once, a long time ago, I was a demon hunter in the outside world."

"A demon hunter and a youkai?" Byakuren's eyebrows lifted. "Interesting combination. Don't be alarmed; I was once a hunter myself, only I hunted youkai. That is why I can tell."

"Yes. Well." Yumeko fidgeted. "So, for many years, my sister and I hunted demons all across the land. We were very good at it too."

"I could tell: your powers of stealth are considerable, and your movements suggest that you are accustomed to fighting. Please, continue."

"Then, one day, we met Shinki."

"Ah." Byakuren nodded sympathetically. "I guess that didn't go very well."

"I was very badly injured, and my sister only barely got away. I can only hope that she is doing well right now. As for myself: Shinki took me in and healed my wounds."

Byakuren looked at the maid pensively over folded hands.

"So, I've been in service to her ever since. She saved my life, and I will be eternally grateful to her for that. When the humans invaded, I threw myself in front of them before I would let them touch Mima. They defeated me, but I nearly killed myself in order to weaken them." She sat up straighter with pride. "I would never let anyone harm Mistress Shinki. They'd have to immobilize me first, whether through death or otherwise."

"So I see." Byakuren nodded. "You truly are the perfect maid, Yumeko."

"Only if I could stop time to get all the chores done in a second."

They laughed together at the impossibility of it.

"It is late now," said Yumeko abruptly. "I will leave you to your rest."

"If you wish." Byakuren nodded understandingly. "However, I have no doubt that you will be watching over me."

Yumeko nodded back, turned, and faded away into the shadows.

Byakuren smiled, went out onto the balcony, and resumed her meditation.

Late the next day, Byakuren was called back to the throne room.

"I have reviewed your proposition, and found it to be beneficial to my kingdom," announced Shinki. "It is my will that we ally ourselves in the interest of common prosperity. I have already taken the initiative of drawing up a contract, which will unite our two people together. If you would care to look over it…"

A crystal table was carried into the room, upon which sat a single piece of parchment. It was set down in front of the monk, and she bent down to look at it.

"I see no issue with it," she announced after several minutes of careful reading. "You are truly a great wordsmith, Great Goddess. I assume it is a standard Tenth Level magical binding?"

"You are fluent in your magic terminology, magician," complimented Shinki gracefully. "However, are you capable of fulfilling the task set before you?"

Byakuren pulled out a small cylinder from her dress. She snapped it open, and a long, glowing scroll of mysterious symbols rolled out and flowed around her.

"Let us seal this contract," she intoned, her eyes glowing.

Shinki stepped down from her throne, and a large purple pentagram blinked into existence beneath her feet.

Byakuren stepped into the circle and stood in front of Shinki. Her scroll unfurled itself until it was hovering around them in a spiral shape. The contract lifted into the air and floated until it rested between them.

The two powerful magicians nodded to each other, confirming that they were prepared for what was to come.

A beam of light shot up from the pentagram and hit the roof of the throne room. I bounced around inside the walls of the crystal palace, sending refracted beams of light out into the deepest reaches of Makai.

Inside the throne room, the contract's words flowed off the parchment and hovered in the air as floating characters of fire. They then duplicated themselves, and one set swirled around each magician.

"I accept this contract," they both intoned, "written in fire upon my very soul, and engraved in the same fire on the vaults of Heaven. Should I break it, their combined wrath shall burn me where I stand. Let it be written."

The light intensified, temporarily blinding all present.

When it was done, Byakuren rolled up her sleeve to check. Sure enough, there were the letters of the contract, marked in black down the length of her arm. She rolled her sleeve back down and looked Shinki in the eye.

"You are a powerful magician indeed," said the goddess, rolling down her own sleeve. "Allow me to give you my compliments."

"Surely I am nothing beside yourself," replied Byakuren carefully.

The goddess of Makai smiled then, suddenly and startlingly.

"Come now, no need to be so formal," she said warmly. "We're practically sisters now, after all."

Then she embraced the former monk, and cheers rang out from the assembled crowd.

"You really are a terrific magician," said Yumeko that night, with just a slight hint of awe. "I've never seen a Tenth Level binding completed successfully before. And through a projection, at that!"

"Thank you, Yumeko." Byakuren accepted the praise with good grace. "I've had a lot of practice."

"Still…that was amazing."

Byakuren said nothing, instead sitting back down on the balcony and meditating.

"Byakuren?"

"Yes?"

"Why are you trying to create peace between the youkai and the humans?"

"Because I believe we are all beings of light, and deserve to live and be loved. We've all been created for a reason, and I refuse to believe that that reason includes killing and destroying each other."

"That's a noble idea."

"For me, it's not an idea. It's the truth."

"One last question?"

"Go ahead."

"Why are you still here? Why have you not simply dissolved your projection?"

"Well, for a couple of reasons. For one, it would have looked bad to refuse Shinki's hospitality. Second, this specific projection I devised for breaking the barrier requires one to travel physically back to the body."

"Oh, is that so?"

"And, also, I wanted to see you."

Yumeko was surprised. "Me?"

"Yes. Because even the best diplomats still require friends."

Yumeko was touched. "Thank you, Byakuren."

"Thank you, Yumeko, for trusting me. Although you came to spy on me, I could tell that you believed me. It was your faith that allowed me to get through the binding."

"I…I don't know what to say, Byakuren."

The maid sat next to the monk and looked out over Makai.

"It's such a beautiful place, isn't it?" She sighed. "I've spent so many years here, and yet it never ceases to amaze me."

"I can sense the life here." The former monk breathed deeply of the air around her. "Vibrantly beautiful. Every form of life is unique and wonderful in its own way, and nowhere have I felt it as strongly as here."

"If I ever leave, I'll definitely miss this place."

"Sometimes, leaving a place can be like that. But sometimes, we need to move on to discover what lies ahead." Byakuren turned to Yumeko and smiled. "I'm sure you know that feeling, correct?"

"Something like that." The maid stood and brushed off her skirt. "Well, I must be going now." She turned to leave. "Good night, Byakuren."

As the shadows swallowed her, Byakuren smiled again.

"Good night, Yumeko. See you in the morning."

Out of the shadows in the throne room appeared a figure. She strolled out to the throne and knelt there, her head bowed down almost to the ground.

Shinki hardly ever left her throne anymore: she was still regaining her power, and the throne acted like a collector for all of the faith in Makai. She looked down upon her servant and smiled fondly.

"How are you, Yumeko? I haven't seen you for a while. I expect you've been with our guest?"

"Yes, Mistress."

"I also expect you have come now to request permission to quit my presence."

The maid looked up and gasped. "Mistress! How did you…"

"You should know by now, Yumeko. Your every thought is open to me, written on your face."

Yumeko smoothed her face and kneeled respectfully again. "Mistress, as a youkai formerly residing in the upper world, you must understand –"

"I do. Feel free to go, child. You must return to your homeland. I've kept you here far too long."

Yumeko stood and bowed. "Mistress Shinki, please know that I have never regretted my decision to serve you."

"Yes, I know. Now go and pack up. I'm sure you'll want to leave early tomorrow morning. You wouldn't want to keep Byakuren waiting."

"Yes, I could never leave her waiting! Thank you, mistress!" The shadows rose up and swallowed her.

After she was gone, Shinki smiled maternally.

"Your every thought is truly open to me," she thought.

"That was far too short and didn't really have any romance in it!" complained Ran. "And Byakuren? Why would a maid ever fall in love with Byakuren? And who is this Shinki?"

"All your questions will be answered should we continue watching," said Yukari sagely. "Including your complaint about the romance; if I remember this one correctly, it takes a long time to set up, but in the end it's really satisfying."

"Well then, let's keep watching!"

"Nope, I'm bored. Channel change."

Chen snickered at Ran as Yukari changed the channel again.