A constant red sky ruled above the lost city of Sagakin. With no sun or moon, no stars or clouds, nobody knew day from night anymore. The air was heavy and filled with a discreet stench of death. Stabbed corpses and humans caught in their own nightmares filled the streets, a reminder of mankind's impending fate. Every few seconds, tormented screams would break the cryptic silence that dawned upon the desolate area. It was amidst this ocean of despair that the Spawns of Shishima carried out their frenzied carnage.

Demon Subaru watched everything from the dean's office, and he was pleased. Sagakin had been painted in his own image and its inhabitants had been split in two: those who accepted him and embraced the blessings of insanity, as well as those who rejected him and became sacrificial meat. The physical and mental suffering around fed him so well, he had never felt this strong in decades. Now he waited for Shinobu to begin the first official ceremony in his upcoming temple. The more followers attended, the more their belief cemented his powers. For a God without believers was no different from a warrior who lacked weapons and armor.

"Things going well?" asked a voice in his head.

"Yes, everything is going according to plan." Demon Subaru turned to face his Shishima reflection in the mirror. "I suppose I should continue my story now."

"Seeing how you're not busy anymore, it's for the best. So, you said that Fukurokuju threw you into the Abyss?"

"Yes, my memories of the time spent there are... vague at best. It was dull; nonexistence is probably the worst torment any living being could ever be condemned to experience. And that's exactly what I had to endure for the first century of my life."


The cub fell and fell. That was all he knew – the darkness all around him which took away most of his senses, and the constant feeling of falling. That was the torment of nonexistence that the Abyss had to offer. Although it was not literally Hell, floating around in nothingness could have been a close second to it. With time's passage, his fear turned into accommodation, and after that, said accommodation became determination to escape, out of sheer survival instinct. As he somehow managed to grow there, he could not learn how to speak, let alone think properly. Rationale was out of question for him, the thoughts he usually had were those of finding a way out of the misery he was stuck in. Sometimes he would look back at the moment of his birth, reflecting upon who those beings were and the feelings he got off of them. And then he realized how much he longed seeing, hearing, smelling, tasting, touching. Those were all gone now. Yet he could sometimes feel the essences of a few beings similar to him, but unlike him, there was no life coming out of them. It was much later that he would realize those were his siblings, whose spirits at that point had been erased.

His plan of escape was simple, he kept swimming in the endless darkness. As he began to gain some form of mobility with his growing limbs and wings, he went in whichever direction he was facing. Eventually, he started hearing tormented screams in the distance. A strange feeling ached inside his chest and belly. It was as if he could sense the pain of other beings, and from it he was feeling an enormous amount of pleasure. The sensation was so intense, it felt so satisfying, that he let himself be guided by their screams until he eventually collided with something hot which pushed back against him with great force. From behind it he could hear the wails of agony clearer than ever, but since his frail body could not endure such pain, he chose not to push any further and instead swam around it.

As he rose, the sensation of torment lessened, and as such, he chose that as his guide in this silent world. The ascent felt like it took an even longer time than his fall, it had been way easier coming down there, especially since he felt like the darkness around was pushing against him, pressing so much weight, prohibiting his escape. But he would not falter, for no matter what it took, he would not let himself be trapped there, like the others. Suddenly, he saw a speck of light in the distance, a thing which hurt his eyes. Ignoring the inconvenience, he swam further towards it and thrust ahead one of his claws. There was a relaxing breeze blowing against his hand, it felt strangely tender. Clutching suddenly onto something soft which crumpled in his grip, and using all of his might, he sprung out of the pit and landed on the grounds of the palace gardens.

It was all so strangely euphoric. It was the first time in forever that he could see, hear, smell, taste and touch. Looking around, he recognized his surroundings. He was back where he had been born, back where those beings were, back where he had been thrown into darkness. A few feet ahead of him, he saw two imps lazily drag by a large hunk of meat which they occasionally paused to chew on. He didn't know what came over him, but a sudden feeling of rage began filling his head. What if those things were like the others who had him thrown in the pit? He could not, would not let that happen ever again.

"Hey, who's the new kid?" one of the imps casually asked.

"Look out!" the other shouted, but it was too late.

The youkai spread his wings and flew straight at the unsuspecting creature, his fangs digging deep into its neck until the taste of blood overflowed inside his mouth. He snarled as he shook his head uncontrollably and made sure his prey had stopped moving. When he did, he spat out the body and turned to the other who was staring at him, petrified with fear. The imp squealed and turned to run, only for the cub to tackle him from behind in a matter of seconds, the two rolling until they crashed against a tree. The last thing the victim saw was a hungry mouth greedily digging into its face.

Fukurokuju walked inside the throne room after the two royal guards saluted him and were quick to open the doors. He found it amusing, in the Twilight Kingdom you commanded respect if you could bring fear upon others with might and strength. But in his case, he had gained a reputation not only as the royal educator and advisor, but also as their main battle tactician. His name was known throughout the kingdom. His mere presence demanded at least a polite greeting. However, that was not always the case with the queen, who with each passing year gave him more vibes of wanting to grow apart from him. And as he wandered on the rug which led to the throne, giant marble statues of past kings and queens at his left and right, he could not help but keep his guard up.

Koushishi sat on her throne, sipping from a glass of wine she held in her right hand while one of her succubi slaves was busy sharpening the claws from her left hand. On that day she had a rather relaxed demeanor, there would be no senate meetings or plotting. But even then you could never be sure whether or not it was all a façade. Maybe she was preparing a trap to expose you, and the call for a hearing was but a pretext. Nevertheless, he was ready for whatever tricks she would pull, if any.

"You wished to see me, my queen?" Fukurokuju spoke while kneeling on one talon.

"Yes, we have a problem." That was strange, she was never this blunt. It meant that the issue was rather serious.

"And what might that be?"

"Word has spread that someone is causing chaos in my gardens. Apparently, there are corpses at every corner and my precious plants are being torn to shreds."

"So you wish for me to act as a royal gardener now?" the owl youkai spoke in a joking demeanor while rising to his feet. "Have we not had plenty of those already?"

"No, I have felt a strange presence just as the rumors started circulating. Whatever has come here, I want you to capture it and bring it before me."

That was silly. She called him from the battlefield where he was desperately needed just so he could capture a pest in her garden? That settled it – she really did see him as a disposable asset. Or maybe that was indeed the trap she had prepared for him. If only he could read her mind… or see the upcoming future. Nevertheless, orders had to be obeyed.

"It will be done, Your Highness," he saluted and left to gather a small group of soldiers.

Those responsible with defending the palace were definitely not up to par with those sent up there on the frontlines. Most of them were little imps and devils who knew basic magic and combat skills, carrying either a spear or sword. Some lower class youkai who either were not strong enough for the army or who had been disgraced in battle, had been tasked with staying back home to do basic guard duties. Fukurokuju made sure to select a dozen of those whom he believed apt enough. Even if their skills and weapons would have been insufficient, his own powers were sure to turn the tables in their favor.

Much to their shock, they found the palace gardens in utter ruin. The trees had most of their branches ripped off and scattered on the ground, the flowers were torn to shreds, most of the grapevines were twisted and contorted, their fruits crushed, and the queen's favorite species of demonic carnivorous plants had been reduced to ash. Among this disaster there were countless corpses of imps, baby dragons, reptiloids, youkai insects and whatever small beings once dwelled in that jungle of plants. The soldiers were on high alert, inspecting every corner. Fukurokuju instead resorted to only one thing – confronting the enemy head on, thus heading deeper in the woods. He knew he would stumble on the troublemaker in the very near future, therefore he willingly chose to wander off until he heard faint growls coming from above, as was foretold. Up there, on a tree branch, a winged purple cub was feasting on a freshly killed dragon infant, mercilessly munching on the flesh from its long neck. The owl youkai recognized it as soon as he felt its scent.

"He survived… unexpected, but the strands of fate tell a different tale..." Fukurokuju muttered silently, yet it was still enough for the little one to hear him.

Shishima looked down at the white owl dressed in shining armor which reflected the moon's crimson rays. He immediately recognized the face of the one who threw him into the pit which brought him so much misery, and lashed out on impulse, fangs and claws barred out. Locking eyes with Fukurokuju, the young beast's inner fire suddenly died out, a quiet sensation of calm and reassurance suddenly filling his being. Without realizing it, Shishima landed into the owl's soft wings, a heavy sensation of fatigue setting in, as his eyelids slowly fell shut. All it took was one hard stare, and Fukurokuju tamed the rampaging demon spawn.

Rising from slumber, Shishima awoke, to find himself kneeling in chains, in front of a throne upon which a familiar figure was resting – his mother.

"Your Highness, I bring before you prince Shishima." Fukurokuju gestured with a swing of his wing, taking a step back.

"Ah, at long last, one of my cubs passed the first test!" Koushishi exclaimed with joy and got up. "Untie him in this instant!" she ordered and soon enough the cub was freed from the tight chains, only to be taken into her arms and cradled. "It's been over a century, but I finally have another chance to see you, my prince. You've made mommy very proud!"

It was strange. He recalled when his father cradled him all those years ago, the feeling of warmth and bliss emanating off of him. At the same time he remembered the owl cradling him, worry and regret emanating from the old bird. But when it came to his mother, there was no warmth nor concern, only coldness emanating, masked by fake warmth. Even at that early age, he felt her duplicitous nature. And then he recalled the command which had sealed his fate.

"Throw him into the Abyss."

The event, her choice, his destiny, it happened so quickly, nobody had seen it coming. The cub bit the queen's nose, his fangs tearing off skin and flesh in an instant. Koushishi screeched and violently tossed him on the floor. She covered her face in an attempt to stop the bleeding as the advisor approached her cautiously and leaned to whisper in her ear, "Your Highness, I apologize if I offend you, but maybe your plan of creating a 'perfect heir' may not be such a good idea."

She giggled in response, but there was no mirth in her voice, only the small glimpses of insanity.

"You would dare question my judgment? Preposterous. The Abyss has molded him well, he's on the right path." She glanced at her wounded son with glee, admiring the result of her own handiwork, her only surviving offspring, a product of the chance she gambled with. "Oh, the plans I have in store for you, my little Shishima. Guards, to the dungeons with him!"

The cub found himself chained by circumstance yet again. This time around there was nothing he could do to fight back. As Fukurokuju watched him be dragged away, he pondered more on his inability to see into Koushishi's future, and yet in his mind he saw images of her son growing up. Of one thing he was certain – the only thing reserved for Shishima's future was pain.


A phone call suddenly interrupted Demon Subaru's recollection. Angered at this inconvenience, he picked up his cell phone and answered, "Yes, what is it?"

"Milord, I am so sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but we have failed our mission!" Bochiborof cried on the other line.

"What happened now?"

"We found the priestess in the mountains, but she was waiting for us with terrible traps, we had no chance whatsoever. Demon Edo dueled her, but he was no match."

"Hey, stop lying, I was very close to winning!" another voice chastised the plushie.

"Shut up, you idiot, I'm trying to paint us in a good light here!"

"A good light?! Have you seen how that bitch handled our asses? We were downright pathetic!" Demon Sora added.

"If you two don't stop being stupid, I swear I'll punch a hole through those pea brained heads of yours!"

"Just forget about Hajime and get back here!" Demon Subaru snapped at them and hung up.

The bumbling trio was starting to get on his nerves. Despite the fact that they kept failing him, they also had the nerve to interrupt him while he was busy trying to recall his past. Perhaps some disciplinary action was necessary to put them in their place, but he would worry about that when they returned.

Meanwhile at the former catholic church in Sagakin's historic center, a large group of young men flocked, each of them holding various weapons, bloodstains on a couple of their clothes. Inside the cathedral, its statues had been toppled, its paintings had been defaced with graffiti and its benches were occupied by cultists who could not help but smile in the murderous frenzy that had taken over them since the sky had inexplicably turned red. Shinobu climbed up the altar, decked in black robes and flashing her ritual knife for all to see. In front of her, a little girl struggled on the floor as she was trapped in her nightmares, just like the majority of the city's population. Keiichi followed suit, a laptop in his arms, so he could type the incantations that his cult leader would utter and also record the ceremony. Everything was perfect, there was no way to ruin the euphoria that Shinobu was experiencing. She opened her mouth and the ritual began...