Noon's light graced the palace gardens and its inhabitants who seemed to be at ease, a rare occurrence. While it was not uncommon for daiyoukai nobility to come down from the higher levels and grace the commoners with their presence, they mostly preferred to seek temporary solace in the small corner of nature which grew around their home. As such, sometimes an odd pair would organize a private gathering to relax and forget about their daily political feuds and petty backstabbing.
Among them was Yuktre, a bipedal daiyoukai with the sharp head of a squid and tentacles that covered his mouth and slurred his speech. He had sickly dark orange skin and the stench of rotten fish mixed with sewer water, traits which usually alienated even his fellow nobles who mostly associated with him due to his important position as a senator. Alas, the latest senate meetings had proven really tiresome, which led to him deciding to split from the rest of the group and crawl deeper into the gardens in order to better clear his mind. A tinge of annoyance grew in his mind upon hearing the relieved sighs of his colleagues, content to breathe fresh air once more. Not that he was ever particularly close to any of them. Yuktre's duty was to fight through the sea of corruption that was daiyoukai politics, merely to ensure a decent living for his own kin, youkai who inhabited the underground sewers of the capital palace, often shunned even by the lowest class and collectively viewed as disgusting outcasts. Matters had only worsened in the past few centuries, when the queen abolished the Regional Aid act which had been a cornerstone in keeping the Twilight Kingdom's races united. Although there were voices in the senate condemning her decision, they were swiftly silenced with a few successful assassinations. Since that fateful day, hardly anyone could appeal to her for financial or military aid to their own region. It became clear to all that their victory over Purgatory had gotten to her head. Koushishi viewed herself as an unstoppable despot, and with each day that passed, her glorified façade of a strict and serious politician was deteriorating.
As he wandered lost in thought and all by himself, a pair of hands suddenly grabbed Yuktre and dragged him up into a tree. The next thing he saw was a giant mouth filled with fangs attack him and a horrifying screech pierced his ears before it all went to black. When Shishima was done with his latest victim, he was left unconscious between the branches, an illusion spell shielding him from the outside world. Having borrowed the squid's looks and memories, he jumped out of the tree and crawled back to the capital palace. On the way there, he recalled the encounter with Fukurokuju which happened earlier that morning in the Southeastern woods.
"Back already, my prince? I sense that the oni are collectively rejoicing in the ray of hope you brought them. This must be part of your master plan."
"Of course it is, my old mentor. If you said that allies are waiting for my arrival, then I will go to each race in the Twilight Kingdom and try to win them to my side. Koushishi may have the army and politicians by her side, but I will have the people, which will easily outnumber her forces. But until then, I will need to find my way into the Senate. Once that is achieved, I will be able to influence the current politics in my favor."
"I never recalled you taking an interest in politics before."
"Boring as they are, I realize they are necessary if I am to ultimately overthrow my treacherous mother."
"You speak wisely, Shishima. I heard that the Senate meetings are being conveyed by the same schedule as the one you were used to a millennia ago. My word of advice would be to become a senator in order to best infiltrate it."
"Keh, I see what you mean. It will be done. Until next time!"
An odd sense of nostalgia assaulted him as he got reacquainted with the brick walls, arcades and towers which all stretched endlessly into the clouded skies. The home of his childhood, the inheritance he never received, the den of those who had forsaken him... Getting reacquainted with the sights of the first floor was an easy experience since most youkai avoided him due to Yuktre's foul stench, an unforeseen but welcomed advantage. What posed as a disadvantage, however, were his host's limbs ending in nothing but pairs of tentacles, thing which made climbing up the stairs an unnecessarily difficult task, especially since the capital palace had a total of seventy seven levels.
During the slow ascent, it became obvious that the quality of life in the upper levels was vastly improving: the floors were cleaner, the crowds smaller, the inhabitants more civilized, rich art pieces decorated the hallways; it was as if they were vastly different worlds connected only by that single pair of stairs. Borof, who had been resting on his master's shoulder, was quick to take notice and spoke up:
"Sire, forgive my intrusion, but may I ask what is with this sudden shift in sights?"
Shishima moved his right eye to regard him and then spoke through the slurred voice of Yuktre in a lower tone as to not be overheard, "The Twilight Kingdom's society was built upon youkai hierarchy. Our classes are reflected in the palace's levels. The very top seven are all reserved for the daiyoukai, who are so powerful that they are revered as gods among other fallen angels. The upmost level is inhabited exclusively by the royal family. The only others allowed there besides the royal guards are politicians, since that is where the Senate hall lies."
The plushie nodded. "Your home is very fascinating, master. Am I right to assume that you were as respected among the youkai?"
"Just like with mortals, I had inspired fear in the hearts of my kin as well, and none ever dared stand in my way."
"If that is the case, could you please tell me why were you banished?"
Shishima sighed with apathy, unwilling to keep reminiscing that particular aspect of his past, then he resumed, "Everything fell apart after my father's death. Once my mother was in full control of the Twilight Kingdom, the youkai no longer feared me. But now I have returned to have them relearn this lesson of fear."
"I wholeheartedly agree; all should know to bow down in fear of your might, milord!" Borof loyally reaffirmed. "Still, may I ask why we left Earth for this place? Man's world was right in our grasp! Yes, I do recall that the sneaky woman Nekohana kept claiming that she knows the truth behind your late father's demise. However, with your ability to read emotions, you must've definitely felt if she was lying or not. Is this really a matter of finding out the truth, or do you wish to see if you can trust her again?"
The squid's head had fully turned to look down at the small plushie, its bubbly eyes filled with disbelief at how much insight the seemingly obsessive servant possessed. Normally he would have reprimanded him for daring to speak out of place, but in that single instance Shishima decided to reward him with truth. "Yes, I can feel that she is sincere, but that is not enough. I wish to uncover this mystery for myself, then if she can also confirm it, my confidence in her will be fully restored."
"Hahaha, so I was right!" Borof laughed triumphantly. "You do wish to trust her again! Is it possible that you still harbor feelings for her, milord?"
A growl came from between the tentacled mouth, which turned the plushie's mirth into fear and immediately silenced his laughter.
"Utter nonsense! She brought up the fact that she knew who killed my father just as I was on the verge of facing off against Hajime again. I wish to see if she pulled this card out of her sleeve merely to spare Earth my wrath or if she genuinely cares about my revenge on the Twilight Kingdom."
"Who knows, maybe it's a mix a both."
Shishima remained silent, contemplating his minion's words. Perhaps Nekohana had split her heart between him and the humans, and thus she was loyal to both up to certain degrees. But what confused him was her persistent care towards mankind, fragile mortal creatures who came and went in the mere blink of eternity's eye. They were both immortals, beings who were way above mere apes stranded on a tiny speck of dust in the vast universe. As far as he was concerned, mortals were nothing more than toys who existed solely for their amusement. Once their mission in the Twilight Kingdom was over, he would show her that harsh truth in the hope that she would finally accept his vision.
After a long and exhaustive climb, Yuktre reached the top level of the capital palace. The sheer luxury and cleanliness which greeted him was awe-inspiring and overbearing at the same time. It was almost as if the gold which paved the walls, statues and portrait frames was glowing bright as its own light source.
"Wow, this place looks almost like a rich medieval castle!" Borof uttered as he stared around with his jaw dropped. "How come we do not see this level of wealth at any of the lower levels, Your Stinkyness?"
"Is it not obvious? I told you, only the royal family lives here," his master replied with a discreet tone and crawled forward, passing by guards, escorts and fellow daiyoukai who either ignored him due to his stench or saluted him out of obligation, halting in front of a wooden door with the carved picture of a white owl and a winged demon with a lion's head leading a horde of demons out of the fiery pit of Hell. Besides being an authentic depiction of history, that carving was both a tribute to Shishima's far ancestor and Fukurokuju, as well as a reminder to all youkai of their rebellious origins.
"What lies ahead, milord?" the plushie whispered, still in awe of the amazing sights he was witnessing.
"The Senate."
With those words said, the squid daiyoukai raised his tentacle arm and pushed the door wide open, crawling into a large amphitheater. The main seats were arranged in a semicircle around a stage upon which two tribunes rested, and behind them, a throne. Various youkai of different races murmured between themselves the latest political gossip while occasionally glancing at the empty tribunes. An imposing purple lioness sat on the throne, a floating crown between her horns, a pair of wings folded behind her back. She lazily held a golden goblet decorated with rubies from which occasionally she would take a sip of wine. Legs crossed, head resting against her fist, her boredom could be easily read.
"Mother..." a slurred whisper faintly echoed with tamed anger.
"She is your mother?" Borof motioned towards the enthroned one, but his master simply ignored the question as he sat down in senator Yuktre's place. "Sire, you never once told me about your family. What is your mother like? Is she as generous and benevolent as you?"
"She will pay for everything she did to me," a similar whisper followed, although the anger in his tone was more obvious.
"I see, she's the black sheep of the family."
Koushishi nonchalantly gave a loud yawn and passed her empty goblet to an incubus slave who immediately left to refill it. Then, with a single loud slap on the edge of her throne, everyone's attention had been drawn.
"Dearest senators, the meeting will now reconvene!" the queen's voice boomed in the silent room. "Our next debate will be regarding the oni region in the Northeast. I was made aware during the break that the oni senator wishes to have a word on the current protests and he shall have it."
A tall red oni wearing nothing but a loincloth made of tiger skin walked to one of the tribunes, a bundle of papers in his hands which he struggled to organize. He put on a pair of glasses to give off an air of importance, cleared his throat and then he began speaking with oratory passion:
"Fellow youkai, I deeply regret to inform you that a tragedy has occurred over these past centuries. A tragedy that started right in this room, in the very moment that our government went from simply lending its aid towards rebuilding regions to stealing regional hegemony and demanding higher and higher tributes-"
"They're called taxes, we all pay them to maintain our society!" a succubus senator protested, the luscious demonic female wearing a skimpy pink dress earning laughter from a few other senators.
"Well my people see nothing in return, so to us they're a tribute!" the oni reprimanded her with a raised voice, then he calmed down and resumed his speech, "Nevertheless, the riots that have been happening over the past years are due to the prices we are paying, the Oni King considers them as outrageously high. So, if there is something that-"
"I object! You are clearly trying to take the side of those terrorists who dared attack the capital and seek to usurp our rule!" said a goat-headed senator dressed in a fancy turquoise kimono decorated with depictions of fire-spitting dragons.
"Yes, Your Highness, we should take this traitor's word away!" the succubus supported him.
Koushishi smiled with delight at the chaos which unfolded right before her eyes and took a sip from her refilled goblet.
"You have no proof that the attacks of my fellow oni have been done on the palace!" the speaker shot back while searching through his papers. "Even they know to respect the ruling class!"
"Really now?" the incredulous succubus replied. "I suggest we call forth senator Yuktre, who claims he has seen firsthand the damages done by the oni to our sewage system."
Borof froze at the suggestion. Shishima tensed as he tried recalling from his victim's memories if there was something he could use to his advantage. Upon hearing the call, he got up from his seat and crawled to the podium, taking his place at the second tribune and facing the increasingly agitated oni.
"What are you going to do, milord?" the worried plushie asked.
"Shut up, or I'll kill you," he whispered back, then he spoke up as clearly as his slimy tentacled mouth allowed him, "My esteemed colleague, my fellow senators, allow me to cut this debate short if I may. We are all here to represent our people. While I very much sympathize with the cause of the oni, I must admit that their attacks on our sewers have been genuine. A couple of axes and kanabos have been discovered, all bearing their distinct scent of alcohol. My people in the sewers do not feel that their safety should be threatened because of the injustice you currently suffer."
"There is no way to prove that those weapons belong to my people!" the other orator replied with indignation.
"Until our investigation is concluded, I'm afraid I will have to call for a vote of no confidence in regards to the current representative of the oni."
"I beg your pardon...?"
"You were supposed to keep good relations between your people and the rest of the Twilight Kingdom. Now, while under your watch, they are attacking us at unpredictable times. Frankly, I am not sure how you are still qualified for this position. Clearly the oni are not sending their best."
The other speaker stomped his foot and looked at the squid with sheer disgust while the senators began murmuring among themselves. Koushishi tapped her foot to catch their attention again and said:
"An interesting proposition, senator Yuktre! I, as the queen, will allow this vote to happen. We will see the results tomorrow. Until then, you are all invited to go to the voting booths in the backroom at your leisure."
Having no other points to argue, the oni packed his papers and left the tribune. As he passed by Yuktre, he spoke with a lower yet threatening tone, "For someone who claims he wants peace, you surely are not trying much to maintain it! Let's see if this vote of yours will do us any good."
Little did he know that this was all part of Shishima's plan. The general negative attitude towards that particular senator would lead to his ultimate replacement, an act which would only serve to further infuriate the oni. Those riots had to continue, for eventually the capital would have no choice but to respond back with brute force. When the other youkai races would hear of the oni's plight, more riots would follow from other regions as well, which would ultimately lead to a collapse in the Twilight Kingdom's structure. By the time that arrogant Koushishi would have realized her mistake of not appealing to the masses, it would have already been too late. As soon as she was stripped of her position and power, he would strike and have his long-awaited revenge. That mere thought was enough to fill him with excitement for the near future.
The Senate meeting came to an end by nightfall. The impostor crawled out of the palace and headed straight for the tree where the real squid daiyoukai was still lying unconscious. With a single touch on the forehead, Shishima passed him all the discussions and decisions taken by the politicians that day. Stimulated by the new influx of information, Yuktre woke up and fell out of the tree.
"What am I doing here?" he spoke to himself while struggling to get up. "What a tiresome day, I must've taken a nap here after discussing those riots. Oh well, I should probably head home."
Once he left, Shishima reverted to his true form, much to the relief of Borof, who exclaimed:
"Finally, that horrid stench is gone!"
"Our job here is done for today," the former prince replied with utter satisfaction as he gazed at the red moon in the starless night sky. "Let us head back to Fukurokuju's."
"Great idea, sire! I was growing worried that-"
The plushie was then interrupted by his master running deeper into the woods, forcing the little one to hold tight onto the shoulder fur. After a few moments, he paused and hid between two trees, looking ahead at the scene of two youkai dueling in an open grove. On one side there was an oni thug and on the other a tall wolf daiyoukai donning a fancy black military armor with white pants and boots, as well as a long katana held at his waist. Gray fur, a scar where his left eye should have been, there was no mistaking: that was general Rufu.
"I summon Hakiri, Leafcry Faerie." A Snow Faerie with black hair donning a blue kimono and red dress and holding a teapot appeared by Rufu's side.
"I summon Kokuyo Doji." A horned humanoid with spiked blue skin and long sharp fingers appeared by the oni's side.
"I summon Shinobu, Boost Chain." A purple-haired Snow Faerie dressed in a pink ninja suit appeared next to the other one. "Hakiri, attack and Abarechain!"
"Abarechain?"
"Yes, whenever I make my first attack this turn, I may trigger the Abarechain effects of any of my creatures! With Shinobu's effect, I put the top card of my deck into my mana zone. Now, whenever Hakiri attacks, I may put a creature which costs equal or less to the number of cards in my mana zone into the battle zone. Arise, Gorio Bugori, Gorira King!" An orange gorilla donning silvery armor with two golden chains wrapped around his fists that were double the size of his body appeared in the middle of the battle zone and gave a loud battle cry. "Bow before the might of the leader of the Bouken Kingdom! Hakiri, break his shield! Gorio Bugori is a mach fighter, meaning he can attack tapped or untapped creatures this turn as if he lacks summoning sickness, so I attack Kokuyo Doji. More so, due to Gorio Bugori's second effect, I can activate Abarechain effects during the second attack of my turn as well! Shinobu ramps again and Gorio Bugori doubles his power!" The gorilla rushed towards the spiked humanoid and crushed him in an instant with a single fist.
"Such strength from a mere wolf..." the oni mused.
"Watch your tongue, you filthy delinquent! I am no 'mere wolf', I am the mighty general Rufu, head of the Twilight Kingdom's vast army, national hero and the one who brought our ultimate victory against the forces of Purgatory!"
"A self-important senile geezer, that's what you are! I summon Grenma Nyudo and end." A humanoid made of lava who wore a samurai armor and wielded a flaming katana and sharp spear appeared by the oni's side.
"Oh I will make sure you are punished for that disrespectful language! I summon Britanneko, Mana Zone Chain and send both her and Grenma Nyudo to our mana zones." A pink anthropomorphic cat wearing a green martial arts uniform appeared and hit the lava creature with her foot, engulfing them both in a green aura which made them disappear. "Gorio Bugori, attack and Abarechain! Shinobu puts the top card of my deck to the mana zone, Gorio Bugori doubles his power and gains powered breaker, meaning he now has 10000 power! Go, double break his shields!" The gorilla king gave another battle cry while punching his chest, then he rushed headfirst and rammed his fists into two of the opponent's shields. "Hakiri, attack and Abarechain again due to Gorio Bugori's effect, Shinobu ramps once more. Then with Hakiri's effect, I put Hayabusatwin, Earth Chain from my mana zone into the battle zone." A pair of falcon twins appeared, one blue and the other red, both wielding a golden gauntlet that was tied to the other by a golden chain. "Go, shield break!" The Snow Faerie giggled innocently and tossed her teapot into another opposing shield.
"Shield trigger, I cast Demonio Hachikanabo Kokujoukon and destroy Gorio Bugori! I also destroy all creatures with power 3000 or less, meaning your Hakiri and Shinobu, and return the last shield into my hand without using shield trigger." A giant metallic bat filled with spikes appeared mid air and immediately descended upon the battle zone, crushing the gorilla and faeries.
"Renouncing your final means of defense merely to wipe out most of my field? Bold move."
Unfortunately for the oni, his efforts were in vain. He knew that much as he drew his next card and spoke with a defeated, yet defiant voice:
"I summon Ukonmaru, Oni of "Double Hit". He's a speed attacker, so I break one of your shields. Then he untaps after my first attack and breaks another shield!"
"Is that it? How pathetic, if you were smart, you would have thought twice before daring to cause riots near the capital palace. Now you will face the consequences of your rebellious actions - I summon Namakeira, Alive Chain." A panda bear in a white gi appeared and lazily collapsed on the ground, holding two golden chains in his hands. "I attack with Hayabusatwin and with Namakeira's Abarechain I check the top two cards of my deck, add one to my shields and the other to my mana zone. Then with Hayabusatwin's Abarechain I put two Punchfox, Knuckle Chain from my mana zone into the battle zone. Go, Hayabusatwin, todomeda!"
Heeding the general's order, the falcon twins dashed towards the oni and punched him in unison with their golden gauntlets, knocking him out. Thus the match was over and both the creatures and shields vanished into thin air. Rufu would soon take the troublemaker under arrest and lock him up in the palace dungeons, but before going through the necessary formalities, he decided to have a little fun. Taking off the leather glove from his left hand, he aimed it at the unconscious oni and began firing countless spheres of green light which burned the victim to no end. He would ensure it was not lethal, after all, punishing criminals was in and of itself a satisfying reward.
Shishima had seen more than enough. He retreated deeper in the gardens, and when he was completely certain that nobody would see, he spread his wings wide and flew high in the sky.