Universe Five
Subverse Eight-One-Four
For some time, I have journeyed through this world, bearing witness to despair of every degree, to atrocities the human mind would not dare conceive.
From the moment I savored my first breaths, I recognized chiefly their wickedness—their vile souls glimmering joyfully behind a crooked grin. From their hands, our lands wept in scarlet; from their gazes, our sanity crumbled—a castle besieged.
"They are not to be trusted."
"They will never cease their hunt."
"They will be our end."
And yet, as our numbers wither away—as the paradigm of our existence hangs by a mere thread—I cling to my naivety. I dream my dreams—these crystalline visions which flaunt a scene of togetherness, a depiction of an undoubtedly wholesome reality.
No more hierarchy.
No more superiority.
No more bloodshed.
Till my final gasp, I will fight to silence the timeless claim—the pinnacle of golden rules—"the only good demon is a dead demon."
Chirp!
Chirp!
Chirp!
They sang their gentle tunes, their elegant wings spread wide as all around them, the canvas of azure unfolded across distances undefined. Titan-like clouds joined them on the journey, as did the glorious sun, its rays smooth as a soothing warmth embraced the world.
The space below, however, was not quite as even. Indeed, the trees held their peace, placidity hanging off the tips of every leaf. Indeed, the blades of green flaunted their lusciousness. But as this forest flourished, so, too, did its pockets of alacrity, the tranquility ravaged as atoms raced with the haste of lightning bolts.
Case in point: the frail little girl, bolting for her life through the oak maze as something—someone—gave chase like a rabid dog. Cuts and scratches marred her ash-gray skin, her tattered nightgown giving its all to shield her fragile frame. With every stomp, her tousled hair bobbed, the shade black like ink as it complemented the violet of her irises.
Every muscle burned.
Every nerve begged for relief.
With each beat of her heart, her chest ached from corner to corner.
The girl glanced back, just in time for the shadows closing in to howl their howls.
Please . . . she begged. Please, leave me alone.
Lava flooded her lungs, or so it felt, her limbs threatening to shut down any moment.
Not yet! I can't be finished!
But no matter how much she begged, no matter how bright the miracle shone, she couldn't catch the light, collapsing at the edge of a narrow clearing as the fatigue smothered her.
Come on . . .
You have to get up . . .
You can't go back . . .
From the outskirts to the center, a blurriness crept into her vision, and gradually, oh so gradually, she found her consciousness melting away.
But before she would completely faint, she saw the messy blob of a figure, steadily approaching.
The girl stretched out her hand.
"P-Please . . . help me . . ."
Nothing more. Nothing less.
With those final syllables, the newcomer slipped into a slumber.
I inched closer, crouching down to get a better look. Battered and beaten, like a slave who'd finally broken free from the manacles. Lines of blood tainted her delicate skin, some deep enough to reveal bone. As for her breaths, they staggered, her chest rising and falling with an abnormal twitch.
What caught my attention most, though, were the fox-like ears protruding from the top of her head—a dark violet, similar to the bushy tail pinned to her rear end.
Demon.
But what's she doing all the way out here?
Better yet: what messed her up?
My answer arrived in an instant: Demonic monkeys, their brown fur caked with grime as their oversized skulls donned razor-sharp, bloodstained teeth. They hurled themselves into my sights, surrounding me on every side.
"Outta the way, human!" one of them hissed. "We've got a job to do!"
Broad blades replaced their hands, the points begging to pierce my organs.
I straightened my stance.
"Are you the ones who hurt this girl?"
"What's it to ya?" one of them growled.
"Don't tell 'em a thing!" another ordered. "It's none of their business!"
"I beg to differ," I noted. "Considering she just asked me for help, I'd argue this is very much my business. Wouldn't you agree?"
The beasts vibrated with agitation,
whereas my composure never crumbled.
"We don't have time for this!" one of them whined. "King Malak wants her back ASAP! Let's just take out this lowly human and be on our way!"
I raised an eyebrow. "Lowly? Is that what you think of me?"
"What do you expect? You're just our cattle—appetizers for our plates!"
In unison, the demons nodded with agreeance.
"You have nothing on us!" they continued. "We're stronger! Faster! Smarter!" A devilish smirk. "It's only a matter of time before we wipe you all out."
My response: a meager sigh, my mood turned blue as my disappointment bled into the oxygen.
"Another bust," I said. "You can't bridge the gap."
At my waist, a thin scabbard was fixed, and I reached for it, unsheathing my weapon: a two-foot long katana, the blade black as a raven as its sharpness rivaled wolf fangs.
The creatures backed away.
"What's the matter?" I asked. "Aren't you the superior ones?"
Nail in the coffin.
The monkey's irritation quickly overtook their apprehension.
"Tear 'em to shreds!" one of them ordered. "Gobble up even the bones!"
The beasts let loose their screeches, and like a pack of jackals, they lurched for my flesh.
I grinned. "Let's see this superiority of yours."
In and out, her consciousness flowed, her mind begging her to cling to reality as her body relished in its fatigue. In intervals, her vision returned, and while it still drowned in blurriness, the girl could make out figures colliding with one another. Hasty movements, a single figure jerking their frame as the others tried to make contact. The cries of steel biting steel dug into her eardrums, gifting her an unusual sense of comfort.
Am I gonna be okay?
Side to side, I dodged the swipes, evading the demons' more-than-predictable attacks. They tried every stratagem in their grasp: rushing me in duos, trios, quartets; thrusting from the left, the right, above.
No connections.
And when we did manage to meet, I'd deflect with my blade, my hands vibrating at the contact, but my form never wavering.
"What the hell is going on?" a monkey hissed. "Die already!"
"Sorry to say," I replied, "but you're gonna have to try a little harder than that."
The pack grimaced, steam seeping from their boiled blood.
We returned to our original positions.
"It's no use," I told them. "You were destined to lose the moment you drowned in your grand delusions."
"Shut your flaps!" one of the creatures hissed. "Like we'd ever lose to a basic creation."
I cocked an eyebrow. "Basic? On the contrary, I'm anything but." I narrowed my eyes. "In fact, let me prove it to you."
I firmed my body, planting one hand beneath the hilt of my katana as the other wrapped all the way around. I then gathered my focus, noting every single occurrence thriving in my existence, understanding how they all fit together in the grand scheme of the universe.
Inhale.
Exhale.
Inhale.
Exhale.
"Violet Stance: Restless Liger!"
At once, exotic marks of the spoken shade began to glow at the base of my sword, and like a delectable poison, a new sense of power swelled in my bones.
I dashed forth, my speed making even light envious.
Shing!
A single swipe, and I sent the demon's head tumbling to the ground, forcing the entirety of his body to disintegrate into shreds of ash.
The remaining savages gawked.
"That's one," I whispered.
They backed away, hesitant.
I smirked. "What's the matter? Having second thoughts already?"
The right trigger.
Left and right, the monkeys exploded with rage, rushing blindly towards me as they flailed their blades.
I went ahead and disproved my inferiority,
one by one.
Well, almost.
By the end of the skirmish, a single beast remained, his pupils quivering at the massacre I had unfolded.
"Let's finish this," I told him.
The creature refused to budge.
"You'll pay for this, human," he hissed. "You'll learn your place."
With that, he retreated back into the chambers of the forest.
"I'll be waiting," I mocked.
With a single flick, I cleaned my blade of its deeds, burying the weapon back into its sheath.
I then brought my sights back to the little girl, who still lay motionless as she savored her delicate breaths.
Demons attacking demons—that's rare. Not to mention, they're so far out from the cities.
A stroke of the chin.
Is this a can of worms just waiting to be opened? Considering they mentioned something about a king, I'd say so.
Even in her sleep, the little girl writhed, her pain slithering into her sacred meadow of dreams.
"In any case, I can't just leave her here. Who knows what'll happen if other humans find her. Might just butcher her on sight. I guess I'll ask Medes for help. She'll know how to patch this girl up. Ah, but before that . . ."
I removed my overcoat, revealing the entirety of my button-up shirt and slacks, along with the home of my katana.
I then wrapped the child up, encasing her like a cocoon as I held her in my arms.
This way, I can sneak her in without issue.
My business here finished, I made myself scarce from the battlefield, lugging along my find as I made my way back to the village.
Not much time had passed when I returned to civilization. The sun still hung high in the sky, the bustling of the residents swirling through the air like hummingbirds. People of all ages ambled across the dirt roads, dressed in country folk attire as they passed wooden structures—homes, businesses. Upon entry, one would assume this place had tasted nothing but serenity over the past eon.
As I strolled, I felt several gazes latch onto me, no doubt curious about the package in my arms.
"MP!" an elderly man called out from beside me. He occupied a food stand, the aroma of his product tempting to any nostrils passing by. "How about a kabob?"
"No thanks," I replied kindly. "Not hungry."
"Come on~. Just one. I'll even make it on the house!"
"So you can get me coming back for more?" I smirked. "Sorry to say, but I won't be pulled in."
"Bah!" The old man waved his hand. "You'll come around!"
"Whatever helps you sleep at night. By the way, you know if Medes is in?"
"Should be. Why? Got an animal with ya?"
"Something like that."
The vendor stretched out his hands. "Lemme see. Might make a good new flavor!"
I pulled the package back. "No can do. Not this one."
Again, the old man waved his hand. "You're too soft, MP—always trying to help. One day, that attitude's gonna come back to bite you in the butt."
I brushed off the warning. "Duly noted. Now, if you'll excuse me."
Nothing more to offer, I stepped away, the man's grumbles rumbling behind as he lamented his lost sale.
Eventually, I arrived at the clinic—a modest-sized, box-like building composed of tan bricks and soil flooring. Inside, the dozen or so chairs claimed no souls, so I took the opportunity to head straight for the offices in the back.
"Excuse me," the nurse at the front counter said.
"Don't worry," I replied, never turning back, "I have an appointment."
I headed through the narrow hallway, passing the row of timber-made doors, each engraved with a doctor's name.
At some point, I arrived at the one which piqued my interest: Marella Medes.
I gave the oak some knocks.
Thump!
Thump!
"Yes?" a woman's voice said from the other side.
"Medes, it's me," I announced. "I'm coming in."
"MP? Wait a second!"
"Too late."
I gripped the brass doorknob and gave it a twist, pushing the door open.
What I saw, however, had me frozen in place.
Everything within the office appeared the same as any other visit—neat and orderly, a hint of professionalism sprinkled lightly. Bookshelves filled with medical jargon lined up against the walls, alongside a glass case packed with jars and vials. Towards the back, a row of windows let the rays of the sun peek through.
It was also there that I caught a young woman struggling to put on her skirt. She had to herself a slender figure, her skin beautifully fair as it flaunted a baby's smoothness. Wavy hair sunk down to her shoulders, the hue like mint as her eyes tried to match the style, seemingly glowing with a blue akin to ice.
At the moment, she had on a blouse and black panties. Nothing else.
My lips stayed straight.
"What are you doing?"
The woman quickly blushed. "Well, you see, this is, um . . ."
I sighed. "You never change. Hurry and put your pants back on."
Embarrassment continued to thrive in the young doctor as I closed the door for her.
Thank God for childhood friends.
A moment later and the woman called out, "You can come in now!"
So, I did, bringing myself back into the room. This time, though, the doctor actually looked like a doctor, her newfound lab coat covering her business attire as she gave me her signature warm smile.
"Why, hello there," she said with confidence, her circular glasses glimmering.
Are we just gonna pretend what happened didn't happen?
"Greetings," I replied. "Catch you at a bad time?"
"Well, if finding me half naked is any indication, then I'm sure you already know the answer."
"You can't really be embarrassed when you have all those windows open."
Medes glanced past the glass. "Ah, yes, I'm sure the tulips and roses enjoyed the show very much. There's a garden you should be jealous of."
"Right, right," I said. "Seriously, though, are you busy?"
The doctor shook her head. "Not particularly."
"That's good." I brought myself into the room fully, shutting the door behind me as I gestured towards the windows. "Close the blinds."
"Huh?" Medes asked, confused. "Are you . . . not a fan of seeing?"
"It'll only be dim; we'll be able to see fine. Just close them."
Despite understanding little of the situation, the doctor complied, turning the blinds to deny any more of the sun's luminance from soaking through.
Once I was certain we had no audience, I approached the examination table at the center of the room, setting down my "package".
Medes raised an eyebrow. "What is that? Don't tell me you brought a rabbit in or something. I may not be busy, but I still—"
Silence,
as I unfolded my overcoat,
as I revealed the tiny monster girl smothered in pain. Thankfully, her chest still rose and fell delicately.
"A demon?"
"Found her in the hills," I explained. "Got messed up by some of her own."
Medes rubbed her chin. "Close by? That doesn't make any sense."
"We can worry about the implications later. Can you fix her?"
My friend furrowed her brow. "What makes you think I'd know how to help a demon? Actually, what made you think it was a good idea to bring her here in the first place? You're risking a full-blown panic—"
"Oh, please," I bit back. "Does she look like she can wipe us all out?"
"That's not the point, MP. You don't know anything about this girl—who she is, where she's from. For all we know, she could be a bomb waiting to explode." Medes's gaze softened. "Look, I know what you want, okay? Everyone does. But you have to understand—"
"Are we gonna spend the entire day talking about my delusion?" I hissed. "This little girl is quite possibly on the verge of dying, and yet you wanna shine the spotlight on me? Doesn't sound very productive."
My friend narrowed her eyes, her patience running thin.
"I'm sorry," I offered. "I wouldn't have brought her here if I thought you couldn't do anything. You're a genius, Marella. I know you can handle this. I'm not asking you to do an entire heart transplant; I just want you to patch her up. Please."
Medes considered my message, her expressions shifting from irritated to confused to sympathetic all in a matter of seconds.
"I am a genius," she boasted. "You're lucky you know me."
I gave a small smile. "I guess I am."
The good doctor approached the sleeping demon, analyzing the damage.
"I think I can make something work," she said. "Nothing perfect, but she should at least wake up without wanting to die."
I leaned against the wall.
"Ball's in your court."
"I'm sorry, I didn't quite catch that. Say it again."
He quivered to no end, his stare never straying from the ground as he knelt in submission.
In the throne-like room, the sole monkey drowned in his terror, his bones chilled as before him, a mountainous being threatened to erupt.
His frame bulky, the menace wore an oversized fur coat hued like a crow—a contrast to the crimson infused in his grotesque, wicked face. No eyes to tremble to; only hollow sockets. No vicious teeth to bare; only a smile blessed with the evils of the universe. A hood spread across the top of his head, draped over his oddly shaped horns.
"Your M-Majesty," the lesser demon squeaked, "my brothers were unsuccessful in r-retrieving Princess Agatha."
"I don't quite understand," the behemoth admitted. "The task was rather simple: bring—my—daughter—back. No thirteen labors. No scaling the highest peak. A simple goal: return with a little girl. Now I ask you: how did you manage to screw that up?"
"W-We were interrupted, Your Majesty. By a human."
"A human? You mean those pathetic excuses for existence that do nothing more than fill our bellies? Those humans?"
"Th-This one was strong! They held a sword . . . and—"
A message cut short, the peasant muting himself as the apparent king approached. Even in the dimness, luminance offered only by lit torches, his form overwhelmed those of insignificance.
"A sword?" the grand one asked. "You have blades on both of your hands, and you mean to tell me a single sword wiped you out?"
The monkey hesitated. "Y-Yes, Your Maj—"
Wham!
Swift as a wolf, the king smashed his fist into his servant's jaw, cracking the bottom portion as the demon collapsed to the ground.
"That is what you should be terrified of," the grand one claimed. "That is what will be the end of you. Understood?"
The monkey groaned.
The king returned to his original place.
"What's done is done," he said. "You've proven just how useless you lot can be. It would appear that retrieving a tiny girl is more difficult than expected."
Sluggishly, the servant recovered.
"Please, Your Majesty, if you'll allow me—"
"You had your chance! You're lucky I haven't split your skull already. Now, go be useful for once and bring me Laplus."
Afraid to utter even another syllable, the minion made himself scarce, leaving the grand one to his thoughts.
You see what you've done, my dear? You've poisoned her. You've shown her that kindness and fragility are welcome, that compassion is what will drive the world.
A fool's notion.
We are the rulers of this world, and we are owed the respect and attention we demand. We are not as worthless as those insignificant humans.
Worry not, Senko, for I will right your wrongs. I will prove to Agatha just how worthy she really is, how much she stands above all others.
I will mold a daughter worthy of the royal seat.
"Your Majesty."
A fresh voice in his presence, the king turned, finding his minion returning alongside a newcomer: a short girl, slim in figure as her complexion leaned towards a fairer shade. Silky hair fell down to the heels of her combat boots, gray as the moon as a tuft of violet hung in her bangs. As for her eyes, they basked in pristine goldness, capable of drowning any and all curious gazes. For an outfit, she wore a dark one-piece dress, the sleeves longer than her arms as bulky shackles choked her ankles and neck. A simple crow made its home atop her head, nested between the girl's pair of curved horns striped black and purple.
"Laplus," the king said. "So glad you could arrive."
The girl knelt in reverence. "Of course, Your Majesty. I would not dare make you wait."
"I like your attitude. I'm sure you'll be worth much more than that buffoon next to you."
The monkey shivered.
"Whatever you need, I shall provide," the girl assured.
"That's good to hear," the grand one replied. "I have but a simple request: bring my daughter back to me, even if she ends up kicking and screaming along the way."
"Understood."
"Oh, and if you happen to find a human with her, go ahead and kill them."
Laplus sneered.
"With pleasure."
"You listen here, little girl!"
"How can you be so weak?"
"How I ended up with you, I'll never understand."
A string of unpleasantness, coiling around her brain, squeezing tighter and tighter as they starved for every ounce of her fragile joy.
The simpler times had long since withered, the memories hazy at best. Yet she could remember the feelings to a T—the sensations of genuine happiness, of blissful ignorance her adolescence could afford.
But as the truth injected itself into her vision, as the weight of the world strived to crush her, she gradually forgot how good it felt to even be alive.
"Mother . . ."
I looked to our patient, seeing her fingertips shake as she squeezed her face.
Finally waking up?
It'd been a full day since I brought her to Medes, and while the good doctor had done her magic—applying bandages and ointments—the girl barely showed signs of coming to.
"I may have only scratched the surface," Medes had said. "She could have internal damage I can't look into. Just don't hold your breath on her waking up instantly."
I approached the demon girl.
Well, one day is better than three, I suppose.
From the corner of her eye, a single teardrop raced down her face.
"Mother . . ."
I remembered how we'd crossed paths—how desperate she appeared as she begged for my help. Even then, I had the strange feeling that moment wasn't the first time she'd stretched out her hand.
I brushed away her teardrop.
"You've had it rough, huh?"
Slowly, the girl opened her eyes.
She glanced around the doctor's office, trying to decide whether or not she still strolled in her garden of fantasies.
Our gazes soon met.
"Hello, there," I said softly.
Rather than lurching into a panic, the little girl merely stared.
"You're in a safe place," I told her.
"Father's men . . ." she said weakly.
"The monkeys . . . They're long gone; at least, most of them."
The girl started to sit herself up.
"No need to rush," I noted.
Again, the patient studied her surroundings, perhaps still in a daze. When she looked back at me, her awe glimmered on her sleeve.
"You saved me," she whispered.
"Yes. Yes, I did."
Before the awkward silence could sink in, the door to the office swung open, with Medes ambling through, a mug of coffee in her hand.
At the child's wake, her jaw dropped.
"Oh, my," she said. "You're . . . You're up!"
Like a frightened kitten, the demon clung to my shirt.
Was not expecting that.
Regardless, Medes set down her drink to examine her patient.
"How are you feeling, sweetie?" she asked.
The girl countered with her own question: "Where am I?"
"In a village, sweetheart. A human one. MP brought you here after they found you."
"M . . . P?" The child glanced at me,
and I smiled. "That's my name. Don't wear it out."
"Does anywhere hurt, sweetie?" Medes asked. "Your stomach or your chest or anything like that?"
"I . . . I don't think so." The girl studied the gauze wrapped around her limbs. "Feels normal, actually."
"It doesn't hurt at all?"
A shake of the head.
The good doctor stepped closer to her patient, and after a gentle "Excuse me" did she loosen a patch of bandages.
Clean skin, as if trauma never occurred.
"Fast healing," I guessed. "Perk of being a demon."
"Incredible," Medes whispered.
The child acted as if this was business as usual.
The doctor wrapped the section back up. "We'll keep it covered just in case, okay?"
The girl had no qualms.
"So," I said, "you got a name?"
"Agatha."
"Okay, Miss Agatha, do tell: Why were a bunch of monkeys trying to jump you?"
The girl hesitated.
"MP," Medes began, "Maybe we should let her—"
"I was taken," Agatha admitted.
I raised an eyebrow "Taken?"
She nodded.
"I've never heard of demons kidnapping other demons," I admitted.
"Well, it's true!"
I raised my hands in defense. "Take it easy. I'm not calling you a liar or anything."
Agatha lowered her chin, embarrassed.
"Sorry," she whispered.
Tenderly, I rubbed her head, making her tail wriggle.
"Still, though," Medes chimed in, "that situation is rather odd. Usually it's us being taken."
Agatha shrank.
"I'm assuming you were taken from your home," I guessed.
Another nod.
"Well, then, I hope you don't live far, 'cause I don't really feel like walking all that much."
Both Medes and the little demon gave me stunned looks.
"What?" I asked.
"You're gonna take her home?" the good doctor asked.
"Well, obviously. You don't expect this literal child to hike it back to the city alone, do you?"
Agatha's eyes quickly dazzled as she regarded me, as if I was now some saint sent from the plains above.
Medes, on the other hand, barely managed to hold in a sigh.
"MP," she said, "can I talk to you for a second?" She gestured towards the door. "Out there?"
"I'm gonna go get yelled at," I told Agatha. "Be right back."
Surprisingly, the monster girl giggled, forcing my own lips to curve as I joined my fellow human in the hallway.
"Have you lost your mind?" Medes whispered. "You're gonna go with her?"
"Pretty sure I made that clear."
"You don't know who she is."
"Well, now I do."
"No, you don't." My friend grabbed my arms. "MP, she was kidnapped by other demons—a situation inconceivable. There'd only be one reason why she was taken: she's high value. For all we know, she could be a princess."
Fits with the king mentioned earlier, but no need to mention that.
"More the reason why I need to go with her," I argued. "What if she gets attacked on the way back?"
"How are you gonna get back? Hm? What are you gonna do when you reach the end? You think the monsters will just let you walk free? You're literally volunteering to march into a nest."
No matter her stance, my position wouldn't change, and Medes knew this, her expression softening.
"I just don't want you to get hurt."
Guilt coursed through my heart's chambers as my companion's genuine concern soaked into me, but I couldn't halt here, not when I could see the peak rolling into view.
"I appreciate the concern," I said. "I really do. But if I'm not willing to suffer for my dream, then it wasn't good enough to begin with."
Medes peered into my authenticity, and catching no faults, she released me.
"You're gonna take her home," she said.
"I'm gonna take her home," I confirmed.
"Then promise me this: When you're out there, make sure you find your truth."
I smiled, holding up my fist. "Duly noted."
My dear friend curved her own lips, matching the gesture.
The two of us then returned to Agatha, where I proceeded to take off my jacket.
"All right, Miss demon," I said, "I'm gonna need to wrap you up."
"Huh?"
"You're leaving right now?" Medes asked. "At least let the girl eat first."
"We'll find something on the way," I said. "I'd rather get a head start before night comes. Who knows if other kidnappers will come after her."
Agatha's muscles tensed.
"Don't worry," I told her. "I'm gonna keep you safe."
Thankfully, she believed me, and with obedience, she let me conceal her in my jacket like a cocoon once more.
"Um . . ." she said through the fabric. "It's . . . It's a little hard to breathe in here."
"Bear with it," I said. "Once we get away from the village, I'll let you out."
Medes looked like she wanted to say something but didn't, the syllables seemingly stuck in her throat.
"Relax." I rubbed the top of her head. "I'll be back in no time to see your next selection of panties."
She blushed, albeit lightly.
"You better."
With our final messages, I headed out in search of the lion's den.
A few hours had passed since we departed from the village; as such, I was now comfortable letting Agatha stroll beside me. Truth be told, the sun didn't let up in its waves of heat, and part of me considered leaving the overcoat off altogether. But after the little demon had sung—and I quote—"You look like a hero, MP," I couldn't abandon the look.
We traveled across broad dirt paths, forests buzzing on either side as we made our way through the countryside.
Our goal: a behemoth of a mountain, smirking in the distance.
"You live up there?" I asked, pointing to the peak. "Not in the city?"
"M-My family's a little weird," Agatha answered. "We don't like loud noises much."
"I guess that makes sense, assuming your entire family are foxes like you."
"Half. My mom's side."
I raised an eyebrow. "Then, what's your dad?"
The little girl trembled at the question, her gaze sinking into the ground.
Maybe I shouldn't press her about it.
Luckily, the universe tossed us a distraction; unluckily, it happened to be a pair of humans marching towards us from the opposite side of the path. At first, they smiled like normal, but as soon as they caught a whiff of Agatha, their mood flipped, as if they now had the misfortune of meeting a pair of cockroaches. As they passed, they widened the gap between us and them as much as possible.
"I-I'm sorry," Agatha said once we'd been left alone.
"Why?"
"People . . . keep giving you dirty looks."
I shrugged. "People just don't like things they don't understand; or rather, they don't like things that go against what they already believe."
Despite my explanation, Agatha couldn't hide the guilt from her sleeve.
I pet her kindly on the head. "You have nothing to apologize for."
Again, she gave me that look, as if the being before her burst through all boundaries of imagination.
"You're really not afraid of me?" the monster girl asked.
"Can't say I am," I answered honestly.
Agatha simpered.
Then . . .
Rooooooor!
Embarrassment quickly bloomed in the delicate demon as her stomach rumbled mightily.
"I guess it is about that time," I noted, noticing my own hunger. "You okay with human food?"
"I've never had any," Agatha admitted.
"Well, then, you're in for quite the treat."
Fortunately, the galaxy, too, wanted to spoil the monster girl, for in only minutes did the two of us come across a food stand planted near the trail. Basic round stools offered themselves before one side of a wooden counter, while on the other end, the cook worked his magic.
"You sell food out here?" Agatha asked, mystified.
"People tend to travel a lot between villages," I explained. "Find the right spot and you're looking at a potential gold mine."
We approached the stall, plopping ourselves on the stools.
The chef—a middle-aged man—had his back turned to us, tending to his stovetops. Puffs of steam drifted from the handful of pots, teasing us with their mouth-watering aromas.
"Just a sec!" the cook called out.
"Would you like what I'm having?" I asked Agatha.
She nodded. "Yes, please."
However, the pleasant mood swiftly vanished as the chef turned to us, as his beady eyes dug into the monster girl.
"What the hell?" he hissed, disgusted.
Agatha shrunk, whereas I kept my back firm.
I raised two fingers. "Two ramen bowls."
The old man hesitated, possibly debating whether or not he wanted to pour boiling broth on my companion.
"S-Sorry." He pointed. "We don't serve to those things."
Agatha frowned.
"Never said one was for her," I noted. "I'm hungry, so I'd like two."
Again, the cook fell in his reluctance.
"Surely you're not gonna deny a sale like this," I poked. "Pretty sure you're not exactly rolling in dough. So, make me my food."
Realizing that every penny counted, the old man went to cook our meals.
I winked at Agatha, and she let her gratefulness come loose.
A princess, huh? Would explain why she was kidnapped. I didn't even know the demons had royalty to begin with.
Should I be worried about who comes for us?
As I lost myself in these thoughts, the old man returned with our meals—two bowls of ramen, the noodles smooth as they swam in a golden broth.
Agatha gaped at the food, amazed.
"This is human food?" she whispered.
"Enjoy," the old man said bitterly.
"Wait."
I studied the pair of bowls, coming to find Agatha's broth to be a bit . . . darker than my own.
I sighed. "Can't even enjoy a simple meal in peace. Agatha, I'm gonna swap with you."
The cook flinched.
Although confused, my companion traded bowls.
And as I held my new one in my hand, I wasted no time hurling it into the forest close by.
"What are you doing!?" the old man barked. "That dinnerware isn't cheap!"
"Is that right? Well, I'll be sure to compensate. Now, if you could make me a bowl that looks normal, I'd appreciate it."
The cook winced.
I smirked. "I'm smarter than I let on."
But rather than getting back to the cooktop, the old man folded his arms.
"Just have your mutt finish her lunch and get the hell out of here."
"Fair enough." I rested my chin on my fist. "I guess I wasn't all that hungry anyway."
Agatha only frowned at her ramen, her tears close to pouring through.
I rubbed her back. "Eat up. You won't make it through the rest of the trip, otherwise."
Her response: a weak nod.
And even though this was supposed to be her first dip into human culture, she couldn't bring herself to appreciate the flavors.
As night rolled through, we decided it'd be best to hunker down, lest one of us ended up getting snatched by the shadows. We ventured a little ways into the forest, where I proceeded to set up a small campfire. Again, the moon wasn't exactly an icy princess, but any advantage to peer into the darkness, I would snatch.
Since leaving the food stall, Agatha hadn't uttered a single word, and although her body read as clear as day she wanted to cling to me, she kept her distance. Case in point: When the campsite was established, she sat on the opposite side of the fire.
Rooooooor! my belly whined.
"I wonder if any of these leaves are edible," I said. "Might be a blueberry bush nearby."
"I'm sorry," the monster girl whispered. "I'm really sorry."
"You have nothing to apologize for. You're not the one who didn't cook the food."
"But if I wasn't with you—"
"But you are. And I am thankful for that. Honest."
Agatha observed my face, trying to focus on the insincerity—an aspect nonexistent.
"I don't understand," she said. "Why are you doing so much for me? You realize what I am."
"A little girl in a big, big world."
The answer caught her off guard.
"Don't you . . . Don't you hate demons?" She hung her head in shame. "We've taken so much from you."
"I do hate demons," I admitted. "At least, certain ones. Those monkeys who tried to hurt you? Hate 'em. That dragon who devoured my teacher? Hate him. But I don't believe all demons are the same, just like how not all humans are the same. It's a case-by-case affair."
The bundles of flames crackled.
"I have a pipe dream," I blurted.
"A pipe dream?"
"You're probably too young to understand, but it's basically a goal I can never reach, no matter how hard I try."
I paused.
"I'd like to get along with you demons."
Agatha listened.
"There's always so much bloodshed, so much needless violence," I explained. "Demons hunting humans, humans retaliating—the cycle just goes on and on. But I think—I really do—that we can reach solutions that break the chain. We can make compromises that end the suffering, that end the need for families to be torn apart on both sides. Most humans see your kind as savages, but I view you all as mere different creatures, and I intend to give respect where it's owed."
I gazed into the night sky.
"I'd like a future where we can all hold hands."
Agatha gaped.
"You really think you can make that happen?"
"I do. That's how I ended up with my name."
"MP."
"Most Pitiful."
My melancholy bled through.
"Not many people believe in me; in fact, I think I only managed to hook Medes 'cause we're childhood friends. But"—I breathed my determination—"I'm gonna try my best to achieve this dream, whatever it takes. I'm gonna change this world so that no one—human or demon—has to shed anymore tears. That's a promise I will bring to my grave."
Agatha whispered, "You really are a strange one."
She then rose to her feet to come over and plop herself down beside me.
"I'd like a world like that too."
"Yeah?" I asked. "It's gonna be a crazy ride. Might even have to deal with more messed-with bowls of ramen. Sure you're up for it?"
"I am!" A blush. "As long as I'm with you."
I stroked her hair. "My, aren't we getting attached?"
The monster girl giggled.
For a while, we stayed just like this, relishing in a piece of the delusion generous enough to caress our cheeks.
Exactly like this, I thought. Exactly like this.
Eventually, the time to bask in my dreams breezed by, evident by Agatha already having passed out on my lap.
I set her aside, covering her body with my jacket, then blew out the campfire.
I then lay beside my new companion, burying my sights on the many stars above.
It should only take a day or two more to reach her house. Hopefully, I won't have to deal with anything when we get there. As they say, the apple doesn't fall far from the tree, so maybe Agatha's folks won't be some maniacs.
My consciousness faded as I whistled my final thought.
Let's just hope we can get there in one piece.
She drifted through the maze of oak, her boots crunching the twigs as her vibrant eyes glowed in the dusk.
I think we're getting close. I can smell something . . . familiar.
Right on cue, her beloved crow returned to her side, swooping down from the skies to land on her head.
"Well, Kaos?" Laplus whispered. "See anything?"
The creature shook its head.
"Really? But I can sense something. I'm sure of it."
A moment later and the demon would find her evidence: scraps of paper pinned to various trees, their surfaces decorated with mystical markings.
"Talismans?" she whispered. "They're trying to hide their presence? A solid strategy, I admit. However"—her crooked smile twisted into view—"I'm not basic enough to fall for it."
The demon stepped forward, the air around her warping as she bypassed an apparent invisible barrier.
The scents grew wilder.
"There we go. Much better."
Her crow frowned.
"Don't feel too bad, Kaos," Laplus said. "These things can be hard to spot."
She gave her companion a pat on the head. "I'll be sure to give you lots of treats when we finish the mission."
A proposal accepted.
The duo ventured deeper into the hidden area, and like a wolf finding its hunt, they stumbled upon their prey: a young human, lying beside an extinguished campfire as they slept soundly.
"What a find," Laplus whispered, delighted.
Her eyes slithered across the human from head to toe, spotting the sheathed katana at their waist.
Explains how those morons were wiped out. Considering this human also knows about talismans and the sort, it's a safe bet demon slaying is a normality.
The assassin glanced around.
Only one soul present.
But where's Miss Agatha?
A sniff.
I can still smell her. Probably went to relieve herself. I'll just scoop her up when she returns. Back to the inferior creature. As for you, your time ends here.
From her overlength sleeves, a pair of kama blades descended into view, one of which she raised above the human's head.
For the king.
She rushed in like a lightning bolt, dashing from concealment to her newfound beloved. And when she reached, she made contact, tapping her fingers against their chest.
Whoosh!
In an instant, the princess and her bodyguard vanished from sight, right as Laplus could deliver the deadly strike.
The assassin smirked.
"That's where you were."
Like a lightbulb being snapped on, my consciousness burst into liveliness, my body noticing its sudden motion.
What happened?
I was still in the forest, the dead of night continuing to strive. But our campsite was nowhere to be seen.
Quickly, I felt Agatha tug on my arm.
"We have to run!" she begged, panicked.
My confusion hung over me. "What? What's going on?"
"There's people here! We have to run!"
She yanked at my body, desperate to drag me away.
Sluggish, I rose to my feet, grogginess infesting my systems.
Agatha snatched my hand. "Hurry!"
"But I put down talismans," I explained. "I hid us."
Krnch!
Krnch!
Krnch!
Krnch!
Footsteps, fast approaching.
What happened next, I could barely comprehend:
Agatha shoving me out of the way;
a ruthless force, blasting itself into her;
blood bursting from her arm as she winced in pain.
"Agatha!" I howled.
Even then, the monster girl did not falter, and she rushed to me, grabbing my shirt.
Whoosh!
Again, my body went through that sudden jerkiness, and against all rules of reality, the two of us teleported away by several meters.
Exhausted, my teammate crumbled to her knees beside me.
I crouched down. "Agatha . . ."
"I-I'm okay," she promised.
"Take her word for it."
Where we once stood, a petite girl with black-and-purple horns sneered. "She'll heal fast."
I wasted no time drawing my sword.
"Very surprising, though," the stranger said. "Miss Agatha was always so timid. Never did I believe she'd put herself on the line like that. Are you that important to her, human?"
"Who are you?" I demanded.
"I suppose an introduction is in order." The newcomer took a bow. "The name is Laplus Darkness, and I have come to take Miss Agatha."
Agatha quivered.
Another kidnapper? And here I thought we'd catch a break.
Laplus gestured towards herself.
"Let us go, Miss Agatha," she ordered. "Time to return home."
Home? But I thought . . .
Agatha's hesitance coiled around her ankles, keeping her in place.
Forget it. I can ask her later. In the meantime . . .
I went into a battle-ready stance. "Sorry, but Agatha isn't on the market. You'll have to keep moving along."
"I beg to differ," Laplus argued. "I'm well within my rights."
"That makes two of us."
The demon chuckled. "All that bravado, like you honestly stand on the same footing as me."
"At the moment, I'd say we do."
"Think whatever you will. I'll just have to beat you into submission."
Just then, a crow swooped down from the skies to land on my foe's head.
"Finished with the tracing, Kaos?" Laplus asked.
The creature nodded.
"Excellent." My opponent smirked. "In that case, why don't we get this started?" She pierced her kama blades into the soil. "Dimensional Claim: Domaine des Surdoués!"
At once, a layer of black energy erupted from the ground, surrounding us in a bubble-like mold half the size of the mountain itself. Within, the scenery gradually morphed in character, the trees transforming into sizable boulders as the grass beneath grew even more luscious. Among them, a wave of violet flowers bloomed, their petals lambent enough to mimic withering stars. In various spots, elevation took place, with multi-layered cliffs rising forth like once-buried giants. I remained on the base floor, while Laplus had been brought up to a vantage point.
She spread her arms in joy. "Welcome to your beautiful grave."
"I'll be the judge of that," I replied sternly.
"Hoh~? But you're already on the losing front."
Before I could react, Laplus's crow darted down from out of nowhere, gripping Agatha with its talons to hoist her away.
"Agatha!" I shot my hand her way.
She strained her muscles in what I could only assume was an attempt to teleport. But rather than returning to my side, she recoiled, spitting up streaks of blood.
Damn it!
The crow delivered her to Laplus.
"You've been a very naughty girl," our foe chastised. "As such, I believe a punishment is in order. I'm sure your father would agree."
She outstretched her arm, and like starving snakes, barbed wires appeared around Agatha, constricting her body as every inch dug into her skin.
The little girl screamed in agony.
"Don't squirm so much," Laplus suggested. "You'll only make it worse."
My anger lurched forth. "Let her go!"
The greater demon turned to me, her chin held high.
"I don't think you're really in a position to give orders," she said. "In fact, I'll let Kaos start having his fun."
Heeding the call, her tiny crow began to glide towards me.
Is this a joke? I wondered. How is that thing—?
An answer, given,
as the bird accelerated through its evolution,
as its body inflated in size, beefier than my own physique as the beast could now crush my skull with a single grasp.
KLANK!
Its dagger-like talons whined as the creature slammed them into my sword, shoving me back in the process.
It's like trying to push back a boulder!
The bird soon pulled back its claws, opting instead to repeatedly thrust its beak.
Klank!
Klank!
Klank!
Every strike nibbled on my stature, eviscerating my posture.
I need to get control . . .
A futile wish, for out of the corner of my eye, Laplus hurled herself into the fray, and with the force of a hundred rams, she bashed her foot into my ribs.
I gasped for air, pain gnawing on my bones as my body went sailing towards a cliffside.
Upon impact, the earth bellowed, chunks tumbling to the grass alongside myself.
"MP!" Agatha screamed.
The crow snarled at his master.
"What?" Laplus asked. "I can't let you have all the fun."
I lifted myself up, just as she dashed my way.
I firmed my posture.
"Azure Stance: Immovable Tortoise!"
Smoothly, sapphire markings glimmered at my katana's base, and as my foe rammed my steel with her kama blades, I deflected with ease, my muscles now fortified to brace the impact.
"I like the competence!" Laplus praised, slashing away.
Wham!
Like a meteor crashing down, her beastly bird slammed itself into my side, shooting me away once again.
Laplus grinned. "Doesn't work when you have to split the focus, though, huh?"
I recovered.
When it comes to defense, I'm getting abused.
I need to lift some of the pressure.
A deep breath.
"Violet Stance: Restless Liger!"
My speed now maximized, I charged forward, erasing the gap between myself and Laplus in mere nanoseconds.
She gaped, shocked by my sudden strike.
I got her!
Klank!
Denial.
A fierce defense, her crow bashed away my attack.
Laplus's counter: a swipe with her blade, barely scraping my nose as I narrowly managed to dodge and retreat.
"Very close," she teased. "Very close indeed. Unfortunately for you, your little techniques seem to only work in solo battles, or at the very least, clashes with inept crowds. When it comes to more than one elite player, though"—a sneer—"you're pretty useless."
I wanted to prove her wrong, wanted to show that I was a force to be reckoned with. But no matter how many times I pressed onward, no matter how much my determination roared in valiance, I could never overcome her challenge. I attacked from every angle imaginable, zooming at a variety of speeds to eradicate the predictability. Even then, the same result played out: one deflecting, while the other beat me down. Where one faltered, the other picked up the pieces, lashing out the deck's cards in full force.
A few skirmishes later and I barely resembled a fully functioning human. Cuts and gashes tore away at my skin, my blood dribbling to the grass as my vision blurred. The very act of standing now seemed like a chore, and part of me—a very small part—wished I could just plummet into an endless slumber.
"Still trying?" Laplus asked, unscathed. "I'll give you this: For a human, you are quite sturdy. But even you know how this is going to end."
I didn't back down.
My foe was genuinely confused.
"Why are you going so far?" she asked. "For a demon? A spoiled brat who doesn't appreciate what she's been given? Who thinks all her problems will magically disappear if she just runs away?"
"Runs away?" I repeated.
"Of course! Little mongrel ran away from home the second she had the chance!"
I looked to Agatha, whose shame veiled her like mist.
"Is that true?" I asked. "You weren't kidnapped?"
"Kidnapped!?" Laplus boomed. "Are you kidding me? She—"
"I'm not talking to you!" I hissed. Back to the child. "Is it true?"
Slowly, oh so slowly, she nodded.
"I'm sorry." A tear ran down her cheek. "I'm really sorry."
I, however, didn't bask in the irritation one would expect to bloom. My calmness never abandoned me.
"Why?"
"I . . . I thought you wouldn't take me—"
"No. Why did you run away?"
Agatha bit her lip, close to bursting into a sob.
"Because . . . they were turning me into something I didn't want to be."
"Oh, please," Laplus mocked. "We were only preparing you for what you needed to do. You're the heir of the great King Malak, and you need to live up to that responsibility. Become the greatest of our kind. No mercy. No compassion. Take what's yours." A sigh. "Your mother really did try to ruin you."
"Don't talk about my mom!" The wires dug deeper into Agatha's skin, but she didn't care.
"Can you blame me? She was always on this mission of peace, believing we could all just get along. As if humans were something more than just our cattle! What a joke! You should be grateful your father killed her! All she did was pollute you with this sick pipe dream!"
"Shut up! Shut up! Shut up!"
Agatha's blood soaked into her clothes, her injuries becoming graver and graver.
"A pipe dream?" I whispered.
"That's right," Laplus confirmed. "Could you believe it—a demon believing they were on the same level as a human? Talk about an inferiority complex. Why she'd lower herself to that degree is beyond me."
Upon the barren canvas, they spun into existence, first as mere sparks, but gradually, oh so gradually, their luminance evolved beyond measure, blessing the nothingness with a brilliance greater than reality itself.
I always wondered how we managed to cross paths that day. Anyone could've found you, yet you managed to stumble into me specifically—the sole human who didn't hold a grudge against demons. The chances were infinitesimal, yet Mother Destiny brought them to life.
And now, with these new stars brightening my understanding, I believe that we are still in Her design, that we still have roles to fulfill.
From the moment we met, I was drawn in, and although our time together was incredibly short, you quickly became something I longed to protect. At first, I assumed this feeling was due to your innocent adolescence, but now I see clearly the entire picture, as though the universe has finally parted the clouds.
I was never meant to carry this torch across its entire journey; only to someone who could make the flames livelier.
The entire dream is not mine.
"Agatha . . . You are the key to the future."
The little girl's jaw hung, her mind unable to decipher my claim.
"It's fine if you don't understand," I told her. "You will. And when you do, you will change the world. In the meantime"—I raised my sword—"I'll prove our wish is worth fighting for!"
"MP . . ."
Laplus chuckled. "So much bravado, even when you're on the brink of death. Need I remind you that you don't stand a chance, human? You've done everything in your book, only showing how tiny you really are."
"I may be as tiny as you perceive . . ." My form did not waver. "But with enough might, even a pebble can become a meteor!"
"Then let's put your theory to the test!"
A deep breath.
"Violet Stance: Restless Liger!"
My speed sublime, I rushed towards the demon.
They're two sides of the same coin; where one stumbles, the other picks up the pace. Synergy like theirs takes eons to cultivate.
Case in point: Laplus's crow caught my blade with ease.
"Already forget your lesson?" my foe chided. "You're hopeless!"
She swiped with her weapon.
But no one can predict the future!
Shing!
The palm of my hand split open as I caught Laplus's steel.
She gaped. "Wha . . . ?"
Wham!
My bravery bold, I then bashed my forehead against hers, rattling my brain matter before retreating to a safe distance.
Surpass every expectation—that's the key.
Laplus looked offended.
"You dare touch me?" she hissed. "You pile of flesh!"
Disrespected on its master's behalf, her crow darted savagely towards me.
"Azure Stance: Immovable Tortoise!" I roared.
But rather than letting my sword deflect, I swung it to my side, opting instead to let the bird's talons sink into my free arm. Blood gushed to no end.
The beast quivered at the turn of events.
Now!
I thrust my katana.
Shing!
The crow whined as my steel pierced its wing.
"Know your place!" Laplus stomped my way, anger polluting her irises.
I do. That's why I'm fighting for it!
I pulled back my sword, then offered another chant. "Azure Stance . . ."
"I don't think so!"
Laplus readied her blades to devour.
Good.
I fell silent, dodging her completely to rush her pet who tried to retreat.
"They lured me . . . !?" Laplus gasped. "Kaos, watch out!"
CAAAAAW! the crow cried, barely managing to block my katana.
At the same time, Laplus emerged at my backside, shoving her blades into either side of my spine. I could barely comprehend the pain.
"You won't get the upper hand," my opponent promised. "You won't outplay us, human!"
"The thing is . . . I already have!"
I channeled all my energy into my inner being, envisioning the me that would make even gods crumble to their knees.
"Crimson Stance . . . Seething Wolf!"
By a hundred—no, a thousand—percent, my strength multiplied, and despite how much effort Laplus's beast strained, I proved my dominance.
"AAAAAAAAAA!" I roared,
as my katana sliced through the talons,
as the edge brushed against the feathers,
as I slashed the head clean off.
Last I saw was the beast's woeful gaze as its body disintegrated into fine ash.
Silent, Laplus pulled back, taking her blades with her. But the rage had already consumed her to the fullest, boiling her blood hot enough to melt her very veins.
"When will you learn . . . ?" She dropped her weapons, and like a furious vortex, waves of purple energy exploded all around her. "When will you learn how insignificant you truly are!?"
Limb by limb, her form shifted, her humanoid facade melting away to a form akin to a mythical beast.
"You won't get away with this!" Laplus snarled.
She then lowered herself onto all fours, readying the charge.
I stood tall with my might.
One last time.
"For the future," I whispered.
The demon rushed.
"Aurora Stance: Majestic Dragon."
Symbols of multiple shades surfaced on my katana, the essence drifting off like colorful mist. Rampage of every degree boomed in the atmosphere, yet I breathed only serenity, my uncertainty reduced to meager atoms.
So this is what it feels like
to be undeniable.
Laplus approached my front.
I swung my sword.
Everything beyond that occurred to me as only a blur, the events blending together like hues of the rainbow:
my blade's connection, severing the head from the body;
Laplus's disappearance, her existence fading into nothingness;
the crumbling of her dimension, returning me to the darkened forest.
I stumbled in my disbelief.
I'm back.
Does that mean . . . ?
The stress of it all finally devoured me whole, and I had to drag myself to the nearest tree, sliding down the oak as my nerves and veins trembled in demise. My consciousness flickered in and out. Even so, I was able to admire the newborn sun peeking across the horizon.
A long night.
I laid my katana on my lap, the onyx steel as pristine as the day I received it.
But before I could sink into that sweet eternal slumber, I had one more wall to climb, its form the little demon girl stumbling towards me.
"MP?" she asked.
"Ah," I whispered. "Sorry, Agatha. I forgot to check on you." I smiled. "To be fair, though, I don't think I can move all that much."
"That's okay."
The child approached, eating away her grave injuries, to curl up beside me.
We soon sat in silence, basking in the lovely scene Mother Nature had planned for us.
"Thank you for saving me," Agatha eventually said. "Even though I'm a demon."
"I already told you," I said, "I don't care that you're a demon. To me, you always were just a little girl in a very big world." I stroked her hair. "At times, everything may seem overwhelming, like everyone is against you, but you have to be strong, Agatha. You have to fight for what you believe in, tooth and nail. Do you understand?"
My companion held my hand. A warm touch.
"Yes."
"Unless they are undeserving, always love others the way you'd like to be loved, whether they're monsters or not." I chuckled. "Pretty sure you already got that message, though. What I'm saying is, you can make this world a better one for all. You can make it a place where everyone is accepted, where no one has to feel worthless or inadequate. Do you believe in yourself, Agatha?"
The little girl wept. "Yes."
"Good. Because I believe in you. From now until the end of time."
I kissed her on the forehead, then leaned back.
"Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm gonna go to sleep for a bit."
But Agatha knew all too well, her tears endless as her beloved human drifted off to a place beyond her understanding. Their breaths ceased. Their movements withered away. Their final expression was that of a warm smile.
Agatha kissed them on the cheek.
"Good night, MP. Please . . . Please keep watching me."
She sobbed and sobbed, hugging her companion tight.
She realized, though, that she couldn't stay forever, that her presence would do nothing more for the still body. So, once her injuries had fully healed, she departed from the scene, carrying on the invincible katana.
The demon girl would go on to complete her journey in the days to come, arriving at the peak of the neighboring mountain. There, a modest maiden's temple welcomed her, no less desolate than when she'd last visited.
However, her visit would last only seconds, for the great king himself had waited for her coming.
Agatha hugged her sword close.
The king gave no reaction, only stepping past her as he formed a portal for them to enter.
"Try a stunt like this one more time and I'll see to it you never enjoy the sun again. Understood?"
The little girl nodded. "Yes, Father."
But her defeat would not slither to the surface; rather, she clung to her hope, confident that she could change the very paradigm of existence.