Chapter 8
Heaven
3 days later
Keiichi watched as Belldandy paced back and forth in their living.
"Take it easy Bell." He said quietly.
"Why doesn't she report in!" muttered Belldandy as she paced.
"Maybe she is busy." replied Skuld from where she was sitting.
Belldandy stopped pacing to look at her sister. "She has always reported in. For a demon she has been very reliable."
Sayoko came through the front door at that moment carrying a package. "I'm back!"
Belldandy immediately walked towards Sayoko. "And where have you been?"
"You know how hard it is to find this stuff?" asked Sayoko, "I also stopped by the office to check and see if Mara called."
"And?"
"Still nothing." Sayoko turned and started to walk away.
"Hey!"
"Opps. Sorry Mom." Sayoko handed over the package.
Belldandy opened it and pulled out a box of Pocky. "Thank you Yoko." Belldandy turned and walked off towards the kitchen.
Sayoko looked at her father. "I swear she's addicted to the stuff."
Keiichi just smiled, "She only eats it when she nervous or has something on her mind. You should have seen how many boxes she went through when she was pregnant with you."
Skuld rolled her eyes, "I'm trying to forget that."
Keiichi looked at Skuld, "You weren't the one that had go to buy it at 3 in the morning."
"No, I was the one that kept having to repair Mr. Compactor because her empty boxes kept causing him to jam."
"Mr. Compactor?" asked Sayoko with a grin.
Skuld blushed, "I had to name them something! Besides I was 14!"
"Yeah yeah." said Sayoko with a smile. "Seriously now. What should we do about Rei and Mara."
"Kami-sama still won't let us send down anyone from heaven." said Skuld, "And hell won't help us. Mara was all the help we could expect from them."
"I suppose it's useless to ask if I could go?" asked Keiichi.
Skuld and Sayoko both looked at him.
"Sorry Dad," said Sayoko, "Misato already asked. It's a big no to send someone who's technically 'dead' back down to earth or anywhere else for that matter."
Skuld brought her fist down on the arm of the chair. "We have to do something!"
"Skuld," said Keiichi quietly, "Why exactly did Belldandy ask Mara?"
"Well, the council said we were forbidden to send any more deities or any of the remaining Guardians down there. Since they said nothing about demons, Belldandy felt ok asking her to go."
A smile began to appear on Keiichi's face. "And if I were not 'dead', you might have been able to send me, correct?"
"Yeah, technically we could have."
"Then I know exactly who to send."
Sayoko and Skuld frowned, "Who?" asked Skuld.
"The only one up here who is not god, nor demon, nor Guardian, nor mortal and yet could blend in on Terra 2."
Skuld's eyes widened, "How could I forget! I'm a complete idiot for not thinking about it in the first place."
Sayoko looked at Skuld, "Are you talking about....her?"
Skuld nodded to Sayoko before turning to Keiichi. "Nice one Keiichi. Let's go tell Sis."
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"Gamorr."
"Yes my Lord?"
"The time has come. Get ready."
"We will be ready my Lord."
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Mara sat at the bar in the restaurant. Several empty glasses were in front of her, yet she was still sober. Rei sat farther down the bar next to Lime, who was busy eating the plate of food before her.
"Mara, how many more are you going to have?" asked Rei.
"Until I'm drunk." Mara muttered.
Rei let out a sigh, "That could take a while...."
"What do you mean by that?" Cherry asked as she walked over.
Rei glanced at Cherry. For the last 3 days, Cherry had been slowly warming up to Rei and Mara. The others stayed away from them for the most part.
"Mara has been a heavy drinker for the last 500 years." explained Rei, "She has built up a such a large tolerance to alcohol, that she could drink for 10 hours straight and still not even get a buzz."
"Oh." said Cherry, "Still, it's not healthy to drink that much."
"I don't know. I know from personal experience that some people seem to be able to live off of alcohol."
Lime looked up, "Kinda like Bloodberry and Panther!"
Rei shrugged, "I wouldn't know. They're still avoiding Mara and me."
"Master Otaru and Faust got mad at us for what we did." said Cherry quietly, "They said we shouldn't have been sneaking around like that."
"I already told you, your forgiven. I'd have done the same thing in your position." Rei sighed, "Now if Mara can get her power back to full......everything would be alright."
"Mara's not a full yet?" asked Cherry, "But its been 3 days."
Rei shrugged, "Demons are a bit different from us. Their powers come from a different source. It will be another day or so before her power reaches the level where she'll be able to open a portal to hell."
The entire building shook as the sound of an explosion rumbled through Japoness.
Mara looked up from her drinking. "What the hell was that!?"
Rei closed her eyes and concentrated. She opened them seconds later, a grim look on her face.
"What is it?" asked Cherry.
"Demons."
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30 Demons charged through the streets of Japoness with 100 or so Marionettes following them, leaving destruction in their wake. Draco watched the destruction as he floated along towards the castle. Most of the inhabitants of Japoness were running away from the Demon/Marionette force. A few Japoness soldiers tried to fight back, only to fall. Within 5 minutes, a large force of Japoness Sabers charged into battle. Draco smiled as he watched. Gamorr floated up to him.
"My Lord, We have encountered the Japoness Sabers. Any orders?"
"They will pose no danger to us." Draco said quietly, "Our S2 engine Sabers will make short work of them."
"Of course sir."
"Have our forces head towards the castle. Lorelei and her clones will be dead by nightfall."
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Alley, somewhere in Japoness
At the street end, men and marionette scramble about with their possessions, trying to get away from the oncoming invading force. Everyone is so occupied, no one notices the rain barrel in the alley. Like most rain barrels, it is situated under a rain spout, to collect the water as it comes off the roof. Unlike most barrels however, the water is glowing. With a sudden flash of light, a figure burst forth from the barrel, landing with a crash into the alley. The figure sat up and looked around.
"Skuld-sama has to improve that landing." mumbled the figure.
A loud explosion caused the figure to look towards the end of the alley. Seeing the fleeing population of Japoness, the figure immediately got up and ran into the crowd.
'I'd better hurry." The figure thought, 'Doesn't look like I have a lot of time."
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Mara and Rei began walking towards the direction of the invaders. They had already changed into their battle outfits. Mara held out her demon sword and Rei held out her staff. Cherry and Lime ran up to them.
"Where are you going?" Cherry asked.
"We have to stop them before they get to the castle." replied Rei.
"But there's only the two of you!" shouted Cherry, "Against all of those demons. We should get the others."
"There is no time for that." said Mara, "We'll delay them as long as we can. You should go tell the others."
"But...."
"No buts." said Rei, "Go."
Cherry turned to head towards the castle. "Come on Lime."
Lime shook her head. "No."
Cherry turned to look at Lime. "What do you mean no?"
"I want to stay and help them!"
"Lime," said Mara quietly, "Go with Cherry."
"But I want to stay and help you."
"You can help us by getting to the castle and warning the others." said Rei.
"Don't worry," said Mara with a smile, "We'll be aright."
Lime look up at Mara. "You promise?"
"Yes."
"Alright." Lime turned and grabbed Cherry, "Let's go Cherry!" They quickly took off down the street. Rei turned and looked at Mara with a raised eyebrow.
"A promise?"
"Oh leave me alone."
"I didn't think demons made promises," said Rei, "except if they planned to break them later."
"You guys are beginning to rub off on me." replied Mara. She then turned and looked towards the oncoming Demons. "Besides, I don't know if I can keep that promise."
Rei looked over at Mara, "You ready?"
"Ready as I'll ever be." Mara hefted her sword. "Good luck Rei."
"Same to you."
Both then turned and prepared to meet the Demon/Marionette invaders.
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"My Lord, our forces have met little resistance. We should reach the castle soon."
"Very well." Draco turned and looked to the castle in the distance.
Moments later, Gamorr walked up. "My Lord, we have a problem."
Draco looked at Gamorr, "And what problem would that be?"
"You have to see it to believe it my Lord."
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Mara and Rei stood in the middle of the street. On either side of them was a large pile of marionette parts. Both were breathing heavily. Several Demons stood a few yards in front of them, but either side had yet to make a move.
"What do you think their waiting for?" asked Rei quietly.
"Don't know." replied Mara, "What ever it is it can't be good."
"Ahhh Mara." came a voice, "It's been ages..."
Rei and Mara turned to see a demon standing on the rooftop of a nearby building.
"Draco.." said Mara, "You're supposed to be dead."
"Reports of my demise have been greatly exaggerated." said Draco with a smile, "I was able to get out of Unit 01. It took me awhile to recover, but as you can see I am stronger then I have ever been."
"Yeah yeah." said Mara, "What do you want?"
"Simple. The death of every female clone and their template."
"Why?"
Draco smiled, "To cause misery of course. It is the duty of all demons to spread misery and pain to mortals. And this planet offers the perfect chance! Instead of causing misery to one, we can inflect it upon millions!"
"Like hell you will." muttered Rei.
Draco ignored Rei. "Mara, you are reputed as being one of the most vindictive Demons in hell. I am offering you this chance to join us."
Mara stared at Draco. "You....want me...to join you?"
"Yes."
"In another time, I might have agreed." Mara glared at Draco, "I refuse."
Draco frowned. "Then you leave me no choice." Draco turned to the assembled Demons. "Kill them. My presence is required elsewhere."
Draco then vanished with several other demons. The remaining Demons snarled and began to charge. Rei raised her staff and let loose several blasts. Demons began to fall left and right. With a crash Mara met swords with an oncoming Demon. She quickly dispatched him before moving on to another Demon. Rei also found herself fighting hand to hand against the demons, using her staff to block sword swipes. Both were slowly becoming overwhelmed by the number of Demons.
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Lorelei, Faust, and Otaru stood on the balcony towards the top of Japoness castle watching as the sounds of battle approached the castle. One either side of the 3 stood Tiger, Luchs, Panther, and Bloodberry.
"Do we have any idea who they are?" asked Lorelei.
"Preliminary data indicates the presence of the S2 engine Sabers." replied Luchs. "That suggests that they are demons."
"Where are Rei and Mara?" asked Bloodberry. "Aren't they supposed to be helping us?"
"They were with Cherry and Lime," replied Otaru, "who seem to be the only marionettes that Mara trusts." He added, giving Bloodberry a stern look. Bloodberry looked down at the ground. The door to the balcony burst open as Lime and Cherry ran towards Otaru.
"OTARU!/MASTER OTARU!"
Otaru fell over as both of the girls grabbed him. "Lime? Cherry? What's going on? Where's Rei and Mara?"
"They're down there," replied Cherry, "fighting the demons."
"They what?!"
"They wouldn't let us stay." said Lime, "They sent us up here to warn you."
Faust turned to Lorelei, "We should get you out of here. The demons are heading straight towards castle."
"But what about Rei and Mara?" asked Lorelei.
"Lorelei," said Cherry, "Rei and Mara knew what they were doing. They're giving you a chance to get away by delaying the demons."
"Cherry is right." said Otaru. "We have to get you out of here before the demons arrive."
"I'm afraid that is no longer the case." came a new voice.
Everyone turned to see a person floating just off the balcony. Red markings on his face told them what they needed to know. It was a demon.
"You friends sacrifice was in vain.." the demon said quietly, "for the demons have arrived." As if to add an exclamation point, 2 Demons appeared beside the first.
Panther quickly grabbed Lorelei and pushed her back into the castle. "Get her out of here!" She shouted towards the others. She then turned and faced the demons.
"Panther!" shouted Faust. Luchs pushed Faust after Lorelei.
"Forgive me my Lord." Luchs then turned to Tiger, "Get them out of here." Tiger nodded and quickly went into the castle.
Otaru was already being pushed into the Castle by Cherry and Lime. Bloodberry lingered at the door.
"Panther..."
Panther turned and smiled at Bloodberry, "Go keep your master safe. Good bye my friend."
Panther turned back to the Demons, Luchs beside her.
"Any ideas Panther?" Luchs asked.
"I think the straight forward approach works."
"On 3?"
"1."
"2."
"3." Both leapt off the balcony at the demons. The lead demon backed away, allowing his 2 companions to take the brunt of the 2 attacking marionettes. Both marionette and demon fell from the sky towards the ground far below. The leader looked back up and flew towards the balcony door. He crashed through the door and landed in the sitting room. He looked around. Lorelei and the others had already departed. He let out a small sigh.
"Why must they always run?" He snapped his fingers. Instantly 4 demons appeared next to him. "Follow me." He said as he went off in pursuit of his quarry.
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Rei and Mara leaned back to back against each other. Both were exhausted, but the demons and marionettes continued to attack. Rei raised her staff and blasted another marionette. She then heard Mara let out a grunt.
"Mara? You alright?"
"They winged me." muttered Mara, "I'll be alright."
"How touching." Rei and Mara looked up to see Gamorr floating nearby. He raised his hands, a ball of energy forming in them. "To bad it must end now!"
Gamorr tossed the energy ball towards the girls. Rei quickly threw up a shield, as did Mara. But Mara, due to her weakened state, was unable to put much power into the shield. Gamorr's energy ball rebounded off of Rei's shield and ripped through Mara's, catching her in the chest. Mara sailed through the air for several yards before crashing into the ground. She did not get back up.
"MARA!" shouted Rei. She started to run towards Mara when something grabbed her leg. She turned to see one of the marionettes she thought she had destroyed holding on to her. She lowered her staff and was about to blast it when she heard a loud voice.
"Not so fast."
Rei looked up just in time to see close up the guard of a demon sword just before it impacted into her face. Darkness soon followed.
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Otaru, Lorelei, Faust, and the 4 remaining marionettes ran through the corridors, trying to elude their pursuers. As they ran, Lorelei flipped switches hidden on the walls, causing doors to close behind them. Just as they reached an intersection, the ceiling exploded in front of them. As the dust cleared, 4 Demons stood blocking the hallway. The group skidded to a halt.
"This way!" shouted Lorelei, leading the way into a room.
Once everyone was in, Lime and Tiger slammed the doors shut and locked them. A thud echoed in the room as the demons tried to force the door open.
"The door should hold them for bit." said Cherry as she scanned the door." But we should find a way out of here quickly."
Otaru looked about. "Where are we?"
"It's one of the exhibit halls. " said Lorelei, "From what I've been told, the Shogun had displays set up in here during the Castle open house."
"I remember that!" said Lime, "That's the day we met Cherry and Panther!"
Faust seemed to sag at the mention of one of the two marionettes who had stayed behind. Tiger moved next to her master to offer him support.
Otaru turned to Lorelei. "Is there any other way out of here?"
Lorelei turned towards Cherry, "Is there?"
Cherry ran through the files that she had in the castle. She then pointed, "That way, through the reception hall."
The group quickly entered the reception hall. No sooner had they entered then the doors slammed shut behind them. Lime tried to open the doors but found them to now be locked. She said as much to the others.
"I have a bad feeling about this." said Otaru.
"Really, I thought this room was rather nice." Everyone turned to see Draco standing upon the Shogun's platform, "But then again, maybe it's just me."
Lorelei backed as far away from the demon as she could. Otaru and Faust quickly moved to stand just in front of her.
"You'll have to get through us to get her!"
Tiger, Lime, Cherry, and Bloodberry moved in front of their masters. "And you'll have to get through us to get to them!"
Draco began to laugh. "And what makes you think you can stand up against me? After all, your friends could barely stand up against my demons," Draco motioned off to the side. 4 demons flashed into existence, between them were the limp forms of Rei and Mara.
"REI!" shouted Lime, "MARA!"
Draco grinned evilly, "A Guardian of Heaven and a Class 0 Demon at my mercy. I love it!"
Lorelei peered out from behind Faust and Otaru. "What do you want?"
"Why, your death of course. As well as the deaths of all of your clones."
Lorelei stared in shock, "But you can't kill the clones! They're needed to make this world a proper one of both male and female. If you kill them...."
"If I kill them, this world will be without hope." replied Draco, "It will fall into despair, which is what I am hoping for!" Draco snapped his fingers, causing 8 more demons to appear. "Get them!"
The demons charged at the group. The marionettes fought hard, but were soon over powered by the demons. Otaru and Faust never had a chance. Soon Lorelei was being dragged towards Draco by two demons. Faust and Otaru were each being held back by two Demons. The remaining two stood near the pile they had made of the marionettes. Sparks spat out every few seconds showing that they still had some power left in them.
"Lorelei!" shouted Otaru.
"Help me!" shouted Lorelei as she struggled to free herself.
"Stop struggling." Muttered one of the demons, "There's no one who can save you now."
Unnoticed by anyone, a pair of red eyes slowly opened and took in the scene before them. The demons finally got Lorelei to the platform and forced her to kneel before Draco. Draco reached out with his hand and forced her to look up at him.
"Such beauty. It's a shame that I must kill you." Draco then smiled, "But then again...it is all for the worst..."
Draco released Lorelei's face and took a few steps back. He then raised his hand and pointed it towards her. A ball of energy began to form.
"Good bye Lorelei."
Draco let the energy ball fly. It went straight towards Lorelei. But just as it was about to hit, a blue shield flashed into existence, blocking the shot.
"WHAT?" Draco whirled about and looked towards Rei. "That was a foolish thing to do." He threw a force bolt at Rei, catching her in the chest. Rei was blasted from the demons grasp and slammed hard against the wall. She then slowly slid down into a heap.
"Now," said Draco, turning back to Lorelei, "where was I? Ah yes, your death."
Draco started to raise his hand when one of the walls to the reception hall exploded, showering everyone with debris. As the smoke cleared, a little girl walked through the hole and looked about.
"Always interruptions." muttered Draco. "What now?"
"I suggest you let them go." said the girl.
"And why would I do that?" growled Draco, "Get that marionette!"
One of the demons, who had been guarding Rei walked towards the girl, a grin on his face. The girl raised her hand and, forming a fist, pointed it right at the approaching demon.
"ROCKET PUNCH!" the girl shouted. Her fist shot off of her arm, trailing a line of wire, before slamming into the demon's face. The rockets continued to fire for a few more seconds before finally shutting down. The girl then reeled back in the fist and reattached it to her wrist. The demon stood motionless for a few more seconds before crashing to the ground. Draco was livid.
"What is wrong with you fools? You can't handle a stupid marionette!"
The girl gave a small smile, "I'm not a marionette."
Draco stared at her, "Wha?"
Rei, who had once again awaken, slowly raised her head and caught sight of the newcomer.
"Sigel?"
Heaven
3 days later
Keiichi watched as Belldandy paced back and forth in their living.
"Take it easy Bell." He said quietly.
"Why doesn't she report in!" muttered Belldandy as she paced.
"Maybe she is busy." replied Skuld from where she was sitting.
Belldandy stopped pacing to look at her sister. "She has always reported in. For a demon she has been very reliable."
Sayoko came through the front door at that moment carrying a package. "I'm back!"
Belldandy immediately walked towards Sayoko. "And where have you been?"
"You know how hard it is to find this stuff?" asked Sayoko, "I also stopped by the office to check and see if Mara called."
"And?"
"Still nothing." Sayoko turned and started to walk away.
"Hey!"
"Opps. Sorry Mom." Sayoko handed over the package.
Belldandy opened it and pulled out a box of Pocky. "Thank you Yoko." Belldandy turned and walked off towards the kitchen.
Sayoko looked at her father. "I swear she's addicted to the stuff."
Keiichi just smiled, "She only eats it when she nervous or has something on her mind. You should have seen how many boxes she went through when she was pregnant with you."
Skuld rolled her eyes, "I'm trying to forget that."
Keiichi looked at Skuld, "You weren't the one that had go to buy it at 3 in the morning."
"No, I was the one that kept having to repair Mr. Compactor because her empty boxes kept causing him to jam."
"Mr. Compactor?" asked Sayoko with a grin.
Skuld blushed, "I had to name them something! Besides I was 14!"
"Yeah yeah." said Sayoko with a smile. "Seriously now. What should we do about Rei and Mara."
"Kami-sama still won't let us send down anyone from heaven." said Skuld, "And hell won't help us. Mara was all the help we could expect from them."
"I suppose it's useless to ask if I could go?" asked Keiichi.
Skuld and Sayoko both looked at him.
"Sorry Dad," said Sayoko, "Misato already asked. It's a big no to send someone who's technically 'dead' back down to earth or anywhere else for that matter."
Skuld brought her fist down on the arm of the chair. "We have to do something!"
"Skuld," said Keiichi quietly, "Why exactly did Belldandy ask Mara?"
"Well, the council said we were forbidden to send any more deities or any of the remaining Guardians down there. Since they said nothing about demons, Belldandy felt ok asking her to go."
A smile began to appear on Keiichi's face. "And if I were not 'dead', you might have been able to send me, correct?"
"Yeah, technically we could have."
"Then I know exactly who to send."
Sayoko and Skuld frowned, "Who?" asked Skuld.
"The only one up here who is not god, nor demon, nor Guardian, nor mortal and yet could blend in on Terra 2."
Skuld's eyes widened, "How could I forget! I'm a complete idiot for not thinking about it in the first place."
Sayoko looked at Skuld, "Are you talking about....her?"
Skuld nodded to Sayoko before turning to Keiichi. "Nice one Keiichi. Let's go tell Sis."
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"Gamorr."
"Yes my Lord?"
"The time has come. Get ready."
"We will be ready my Lord."
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Mara sat at the bar in the restaurant. Several empty glasses were in front of her, yet she was still sober. Rei sat farther down the bar next to Lime, who was busy eating the plate of food before her.
"Mara, how many more are you going to have?" asked Rei.
"Until I'm drunk." Mara muttered.
Rei let out a sigh, "That could take a while...."
"What do you mean by that?" Cherry asked as she walked over.
Rei glanced at Cherry. For the last 3 days, Cherry had been slowly warming up to Rei and Mara. The others stayed away from them for the most part.
"Mara has been a heavy drinker for the last 500 years." explained Rei, "She has built up a such a large tolerance to alcohol, that she could drink for 10 hours straight and still not even get a buzz."
"Oh." said Cherry, "Still, it's not healthy to drink that much."
"I don't know. I know from personal experience that some people seem to be able to live off of alcohol."
Lime looked up, "Kinda like Bloodberry and Panther!"
Rei shrugged, "I wouldn't know. They're still avoiding Mara and me."
"Master Otaru and Faust got mad at us for what we did." said Cherry quietly, "They said we shouldn't have been sneaking around like that."
"I already told you, your forgiven. I'd have done the same thing in your position." Rei sighed, "Now if Mara can get her power back to full......everything would be alright."
"Mara's not a full yet?" asked Cherry, "But its been 3 days."
Rei shrugged, "Demons are a bit different from us. Their powers come from a different source. It will be another day or so before her power reaches the level where she'll be able to open a portal to hell."
The entire building shook as the sound of an explosion rumbled through Japoness.
Mara looked up from her drinking. "What the hell was that!?"
Rei closed her eyes and concentrated. She opened them seconds later, a grim look on her face.
"What is it?" asked Cherry.
"Demons."
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30 Demons charged through the streets of Japoness with 100 or so Marionettes following them, leaving destruction in their wake. Draco watched the destruction as he floated along towards the castle. Most of the inhabitants of Japoness were running away from the Demon/Marionette force. A few Japoness soldiers tried to fight back, only to fall. Within 5 minutes, a large force of Japoness Sabers charged into battle. Draco smiled as he watched. Gamorr floated up to him.
"My Lord, We have encountered the Japoness Sabers. Any orders?"
"They will pose no danger to us." Draco said quietly, "Our S2 engine Sabers will make short work of them."
"Of course sir."
"Have our forces head towards the castle. Lorelei and her clones will be dead by nightfall."
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Alley, somewhere in Japoness
At the street end, men and marionette scramble about with their possessions, trying to get away from the oncoming invading force. Everyone is so occupied, no one notices the rain barrel in the alley. Like most rain barrels, it is situated under a rain spout, to collect the water as it comes off the roof. Unlike most barrels however, the water is glowing. With a sudden flash of light, a figure burst forth from the barrel, landing with a crash into the alley. The figure sat up and looked around.
"Skuld-sama has to improve that landing." mumbled the figure.
A loud explosion caused the figure to look towards the end of the alley. Seeing the fleeing population of Japoness, the figure immediately got up and ran into the crowd.
'I'd better hurry." The figure thought, 'Doesn't look like I have a lot of time."
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Mara and Rei began walking towards the direction of the invaders. They had already changed into their battle outfits. Mara held out her demon sword and Rei held out her staff. Cherry and Lime ran up to them.
"Where are you going?" Cherry asked.
"We have to stop them before they get to the castle." replied Rei.
"But there's only the two of you!" shouted Cherry, "Against all of those demons. We should get the others."
"There is no time for that." said Mara, "We'll delay them as long as we can. You should go tell the others."
"But...."
"No buts." said Rei, "Go."
Cherry turned to head towards the castle. "Come on Lime."
Lime shook her head. "No."
Cherry turned to look at Lime. "What do you mean no?"
"I want to stay and help them!"
"Lime," said Mara quietly, "Go with Cherry."
"But I want to stay and help you."
"You can help us by getting to the castle and warning the others." said Rei.
"Don't worry," said Mara with a smile, "We'll be aright."
Lime look up at Mara. "You promise?"
"Yes."
"Alright." Lime turned and grabbed Cherry, "Let's go Cherry!" They quickly took off down the street. Rei turned and looked at Mara with a raised eyebrow.
"A promise?"
"Oh leave me alone."
"I didn't think demons made promises," said Rei, "except if they planned to break them later."
"You guys are beginning to rub off on me." replied Mara. She then turned and looked towards the oncoming Demons. "Besides, I don't know if I can keep that promise."
Rei looked over at Mara, "You ready?"
"Ready as I'll ever be." Mara hefted her sword. "Good luck Rei."
"Same to you."
Both then turned and prepared to meet the Demon/Marionette invaders.
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"My Lord, our forces have met little resistance. We should reach the castle soon."
"Very well." Draco turned and looked to the castle in the distance.
Moments later, Gamorr walked up. "My Lord, we have a problem."
Draco looked at Gamorr, "And what problem would that be?"
"You have to see it to believe it my Lord."
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Mara and Rei stood in the middle of the street. On either side of them was a large pile of marionette parts. Both were breathing heavily. Several Demons stood a few yards in front of them, but either side had yet to make a move.
"What do you think their waiting for?" asked Rei quietly.
"Don't know." replied Mara, "What ever it is it can't be good."
"Ahhh Mara." came a voice, "It's been ages..."
Rei and Mara turned to see a demon standing on the rooftop of a nearby building.
"Draco.." said Mara, "You're supposed to be dead."
"Reports of my demise have been greatly exaggerated." said Draco with a smile, "I was able to get out of Unit 01. It took me awhile to recover, but as you can see I am stronger then I have ever been."
"Yeah yeah." said Mara, "What do you want?"
"Simple. The death of every female clone and their template."
"Why?"
Draco smiled, "To cause misery of course. It is the duty of all demons to spread misery and pain to mortals. And this planet offers the perfect chance! Instead of causing misery to one, we can inflect it upon millions!"
"Like hell you will." muttered Rei.
Draco ignored Rei. "Mara, you are reputed as being one of the most vindictive Demons in hell. I am offering you this chance to join us."
Mara stared at Draco. "You....want me...to join you?"
"Yes."
"In another time, I might have agreed." Mara glared at Draco, "I refuse."
Draco frowned. "Then you leave me no choice." Draco turned to the assembled Demons. "Kill them. My presence is required elsewhere."
Draco then vanished with several other demons. The remaining Demons snarled and began to charge. Rei raised her staff and let loose several blasts. Demons began to fall left and right. With a crash Mara met swords with an oncoming Demon. She quickly dispatched him before moving on to another Demon. Rei also found herself fighting hand to hand against the demons, using her staff to block sword swipes. Both were slowly becoming overwhelmed by the number of Demons.
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Lorelei, Faust, and Otaru stood on the balcony towards the top of Japoness castle watching as the sounds of battle approached the castle. One either side of the 3 stood Tiger, Luchs, Panther, and Bloodberry.
"Do we have any idea who they are?" asked Lorelei.
"Preliminary data indicates the presence of the S2 engine Sabers." replied Luchs. "That suggests that they are demons."
"Where are Rei and Mara?" asked Bloodberry. "Aren't they supposed to be helping us?"
"They were with Cherry and Lime," replied Otaru, "who seem to be the only marionettes that Mara trusts." He added, giving Bloodberry a stern look. Bloodberry looked down at the ground. The door to the balcony burst open as Lime and Cherry ran towards Otaru.
"OTARU!/MASTER OTARU!"
Otaru fell over as both of the girls grabbed him. "Lime? Cherry? What's going on? Where's Rei and Mara?"
"They're down there," replied Cherry, "fighting the demons."
"They what?!"
"They wouldn't let us stay." said Lime, "They sent us up here to warn you."
Faust turned to Lorelei, "We should get you out of here. The demons are heading straight towards castle."
"But what about Rei and Mara?" asked Lorelei.
"Lorelei," said Cherry, "Rei and Mara knew what they were doing. They're giving you a chance to get away by delaying the demons."
"Cherry is right." said Otaru. "We have to get you out of here before the demons arrive."
"I'm afraid that is no longer the case." came a new voice.
Everyone turned to see a person floating just off the balcony. Red markings on his face told them what they needed to know. It was a demon.
"You friends sacrifice was in vain.." the demon said quietly, "for the demons have arrived." As if to add an exclamation point, 2 Demons appeared beside the first.
Panther quickly grabbed Lorelei and pushed her back into the castle. "Get her out of here!" She shouted towards the others. She then turned and faced the demons.
"Panther!" shouted Faust. Luchs pushed Faust after Lorelei.
"Forgive me my Lord." Luchs then turned to Tiger, "Get them out of here." Tiger nodded and quickly went into the castle.
Otaru was already being pushed into the Castle by Cherry and Lime. Bloodberry lingered at the door.
"Panther..."
Panther turned and smiled at Bloodberry, "Go keep your master safe. Good bye my friend."
Panther turned back to the Demons, Luchs beside her.
"Any ideas Panther?" Luchs asked.
"I think the straight forward approach works."
"On 3?"
"1."
"2."
"3." Both leapt off the balcony at the demons. The lead demon backed away, allowing his 2 companions to take the brunt of the 2 attacking marionettes. Both marionette and demon fell from the sky towards the ground far below. The leader looked back up and flew towards the balcony door. He crashed through the door and landed in the sitting room. He looked around. Lorelei and the others had already departed. He let out a small sigh.
"Why must they always run?" He snapped his fingers. Instantly 4 demons appeared next to him. "Follow me." He said as he went off in pursuit of his quarry.
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Rei and Mara leaned back to back against each other. Both were exhausted, but the demons and marionettes continued to attack. Rei raised her staff and blasted another marionette. She then heard Mara let out a grunt.
"Mara? You alright?"
"They winged me." muttered Mara, "I'll be alright."
"How touching." Rei and Mara looked up to see Gamorr floating nearby. He raised his hands, a ball of energy forming in them. "To bad it must end now!"
Gamorr tossed the energy ball towards the girls. Rei quickly threw up a shield, as did Mara. But Mara, due to her weakened state, was unable to put much power into the shield. Gamorr's energy ball rebounded off of Rei's shield and ripped through Mara's, catching her in the chest. Mara sailed through the air for several yards before crashing into the ground. She did not get back up.
"MARA!" shouted Rei. She started to run towards Mara when something grabbed her leg. She turned to see one of the marionettes she thought she had destroyed holding on to her. She lowered her staff and was about to blast it when she heard a loud voice.
"Not so fast."
Rei looked up just in time to see close up the guard of a demon sword just before it impacted into her face. Darkness soon followed.
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Otaru, Lorelei, Faust, and the 4 remaining marionettes ran through the corridors, trying to elude their pursuers. As they ran, Lorelei flipped switches hidden on the walls, causing doors to close behind them. Just as they reached an intersection, the ceiling exploded in front of them. As the dust cleared, 4 Demons stood blocking the hallway. The group skidded to a halt.
"This way!" shouted Lorelei, leading the way into a room.
Once everyone was in, Lime and Tiger slammed the doors shut and locked them. A thud echoed in the room as the demons tried to force the door open.
"The door should hold them for bit." said Cherry as she scanned the door." But we should find a way out of here quickly."
Otaru looked about. "Where are we?"
"It's one of the exhibit halls. " said Lorelei, "From what I've been told, the Shogun had displays set up in here during the Castle open house."
"I remember that!" said Lime, "That's the day we met Cherry and Panther!"
Faust seemed to sag at the mention of one of the two marionettes who had stayed behind. Tiger moved next to her master to offer him support.
Otaru turned to Lorelei. "Is there any other way out of here?"
Lorelei turned towards Cherry, "Is there?"
Cherry ran through the files that she had in the castle. She then pointed, "That way, through the reception hall."
The group quickly entered the reception hall. No sooner had they entered then the doors slammed shut behind them. Lime tried to open the doors but found them to now be locked. She said as much to the others.
"I have a bad feeling about this." said Otaru.
"Really, I thought this room was rather nice." Everyone turned to see Draco standing upon the Shogun's platform, "But then again, maybe it's just me."
Lorelei backed as far away from the demon as she could. Otaru and Faust quickly moved to stand just in front of her.
"You'll have to get through us to get her!"
Tiger, Lime, Cherry, and Bloodberry moved in front of their masters. "And you'll have to get through us to get to them!"
Draco began to laugh. "And what makes you think you can stand up against me? After all, your friends could barely stand up against my demons," Draco motioned off to the side. 4 demons flashed into existence, between them were the limp forms of Rei and Mara.
"REI!" shouted Lime, "MARA!"
Draco grinned evilly, "A Guardian of Heaven and a Class 0 Demon at my mercy. I love it!"
Lorelei peered out from behind Faust and Otaru. "What do you want?"
"Why, your death of course. As well as the deaths of all of your clones."
Lorelei stared in shock, "But you can't kill the clones! They're needed to make this world a proper one of both male and female. If you kill them...."
"If I kill them, this world will be without hope." replied Draco, "It will fall into despair, which is what I am hoping for!" Draco snapped his fingers, causing 8 more demons to appear. "Get them!"
The demons charged at the group. The marionettes fought hard, but were soon over powered by the demons. Otaru and Faust never had a chance. Soon Lorelei was being dragged towards Draco by two demons. Faust and Otaru were each being held back by two Demons. The remaining two stood near the pile they had made of the marionettes. Sparks spat out every few seconds showing that they still had some power left in them.
"Lorelei!" shouted Otaru.
"Help me!" shouted Lorelei as she struggled to free herself.
"Stop struggling." Muttered one of the demons, "There's no one who can save you now."
Unnoticed by anyone, a pair of red eyes slowly opened and took in the scene before them. The demons finally got Lorelei to the platform and forced her to kneel before Draco. Draco reached out with his hand and forced her to look up at him.
"Such beauty. It's a shame that I must kill you." Draco then smiled, "But then again...it is all for the worst..."
Draco released Lorelei's face and took a few steps back. He then raised his hand and pointed it towards her. A ball of energy began to form.
"Good bye Lorelei."
Draco let the energy ball fly. It went straight towards Lorelei. But just as it was about to hit, a blue shield flashed into existence, blocking the shot.
"WHAT?" Draco whirled about and looked towards Rei. "That was a foolish thing to do." He threw a force bolt at Rei, catching her in the chest. Rei was blasted from the demons grasp and slammed hard against the wall. She then slowly slid down into a heap.
"Now," said Draco, turning back to Lorelei, "where was I? Ah yes, your death."
Draco started to raise his hand when one of the walls to the reception hall exploded, showering everyone with debris. As the smoke cleared, a little girl walked through the hole and looked about.
"Always interruptions." muttered Draco. "What now?"
"I suggest you let them go." said the girl.
"And why would I do that?" growled Draco, "Get that marionette!"
One of the demons, who had been guarding Rei walked towards the girl, a grin on his face. The girl raised her hand and, forming a fist, pointed it right at the approaching demon.
"ROCKET PUNCH!" the girl shouted. Her fist shot off of her arm, trailing a line of wire, before slamming into the demon's face. The rockets continued to fire for a few more seconds before finally shutting down. The girl then reeled back in the fist and reattached it to her wrist. The demon stood motionless for a few more seconds before crashing to the ground. Draco was livid.
"What is wrong with you fools? You can't handle a stupid marionette!"
The girl gave a small smile, "I'm not a marionette."
Draco stared at her, "Wha?"
Rei, who had once again awaken, slowly raised her head and caught sight of the newcomer.
"Sigel?"