I do not own Ah! My Goddess or any of its related characters or copyrights. These are the property of Kosuke Fujishima and the relevant corporate bodies.

Light's Nemesis

Chapter Three: Terribly Familiar

The next "pawn" Mephistopheles intended to use also resided on the Inokura campus; a young woman whom was renowned for her unconventional hobbies. As the demon re materialised in another part of the campus, he silently acknowledged the spiritual energy that grew more distinct as he approached her dormitory. He slipped into the room and found the figure of Shiho Sakakibara kneeling in the middle of the room amid a magic circle drawn in chalk. The demon entered without acknowledgement; slipping literally into the shadows to observe this spiritualist turned sorceress. Shiho has come to his attention after the incident regarding the "Campus Queen Competition" was disclosed to him and it had become apparent that, even with her powers boosted, she had a great affinity for the supernatural. He watched, fascinated by the potency of her abilities and resolved to recruit her immediately. As the quiet words she had been repeating concluded she opened her eyes and was immediately aware of a great malevolent presence behind her; she turned quickly to confront it.

"Who are you? I didn't summon anyone or thing form that place! Leave now spirit!

She confronted the figure of Mephistopheles standing at the edge of the circle; his face contemplative.

"I do apologise. Uninvited guests are a bit difficult aren't they, but I don't stand here by an incantation or spell Shiho, I am here of my own will.

Shiho stood resolutely, her stance an attempt to apply her knowledge of the supernatural and to mask her rising fear. "I don't know why you are here but you aren't welcome. Begone foul spirit!

The sorceress demands elicited only a thin smile from the demon as he glanced over the circle dividing himself from her. "I didn't come into your presence to inspire fear, I only wish to speak to you on matters of personal importance."

She considered this and was interested but wary; she had read of the powers demons could exercise over the human mind and didn't change her posture.

"And on what might these "personal matters" be then?", she said trying to sound authoritative.

"It has come to my attention that a close acquaintance of yours has fallen under inhuman powers. He is in the presence of three spirits who masquerade as living beings. I think you may know who I'm talking about?

Shihio considered for a moment and came to a single conclusion. "If that is the case he seems happy, but why do these matters involve me?"

"The spirits he consorts with are an unnatural presence and I believe that he may benefit from your expertise in the exorcism field."

"A demon wishing me to rid a human being of own kind? Doesn't sound quite right for my perspective."

"Ahh….but I didn't say these beings were demonic, but I do think that your services are needed at the temple." the demon said with a small gesture in the direction of Keiichi's home.

"I've heard enough from you creature of Darkness! Begone! The lord compels thee!" Her tones were filled with a great resolve as she reached in to the recesses of her garments, ready to repel the demon before her.

Her actions were halted however when the voice of the demon addressed her once more, now with an indelible edge to every word." Careful my dear, that isn't a very prudent idea. I am aware of a great many things, including past indiscretions both known and unknown to you. I am also aware that you keep a small gold crucifix where you are reaching and intend to use it. The use of such a trinket would be most ill-advised and would have very unpleasant consequences."

The sorceress stood her ground but was terrified at the demons display of power then, with a feeling of great apprehension, she released her grip on the hidden crucifix. Sensing this, the demon considered the time to be right. Suddenly the windows of the small room opened to a powerful gust of wind; extinguishing the candles at various points and pushing the shocked sorceress out of the protective circle. In the darkness, a force seemed to assume control of her then, with the sound of snapping fingers, the candles were rekindled. The inert young woman looked into the face of the demon and recognised the circular symbol upon its fore head. Her heart seemed to miss a beat as her horrified mind grasped who stood before her. Then, with eyes gleaming like rubies in the flickering light, the demon spoke.

"Forgive me my dear but your co-operation in this matter is essential and, since you will not co-operate freely, I'm afraid I will have to impose upon you just a bit."

The restrained exorcist could only whimper as he moved several of her ebony bangs, placing the first two fingers of his gloved right hand gently upon her fore head. He whispered a few words in Latin and her expression became still; her eyes glazing over as he began to speak again.

"Now you must listen carefully. Keiichi's home must be exorcised of these unnatural spirits and your abilities will be sufficient for this endeavour, but you must only begin when I call you. Only then will the time be right to their home dimension. I hope you understand sorceress?

"I do. " Her voice was a monotone as she answered.

"Good. Now soon you will awake but you will have no recollection of our encounter. You will recall this evening as one dedicated to your own thoughts." The demon contemplated her for a moment then continued." This gift I am about to give you will assist you in the exorcism but only if the spirits forcefully resist." At this he traced the shape of a glyph representing an element in the hand he held. The symbol was momentarily alive with a green light and then faded into the back of her hand. She glanced over her hand for a moment then returned her empty gaze to the demon, whispering the words, " Thank you ", to him. He grinned and turned for the door.

"Now my dear I must bid you a good night." He vanished and the altered Shiho returned to her kneeling position in the circle, of which the only evidence of the encounter was the gentle breeze from the now partially opened windows.

High above the sleeping town a few clouds hung in a sky where the moon was now full; its pale light suffusing the land beneath it with a faint colour. The demon Mephistopheles travelled quickly into the sky. His form silhouetted against the moon, he darted over the town; cloak giving the impression of wings like a horrific phantasm. He glided silently until he could observe the home of his intended target, adjacent to a temple, with a few lights still on. There he, with a quietly gratified expression, he contemplated the web he had created around them, though they would be the ones to discover how finely spun it was.