It was the early morning of Christmas,
and all throughout Chaldea.
Not a creature was stirring…
…As if that'd be the case. Though many slept peacefully, some remained awake. Whether it be Chaldea's growing night life, the Celtic party that leaked through the early morning, excitement, or something else entirely, it didn't matter. Part of Chaldea was certainly stirring with activity while others rested until the first rays.
"And thiiiis goes here…!"
In the newly excavated Cave System, a devilish voice bounced through its many paths. Lobo slept soundly in his own new home, undisturbed thanks to his gifted bounded fields. If any new souls walked through the many winding paths, they'd surely have been troubled by such sounds. It was only natural. Whatever tone it may take, the laughter of inhuman monsters caused an instinctual tremor from an era gone.
Another glee-filled laugh echoed out. "Oh! And thiiis goes heeere…!"
Nestled in a larger cavern, reached only by a strenuous accent through steep tunnels, a new home was being furnished. It had become the highest point in Chaldea, closer to the peak of blessed Mount Meru. It was a reasonable hike, but a hand-wave to servants. What mattered is that it felt right, and by the owner's hand, it definitely would be.
"Mmmmm… Drat. We're going to need more human skulls… Yup! Next sortie to a human town, I'm beelining to the cemetery!"
Chaldea often turned a blind eye to some unorthodox and ethically challenging ideas: To keep the peace and cooperation, it was only expected. To agree completely would be an impossibility. It's the differences that made its community, for better or for worse. Some were just far too removed, if they could be considered a 'normal' resident at all.
Ibaraki never considered herself a true resident… at least until today. "Ooooooh at long last~! It's looking great, but it needs so much more!"
Wrapped comfortably in her warm, banana-pattern kimono, Ibaraki grinned proudly around her new home: The Oni Den. Cragged walls, glistening stalactites, and larger stalagmites forged a cold, cozy home similar to Mount Ooe's earliest days. The times when she still mustered the Oni and had them forge a grander, devilish palace.
The similarities ended there. For now.
Modern furniture and other luxuries were strewn across the smoothed granite floor. A giant wooden chest full of her clothes was only temporary. The few fur rugs needed a lot more companions. Her collection of skulls of worthy opponents and other trophies sat in oversized Tupperware boxes until she decided how she wanted to display them. Eternal candles that floated, bowls of food she'd 'acquired', bunches of Shuten's belongings…
Ibaraki grinned wider. She didn't care much for the humans and their customs, but she was certainly feeling the joy of the season now!
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Fragment 111: An Oni's Christmas
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Rain fell hard that night.
Lightning roared from darkened skies, angrier than they ever had above the cursed mountain. The hard patter of the rain drowned out the world. But she'd drowned moments before. All it took was the sight of the flames, and the thick scent that wafted the closer she got.
Ibaraki loved the smell of blood… but not like this. 'Those worthless humans…'
A crack of lightning roared overhead, illuminating what the many fires couldn't. Grand columns forged by human slaves lay toppled and marred. The blood of her underlings mixed with the rain to form rivers of sickly rainbow hues. They shined with the defiant embers that marred her palace like sneering faces.
Numb from the overwhelming emotions of an Oni, Ibrakai may not have even breathed. Anger suffocated her. Despair was a noose tight on her throat. Guilt was a sword slicing at her neck, demanding she let it carve through. How much she wanted to smile like just yesterday, but even if she forced it, such a sight would be shared with no one.
The bodies of Onis, small and large, famed and newly recruited, were strewn across once pristine pavers. Some lay crumpled against columns in the fierce battle that had raged like the lightning above. As invincible as she believed they were, it had all crashed down in the blink of an eye. It was too much all at once…
Barely aware of shallow breath nor rampant heart, Ibaraki instinctively curled her arms close as she knelt on the wet ground. The cold, lifeless body in her arms… how much she wanted to feel her warmth. To see that beautiful, morally-bankrupt smile. Instead, all she felt was the wet fabric of a pristine, luxurious kimono, taken from the prized concubine of a slain warrior.
Even in death, Shuten's expression lacked any sign of pain or anger. Her small smile was eternal.
And Ibaraki was never going to see it fully, ever again.
Staring at the decapitated head, cradled with the corpse, the guilt tripled. Never had she shown weakness nor lack of resolve to her underlings. She was the tyrant of Mount Ooe, famed leader of the Onis. Humans cowered before her, knowing they couldn't stand before her and her army's might. But they proved her wrong this day, and the cost was far too great.
Mount Ooe was destroyed. Her army and underlings were vanquished. Shuten, her beloved sibling, was the first to fall. And it was all because of those cursed Heavenly Kings…
'…And me…'
Maybe if she'd actually lifted her hand against Shuten, things would be different. She could have knocked that nonsensical wish to see Kintoki from her mind. They wouldn't have snuck through all the defenses to weaken them from within while Ibaraki was unaware. Maybe… No. It was far too late. The damage was done, and she was as much to blame whether she admitted it to anyone or not.
Without hesitation, her rampaging emotions turned and crushed the guilt. Her eyes furrowed, and her clutched hold on her sibling's corpse tightened. Regret could come later. Despair could follow too, but for now, the culprits made one fatal mistake: They left her alive.
"You'll pay… I won't forgive you! I'll never forgive you Minamotos for this!"
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If there was even a breath of melancholic nostalgia in her, it never left her lungs. Only enthusiasm filled the room. Only excitement for what still may come to be. In days gone, that little flicker of impossibility had steadily grown into a fire of hope. Dreams that could now be realized, even if Ibaraki was now content with what came to be.
Of course, what was a noble if not greedy and filled with luxurious desires? They stand proper above the masses, and their desires should be aspirations to the lesser castes. And a properly raised Oni noble would have countless desires. Without a doubt, she did.
To slaughter those culprits she can never forgive… To recruit all the Onis she could… To remind humanity of their place on the ladder of beings… Her wishes overflowed for a perfect reality, but not all could be accomplished. At least her greatest desire was met: To see Shuten's smiling face again.
But Oni ambition never stops. "And then Shuten will move in! And maybe we'll find new real Onis! And then- Oh? I thought I wrapped you."
Her humming excitement fell short as she stared at a beautiful fruit bowl. It was forged from the finest of materials: Tusks of mammoths, scales of dragons, teeth of chimera, and much more! Shuten always loved her delicacies, and her little treats deserved the best holders.
Even now, despite what her affection for her sibling had brought to her dream, Ibaraki did all she could to make Shuten happy. Gone were the attempts to hide it; It was futile. An Oni could only hold her whims back for so long before impulse became action. It was only natural.
Picking up the bowl, Ibaraki stared at it with a toothy, confused expression. Finally, she shrugged and placed it back down. "Oh well. Wrapping is messy and there's no slaves to clean up yet… I'll just give you to her."
No need to follow needless human traditions to the letter. The festivities are what mattered. The joy too. Those she could appreciate, regardless of the humans that lit them. On a few, few levels, Onis and humans could relate. Just like wolves and cattle both liked comfortable weather. Or ate when they were hungry.
Ibaraki's stomach rumbled, and she quickly frowned. Speaking of hunger… "I should get a snack."
There was probably a tray of milk and cookies somewhere she could steal.
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'What a haul! I'll be set until morning!'
Ibaraki's grin had vanished, only because her cheeks were absolutely stuffed like a chipmunk. Her eyes still twinkled with satisfaction as she strolled down the empty halls. With one arm carrying a tray of milk and cookies and the other loaded with peppermint candy canes, her raid on human properties had proven fruitful. All she was missing was some eggnog, but the Celtic party had ended. The available stock was completely dry… for now.
Turning down a new corridor, she mentally mapped her quickest route to the den. Her favorite cave entrance was positioned right next to the Japanese Shrine for convenience. From there it was a spiraling hike… which, now that she thought about it, could use some nice decorations too. Human skulls on spikes? A drinking fountain of gore? 'Hmm… So many options, but it can't look too messy.'
Oh how she missed that one Oni lieutenant who was world-class at demonic interior design… The Furniture Department just couldn't understand!
'If it makes Shuten proud of me, I could try learning it for myself. Who knows how long it will be before we find another Oni… Hm?' Ibaraki turned down another corridor, but instead of a robot, she found… a not quite perfect Oni. A half-Oni to be exact, but it was more than halfway more acceptable than just being a human.
With a mouthful of candy canes, Ibaraki forced a grin. Some muffled Japanese too. "(Hello, Tomoe!)"
Tomoe slowed down, but brought a hand to her mouth to giggle. "(You're up too, Ibaraki? You took the whole tray from the salon…?)"
"Seriously!?" Ibaraki swallowed hard to clear her throat, making Tomoe giggle louder. "What kind of question is that!? Of course I took it! They just left it out at the salon!"
"Fair. They left it out for anyone to share, so I guess that's not really stealing…" the archer pointed out as they stopped in the hallway across from each other. Ibaraki blinked at the white-haired woman, who looked a bit tired in her white sweater and sweatpants set. Ibaraki quietly blinked again, then puffed her cheeks as Tomoe smiled. "You stole more than your fair share then. How about that?"
"Are you talking down to me, Half-Oni?" Ibaraki joked carelessly. Tomoe's smile hitched with guilt and despair, the tinges of which always annoyed the berserker. Shame? There should be no, zero, null, none… No shame at all! What's to feel bad about for being a powerful, amazing Oni? Nada, that's what! "Hey! How long are you going to mope about your Oni blood for? How many times do I have to tell you-"
"That it's a blessing," Tomoe rolled out quietly, but sighed. "Maybe. But I'd have liked another gift."
"Never say that again." Ibaraki's warning tone was sharp and scolding. For Onis, it was like a slap on the wrist; For humans, a death threat for whatever reason… Tomoe's gaze hardened and sharpened, but Ibaraki only insisted the best. Oni blood coursed through her, so the archer was one of the few Chaldeans she could genuinely offer at least some rightful respect to. "It's. A. Blessing. It means you're better, even if you're not a true Oni. If you want another present, then just wait a few hours for Christmas when all the humans throw trinkets around. Now stop feeling guilty about who you are. Embrace it."
Through all her mother's harsh teachings, Ibaraki's nobility was sharpened. Most Onis wouldn't be as eloquent with words, but she was raised to be a ruler. A leader. To be a proud icon among their dwindling race, and those lessons remained embedded in her soul. She just never thought she'd have to give pep talks to Onis since pride was something their kind always gorged themselves on. She guessed Half Onis were another story…
…It made a lot more sense now that the accursed Raikou was revealed to also be one…
Well, she supposed that was just a fatal flaw of all hybrids: Identity crisis. Ibaraki sighed, then continued walking. "If you need more convincing, you know where to find me now. You're more than welcome to enter the den whenever you want, just ask before you start moving things around… I had this one underling who kept moving things around as a joke so I take that personally."
"…Alright…" Tomoe offered quietly as she watched the berserker walk off. "(Have fun decorating, Ibaraki.)"
Ibaraki grinned back. "(Have fun? That's always the plan~!)"
She then swiftly jammed her mouth full of more candy canes, granting Tomoe one last small smirk before she too walked away.
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The sweets didn't last nearly as long as she wagered, but the little berserker was feeling ravenous with all the room decorating. Candy in all forms remained a perfect outlet. It wasn't the excessively prepared and overdone food humans tended to enjoy; Tasty and nice looking, but not her cup of tea. Sweets were easy, tasted amazing, and offered a quick boost of energy. Plus there were so many! Truly one of the few human things she could begrudgingly admit to liking.
Just being around humans without being able to touch them was irritating. It went against Oni nature itself, but as a demonic noble, she could respect the order and rules of a community so long as they coincided with her own interests. In this case, acting on overwhelming impulses to attack a human would mean being separated from Shuten. That was a totally unacceptable outcome, so she'd remain… passive.
She just wished the humans were far, far more appreciative of such lengths. 'More should give tributes like Robin…'
With a sigh, her mind refocused on her task at hand: A rug. One she'd turned and twisted a hundred different ways in as many spots, yet remained indecisive. The Uridimmu mane's long strands made it more akin to a blanket of wild grass than a traditional rug, so it looked a bit out of place. But it was so fluffy and soft! Should she go with it as a lounging carpet as first planned, or as a bath mat for the bath springs in the adjacent chamber? 'If only I brought another back from Uruk!'
Amid the peaceful isolation, away from most of Chaldea's humans, she heard footsteps echo from the winding path. On a night like this, a human would have probably childishly thought Santa was coming; Janna already made her rounds hours ago. Rather, an Oni was far more interested what brave human dared approach, and if they brought tributes to buy safe passage. In her case, Ibaraki was just confused who was approaching when she made it clear no one but Shuten was allowed until it was done.
She'd also extended that privilege only to a select few… but judging by the growing aura's tinge, this was definitely one among the number.
Ibaraki found her Oni-fired annoyance subsiding swiftly as she turned her attention back to the rug. For a minute more, she struggled with indecisiveness before the approaching servant finally called out. "Yo, Ibaraki! Are you awake?"
"With all that yelling, I would be either way!" the berserker called out with a false jab. "You got a lot of nerve invading an Oni Den at night. But that's just to be expected from you, huh, Warlord?"
"Damn right it is!" Their little echoing conversation fell silent for a minute longer before Nobunaga finally strolled through the entrance. Save for her favorite peaked hat, the only thing she wore seemed to be the oversized ugly Christmas ebony sweater, plastered with crimson icons of the Oda clan. By the glint in her eyes, she seemed awake as she took in the unfinished sights of Ibaraki's new dwellings. "Nice evil lair. I'll bet this will look unsettling when it's done."
"That's the idea! Nothing cozier for an Oni!" Ibaraki grinned with a sinister edge.
"Except phantasmal shag carpets? The more of those the better," Nobunaga offered plainly. Ibaraki quickly nodded in acknowledgement of the valid point.
Yet it just reminded her of her current conundrum. "I could use more. If we ever go back to Uruk, I need to kill more Uridimmus. Their manes are perfect."
"Hindsight is twenty-twenty, but at least you got a strategy," Nobunaga shrugged as she walked up. Without even asking permission, she plopped onto the oversized fluffy rug, breathed deep, and sighed with bliss. "So you're putting this here? The crumbs will be a pain in the ass if you eat on it."
"That's why I'm second guessing it. Maybe the springs?"
"Ohhh? You got hot springs too? Devilish Onsen of sin? As expected of the Onis!"
"Every Japanese mansion needs an Onsen! That's something you humans got right!" Ibaraki scoffed half-heartedly. They both chuckled in agreement. "It's not ready yet. It's nice and toasty, but it needs decorations too."
"Skulls of all kinds. Maybe on stakes? Oh! Skull stakes to hold the towels! And if you carefully put a candle inside, you can use it to warm the towels for when you get out?"
And this is one of the many reasons Ibaraki loved having Nobunaga as a companion. Her tastes were just so devilish and exquisite. A famed warlord after her own heart. In an acceptable way. Her attitude and Chaldean way of 'waging war' only raised her further up the ladder of interest. No doubt, if Ibaraki could have her way without any serious consequence, Nobunaga would be one of the few allowed to walk.
By the Oni's side no less!
"Hey, take a load off. It's Christmas! It's not like the world is ending, so what's the rush?" Nobunaga pointed out as she patted the fluffy rug beside her. "Or are you just that excited?"
"Obviously excited, you dumb human," she swatted casually before accepting the offer. The second the long strands engulfed her form, Ibaraki felt floating on clouds. It even beckoned her to a gentle sleep, but she had company and decorating in her eyes. "I've been waiting so long for a proper room, I just want to have it done and over so I can relax already. Shuten too."
"So the grass is green," the archer chuckled in response. "I got some skulls lying around but they look out of place in my room. Want them?"
"So you want an Oni to display your trophies? How bold," Ibaraki threatened without an ounce of mischief in her voice. Only a calm smile fell on comfortable lips. "I'll need a bigger shelf at this rate. Or another one to hold the tributes of the Oda clan."
"It'd be half-wardrobe in that case. Chacha's gotten into sewing so it's a lousy bet what her gifts will likely be."
The berserker shrugged. "I'll figure it out after I talk with Shuten about it."
They fell into a small, comfortable pause. It's not often they enjoyed each other's simple company in silence, but it was… a rather nice change. Ibaraki could enjoy the slower moments too. She obviously preferred the more active, exciting ones though, as did her Japanese-ally-and-friend. Nobunaga sat up and looked about. "So what kind of entertainment will you have here? Got a music player yet?"
"Ordered it on Amazon. The Vigil said it was delayed. I should eat one of them for incompetence."
"It's the holidays. I'd be surprised if it wasn't delayed," the archer pointed out flatly, but Ibaraki only shrugged. Whatever flimsy excuse to eat a lowly human and get away with it. "Maybe some unorthodox games or… a pet?"
"I'm not stooping low and begging from Helena."
"Well, no, but you could always sneak a baby phantasmal in or something. The supply backpacks might be big enough. Better to ask for forgiveness than permission, right? Not that you'd be sorry or anything…"
Ibaraki and Nobunaga shared a smirk. It never ceased to amaze the Oni how similar their devious wavelengths were.
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After a few hours of Nobunaga's company, talking about random things and moving about decorations, sunrise approached. Which meant it was time for one of Ibaraki's favorite pastimes: Wishing Shuten good morning! She'd taken her presence for granted in their last life, so in this one, she was sure to make it clear how much she appreciated every new day spent with her favorite Oni!
As she skipped down the hall, ignoring robots and wary new employees alike, her eyes stayed locked far, far ahead. She could already picture Shuten's usual, smiling face as they talked. The assassin would pick out her clothes for the day, then they'd stroll to breakfast together to enjoy the first rays and delights. It was Christmas Day, so the sweets should be that much better for breakfast, right? Of course they were!
But they were always so much sweeter with Shuten to share them with! Some fine alcohol was the cherry on top!
"Merry Christmas, Ibaraki!" At the call of the voice, the berserker broke her trance to stare to Rama and Sita. Holding hands and in matching red and orange Christmas sweaters, they looked like a perfect item. As usual. It was sickening, especially because of the saber's smile, but she wasn't about to let their merry cheer ruin her morning.
"Try and enjoy it then!" Ibaraki mocked back with her tongue stuck out, then quickly dashed down the final hallway to Shuten's room. Behind her, Rama sighed while Sita giggled with merry glee.
There was no need for a key card or knocking; Shuten and her were siblings! In a few days, there wouldn't even be a need to go through human doors or walls either. Shuten would move in to the Oni Den, and all would be as it was… just with less underlings and slaves. But time could fix that.
Shifting into spiritual form for a brief moment, she gleefully darted through the door before materializing within the room. She was greeted by the growing glow of Shuten's sunset panorama, which the berserker promised they'd have a place for in the den; If not a bigger one requested by Nitocris. In the dim room, that didn't matter right now.
Inhaling readily, Ibaraki quickly cheered. "MORNING, SHUTEN!"
She was greeted by the hitch of a masculine voice. "I-IBARAKI!?"
The berserker blinked and stared in confusion. Shuten's blanket shuffled erratically as recognition finally clicked over her overflowing enthusiasm for her daily routine. Her smile faded quickly, even as Shuten's giggles echoed through the room. As much as she loved Shuten, her focus was shifted away from her sibling's nude form and towards the hated, just-as-nude adversary.
For some, it would've been hilarious seeing a flustered Kintoki struggling. Torn between not being seen without his sunglasses on, and also trying to cover his, and Shuten's, sweaty forms with the blanket, he was an honest mess. One that had Shuten still giggling, even as she greeted Ibaraki. "Hello, dear Ibaraki. On time as usual~..."
For Ibaraki, there was only irritation to be found. It was bad enough that she had to accept this Romeo and Juliet style romance, but she had no choice. Ibaraki was fully aware how much this damn hero meant to Shuten, and how absolutely happy he made her sibling. She'd never fault him for that, but a grudge was not so easily lifted. She'd still hate his guts…
…especially when he interrupted her favorite routines on a cheery holiday! "The nerve! What do you think you're doing!?"
"Was it not clear, dear Ibaraki~?" Shuten giggled as Kintoki struggled to speak a word, rather than flustered noises. Chest pressed against his own as she remained straddled on top of him, Shuten let out another sultry giggle and drew a circle on his chest with one finger. "Our bodies relished each other's warmth for the evening~."
This would be one of the few cases the berserker rolled her eyes at her sibling. "I know that, Shuten, but why didn't he leave yet!? Why's he gotta spoil my good morning greeting!?"
"I-I wasn't trying to! Shuten didn't wake me up in time!"
"Oh, blaming Shuten for your incompetence, are you? How bold…" Ibaraki grumbled at the terribly uncomfortable berserker. His squirming had Shuten staring to both of them with an amused smirk. "Such words get others killed. Are you wielding your bought leniency as another weapon? It wasn't enough you seduced Shuten to a night of debauchery?"
"I-What!? You know how- Mmmf! Shuten!" Kintoki's groan was a mix of surprise, pleasure, and embarrassed disbelief as Shuten ground her hips devilishly into his beneath the blanket. Ibaraki's eye twitched, but only at Kintoki. He stuttered, "Y-You know how I am! I wouldn't!"
As Kintoki continued to fumble with words and explanations, Ibaraki only rolled her eyes again. Obviously that wasn't what happened. Kintoki was far more prudish and innocent to sneak into Shuten's room and seduce her into a rowdy night. No, it was definitely Shuten who dragged him here to enjoy, but she was just trying to make a jab that his ever-glowing innocence probably made the assassin want to 'taint' him on a peaceful holiday night.
But that wasn't the point. The point was Ibaraki was upset her daily routine was sullied for the day, so she was going to grasp at every possible stabbing point! Kintoki continued to stutter and yammer on, so with one final groan, Ibaraki stomped her foot. "Oh just shut up, Kintoki! You've got a lot to make up for this!"
"Can I at least get my clothes on first!?" he managed to sputter out flawlessly.
All the while, Shuten only continued to giggle perfectly satisfied as Ibaraki and Kintoki continued to bicker.
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That morning fiasco soon gave way to the overwhelming cheer at breakfast. Some had already opened their presents, and their excited chatter and showing off rang loudly like sleigh bells. Through the hallways all the way to the Outdoor Cafeteria, Chaldea peaked for the season. It was almost akin to a festival, and the berserker would always enjoy those.
Ibaraki just preferred terrified human screaming to cheer but… Well, she couldn't get away with that so…
Sugary sweets would do. And, as promised from this lively month, there were a lot! With a plate full of sugar cookies of all different shapes and colors, Ibaraki's annoyances faded away on the first bite. The swirl of delicious human treats quelled the growl within, leaving only ephemeral bliss over her adored snacks. Though she would never admit it, candies and treats had become her favorite meals over humans.
The best meals of all were the ones shared with Shuten, which was breakfast. Every time. Without fail. Across from her, the assassin took in the sights around her while sipping from her wine dish. A drop nearly fell onto her red and green kimono, but Shuten was always too perfect; With a swift motion, she caught it on her finger to suck on sultrily. It was a shame it was aimed at Kintoki further off, but that was only to be expected.
Kintoki squirmed in the distance, confusing Janna, who eagerly accepted praise by many surrounding servants for her dutiful deliveries. Ibaraki paid him no heed as she ripped the head off of a sugar Santa, munched loudly, and beamed at Shuten. "I can' way fo' you to ohp my prezens."
"Patience is a virtue," Shuten giggled back as the yellow-haired Oni chomped down the rest of the cookie. "This day is young."
The berserker swallowed, glared to seagulls in the thatch rafters eyeing her cookies, but beamed. "Only one is wrapped! No need for that stupid tradition."
"Oh? But is it not enjoyable?" Shuten mused back. "To tear violently at carefully wrapped gifts. Such wanton aggression for a wholesome act is amusing."
"I guess if you put it that way…" Ibaraki mulled as it clicked in her mind. She certainly wouldn't mind ripping a gift apart to get at the contents, just like she used to do with humans to get at their ribs. "I'll find you a criminal no one will miss then. Maybe those Vigil meatbags will have some useless ones…"
"Does doubt linger? Humanity is shadowed by many sins, which many take to bed," Shuten spoke rhetorically. "Months have drifted by… My tongue would love to taste such fine caviar again."
"It's settled! Next singularity, we'll find a good feast no one will give us grief for killing!" Ibaraki beamed, unnerving a few employees nearby. Another, a Grand Order veteran, didn't even bat an eyelash at the whole ordeal. Not even when Ibaraki shot their table a mischievous glance for fun, making many quiver in disturbed anxiety. The veteran only cracked an amused smile and shook his head.
'I'd love to remind him why we should be feared.' Oh, how surprisingly easy Chaldea seemed to forget what her hand dealt them during that singularity. A reminder would be swift and immediate, without drawing the attention of the Peacekeepers.
But would it even work? He felt safe here, and it was obvious why. Despite all the dangers posed by more 'ethically challenged' servants, there was no safer bunker on Earth. Chaldea was a proverbial fortress with an unmatched army; The ranks grew every week. As goody-two-shoes as they were, they also passed a blind eye to some questionable acts some of them commit for the sake of cooperation and stability.
All for the sake of a rather… relaxed and content atmosphere all could enjoy in some manner, where souls of different kinds could forge bonds never before considered. "Merry morning to you Onis… since I don't think you celebrate Christmas and all…"
And there was one of them. Ibaraki's satisfied smile didn't fade as she ripped off a reindeer cookie's legs, munched eagerly, and stared to the approaching archer. Surprisingly festive, the archer in an ugly green-hued Christmas sweater was greeted with some spewed crumbs from the berserker. "Morni, Rawbn!"
"Mouth closed. Maybe…?" he asked, but she disregarded his comment to smile with a partially full mouth. He rolled his eyes and sighed as Shuten giggled. Still, his signature smirk soon returned. "Right to the point then."
As proper between them: They both hated beating around the bush. Robin quickly presented her a small gift, which she quickly cocked her head at. He shook his head. "No. It's not candy."
"Awwww…" Ibaraki groaned, but then quickly cheered when Robin reached into his small side satchel, pulled out some oversized candy canes, and dropped them unceremoniously onto their table. "Ohhhhhhh~!"
"It's a small gift, but I'm afraid you'll probably like the candy canes more. Just thought I'd give you something."
"I didn't get you anything," Ibaraki pointed out flatly, but he shrugged calmly.
"That's fine. I'm not used to getting something in return anyhow." If she could feel a tinge of pity for any human, Robin would be at the top of the almost non-existent list. A quiet loner, often far too self-demeaning and cynical for his own good. One who strived hard and received no praise or recognition: Just betrayal. A man, more akin to a sage, far smarter and keener than most guessed. He may be the true Robin Hood, but he was no less of an impressive soul.
Rare was it for Ibaraki to praise a human, but this was one she would keep company if he desired; The constant stream of candies helped. The berserker took the small box in her hands, stared at the plain white wrappings and red ribbon, then gazed back to the archer. "I guess I'll find something for you, Christmas or not."
"You're not accepting it as a mere tribute?" he pondered.
"I could and will, but that content smirk of yours is annoying. If you want a gift, just ask for it outright. Be greedy," she chastised lightly as she began to devour another cookie. "Hav a goo moonin oo, Robn."
Cringing at her spewed crumbs again, he sighed, offered one last wave, and walked off. "Won't be as hard as you think. I just need a few drinks."
And there was a perfect gift idea for the lonesome sage... 'But could he handle Oni alcohol or…?'
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"Yes, dear Ibaraki. Thy presents are pleasing."
That's all Shuten needed to say before the Oni Den was filled with happy giggling. In truth, they were all just fancy bowls for alcohol and drink, so they were safe guesses for Shuten. Despite that, any praise from her sibling was worth countless treasures. The accompanying smile more so.
"Good, good! I'm glad you're happy!" Ibaraki beamed as her heart bounced off the walls. She was currently using her oversized futon as a trampoline, much to her sibling's mirth. "My gifts are definitely the best! Way better than anything that Golden numbskull could give you!"
"Perhaps, perhaps not…" Shuten whispered near-silently, but Ibaraki didn't hear it. She only heard Shuten's content sigh as she began summoning some alcoholic fruit for her bowl. "How about thy gifts, Ibaraki? You still have more, no?"
After she stopped jumping about, she stared towards her gifts. The humans skull drinking cups were perfectly delectable and made great additions to the china cabinet, so she really wasn't that interested in anything else. Human tributes were unnecessary. Shuten's gifts were enough. Though, Robin's gift was curious, but the candy canes would have been enough.
…Well, the few presents were sitting on the floor anyway. It was a pathetic amount compared to the likely heaps many got in Chaldea, but Ibaraki was unfazed. "I guess I'll get it over with."
Uncaring for human traditions and expectations, she hopped over to the few small gifts, picked up Robin's, and unceremoniously tore the wrapping off with one claw. To her surprise, she found a rather elaborate satchel inside. Decorated with yellow hues and demonic reds, it was a rather loud item, but far more devilish looking than her current Chaldean storage bag.
She found her smile grew quick. "Oh. How tasteful! That sage is far too humble for his own good."
"A bag, is it?" Shuten asked as she sipped on her wine dish and sauntered over. "Fitting. It matches thy battle garb well."
"Yea, it does! It'll be nice when I'm collecting more trinkets!" she agreed. After looking through the rubble of the ripped wrappings, she noticed a small card… which was now torn to shreds. She blinked, shrugged, and turned her attention to the next gift; Time was wasting.
"A combined gift from thy masters… Addressed to us," Shuten observed as she glimpsed the card. Before Ibaraki could annihilate it from collateral damage, her sibling giggled and snatched the card away moments before disaster. She carefully opened the reindeer-covered envelope to pull the card out. She held it up to Ibaraki before she could get too irritated at yet another concealing box past the wrappings. The berserker glanced at the greeting card with almost zero interest.
Ibaraki and Shuten,
We don't think Onis celebrate Christmas, but a gift is the least we can do for this merry season. Please accept it as our thanks for all the support and cooperation you've given us, and we hope the next year to come will be even better!
Gudao, Gabrielle, Anishka
Ibaraki huffed mildly. Truth be told, she wasn't that fond of the masters, but they were far more acceptable than most of the mages she'd come to see. Gudao was a boring toothpick. Anishka was a doormat or napkin. Gabrielle, with all her emotion and excitement, was easily the Oni's favorite if she had to pick, but they weren't going to be come best friends or anything. They simply were, and it was going to continue to be if her own interests were to be fulfilled.
Still, she couldn't deny their openness to them was endearing, intriguing, and ridiculous. She also couldn't deny their gift was… remarkably good. Really good. As Shuten pulled back the card and Ibaraki ripped the box open, she paused in surprise. Adorning the cover of the leather-bound photo album was a picture of Chaldea's two Onis smiling and eating ice cream. Their first ice cream.
"Mine mind pondered when our eyes would grace this memory again," Shuten mused with a smile. "A photo album of us, hm…?"
Ibaraki quickly confirmed the guess by flipping through the pages. The Oni never considered pictures of her and Shuten together; Photographs were so human. To capture a memory as if one simple moment meant more than another… But, seeing them flashing across many flipping pages, perhaps the humans were on to something. This one was far more interesting than George's presentation anyhow.
As she slowed her page flipping, and began giggling excitedly with Shuten at some of the secretly captured moments, Ibaraki's heart filled with a little extra warmth. Not quite full on appreciation, but an acknowledgement to her masters and the photographers. How surprisingly accurate and considerate of them…
'This will sit well next to that large dragon skull!' A worthy gift indeed.
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As perfect as it would be to spend all of Christmas day with Shuten, she had never experienced this holiday before. At least, not in current memory. She still doubted a memorial essence carried any such ridiculousness. What harm was there to see what the humans were up to?
It also made a great excuse to go on another sugar raid to the salon, if nothing else…
And she supposed Shuten should spend more time with Kintoki if it meant she was that much happier…
Humming to herself to drown out the sugary demands of her stomach, she quickly strolled down the hallways past robots and a few loitering talkers. Soon enough, she'd navigated to the salon's Ballroom, didn't even pause beneath the ambushing mistletoe, and beelined straight for the bar. As expected, there were trays upon trays of sugar cookies of all kinds. It was just a matter of which ones she'd like to take, and which would rouse the least vocal protests from the child servants.
As she eyed the army of sprinkled snowmen, she quickly realized this side was surprisingly quieter despite the holiday. She glanced around, saw most were simply quietly enjoying the lull before the Christmas Day party, and ignored it. At least until she noticed one of the most annoying rats in the far corner.
Doing a double take, she stared towards Raikou, and found her smirk growing. For whatever reason, she was crying, and Ibaraki was now very eager to learn why. Any sign of her in some sort of torment was music to her ears since the Oni couldn't just try to kill her. That was a quick ticket to the grave when she had so many allies.
'I'll take what I can get,' she chuckled darkly to herself, vanished into spirit form, and quickly snuck across the Ballroom floor. As she approached, the sniffling got louder, and Ibaraki quickly noticed she wasn't alone. Tucked away in the little booth with the berserker in a brand new azure qi pao was… Arjuna? Huh. As far as Ibaraki ever paid attention to, she was certain he didn't like how Raikou considered him her brother. The whole connection with the gods did make some sense but…
Oh what did she care? She was here to enjoy the surprise gift of a crying Raikou. The mighty, damning Minamoto… The one who destroyed her dream and took Shuten from her ages ago deserved far worse than just tears! More than Ibaraki could admittedly deliver; Tolerance given by Chaldea's demands was already more than Raikou should get from her.
Quietly, Ibaraki kept her distance and sneered happily, eager to milk the reasoning to hopefully kick her while she's down. Arjuna, after removing the coat of his white suit, quietly rested his hand on top of hers as she clutched her cup of hot cocoa. "…It's horrible. I know what you're going through, but you surely see it's not as bad as you insist. You're no outcast. If we rejoin the others, you'll see that."
"I-I could be st-still…!" the maternal berserker quivered. "Wh-What if it's all an act of tolerance…?"
"Then many have been acting far longer for me. If that's the case, Anishka should've seen me differently. Everyone too," Arjuna insisted calmly. It was obvious he wasn't the best cheerleader, but he was certainly trying. "I haven't been vilified. They accept me for who I am, and all the flaws I carried and hid."
"No! My f-f-fffflaw is too great! It's too great…! I-I d-don't deserve these gifts!" she quickly stammered as the cup shook in her hands. It spilled some of its dark contents atop their hands, but neither flinched. "Flawed! I'm too f-f-flawed, b-brother! An Oni doesn't deserve to be appreciated…! I-I don't-"
"Raikou, please…" Arjuna began, but his attempts seemed to be in vain. Mad Enhancement was a powerful blindfold; Ibaraki didn't seem to have any noticeable tinge, though. Not that she cared to think about it right now. Not after what this damned, hated berserker just spat…
Ibaraki's blood boiled and her fangs flashed. Triply so when Raikou's breath hitched. "I-I don't want this, brother! This b-b-blood… This cursed blood! Everyone knows now! E-Everyone secretly hates me for it! I-I know- I have to get rid of it! Why can't I-I purge-!"
"You stupid cow! SAY THAT AGAIN TO MY FACE!" Ibaraki's roar shook the grand chandeliers above. The Christmas music wafting through the room grew awkward in the severed air as Arjuna glared towards the newly materialized Oni. Ibaraki didn't even peek at him. Her fiery gaze, leaking in malicious auras from her small frame, tried to set fire to her gaze's target.
Raikou should've been incensed to glare back. That always made them butt heads, just like in the past. Sharp swords and sharper glares were all they should rightfully trade… but only tearful, shaken eyes met hers. It… pissed Ibaraki off even further. Much, much further! Her growl turned menacing. "What!? No answer!? No insulting greeting!? No forced civility hiding your hatred of Oni kind or anything!? What's gotten into you since that singularity!?"
"Ibaraki. That's enough." Arjuna's words were a cold order, and she wasn't about to tip the waiter. She didn't even glance his way.
"Say something, Raikou! Was I really outclassed by someone this pathetic!?" Ibaraki spat swiftly as she took two stomping steps towards the table. Arjuna stood and summoned his bow in warning, but she didn't draw a weapon. Not that she needed one to beat up the maternal berserker while she was in this wretched state. "Where's that proud, conceited Minamoto glare!? Where's that forced civility!? Where's that indomitable spirit I always wanted to trample after spilling your blood!?"
With a deep, fuming breath, Ibaraki shot the last bullet. "I took you for insufferable, but not this insufferable! Is your madness that blinding!? Your mixed blood is what let you stand against us! It's a blessing, you ungrateful cow! Oni blood should be revered and feared, but no one in this place even blinks at it anymore! NO. ONE."
"…They do…" she squeaked out as the first tinges of anger leaked into her gaze. "…They hate me for it…"
Ibaraki wasn't buying it; That was definitely self-loathing! She wanted that unadultered hatred for her she'd always held! "I can't stand it when you halfies curse your blessed blood! Do you humans really think it's that bad being Oni!? Look at all the gifts it granted you, and where it helped get you! Is this something to be cursed!?"
"Thy blood is one with you, but does not define you whole," Ibaraki's temper was partly tamed by the soothing sound of Shuten's voice. Strolling up to them casually, it was unfortunate her smile was gone. But she saw it too, right? How ridiculous and insufferable this sight was. No doubt, she did. "Thy humanity blinds thou to truth. Have thy eyes and ears laid upon any cursing thy Oni blood, save for thyself?"
Ibaraki growled. Shuten should be being far more incensed than this; Raikou was their hated enemy! Yet her calmness continued, laced with a disappointed and hopeful stare. Ibaraki blinked. '…Hopeful…!?'
"How many months had dear Ibaraki and I slept in these sheltering walls? How long since days gone when our steps were watched with keen eyes?" Shuten questioned earnestly as Raikou's sniffling continued to subside. "Oni souls had been accepted. Those of purest blood may tread here, then why not thou?"
"We're still here, whether you like it or not." Ibaraki chimed in, making Shuten giggle with a small smirk. Raikou's self-depreciating anger faltered completely as Ibaraki stomped, uncaring of the number of Peacekeepers storming into the Ballroom to keep watch. "Shuten's right! Why the hell would you be unaccepted if they let us walk around like we won't eat them if the chance presents itself!? They should be fearing our kind! They should be worried or frustrated! Yet the only frustration held for any with Oni Blood… is for that fucking unwelcome, overbearing, motherly garbage you flaunt around! Why is Chaldea only concerned about that!?"
"…You…! Th-That's not unwelcome…!" Raikou growled past lingering tears, but Ibaraki smirked. There. Her Oni blood was finally flaring again. Anger aimed towards her, as it should be. Raikou's gaze was steeling, but it was unfortunate it was triggered by lesser reasons. "I do not push myself on them! I-I'm only being what a mother should be! My f-family loves me!"
"Yet thou thought they now despise you?" Shuten asked, but them smirked. "Thou should know, Raikou. Love and appreciation make one blind. Thy eyes are blinded, no?"
"We care, Raikou. We're not abandoning you because of who you are," Arjuna pointed out in agreement, even after sending a warning glare their way. "You're not like them. You chose your path and follow it strictly. It has not gone unnoticed, I promise."
Ibaraki scoffed and waved her hand dismissively. "You'd actually curse your blood and think your allies would hate you for it… You humans and your dumb reasonings and dumb paranoia and dumb… Or is it that Mad Enhancement? Oh who am I kidding, you were always this dumb, weren't you? Why am I even wasting my breath on you anymore!? I thought you were something to overcome but you're just blind trash now."
"…You…!" Raikou growled as she stood up. Her hands shook, and if she got just a bit angrier, perhaps the hot chocolate would boil and evaporate. Arjuna, now full concerned over the situation, quickly placed his hand on Raikou's shoulder. She didn't take a step. "You insect! It's difficult enough just to tolerate your existence! Watch your tongue before I rip it out!"
"Hmm… Let me think about that…" Ibaraki mused with a devilish finger to her lips. With an annoyed frown… she surprised herself, Raikou, and Arjuna. "…You know what? Fine. This is a waste of my time. I came to kick you while you suffered, but I'm only pissed off at what I found. I'm leaving, and Shuten, you should too. She's not worth our time if she can't appreciate her flawless gift."
Ibaraki's anger ebbed as Arjuna watched her sternly. The smaller berserker only folded her arms and spoke her last anger out. "Maybe it's madness, maybe you're just blind. Whatever it is, fix it. Get over it. Accept that your blood doesn't make you unaccepted. It's what you do with that gift. Isn't that something you humans can understand?"
Ibaraki's fury lingered, but she hid it from sight. Her aura diminished significantly, confusing many watching Peacekeepers, especially those who came running to Raikou's aid. Ibaraki stared briefly as Kintoki ran over to Raikou's side and began talking quietly. Sita joined soon after, as did more. Shuten walked to join Kintoki, but silently. When Anishka joined, the immediate show of affection had Raikou's tears reforming like clockwork. They were offset by the barest glint of seeming realization.
"No one hates that I'm…?" Raikou murmured, drowned out by the show of support from those closest. Arjuna smiled and shook his head. The tall berserker sniffled. "…Family… friends… No. They hate m-me…"
Karna walked up to stand behind Kintoki to offer his own blend of reassurance. "None have lied to you, Raikou. You are appreciated, even if some of your actions are overbearing. You must simply realize it, as many have tried to help you see. Your family, most of all."
He turned a small smile to Arjuna, whose own smile faded a bit as he braced himself. "Arjun. I'm glad you tried to help your sister see through your own experiences. You've grown."
Arjuna's eyes narrowed. "I didn't need your-"
"Oh, b-brother! Tell me you d-don't despise me!" Arjuna was swiftly seized by a tearful, heartbroken Raikou. Even though Ibaraki was about ready to just walk off in reigniting frustration, she couldn't help but cringe, like a few others, as Raikou's hug turned a bit… ambiguous. "I'm sorry your sister is so difficult… I want to see… I want to hear it from you! From Annie! Oh… P-Please say you don't hate me…!"
Ibaraki paused out of curiosity. Was she on the verge of acknowledging it then? Maybe she could still save her image as a proud, defiant enemy. One Ibaraki would be frustrated, but content, to remain civil with so long as she stayed her blade from her or Shuten too.
… The awkward affection remained a staple, though. Raikou affectionately nuzzled her neck into the Indian archer's. Arjuna looked terribly uncomfortable, but his glare shined over it. Aimed at Karna's content and calm smile, the Oni could almost see his blood boil. Then, his frown seemed to turn… sinister? Maybe even mischievous and spitefu-
"No, Raikou. We won't abandon you. Family is always there for you. Even brother Karna, as stoic and rudely blunt as he is."
In a flash, Karna's smile was gone as a tearful, desperate Raikou stared his way amid the crowd's growing silence. Anishka swallowed and took a few steps into view with a hand clutched to her blue Christmas sweater. "Um… Arjuna. I don't think Karna would be-"
"Oh… Oh how could I have never noticed!?" the maternal berserker began as she wiped at hear tearful eyes. "Yes… Y-You two were rivals, but you were both… So that means that you're also my brother, Karna! You don't hate me too, do you!?"
Perhaps for the first time in public Chaldean history, Karna's face showed open concern and anxiety; It may have been a slither, but it was definitely there as the motherly Minamoto quickly stepped towards him with open arms. "Ohhhhh…! Older brother! A-And all because you two have found a way to settle your feud in more civil manners! Please don't hate your little sister either!"
"Wait! Raikou, you're mistaken! Our relation isn't as-!"
Too late. Karna was already captured in Raikou's embrace, but so too was Arjuna. The lancer tossed a blank, disappointed glare towards his Arjuna, who casually offered a small sneer back. One whose unspoken words easily echoed forth for even Ibaraki to understand: "Fall with me, Karna."
Though the crowd grew, and some Peacekeepers kept a stern eye on Ibaraki, she'd tuned out all the noise. She only rolled her eyes in disappointment as she began walking back towards the trays of sugary treats. All was well, and with any luck, Raikou was on a slow path away from that insufferable stance on her blood. The motherly absurdity would be leagues better than what she'd witnessed…
"…Ibaraki… Where do you think you're going?" Raikou's suddenly stern voice made her pause in the middle of the dance floor. Just for a bit.
One last time, she sneered back at Raikou. "I told you. Leaving. You're not squandering any more of my day. Seeing you cry was a great present, Raikou… but if you ever curse that Oni blood of yours again, I'll be sure to drain you of all of it. Promise."
A tearful Raikou glared back, but Ibaraki only waved dismissively as the sugary snacks called her name. "You have a Merry Christmas. Minamoto no Yorimitsu."
As dry and sarcastic as that wish was, Ibaraki cared not. She wasn't the caring type unless they were Shuten. She could 'get along' with the humans and other servants, but her grudge against Raikou remained. She'd meet the berserker's civil acts with her own and trade barbs casually too. Neutrality was all Chaldea could hope for… at best. And that was if she got past this aggravating new outlook…
As she closed in on her cookies, a Peacekeeper quickly stepped up to her with a small smile. She'd have paid no heed, since she did nothing over the line. However, as much as she wanted the damn cookies and no annoyances, this one always had her interest. So she stopped curiously as Rama came up to greet her. "That was harsh of you. On Christmas of all days too, but I don't know what else I should have expected."
"Nothing, that's what," she answered dismissively. "Now is there something you want? I'm hungry and the tributes are calling."
"Thanks." Alright, that's not what she was expecting. He nodded to her, then turned to the rampant commotion in the corner. "We've been trying for a week to reassure her, but I think you got through to her a little more. I guess she needed a more forceful shove than Karna could give."
"It's Mad Enhancement. Of course you need to be forceful, but that's not something her friends were willing to try, now is it? Especially not that shrink who lets her play with her baby." Ibaraki rolled her eyes. "But I didn't do it for any of you, and especially not her. She just pissed me off… cursing Oni blood. Why would you hate what you are when it makes you better?"
"If only it was as easy as that," Rama pointed out, and she scoffed again. No, it was that easy. Humans just had to make things difficult enough without Mad Enhancements and Mental Pollutions making it worse. He still smiled to her. "Maybe she'll relapse into paranoia again, but I hope yours' and Shuten words helped push her forward. You have our thanks, as brutal as it was."
"Take the thanks back. I can't eat it," she grumbled as she walked back up to the cookie trays. "Now if you'll excuse me, Demon Killer, I need to figure out how to spend my time until the Christmas party."
"You're not doing anything? Neither am I." That's all he needed to say to stop her in her tracks. Enthusiasm spiked in her heartbeat as she grasped a cookie, shoveled it into her mouth, and turned around in anticipation. He shrugged. "You're always challenging me, and we got an hour. How about one spar?"
"Just one!? I'm going five for five today!" What better way to shake off lingering annoyances over the past few minutes?
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Battle was an avenue to prove an Oni's superiority. They relished in the carnage, and the sight of humans' forlorn faces as they acknowledged how weak they were. That one singularity where she run amok, single-handedly diminishing Chaldea's combat power held a special place in her heart. Thanks to that overpowered grail, she'd never felt such power course through her form. She'd never beheld such overwhelming pride since.
…Oh, if only she had that power, maybe she'd actually have a chance to summit this Everest.
Rama. The mighty warrior king, whose tales could put countless to shame for scale and prowess. He was an overwhelming powerhouse in such an unassuming frame. Even when held back by the servant class container, he ranked among Chaldea's most powerful. A divine who struck down scores of demons, and made an Oni noble like her feel as powerless at the humans who once cowered before her.
Yes! No matter how many times Ibaraki must try, this was the Everest she would defeat in time! "Are you ready, Rama!?"
"Today is the day, yes?" he recited her own words with a smile, earning a flare of her temper. It wasn't mocking, but it did. He was calm, yet it echoed condescending. She hated how he was always so calm and casual about this!
"You better be!" she roared, unsettling the gently falling snow around them. The Training Grounds, barren save for two watching spectators, awaited the first move. A host of snowmen speckled the perimeter of the large plateau, as if to cheer her on. Shuten and Sita sat further away, smiling sheepishly in knowing anticipation as they enjoyed their own drinks.
"Do your best, my love!" Sita called out happily. It made Rama blush lightly, grin wide, and flash a thumbs up her way.
'An opening!' Ibaraki's eyes flared with eagerness. Without even igniting her prana as warning, she exploded across the field. She charged her prana as Rama's attention shifted forward, but he was already too late! With sword in her hand, her quick plan was set into motion.
Her sword was hurled forward like a boomerang to close the last few meters. She then kicked the snow into a screen with an eruption of forged prana, swirling like a tidal wave before her charge. Rama swiftly drew his blade to bat it away, but she'd already vanished thanks to the screen. Now in spirit form, she dashed through him, heart pounding like a jackhammer.
'Please…! Please…!' she begged to herself as her spine tingled with giddy nervousness. She appeared manifested again as she sent her empowered fist forward. Inch by inch, it rocketed to him. Time slowed as Rama spun to block with his blade… but he was too late! 'He's too late! HE'S TOO LATE!'
Her fist connected with his arm, sending him skidding back as he released a gasp. The force was more than enough to cause a bruise, but he was otherwise standing perfectly fine. Blade guarded before him, he stood ready for her next strike… but Ibaraki was frozen still. Her fist still extended, Rama stared at her curiously as she shook. "…Ibaraki? Are you-"
"I LANDED A HIT!" she suddenly cheered. Long gone was her demonic aura and frightening warface, replaced with an incredibly childish and giddy excitement. Her eyes snapped between her fist and Rama's bruised skin with overwhelming glee as she jumped in place. She didn't even care Sita and Shuten were giggling at her ridiculous show, because she did it! "I landed a hit!"
Rama tilted his head. "Um… Yes, but we're still-"
"I landed a hit! I landed a blow on the Demon Killer!" Ibaraki jumped for joy. Without that overpowering grail, she'd done it! It took over a thousand fights, but she was now a step closer! She could do it! Rama wasn't invincible and unhittable! One day, she too could be pushing him to his death bed like the mighty Ravana did! "I did it! I did it!"
Rama's innocent smile flashed to her. "Ibaraki? Shouldn't we be-"
She didn't hear him. She was too excited at the prospects closer within reach. "I hit you! I finally hit you! And if you can be hit, you can be defeated! And I won't even have to kidnap Sita to-"
SLAM!
Before she even blinked, Ibaraki was batted away with the flat of Rama's sword. "GYYYYAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHH!"
Excitement was replaced with sheer shock as she felt herself tumbling through the air, like so many times before. Chaldea grew further and further away as she sailed across the snowy realm, destined for the faraway mountains. Today she rocketed faster than she realized, and the bruise on her side would certainly be a bigger one.
"Er…" Back on the platform, a sheepish, apologetic Rama scratched his neck as Shuten howled with mirth. "I… swung on instinct. I hope I didn't hit her too hard..."
"She'll be fine," Sita giggled as Ibaraki's babbling cries echoed through the air. Her blush grew prominent. "I love how overprotective you are."
"My mind doth wonder… Did thy words distract him on purpose?"Shuten's quiet question turned the divine her way with a tiny, mischievous smile. Shuten's grin grew. "Oh…~? I thought thou was pure."
"I am. So is Rama," Sita offered as Ibaraki finally collided with a snow-capped mountain further away. "After so many bouts… I just thought Ibaraki could use a little Christmas present~?"
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Warm in the salon again, Ibaraki nursed her many bruises from just as many bouts with a cop of sweet hot cocoa. Thankfully, her banana-pattern kimono hid most of the injuries from the resident demonic nurse. It did little to hide the usual injured pride that marred her face. Even if she took a step forward, victory was so terribly far away…
'If he comes… I'll have to… swallow my Oni pride and ask Ravana for tips...'
Alone at a booth, she watched the Christmas party grow in strength. It still didn't match her newfound fondness over Halloween festivities, but there was no denying the humans made a merry holiday. Children ran about excited with their new gifts. Servants and employees showed off their own presents. Even most of the Clock Tower Team had a few presents, or so she heard. A quick glance towards a distant table, where Gordolf, Vernier, and Siegfried talked over a few larger presents, quickly proved that.
Her glance passed over Nightingale, whose red gaze lay cemented back. Confident and mighty, an Oni was unsettled by little, but Nightingale's continued scrutinization was making her skin crawl. The medical berserker, clad in an elegant red coat and skirt, stared a minute longer before looking away. Ibaraki felt like she dodged a bullet… or a bone saw.
She shifted her stare elsewhere. Meltryllis sat at a table with Passionlip and Tamacat. The giddy berserker maid was helping unwrap presents while happily conversing with the bustier alter ego. Meltryllis, still rather lonesome despite that supposedly potent Memorial Essence, watched on quietly with an almost indiscernible smile. At least, that's what Ibaraki could've sworn she saw beneath that oversized, ridiculous penguin hoodie. 'What a ridiculous gift...'
With another glance, she spotted Artesia talking among some Vigil. There were a stack of presents for her too, it seemed, as she took another one off the pile to unwrap. A small smirk crossed her face as she unveiled a box of... fast food coupons? Ibaraki supposed that was an appropriately fitting gift. As the saber placed them down next to a gifted rifle case with a fluffy red bow, Ibaraki's eyes lingered just a moment longer.
Again, they shifted elsewhere to distract her thoughts of the empty table she sat at. 'It's too quiet...'
The sights flashed before her rapidly in the swirling maelstrom of glee. Xuanzang ran past the grand piano with a gifted Vegan cookbook, with Tota close behind with bundles of fine, gifted clothes. Semiramis and Amakusa were standing off near the windows, only for the assassin to lean in quickly and peck his cheek as she held her new pearl necklace. Marie was showing off her new dress to her entourage, who clapped for her like impressed nobility.
Though irritation and disappointment budded and bloomed, the weeds grew further. She glanced to another part of the Ballroom and spied Atalanta and Achilles staring dumbfounded as their children happily squealed over Astolfo's new gift: A full-sized Hippogriff plushie. Asterios watched nearby with a big grin while hugging an army of newly unwrapped sheep plushies that spanned a rainbow of colors. Euryale, though a bit miffed, was also trapped in the berserker's arms. Even Angra Mainyu was happily checking out his giant stack of games among his gaming companions.
"How alluring. Thank you, Gabby," Scathach smiled as she held up what appeared to be a golden body necklace among her Celt group. Medb giggled and also admired her own silver version. The master grinned happily across the booth from them, with a new laptop sitting in front of her.
Ibaraki's eyes shifted again, but her ears caught their own glimpse. So many glimpses of merry conversation.
"I can dig this shirt!" "I didn't know cacti were this cool." "I'm gonna send a pic of this to my mom!" "Holy hell. My ex sent me a gift and paid the postage!?"
"I can't wait to call the folks!" "Awwww, Gio loves his new dinosaur friend!" "Wow. I'm surprised you've gone an hour without making a pun."
"Yule be sorry you said that! I'm a rebel without a Claus!" Ibaraki cringed, with nearly half the room, as she heard that, but diverted her eyes again... There was nowhere she could look and not see the cheer. The sights and sounds compounded infinitely. The Oni loved festivities but... this holiday felt too personal right now. Too private, not open. Last night was more to her liking since she could take part to some extent. She felt thirsty to quench growing disappointment and distaste.
A robot floated by, but all the eggnog glasses on its tray were empty. Unfortunate; Her disappointment grew. She could use another drink to nurse her wounded pride and growing... loneliness. Such a rare feeling for her to feel.
With Shuten spending time around Raikou and Kintoki, Ibaraki was mostly alone. Nobunaga was probably sneaking around to engage in a prank, and she wasn't about to blow the warlord's cover. Robin was likely with his drinking companions. Tomoe was playing handhelds with her gaming group. The other Japanese servants would likely have more fun without her hanging around to bother them, though she still considered it for her own amusement…
It looked like Christmas Day was going to be rather quiet for- "Hey! Why're you here all alone!? Come drink with us!"
Ibaraki glanced up, unaware that Jing Ke had quickly approached. Wearing an oversized white sweater and form-fitting white yoga shorts, the assassin quickly reached out to grasp at the Oni's hand. How daring for most, but Jing Ke never seemed to care about what she did. Especially when drunk.
Ibaraki blinked. "…You're drinking already?"
"It's five o'clock somewhere!" Jing grinned, only for Ibaraki to stare at her with a little smirk. She laughed. "You know I'm right, now come on! The others are already at the bar, and I heard you landed a hit on Rama! That's something to toast about!"
"You use anything as an excuse to toast."
"Ehhh? Is that a problem…?" Jing tilted her head as Ibaraki laughed, ripped her hand loose, and followed the assassin to the bar. Though they didn't match up to Shuten's presence, the drinking companions were always a fun time. Some could even make lesser Onis' alcohol tolerance look miserable. It sure beat sitting alone enjoying cookie-
Ibaraki gawked. "Ah! I left my sweet-"
"Already got them." She turned around to see Robin strolling up with her hot cocoa and tray of cookies in hand. She smiled giddily, and he simply shrugged back.
Jing smirked back. "There's more at the bar anyway. The kitchen turned into a factory for cookies. It's like watching a wood chipper."
"…A wood chipper?"
"I don't know. It was the first thing that came to mind," the assassin complained as she licked her lips. "I think the alcohol is wearing off. It's been a good minute since the last sip."
"That's weak eggnog if it faded that fast…" They both laughed. "So did you have any fun presents?"
"Oh! My Secret Santa got me a panda wine bottle holder! And Santa Janna gave me an engraved knife! Now I get to tease Jeanne her sister is an arms dealer!"
"What!? There were cool gifts like that? I should've signed up!" Ibaraki protested, but Jing grinned.
"That's alright! We got some gifts for you too, which may or may not include some candy!" Jing reassured. Ibaraki's eyes lit up as they weaved through the crowds. While they talked aimlessly, Ibaraki paid no attention to the many festive people around them. Nothing was sent her way either, good or bad. She thought nothing of it, as she always had.
But maybe if she had and looked around a bit, she would've given her own words more thought. As much as she liked to be alone and was forced to act civil, it wasn't as difficult a chore as she made it out to be. There was always some way to spend her day, and no one was stopping her from doing so within the community's rules. She was only aware of how ridiculous is was to let an Oni run free, and not that the noble was so accommodating to follow the rules in turn.
Ibaraki had found herself far more welcome and accepted than the Oni ever tried to realize.