Sayomi did her best to keep her expression neutral as she walked through the streets of Gandara. Everyone seemed to have a smile on their face as they exchanged news and goods.
"Have you heard? Lord Yomi has a new general with more powerful demons in his army."
"I know! We're most certainly going to win the war at this rate."
"Lord Yomi will rule the Demon Plane before too long."
"All hail Lord Yomi!"
Sayomi scowled as she wandered down the streets. If only they knew the truth...
She thought of her orders from the night before.
Kurama had visited her just before she was ready to sleep. "I'm sorry, did I arrive at a bad time?"
Sayomi waved his concerns away and invited him into her room. "No problem. I've stayed up later."
Kurama chuckled and closed the door behind him. "I can believe it.
"So, what's up?" Sayomi knew he wouldn't visit her so late unless it was something important.
Kurama took a seat on the tatami mat floor. "Have you taken the time to see the country of Gandara?"
"Can't say I have." Sayomi had only been there a couple days. She decided it was best to keep a low profile to avoid drawing the king's attention.
The red-head smiled. "I have to recommend exploring at least a little. The people here are very civilized and loyal. The food is exquisite and there is no lack of entertainment. Who knows? Maybe you'll find something that piques your interest."
Sayomi knew what he was hinting at. "Yeah, it sounds like fun. I'll head out tomorrow and check it out."
"If you do, let me know how your day was. I'm sure you can find more fun things than I can."
Sayomi smirked as she thought of what she had discovered so far. I've noticed everyone here wears synthetic expressions. They only say what they believe Yomi wants to hear. I haven't heard an honest sentence at all unless they really believe what they preach. In that case, they must all be brainwashed to follow blindly. Kinda ironic if you think about it.
She couldn't help the spreading grin on her face. Hell, his country is the one that resembles the human world the most, yet he sees them as meaningless livestock. Really unfortunate that he doesn't see that himself. Heheheh...
Her thoughts were interrupted as a random civilian bumped into her. "Watch where you're going, girl!"
Sayomi glared at him, but didn't say anything.
The demon became irritated and said, "Not even an apology? I haven't seen you around before so you must be new. Must not have learned proper manners from the wild, eh?"
Idiot. Sayomi refrained from reacting to his obvious instigation. If you keep this up, you'll regret it.
"Say..." His brow arched when he took in her features. "You're not half bad-looking. Tell you what, I'll show you the ropes around here if you want. You know, to keep you out of trouble."
Her interest piqued. Oh? "Why would you do that?"
He smirked and jerked his thumb at his chest. "Well, I am well-known around here. After all, I'm one of Lord Yomi's loyal soldiers."
"Really?" Sayomi blinked up at him, playing the innocent traveler to the best of her ability. Thank the Underworld we haven't been introduced to Yomi's main army yet.
The demon grinned. "Yeah, I know where all the best spots are and I have all the connections." He slung his arm around her shoulders and she fought the impulse to shrug him off. "So, what are you looking for?"
"Know any good places to get a drink around here?" she asked with a flutter of her eyes. She inwardly cringed when she noticed the spark in his eyes. Ewww...
"Yeah! I know just the place!"
He showed her to a bar downtown. Though it was a little rougher than the main street, it wasn't too shabby. The bar was neat and had a variety of different drinks. The patrons, however, were loud and obnoxious.
Sayomi scowled as the demons yelled and spilled their drinks all over the tables and floor. No matter where you go, you can't escape people like them.
The soldier approached the bartender like an old friend and said, "I'd like a shot of straight Ogresbane." He winked at Sayomi.
She frowned when she recognized the name of the drink. Isn't that what Chu drinks?
"And the lady?" The bartender asked, nodding towards her.
"I'd like a Hell's Circle." She eyed the soldier next to her carefully. I can at least babysit a drink while he gets drunk off his ass. Then he'll spill information more easily.
When the bartender poured their drinks, the soldier downed his shot in a single gulp. The face he made was enough to earn a chuckle from her. "Not too strong for you?"
"Ha! Please! I can take another one, no problem." He knocked on the bar to signal for a refill.
Sayomi smirked as he drank it down. "Impressive."
"Heh, ish no big deal," the soldier bragged. "So, where 're you from, swee'heart?"
"Around." Sayomi smirked. So long as I play mysterious, it'll be enough to keep his interest.
"Around, huh?" He grinned and leaned in closer. "Do tell."
She ignored the smell of alcohol on his breath and took a sip of her tall drink. She didn't like the bitter aftertaste, but she could handle enough to play along. "I'm a bit of a nomad."
"Musta seen a lo' of plashes then. Guess that esplains your attitude." He waved down the bartender for a different drink.
"Yeah, but I heard that Gandara was the place to be."
"Def'nitely," the soldier agreed. He took a swig from his glass. "I gotta say, I never seen anyone dumb 'nough to 'ppose Lord Yomi."
"What about Mukuro or Raizen?" Sayomi asked innocently. She did her best to eep from laughing at his slurred speech.
"Hah! As if either o' them shtand a chance!" The soldier laughed at the thought. "I bet Lord Yomi'd wipe the floor with 'em in a hear'beat."
"You sound so confident." Sayomi shrugged and sipped her drink. "I don't know... Raizen has an heir to the throne now."
"Y'mean tha' 'alf-breed?!" The soldier looked at her in disbelief. "As if 'e would lass five minu'es 'gainst Lord Yomi in a fair fight!"
"What about Mukuro?" Sayomi asked with an arched brow.
The soldier scratched his chin. "Tha' one's a li'l more ser'ous, but I 'ave my doubts. His territory ish still primitive in compar'son so I don' like what he's preaching. Pers'nally, I think Lord Yomi can wipe the floor with 'im, 'specially with our new recruits."
"New recruits?" Sayomi feigned interest in new information.
"Oh yeah!" The soldier grinned. "We 'ave new recruits tha' 're the s'ronges' in the whole Demon Plane. They're sho s'rong, Lord Yomi's new secon'-in-comman', Kurama, is the only one who knows who they 're. He's in charge of 'em."
"Really?" Sayomi rolled her eyes inwardly. He wasn't really telling her anything she didn't already know. He probably doesn't have any useful information. How should I get out of here?
"Well..." he drawled.
Sayomi turned her curious attention to the demon. Oh?
"You didn' 'ear it from me..." He took another swig. "But I 'eard tha' Lord Yomi 'as an ace up 'is slee'e in case thin's go south, if y'know wha' I mean."
"An ace?" Sayomi could only wonder what that meant.
"I dunno any de'ails, but tha's the rumor floatin' 'round the base." He took another swig. "I doubt 'e'll nee' t' use it, bu' Lord Yomi's no fool. If he 'as a shecret weapon in the works, tha' means he's plannin' some'in' big. He's a smar' man for coverin' 'is bases."
"That's interesting. Wonder what it is." She took a long sip of her drink to emphasize her curiosity.
"No 'ne knows yet. S' far, nothin's been co'firmed, but rumors always star' with a speck o' truth, y'know?"
Sayomi nodded and let him talk until he was too drunk to keep his thoughts in order. Only new info I got was about this secret weapon. Now to find out where it is. If I had to guess, it would be close to Yomi.
She made her way back to Yomi's place and started wandering the halls. She did her best to keep quiet and stay out of sight. So long as I blend in with the shadows, no one should notice me.
Any time she heard footsteps, she would hide in the darkest corners and listen for any clues to its whereabouts. So far, everything had been negative. I guess the only one who would know would be Yomi himself. I wonder if he would notice me in his shadow.
She glided from shadow to shadow, looking for the blind ruler. Where would he be? Should I just report back to Kurama and let him know about it? But then, what if the information is false? I need to see it for myself so can be certain of what I'm reporting.
She eventually stumbled upon the old imp scolding a couple soldiers. She smirked as she thought of a certain blue-haired reaper. Bingo.
"I told you! Lord Yomi has no time for insubordination! Either get him trained properly or dispose of him. He already knows too much."
The soldiers saluted the imp and barked, "Yes, Master Youda!"
The old imp dismissed them and made his way down the hall. Sayomi merged with his shadow and followed him around the castle. This toad is Yomi's most loyal lapdog. If anyone knows about this secret weapon, it has to be him. I just need to be patient.
He went to the training hall to measure the power of each soldier. After that, he went to the library to inspect which books to keep and which ones to get rid of. Then, he made his way to mess hall to make sure the food was up to standard.
Youda went all over the castle, directing the staff and barking orders passed down from the king himself. By the end of the day, Sayomi felt exhausted and tired of hearing his voice. Even though he's not a fighter, he sure thinks highly of himself. Shame we didn't run into Yomi. I think I would've preferred his company over this guy.
When the imp went into a dark room with a soft glow, she heard his voice.
"Youda, how was your walk?"
"Everything is progressing smoothly, sire. Kurama's unit has taken it upon themselves to train with the troops. Let's hope they starting showing improvement in the near future."
Sayomi hid in a dark corner of the room. She didn't dare manifest in any way if she wanted to avoid getting caught. Knowing those guys, they probably just got bored and wanted people to fight with.
"That's good to hear. I'm looking forward to seeing the results."
Is he making sight puns? Sayomi couldn't figure out if he was doing it on purpose or not. If so, that's kinda funny.
"At the rate they're training, I calculate our power will skyrocket beyond what Mukuro could ever dream of obtaining."
"That is something to look forward to. Now, how is he doing?"
Youda pulled out his power reader and aimed it at the source of the glowing light. It beeped a couple times and the imp said, "He's over 80,000 now, sire. At this rate, he'll grow to immense levels well before his prime."
"Excellent. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'd like some time alone with him, Youda."
"As you wish." The imp bowed and let himself out of the room.
Sayomi stayed hidden until she heard him speak.
"You can come out now, Sayomi. No one will interrupt us."
Sayomi manifested from the shadows, but she didn't step any closer. "How did you know I was here?"
Yomi smiled and said, "I have good ears. Your movements and tone of voice indicated you were looking for something today. Tell me, was it under Kurama's orders?"
Damn. How did I forget about his ridiculous hearing? Sayomi did her best to keep her expression neutral. "He suggested I go out and look for something fun to do. It was just more fun than I expected to have."
He chuckled. "I'm glad to hear my country doesn't bore you." He "looked" up at the fluorescent incubation chamber in the center of the room. "Tell me, what were you planning to do when you found him."
Sayomi let her gaze wander to the large green tank. Inside, there was an infant with familiar pointed ears and black hair. Her eyes widened as she realized the resemblance. "I was expecting a weapon, not a child."
Yomi smiled and said, "That is my son, Shura. He's my pride and joy."
"Your son?" Sayomi had troubling thinking of such a concept. "So, who's his mother?"
"He doesn't have one. He's a literal clone of my own DNA. Though, I plan to raise him as if he were my own child."
"And you're okay with letting me see him?"
"Well, you are part of Kurama's unit. Is there a reason I shouldn't let you meet him?"
"I wouldn't hurt a kid." No matter who's it is.
"I'm relieved you're telling the truth. If you had ill intentions, I would have to take immediate action and apologize to Kurama for it later."
"So, if he's not a secret weapon..."
"I never said he wasn't," Yomi corrected. "When he wakes, I'll start his training and he will become the heir to my throne once I rule the Demon Plane. Although, I'm getting a little ahead of myself." He turned to her. "How good are you with children?"
Sayomi blinked and shrugged. "I never really thought about that. I don't hate them or anything, but I don't really have any experience with them either."
"Hahaha! Neither do I. Though I can't help looking forward to it."
Sayomi felt confused. I thought Yomi was supposed to be this super evil demon who only cared about winning the war. I never expected him to be a loving father.
She snuck a peek at him and saw he was practically watching her. Out of habit, she arched her brow and asked, "What?"
"I'm trying to picture you with an infant in your arms. Would Kurama be the father?"
"What?! No!"
"Hahaha. There's no need to be shy. Your hormones certainly indicate that you're taken. If not Kurama, then perhaps one of the men in his unit?"
Sayomi resisted the impulse to deny it. Just let him make assumptions. It's better than the alternative. Kurama said I should keep my association with the other countries a secret. "Why do you want to know?"
"Well, if it had been Kurama, I was going to congratulate him for obtaining such a unique woman. I never thought he would be one to settle down with someone, but I'm sure he wouldn't expect me to be a father."
"To be honest, I don't think anyone would expect you to have a kid. Although, now that you mention it..." Didn't Kurama used to be interested in a human girl?
"So, now you know about Shura. Is there anything else you'd like to know? I'm all ears."
Sayomi couldn't help smirking at the joke. "I'm just wondering why you're letting me know all of this. I didn't think you would trust new people so much."
"Kurama trusts you enough to be part of his unit. That's all the reason I need. He mentioned you would be most useful for reconnaissance, so I figured it was only a matter of time before you started digging."
Sayomi kept her guard up. Relaxing would only tip him off more. "And here I thought I was being pretty sneaky."
"For the average demon, you slip in and out of the shadows before they even realize you're ever there. After your afternoon in the bar, it seemed like a good idea to keep track of you and see what you could do. I wasn't disappointed. Not even Youda noticed you following him."
"Hold on," Sayomi cut in. "Are you telling me you made him go all over the castle to purposely see what I would do?"
Yomi smirked with amusement. "I'll admit I gave him a busy schedule today. Yet, despite that, you were determined to find out the truth. That kind of dedication to a task will be useful. I see why Kurama recruited you."
"Well he didn't recruit me for the sake of having a girl around." Sayomi crossed her arms and let out an annoyed huff of air. "Besides, sleuthing is only one of my skills."
"Oh? I'm looking forward to seeing more, then." He turned and made his way out of the room. "The door will lock automatically as soon as you leave the room."
Sayomi watched him leave, then turned her eyes up to look at the kid. Her fists clenched as she realized just how dangerous things were turning out to be. If Yomi succeeds, and he raises his son to follow in his footsteps, then things will not look good for the Demon Plane or the Human World. Hell, why stop there? He'll probably go after the Underworld, too.
She thought about how easily he read her without even having to see her. He was able track her across the country from the comfort of his home. He openly answered her questions, though she wasn't sure just how much he actually told her. He obviously didn't tell me everything.
Then she thought of the way he talked about the kid. He seemed to genuinely care about him. It was a side of him I wasn't expecting to see.
"I should let Kurama know. If Yomi suspected that I was under Kurama's orders in the first place, then he told me everything with the expectation that I would report to him. I just hope it's enough."
As she left the room, she couldn't help taking one last peek at the boy. I hope he's not a bad kid. I'd hate it if I had to fight him.