Author's notes: I am now writing in first person perspective. Just trying new things. I am going to alternate the POV depending on situation. I'll make the transitions as clear as possible. Enjoy
…
Episode 4: Trials to Overcome
Tsukune's POV
I woke up to the usual day in Hades. I washed my face and began cleaning the cells as it was my first duty of the day; to clean the prison cells as the prisons were out doing morning exercises.
I know I am supposed to be training to become stronger, but several things keep turning up and before I realized it I became more and more involved with the Netherworld; more specifically Valvatorez's affairs.
I ate sardines as I worked since it was what Valvatorez was paying me to do this. At least the chores can be a workout as the mop weighs 100kg. I have to use the vampire's youki powered musculature to be able to lift anything here.
In the afternoon unlike the other servants, I trained with Valvatorez to enhance my basic abilities. "Making the most of your natural abilities is the most important part." Valvatorez says with extreme confidence.
Learning to use the natural powers of the vampire blood in me proved easier than expected. I quickly was able to enhance my detection abilities, regeneration, and sustain my youki for longer periods of time.
"I see you mastered the basics." Valvatorez said to me. He always watched over me as I practiced. As soon as I left myself open; he would often fire an impaling spike at me. Over time I stopped letting my guard down and evaded his attacks with ease.
One day Valvatorez said he was taking me to the Mountain of Ordeals. "Mountain of Ordeals?" I asked. "It is a place where one can challenge the strongest enemies. Only one challenger can reach the top once every 1000 years and you are going to beat the competition and get to the top!" Valvatorez exclaims full of pride.
"You seem happy today." I said in a dull tone. "Of course! Nothing brings me more pride than to have a prinny I trained to be able to challenge the mountain." he said happily. We went to the dimension guide.
Arriving at the base of the mountain, a horde of strong looking demons was gathering. "Who are they?" I asked as I was slightly worried. "They are other challengers seeking to get to the top." Valvatorez answered quickly and pushes me toward the base.
"Good luck and have fun." he said as he quickly left the scene. "What if I don't make it?" I shouted to him. "Don't worry about it! You ask too many questions. Also the nurse at Hades can revive the dead so don't worry about a thing." he shouted back.
After about 10 minutes of worrying I saw that the other demons had already took a head start before me. I have to do this. For everyone's sake I must become strong. I thought to myself as I gathered my courage and proceeded up the path.
2 hours later I encountered a group of demons fighting each other. Better not get involved. I thought as I searched for another way up. The sheer cliff wall was too steep to climb and I couldn't see how far the next ledge was so I didn't risk jumping.
Remembering past to the training I had with Valvatorez I remembered that vampires could shape shift. "Image yourself in your new form. Concentrate and remove all doubts from your mind. Let your imagination flow. That is the true path to shape shifting." Valvatorez's words echo in my mind.
Focusing, I imaged myself having the wings to fly. A sharp pain rose from two spots on my back. My concentration was slipping and the pain stopped. I must endure. I struggle to grow my wings, but after 10 minutes of failing I saw that the demons had moved on.
Continuing on the path, I swore that I would never try growing wings again. Most painful shit I've ever been through.
I noticed that it was strange that I did not find anymore demons along the path. Not even their corpses were found even in places with lots of blood. I thought of running away but my purpose kept me going.
Upon reaching the summit I saw a lone demon standing at the entrance. "So you're the next victim." he said. "Who are you?" I shouted. "Just another challenger. Just so you know, I killed all the others who made it here. I just can't get past this barrier for some reason." he readies his sword.
I'll worry about the barrier later. Right now I need to deal with this guy. I transformed into my vampiric form. The demon dashed towards me and used a massive swing. I dodged it easily and countered.
The force of my attack propelled him face first into the cliff. "What a pushover." I said to myself. The barrier dispelled as I approached. Must be that the barrier will only allow strong people in.
Wait if that's the case, then all those challengers were that weak. I begin to wonder if the opponents at the top were even worth the climb.
At the top there was a massive portal on the ground. It was swirling counter clockwise continuously. I waited a bit, but there was no response from the portal. Then a dark aura gathered at the center of the portal.
What is this unbelievable presence I feel? The aura formed a cloud of darkness over the portal and a figure emerged from the darkness. What emerged was to my surprise a young boy who looked like a middle school student.
"HAHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHA" the boy laughed "Who dares challenge THE GREAT Overlord Laharl!" Laharl shouts sounding as menacing as possible. I was at a loss for words. This kid, an overlord? Still I must not let appearances deceive me.
My first opponent was an overlord. Just my luck, I had to fight someone as strong as him on the first round. Laharl charges up his fist into a ball of flames. "Take this! [Blazing Knuckle]" he shouts as he charges towards me with a flaming fist.
I sidestepped the attack and he hit the floor. Suddenly I was blown away by an explosion from punch. This guy's insane! I recover my footing and countered with [Speed Rush v2].
Laharl didn't dodge the attacks as Tsukune combo'd him over and over and air juggled him for a good amount of airtime. Laharl was pummeld to the floor only to stand back up as if nothing ever happened.
"That's all you got?" Laharl said in a disappointed voice. "Oh well, I was hoping for more fun but I'll have to end this quick. Eat this! [Overlord's Wrath]!"
He raised his hands in the air and quickly conjured several fireballs surrounding me in all directions. Well it's over. Guess this is as far as I go.
The fireballs slamming into me caused an extreme burning pain. The pain of being turned to ashes. What a fitting end for a loser like me.
You're pathetic Tsukune! I heard Moka's voice in my head. A vision of the inner Moka appeared before my tired eyes. I didn't give you my blood knowing that you would give up on yourself. Now get up!" she shouts.
Her encouragement pushes me on. I feel power welling up inside me. Looks like I am not dead yet. "Huuurrraaaagghhhhh" [Shinzo Awakening]
The power of Moka's blood ran through me. The power of a Shinzo. The pain all faded away and I confront Laharl who looked as surprised as I feel. "What is that power?" Larharl inquired.
The fire in his eyes returns as he was eager to fight. If he's so eager to fight, then I'll give him the fight of his life. Dashing towards Laharl at greater speeds than before I unleash my [Speed Rush v2] now even more powerful than ever.
My punches connected and I finished with a powerful roundhouse kick. I sent Laharl flying, but he recovered upon landing. "Now this is fun!" he shouts. "I'll show you my final move. Nothing will remain." he says again as he raises his hands in the air.
I looked up at the sky and saw a massive meteor heading towards us. Is this his final move? Overlords are this powerful?
I brace myself and saw Laharl jump high into the sky and landed on his meteor. He was
going to ride the meteor and ram it at me. Gathering all my power I focus deeply.
Think Aono think! There must be a way for me to destroy that thing. Do I know any techniques that can destroy that thing? The Jigen Tou!
I flattened out my hand as much as possible and kept my fingers together where there are no gaps between them. I don't know how to properly do it but I can only focus all of my youki into my hand and hope for the best.
The aura in my hand shaped itself into a blade and I prepared to fire it at the incoming meteor. All or nothing! I swung my arm like a sword slash releasing all of my youki. The results were rather unexpected as a massive black wave of youki was sent flying towards the meteor.
The wave hit the meteor and sliced it clean in half. The two halves split and landed in different directions away from the mountain. I sighed a sigh of relief as I fell to the ground exhausted.
Then the pain returned. The Shinzo blood must have its side effects. I was tired and kneeling on the ground. I looked forward and saw Laharl falling from the sky with a heavy wound probably coming from the attack.
"Dammit how are you so powerful?" he muttered. "I'm the main character here."
"Umm.. sorry to inform you, but you're not the main character here. I am." I said.
Laharl tries to stand up but blood was gushing from his wound. "The fuck? You must have done something with that attack. My wounds aren't healing like they should. I'll head home for now, but next time I'm taking your role as the main character so prepare yourself! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH" Laharl laughs as he returns through the portal.
Over the portal I saw a message floating above it. [Challenge 1: Overlord Laharl. Clear]
A light bathed over me and my wounds were healed. Another message popped up,
[Welcome to Demon Hall Mirror. Challenge the strongest from all over the universe and dimensions. You shall be healed before and after every battle. After a battle a 2 hour rest is given. Good Luck Have Fun]
Have fun? How is this fun? I took a nap as because I was tired.
During those two hours
POV shifted to Valvatorez
Valvatorez and Artina went out on a date. Despite constant nagging by Fenrich and excitement from Fuka, Valvatorez still pretends to act indifferent and deny the fact. He claims that he is just keeping his promises.
Artina and I were sitting at an outdoor café in the highest class section of the Netherworld. I ordered a glass of tomato juice and grilled sardines while Artina ordered ambrosia and nectar which is poisonous to demons but not angels.
As we ate I noticed a prinny hat from a nearby bush. "What's wrong Mr. Vampire?" Artina said to me. I couldn't let her know that we're being stalked by Fuka and possibly Fenrich so I replied, "Nothing at all. Let's go, I know a great place where we can have fun."
I grabbed her hand and quickly pulled her around behind the shop in an attempt to shake off
my pursuers. "My, I never knew you…." said Artina. She had a slight blush on her face.
Like I usually do I calmly denied everything and that I did not want to make out with her behind a café in the dumpster. Even though it's the most popular thing among demons. Even though I did have a thought about it but never admitted it.
As soon as she said that we heard rustling in the dumpsters next to us. My nose instantly recognized whoever was in there and I dragged Artina to whatever place I could think of.
Back to the Mountain
Tsukune's POV
I was mentally preparing myself for the next challenge because if all the other opponents are as strong as the previous one then I need to be ready. The portal was opening and light was gathering in the center.
This time I sensed not one but two powerful auras. The message over the portal displayed: [Challenge 2: Adell x Rozalin].
Upon arrival I see two people. A young man with bright red hair and a woman with blonde hair and wings. "Hey! What gives?" the man shouted angrily. "Adell, please calm down. We do this every year." the woman said to him.
Obviously displeased at being summoned to fight me the man step forward and said, "I'm Adell, let's settle this fair and square."
"Of course the challenge doesn't end unless you defeat both of us." the woman had a devilish smile. Two versus one is not as bad compared to those other times when youkai ganged up on me, but when they are this powerful it's too much to handle.
"Rozy, stay back. I'll take care of this." Adell takes another step forward and enters battle stance. I responded in kind.
We stared each other down for a minute then Adell engaged in a preemptive attack. I parried his attack and countered with my own only to have him counter back. Exchanging attacks we went on dealing only light damage to each other.
I saw his power gather and he stomped the floor causing a massive boulder to break off from the ground. He shatterd it with his fist and the shards were sent towards me. I managed to defend it, but during that time he suddenly appeared in front of me.
[Vulcan Blaze] Adell caught me off guard and delivered a variety of punishing combos.
BAMBAMBAMBAM POWSMACKBAMTHUMPWHACK
The pain was making me lose consciousness. Barely able to stand, I brace myself for the next attack. All I saw afterwards was a flaming uppercut to the face. The impact caused an explosion.
I might really die from this. Then my [Shinzo Awakening] activated again. Strength filled my body and I recovered from my injuries. "What's this?' Adell said in surprise. I had no time. I must finish this quick before the Shinzo blood drains my life away.
Gathering my youki into my hand, I tried using the same technique I used against Laharl. The energy took the form of a black blade. I knew that I wouldn't hit him if I just threw it like I did before.
Keeping it as a blade I rushed Adell with all my might. He instinctively avoided attacks from my bladed hand and parried attacks from my other hand. An opening! I saw my chance and use [Bakuryuujin] to knock him off balance. I lunge for the finishing blow.
A sharp pain ran along my body in that instant. It wasn't from the Shinzo blood, but what could it be? I saw that I was bleeding from my side and Rozalin holding her gun ready to fire…. again.
"Back off!" she shouted I fell to my knees from the sudden wound. The side effect of the blood is starting to take its toll as well.
"That's enough." Adell got up and lowers Rozalin's gun. "If someone challenges me I want to fight them fair and square." he said.
"What's your name?" he asked me. I gathered up the strength to mutter, "Aono Tsukune."
"It's your victory today. Well fought." Adell takes Rozalin and leaves.
[Challenge 2: Adell x Rozalin : Clear]
My wounds healed as soon as that message appeared. Now to wait two hours. I'm not going to waste time sitting though. I started training on my new technique. I'll think of a name for it later.
Meanwhile
Val's POV
I dragged Artina for a while now and we finally arrived outside the amusement park. I still felt the presence of someone following us. We went inside and merged with the crowd. Little did I realize that I had trapped myself.
Back to the Fight
Tsukune's POV
An hour and a half passed by with training. I managed to be able to use my new technique freely without having to rely on the Shinzo's power.
For the time I had left I sat down and waited for my next opponent. It was time and a message appeared over the portal followed by a massive wave of demonic energy.
[Challenge 3: Evil Academy Dean Mao]
Soon afterwards a demon wearing a large red overcoat appeared. He had white hair, large rimmed glasses, and a powerful demonic aura around him. "Who dares pull me away from my precious research time?" he shouts obviously displeased like all the other contenders.
"Hmm… you seem different from all the other demons I cut opened and modified." he stared curiously at me. Modified? Cut open? This guy is insane! The way his glasses fog up and the hyperventilating. My thoughts became visions of me being dissected by this guy.
"Ummm. I'm a modified human with vampire blood/powers." I said. I regret what I said to him afterwards because now he is even more excited.
"Huff, huff, a modified human you say? And vampire powers? This I must study further!" he continues to hyperventilate and his glasses get foggier.
"I am the dean of Evil Academy, Mao. With my 1.8 million E.Q.(Evil Quotient) I'll make you my new test subject."
He looks like a kid who found a new toy, but I'm not going to let myself get cut open or worse. We both got into fighting stance. Mao was impatient and made the first move. His finger started glowing green and he tried to touch me with it.
"Eat this! [Blast Finger]" he poked the ground and it blew up to piece. I evaded and delivered a nice roundhouse to his face and sent him flying. Mao stood up and readies his next attack.
"Stay still will you?" he shouts and fires a bunch of lasers from his hand. The attack was easy to dodge but then just as I dodged them the lasers bounced in different directions as if there was an invisible wall.
I focused my sensory abilities and found that I was trapped in his aura. The lasers were bouncing back and forth within his aura. There's too many. I got hit several times and the stinging pain gradually piled on and grew worse.
Just as all the lasers were about to converge to me as a last ditch effort I release a [Bakuruujin]. The lasers dissipated and I was back to where I was like all the other fights. A bloody mess on the floor.
"Why won't you just give up?" Mao was seriously getting more impatient. A white aura enveloped him. The aura was blinding and before me I saw a many armed beast. The beast fired several bolts of energy at me.
I was trapped. Unable to move my arms and legs I struggled to break free. Slowly, I was being raised upward in front of its face. Its mouth dropped open and energy gathered. I knew it was going to fire a beam.
Using all my strength my right arm broke free. I channeled all my strength into my hand again. My improvised jigen tou was hurled at the beam splitting the path into two directions. I barely managed to avoid it.
The bindings that ensnared me gave way. I rushed Mao who had reverted to his humanoid form and gave him my best uppercut. He flew in the air and went back in the portal. Before that he shouted, "Interesting! I'll be back to investigate this further."
How persistent. I thought as I sat down and rested. Wonder who my next opponent will be?
[Challenge 3: Evil Academy Dean Mao: Clear]
2 hours in between
Val's POV
"Where is he?" I heard a familiar voice shout. Artina and I were hiding in the haunted house. "Mr. Vampire is Mr. Werewolf and Ms. Fuka following us?" she asked. I quickly replied, "No, of course not." Of course she saw through my obvious lie.
"It's all right. I know I asked you to go out with me and you promised you would but." she paused a bit.
"No, I am explicitly fulfilling what I had promised. To go out with you and you alone. It's not like I wanted to spend time with you specifically.
"Oh? Then why avoid them? They're you're friends aren't they?" Artina grins as she says this. I realized that there was no way to avoid it now. You know now that I think about it we never made any real progress as lovers.
We just beat around the bush and go around in circles with this. I heard them closing in. I was gazing into her pure and beautiful blue eyes. Without knowing, we are moving closer and closer towards each other. Just before our lips me I closed my eyes….
Back to the fight
Tsukune's POV
The portal lit up and unlike the other this one came quick. What was most surprising is who my opponent was and what he was doing.
It was Valvatorez and he was doing a pose as if he's embracing and kissing something. He opened his eyes and jumped back in surprise.
"Where am I?" he said looking confused. We saw eye to eye and he looked like he understood the situation. "This can't be right. I'm not a tyrant anymore." Valvatorez said in astonishment.
I told him to check his status again. He did so and it said [Prinny Instructor/Tyrant]. "Really then I guess I'll have to fight you. Don't hold back. I'm in a bad mood now that this ruined my moment." he prepares to attack.
He instantly moved in front of me. I barely saw it coming. [Jigen Tou]. He sweeps his arm sideways. I dodged it by ducking and countered with a strong uppercut. Bam! He was sent flying.
I heard noise behind me and saw the wall behind me has a long horizontal crevice that suddenly formed with Valvatorez swung his arm. That's bullshit. He can project the jigen tou like Touhou!
I used my improvised jigen tou and rushed him with it. Valvatorez raised his hands up and created a ball of darkness. I fell for his trap and was drawn in. I've seen him use [Bloody Hole] before so I know how it works… I think.
Must watch out for red spikes. I concentrated on which direction he will attack. Just briefly, I noticed a hostile presense to my right. A red spike appeared and I parried it with my jigen tou. As soon as I blocked the first one several more went in at once.
I had no time to block all of them. With a large sweeps of my arm I destroyed the space he was confining me in.
"Infernal demon! Follow my orders and present your vile soul!" said Valvatorez. Just as I escaped the darkness I saw Valvatorez transformed into his tyrant form. [Tyrant Flughugh], his most powerful attack.
A loud screech followed after. I did my best to defend, but sound based attacks can't be defended with my skills as I am now. The pain resounded through my body. My head feels dizzy and began coughing up blood.
This is bad, my vision is going fuzzy. I fell to my knees. Relying on the Shinzo's blood can't be a good thing, but I have no choice. [Shinzo Awakening]. This time it was different. I'm….. Losing consciousness….
Valvatorez's POV
I thought I had beaten him. I was wrong. A massive black aura of demonic energy surrounded Tsukune's wounded form. This can't be! Alucard? My shock distracted me long enough for the consumed Tsukune to land a powerful punch to my gut.
Omph!
Despite being in my tyrant form that did considerable damage. Tsukune transformed into a black monster with large bat wings coming out of his back. His humanoid form remained though. Must be signs of him trying to retain control.
The Dark Tsukune flew up towards me and charges energy in his hands. After a brief delay he fired a dark beam of youki at me.
I countered with my sound blast nullifying the attack. Quickly I grabbed Tsukune and trapped him inside my massive hand. The pain was increasing in my hand because he was trying to break free. His strength was unbelievable.
I must find a way to stop him. I quickly had to think of a way to turn him back the way he was. Just then I released him and fired a bat at him. The bat flew to my will and bit Tsukune in the neck injecting him with my tyrant's blood.
The conflicting forces within his body now ravage it as the dark power on his skin began to crumble and his humanity reemerged. Tsukune returned to normal as he fell unconscious and collapsed. I reverted to my humanoid form and rested; waiting for him to recover.
Inside Tsukune's mind
Tsukune's POV Obviously
It was dark. Very dark as I fought the monster inside me. "Surrender your body to me now!" the Shadow shouted. The shadow represented the Shinzo blood in my body and the dark power it contains.
The Shadow crept closer and gripped me tightly. I struggled as it slowly consumed me. Just as my vision was about gone, I saw a light from above. The light appeared to be a rosary-shaped sword.
The blade landed on the Shadow causing it to writhe in pain as it retracted from me. I grabbed the sword and swung back at the shadow. "You can't seal me away! You need my power!" the Shadow hissed.
I said, "I don't need power that only hurts everyone." I drive the blade into the darkness. A flash occurred. The place turned white and I saw an image of a woman before me. "Moka?" I said confounded by her appearance.
Then again I realized that this isn't Moka. It's her mother Akasha like I saw her when I went inside Moka's memories. "Tsukune." she called out. "How do you know my name?" I asked her.
"I've been a part of you for a long time now. I've always watched over you and Moka through your eyes. I try not get noticed." she replied sweetly. Before I could say anything she interrupts me.
"I know you have a lot of questions you want to ask, but now is not the time. You must figure this out with your own strength together with Moka. Thanks to Valvatorez's blood, he cleansed Alucard's darkness from your body. Now the Shinzo's power is yours and yours alone. My will is also sealed within this blood. I know I'm in no position to say this, but please tell Moka that I love her and that I'll always watch over the both of you. Also tell Valvatorez that his debt is repaid to me using the phrase: By the red of the moon your sins are cleansed."
Akasha faded into the light after saying this. With mixed feelings I was left alone to ponder in my thoughts although this is my mind right now. The light grew brighter and brighter….
1 hour later
I opened my eyes to see the dark stars of the Netherworld. Not a pleasant sight to see but a sight nonetheless. "Oh, so you're back." I hear Valvatorez in a depressed mood. I sat up and saw him sitting on a rock eating a sardine.
"Valvatorez, I…." I tried to say something but. "Don't worry about it. It's only natural for an instructor to care for his students." he said. I remembered what Akasha said in my mind.
I said, "By the red of the moon your sins are cleanse." Valvatorez eyes turn red not because he was about to rage on me but rather from the sudden shock. He must have known what I meant.
"I see." he said after regaining his composure. "Well now that you can use your powers freely why don't we put it to the test." he continued on. "Prinny! This will be the day of your graduation from my teachings! Prepare yourself!"
Massive demonic energies emerged from both of us. As if time stood still the only thing there was an image of us clashing in the moonlight.
What happened afterwards I could not recall. It was a moment that only existed then and there. I am ready. I'll be there shortly. This time I will protect everyone.
Episode 4: End
Next Episode Preview
F: The new box office hit "Disgaea 4: Rosarios and the Vampire" is now a smash hit in the Netherworld.
V: Did you know that J.C. Mackerel appears as a guest star in the movie. I mean why him? There are tons of better actors than him like Sardina Iwashi.
T: Talking about sardines again?
V: No! Not sardines. Sardina the best actress the in the Netherworld for 4 Global Slaughter awards.
F: However a shocking truth is revealed as the movie is being used to brainwash demons! Now it is time for Fuka to save the day.
V: You're really lacking in the story aren't you.
F: Hey! Shut Up! This is my precious time in the story.
V: Should've made more of a presence when you were stalking me and Artina earlier.
F: W-what are you talking about? I never did anything like that!
A: Oh really? Now about that money…
F: Oh my great Lady Artina please have a seat and some drinks. eh hehehe
V: Next time on R+V Disgeaa: Episode 5: Fairy Tales of Hades. We really went off topic.
F: Like you're one to talk. You blabbed about sardines for 10 episodes straight in the previews in the game!
V: That's all folks.
Author's notes: Even longer work. Took awhile because of school, anime, etc. I was running out of inspiration on the plot of this. Turns out my writing is pretty bland. I will probably wrap this up in 1 or two more episodes + postlude.