Unmei Force Shattered Heroes: Faded Divinity
Chapter 3: Another Tokyo
As soon as the light faded, the group noticed that they were in a similar chamber as the one they teleported out of, but Kaguya and Omoikane could easily sense that they indeed moved out of the Netherworld.
"We've arrived." Omoikane declared
"Is this? Are we back in Tokyo?" Ichiro asked, looking around the area, as if trying to confirm Omoikane's words.
"Yes, this is Jouin University's medical research lab." Yuzuru declared. "We came in here through the Bethel terminal."
"Good thing that it was smooth-" Kaguya started, before she then heard the sound of footsteps. "Someone's coming."
The group then turned to face the source of the footsteps, as Abdiel revealed herself, no different to how she looked in Omoikane's memories, accompanied by a party of angels.
"...Archangel Abdiel." Omoikane calmly stated.
"Omoikane. Why have you brought an inhuman creature to this land?" Abdiel declared with no warmth in her voice. "It is already stated that such creatures have no right to belong to Tokyo."
"Archangel Abdiel, this is Kaguya, who has-" Omoikane stated, before Kaguya interjected.
"And just because I'm not human, you think that I should take off then?" Kaguya scoffed. "No dice. I'm here to get answers about all of this, and I will not be blown off by some pretentious show-off of an arch-angel in skimpy gold armor."
"You will watch your tongue, lest I strike you down with God's fury." Abdiel growled, lifting her lance-like blade to Kaguya's level.
"You think using your daddy's name is going to make me quiver in my boots?" Kaguya remarked, before raising her naginata, with intent to summon her demons. "Too bad for you, I'm actually daring you to try and face me with that piddly entourage of Angels you have."
Ichiro yelped in horror at the escalating situation, while Yuzuru was about to try and tell Kaguya off, before realizing the serious look in her eyes meant that she was not going to back down.
"Kaguya, stand down. Making an enemy of Bethel is not a wise decision." Omoikane declared firmly. "Archangel, Kaguya is someone who has the same goals as us, even if she doesn't approve of your… mannerisms. She may be inhuman in spirituality, but she is as human as any other resident of Tokyo in flesh and mind. I ask that you do not insult her so."
Abdiel was about to lash out at Omoikane, as Kaguya gripped her weapon more tightly, before another set of footsteps arrived.
"Wait, Master Abdiel." A gentle female voice declared, before a girl arrived at the scene, dressed in a blue jacket with a white school shirt underneath, a plaid school skirt and leather cloaks with white socks inside, and having flowing black hair and blue eyes. "I don't know what led to this, but she is an innocent bystander. Please forgive her."
"The Saint…" Abdiel hummed.
"Innocent bystander?" Kaguya stated, before scoffing. "Hardly. But at least someone else pleads my case."
"Furthermore, it is wrong to assume that inhumans do not have a right to be within Tokyo. Do we not have fellow demons who serve under Bethel's rule as well? With the likes of Vasuki, Odin, Zeus, and Khonsu?"
"Then. how would you account for this?" Abdiel asked.
"Allow the Japanese branch to look into it." The girl suggested, before walking over between the two groups. "Though, what I can tell you is that this is the one they lost all those years ago. Not long before Aogami in fact. Respectfully, Master Abdiel, I heard you were in command at the time. In which case, I would have imagined you'd be elated by the return of your subordinate, not angered by it."
"...Very well." Abdiel remarked, before lowering her blade. "However, I am placing full responsibility on the Japanese branch to investigate."
Abdiel then left, as the girl let out a sigh of relief, while Kaguya glared at Abdiel right until she disappeared behind the doors.
"Well, guess who's not going to get along well with me." Kaguya snarled.
"Man, talk about scary. What's up with her?" Ichiro asked, having calmed down.
"So that's the archangel in charge of headquarters." Yuzuru stated. "It seems that she and Kaguya will not be on good terms."
"I was starting to worry about all of you… Nevertheless, welcome back." The girl answered back. "I think an explanation is in order. Would you mind joining me in the meeting room?"
"Sure, why not." Kaguya shrugged, before the group followed her into the nearby meeting room, which was filled with screens that surveyed most parts of Tokyo itself.
"Now, where do I start?" The girl remarked. "Actually, I suppose that I should introduce myself to you, Kaguya. My name is Tao Isonokami. To put it plainly, I've had spiritual powers ever since I was little. Everyone in Bethel calls me the Saint. Bethel Japan lost a lot of its strength in a battle many years ago, so these days, even students like me are helping out."
"Interesting…" Kaguya remarked with a hand under her chin. "I suppose that you count within a minority of people who claim such things. I might want to see that power myself."
"It's the same for me too. But never mind that. Is Tokyo still okay? Not long ago, we were in what looked like ruins, and they were crawling with demons." Yuzuru asked Tao. "It was almost as if the city had been destroyed."
"...If I told you the Tokyo you'd been living in this whole time was a lie, would you believe me?" Tao remarked, as her lips dropped slightly into a frown.
"Huh?" Ichiro uttered.
"18 years ago, something happened in the Chiyoda ward of Tokyo that suddenly erased the city from the rest of Japan." Tao explained. "Its population of over 10 million people was wiped out in a matter of minutes, lost to the netherworld."
"What are you talking about, Isonokami? We've been living in Tokyo as far as I can tell. You want to try explaining that?" Yuzuru remarked.
"Actually, after being through that part of the Netherworld, I can hazard a guess to that question." Kaguya remarked. "If what Tao believes is the truth, then the Tokyo that we returned, the one that you spent your lives in, is a physical realm that is created as a replacement to Tokyo, much like a virtual realm for safekeeping. It's like the Matrix in a way."
"Kaguya is right to some degree. The Tokyo you're referring to is an act of God. Through His miracle, Tokyo and its people were perfectly recreated. No one suspected a thing." Tao stated.
"I'm sorry, what?" Kaguya stated, as she turned to look at Ichiro and Yuzuru. "Are you saying that all of you died, and then were pieced together…? Wow, that's really harsh when you think of it that way. But it explains the familiarity… The Netherworld is the ruined Tokyo, or at least Tokyo is a part of it."
"That's impossible…" Yuzuru remarked with disbelief.
"Again, Kaguya understands the situation. As if one Tokyo wasn't enough, the demons now covet the other, and all for our souls."
"Though we are few, that is what the Bethel Japanese branch fights to protect." A male voice sounded behind the group, with authority in the voice itself, with footsteps behind the group.
Past the group, a man dressed in a black suit, complete with white under-shirt and black-and-white checkered tie, and black slicked back hair, and dark gray eyes, walked by and stood beside Tao.
"I hope the Saint has cleared things for you. Apologies for dragging you into this." The man spoke.
"Hey, uhhh… Haven't I seen you somewhere before?" Ichiro asked, curious about the man before them.
"My name is Koshimizu. I'm in charge here, in addition to being Japan's Prime Minister." Koshimizu introduced himself.
"Wait, as in Director Koshimizu, one of the top-ranking officials in the Japanese branch? He and the Prime Minister are the same person!?" Yuzuru remarked with shock.
"Indeed. Glad to see you made it back in one piece, Atsuta." Koshimizu answered back. "Now that you've been made aware of what happened to the real Tokyo, it's best I enlighten you as to the true state of the world. To put it plainly, the forces of order and chaos are currently clashing behind the scenes, locked in an ongoing battle unbeknownst to mankind. Demons seek human souls. If given the chance, they would flood the real world in an instant. They are extremely dangerous. That's why Bethel Japan is dedicated to protecting Tokyo and keeping the demons at bay. The demons are relentless however, and the unfortunate truth of the matter is that we're woefully lacking in manpower. In fact, Bethel's strength is so short of the mark, we've been forced to rely on students such as Isonokami and Atsuta for help."
"N-No way… Is that something I could help with too, Mr. Prime Minister?" Ichiro asked.
"You mean protecting Tokyo?" Koshimizu asked.
"Yeah, I'll do whatever I can!" Ichiro declared.
"Dazai?" Tao asked with worry.
"Look, I'm borderline useless at school… And I'm always making trouble for other people." Ichiro continued. "But even a guy like me wants to be someone people can turn to! Just like the honor students!"
"Thank you. I admire your courage." Koshimizu nodded, before turning to Kaguya and Omoikane. "It seems that you are an enigma, Kaguya. Omoikane follows you as if you are his master or an equivalent position. I'll be asking for your cooperation as well. Sorry, but I won't take no for an answer."
Kaguya merely stared back at Koshimizu for a moment, as Koshimizu looked Kaguya in the eyes, as neither side blinked for a moment, the tense atmosphere unsettling everyone else in the room.
"Kaguya, I believe that you might have some reservations against working with people that have authority like Archangel Abdiel and the Prime Minister.. But please-" Tao tried to placate Kaguya.
"Fine." Kaguya stated evenly. "I suppose that if you'll let me keep Omoikane this way, then I'll gladly help you defend Tokyo. Besides, it's in the best interests to deal with that conflict."
"I see." Koshimizu muttered.
"I'm thankful the Proto-fiend returned safely, though I never expected that it would bond with someone like Kaguya." Tao answered back.
"I played a role in Omoikane's creation myself. I'll be running a variety of tests later." Koshimizu stated. "Omoikane, I'd like to examine your memory data. Make your way to the research facility later today."
"I understand." Omoikane nodded, before turning to Kaguya. "Kaguya, I hope that you'll do well in my absence."
"Don't make me look like some helpless damsel." Kaguya scoffed. "I can handle myself fine."
"I'll visit with the rest of you some other time. For now, I want you to go home and get some rest." Koshimizu stated. "And lastly… Yuzuru Atsuta. Well done in coming back unharmed. Your summoning skills must have improved. I'll be sure to grant you an even stronger demon companion next time."
"Thank you, sir." Yuzuru bowed his head, before taking his leave.
"Hey, Kaguya… I don't know if you would accept it or not, but if you want a place to stay, you can take a room in the Jouin High dorms. I'm sure that we'll find an arrangement for you to reside in. After all, you saved us all back there." Dazai answered back.
"I'll be glad to do that." Kaguya smiled gently back. "You go first, I just need to confirm something."
Dazai turned on his heel before leaving, leaving Tao, Koshimizu and Kaguya alone with each other.
"And what is this thing you wish to confirm?" Koshimizu asked. "...Does it relate to why you were silently glaring at me?"
"...You're something more, aren't you? You aren't just a Prime Minister, or a Director." Kaguya declared, bluntly with no intent to deceive. "One look and I can tell that you're something like Tao herself, except you are far more developed."
Tao was surprised to hear that, while Koshimizu merely shook his head.
"And if I am? I should return the same sentiment to you, Kaguya." Koshimizu stated. "To directly bear the name of a legend itself, and have that divine power within you… I would not put it past the fact that you're a living legend, and if I am hiding my true self, you don't even take measures for it."
"I don't hide. A Lunarian Princess has no need to hide." Kaguya answered back. "...I don't know what motives that you have for taking care of Tokyo, but from the get-go, much like that detestable angel back there, I don't think that we'll be able to meet eye-to-eye in terms of ideals. Our general goal is the same… but the endgames we envision will differ."
"Hm, so you will not become a part of Bethel Japan then?" Koshimizu asked, with a hint of disappointment in his voice.
"My path is mine alone to walk, Koshimizu." Kaguya stated. "Just know that if it leads to inevitable conflict with you… don't think that I'll show mercy, even if your reasons are benevolent."
Koshimizu merely let out a gentle huff, as Kaguya immediately left the office, before stowing her naginata away, and heading towards Jouin High, which was a simple Japanese high school. It seemed that it was fairly late as well, with the lack of people outside, although there was a post-it note on one of the gate bars, addressed to Kaguya, who read it.
"...Hm." Kaguya stated, as the note was simply Dazai saying that he managed to completely convince the school faculty to give Kaguya a temporary dorm stay due to her circumstances as an 'unplanned exchange student'. She then followed the directions that Dazai laid out for her, as it took her to one of the empty dorms reserved for exchange students, with a simple bunk-bed and study table. "How typical… but I guess it'll do for the night."
Kaguya then laid herself down onto the bed, before she then closed her eyes and eased herself into sleep.
By the next morning, Kaguya woke up by herself, as if she felt the beginning of the school day, as she got up, and left the dorms, while dressing herself in the school uniform provided for her temporary stay, entering the school grounds, and noticing the bustling crowd of students strolling around the school itself.
"Over here, Kaguya." Tao beckoned, waving her hand, as Kaguya walked over. "Morning. Yesterday was a mess, huh? I'm glad that you're not unsettled in this kind of environment."
"I lived in this kind of place before, you won't have to worry about me." Kaguya answered back gently. "But still, I'm worried that things might not go so well, if news of any of this gets out. And I mean specifically in regards to me. After all, I'm not exactly someone grounded here."
"Don't worry. I'm sure that the students here will be welcoming of you. After all, with such a beautiful figure, I'm sure that you're more likely to attract envy, rather than contempt." Tao teased.
"Oh." Kaguya stated, as she resisted the urge to blush from the compliment. "Thanks for that. Anyways, about all of this netherworld stuff, don't worry about it. If any trouble comes my way, I'll be sure to deal with it pronto, or warn you guys if it isn't a problem I can handle alone. I know when a fight is something that can only be done with a lot more help than just my demons."
"Alright. I'll take your word on it." Tao nodded back. "Just enjoy being a plain high-school student for now. I can guarantee that you'll find some amusement from it."
Kaguya merely let out a snort and a smile, before Tao walked off, leaving Kaguya alone, who began to explore the school by herself. As she did, as Tao had anticipated, Kaguya attracted several gazes, both amazed and lecherous from the male population, and some envious looks from certain girls. She paid no attention to these glares, and continued to walk around, catching various forms of gossip regarding lost people, and beings beyond their understanding, before she then noticed something.
She noticed that there was a pair of girls looming over a third, with the third being a girl with long red hair and orange eyes, as they were speaking too quietly to hear in the bustling crowd of students, before one of the looming pair immediately shoved the red-haired girl against the wall hard, before they both strutted away, walking past Kaguya.
"Ugh, I can't stand her." One of the girls remarked derisively.
"How long do you think until she cracks? I can't wait to see her break down in tears." The other girl stated, as Kaguya's lip tightened slightly.
The disguised princess was about to head towards the bullied girl, before she then stopped when she sensed something off putting.
"...I can't take this anymore. Why me? Why is this happening?" The girl lamented. "It's all their fault… I wish they'd all just disappear!"
"You seek power?" A rasping voice growled, as Kaguya noticed it, while the bullied girl did as well, although she was shocked compared to Kaguya's calm expression.
"What? Who's there?" The bullied girl asked, searching for the voice.
'Hello, danger.' Kaguya sarcastically thought, before she then walked forward, and placed a hand on the girl's shoulder. "Hey, you alright?"
"AH!" The bullied girl remarked, before Kaguya let her grip loosen slightly, as the girl also calmed down slightly. "O-Oh. Um… What are you doing here? Do I… know you?"
"You don't need to." Kaguya answered back. "I saw what those two were doing to you, and how you're at the verge of bursting into tears. After seeing that, how could I not be concerned? This ain't the typical case of bullying."
"It's… It's nothing." The girl answered back, avoiding Kaguya's eyes.
"Listen, you can't go on like this. One way or another, you need to confront this matter." Kaguya firmly declared. "If you let them keep pushing you like this, you're going to end up snapping in a bad way, or breaking down in a very undignified way. Believe me, I know what it feels."
"You… You do?" The girl asked back.
"Listen, if there's no-one to take care of you, then let me help you." Kaguya offered with a warm smile. "A shoulder for you to cry upon, and an ear to your sorrows. I'm pretty good at giving people advice on their woes. And if I can't find the real source of it… well, at least you'll have someone who will comfort you."
"Thank you, but no thanks." The girl declined firmly. "I… I don't know you well enough to trust you with my problems. And I do have someone who could help me… but…"
"...But you worry that she'll be a new target for them both… as I would be, although you might not care about that. That's fine. I can take it." Kaguya answered back. "As for your friend… I know this sounds assholish… but you have to confide. It's better to face your problems together, than to face it alone. Who knows, your friend hurts even more watching you suffer alone through all of this, and she much rather take your burden than to let you sink."
"Sink…" The girl answered back, as Kaguya's words struck her deeply. "...Maybe that's something to think about. I suppose that helped me a little… What's your name?"
"Kaguya. Kaguya Houraisen." Kaguya answered back. "Tell me your name, so that I can greet you properly next time."
"Sahori Itsukishima." Sahori answered back, before she then looked up. "And I have to head to class. Sorry, and thank you for helping me, unlike everyone else here."
"You're welcome." Kaguya nodded, as Sahori walked past her. "I hope my advice helped her a bit. But then again, who knows… I have a feeling that whoever that voice is, they want her real bad. My bet's on a demon."
Kaguya continued to walk forward, as she decided to head to her current class, before she was stopped by a girl who had scruffy brown hair, glasses over her grey eyes, a green plaid scarf around her neck, and a pair of green woolen gloves over her hands.
"Um, excuse me?" The girl asked Kaguya, who turned around to face her with a curious expression. "Are you Kaguya Houraisen?"
"Yeah, that's me." Kaguya remarked, before she then noticed something about the girl. "...Hm, you seem to resemble someone. Is Yuzuru your sibling or something?"
"How did you…?" The girl remarked, before Kaguya lightly chuckled.
"I suppose it's the hairdo and the glasses." Kaguya answered back. "Anyway, what's the matter?"
"About yesterday… he told me about what you have done, about how you managed to clear a way for him back home. I just want to thank you, no matter what you are." The girl responded back.
"You're welcome. I'll do my best to be helpful around here. It beats being loomed over by a lot more people." Kaguya answered back. "And your name is?"
"Miyazu Atsuta, Yuzuru's younger sister." Miyazu introduced herself. "I hope that you'll get along well with him. He's serious and more stubborn than most, and he's known for being pretty inflexible, too. Everyone thinks he's annoying, so he doesn't have many friends. But he's looked out for me for as long as I can remember, especially with me not being very strong and everything. He's a really caring person deep down."
"Not very strong, eh?" Kaguya remarked, as Miyazu's words piqued her curiosity. "Mind if I just hold your hand for a moment?"
"Um… Okay?" Miyazu asked, before Kaguya grabbed her right hand, before using both hands to gently caress it, as Kaguya felt around, using what little knowledge she had on medicine from Eirin's tutoring, as it was enough for the Lunarian to notice that Miyazu's pulse was weak, not enough for anyone to tell with a simple touch, but a precise touch gave her the answer.
"...Ah, I see what you mean by your body not being very strong." Kaguya answered back. "I hope that your brother will be able to take care of you until you manage to recover from whatever ails you. I'm sure that there's some way to help you."
"You're too kind. But I think that I'll be fine." Miyazu stated. "And that reminds me, when Tao told me that your name references Kaguya-hime, it reminds me of a strange dream I had when I was little… A prince from another country came specifically for me… It was kind of embarrassing, to be honest. Oh, but the prince wasn't riding the typical white horse and all that. He sailed a boat through the night sky. Strange, huh?"
"Hm, that's an interesting prince that you dream about." Kaguya remarked, shelving Miyazu's dream in her mind for the future. "I might see you again some time soon, Miyazu. Take care, and tell your brother that I hope he's been doing well."
"Alright." Miyazu answered back, as Kaguya walked off.
Kaguya then entered the classroom, as she found that she was seated where the missing Johei Sugiyama was, evident from the notebook that was laying under the table drawer, as she considered seeing if she could find that person, so that it would help Yuzuru, Tao, and Ichiro out, since they sound like that they were their friend.
As Kaguya let the class pass around her, barely paying attention, and thinking about everything that had happened to her up to this point, as time passed by her extremely quickly, before she then left the class at the very moment the school bell rang to indicate the end of classes.
As she did, she was visited again by Tao, who seemed to be in a rush to meet her.
"Oh, hey Kaguya." Tao stated.
"Hi Tao. What's up?" Kaguya simply asked back.
"Look… Can I talk to you about something? Not right now, just… when you've got time." Tao stated, as Kaguya nodded to indicate her response silently. "Oh. Thanks. But I can't really talk about it at school. Maybe on the dorm roof later tonight? See you then!"
"I wonder what's on her mind…" Kaguya remarked, before she then noticed Sahori coming out of the nurse's room, sporting a large gauze on one of her legs, which seemed to be slightly red. "Hm?"
"Oh… It's you again…" Sahori remarked, and before Kaguya could even say a word, she brushed past her, and moved along.
"Hey-" Kaguya was about to say, before Sahori disappeared in the crowd of students. "...That's not good at all."
"Um… Hi there, Kaguya." Miyazu stated, as she was holding a gauze roll in her hands, tipping the princess off that the mild-mannered girl was the one who treated Sahori.
"You helped Sahori out? I never thought that she would have gotten hurt like that." Kaguya answered back. "I just caught her earlier in a bad situation, and talked with her…. How bad was her injuries?"
"I don't know how to say this, but those bruises couldn't all be 'accidents'. I don't even know how she's been getting these injuries. Do you know?" Miyazu asked back. "I wish I could help…"
"...I wish I could as well." Kaguya responded back. "All I can tell you is that you're on the right track. But you shouldn't try anymore than helping treat her injuries for the time being. I'll take care of that. That girl looks like she's been through living hell herself, and I personally can't let that stand."
"You have such a noble heart… I'm glad that there's someone like you helping my brother." Miyazu smiled gently.
Kaguya nodded back, before she then left the school, as she began to explore Tokyo, trying to look for anything out of the ordinary for her to investigate, only to be disappointed, finding herself walking for hours.
Eventually, when the sun began to set in the artificial city, Kaguya decided to follow through with her promise to Tao, walking to the dorm rooftops, and seeing that the anointed Saint was watching the sun dip into the horizon.
"Hey, Tao." Kaguya simply stated, as Tao turned around with a bright expression on her face.
"Hey there. Thanks for coming." Tao stated.
"...I already have a guess about what this is about." Kaguya remarked. "But correct me if I'm wrong. Sahori Itsukishima. Is she someone you're worried about?"
"Wh- How'd you know?" Tao exclaimed with shock, before she then calmed down, as her expression became downcast, pressing her hands together. "Yeah, I'm worried about her. Sahori's a friend. Well… my best friend, actually. It's just… I think she's being bullied."
"That's an understatement." Kaguya answered back. "It's already gone bad to the point that the girls after her head have been trying to hurt her over and over for some petty shit. At some point, this can go worse than just some scraped knees, and she's already at the brink of snapping. I told her to be upfront with her friends, and let them help."
"Oh… thank you, I suppose…" Tao answered back, as her posture lightened up slightly. "Let me tell you about her past… We used to be in lacrosse together. She was such a great player. But she had to quit last year after a big accident. And that's when this all started."
"Explain, please." Kaguya stated firmly, but keeping her tone from being forceful.
"The old club members. They really resented her. A few people quit because Sahori's training regimen was just… too much for them." Tao continued. "She just wanted to make sure we were the best team we could be… You think there's anything I can do to help?"
"Let's discuss that matter first." Kaguya said. "If this is all because some sore teammates have a grudge with her, then this won't just go away, just because you got them told off. No, they need a dose of reality. I'll get whoever is responsible for this to get it through their heads that Sahori already went through enough, and feels shit enough to resolve their petty grudge."
"Please don't, you'll jeapordise your cover here if you cause problems…" Tao responded back with concern.
"I refuse to be a bystander, Tao. I'm sorry." Kaguya answered back. "I'll do my best to not raise a fuss. As for you, your best option, since I'm going to find a way to get proof of the bullying, and make the staff listen, as well as make the bullies see rationality… you need to stick to her side. And you can't be passive. Most of the time, she's just too scared to say 'yes'. And there will be only a few times when 'no' really means 'no', and with how empathetic you are, you'll be able to tell when that happens. Make Sahori understand that you're not scared to share her burden, and that it hurts you even more to let her suffer alone. I told her that you felt that way, and I'm sure that it is the truth, from how you talk to her. Keep trying, alright, you'll get through to her. I know you will."
"Thanks for the advice, and for hearing me out." Tao nodded. "I know things are crazy in Tokyo right now, but… that's also why we need to fix these human problems, too. I'm glad we got to talk, Kaguya. Okay, night!"
Tao then decided to head down into her own dorm, as Kaguya merely shrugged, before she then decided to call it a day and head inside as well.
Omoikane was laying inside a large tub-like hole in the ground, within a foggy chamber, that was filled with ancient banners, and large glass containers that were tied around with onibashra, with glowing green fluid inside of it, as Koshimizu oversaw the process, with several scientists operating the devices.
"...There is no point to this, Koshimizu." Omoikane declared, as the final preparations were being made, before the process would begin. "You've tried countless times to purge whatever is within me. It has not disappeared at all."
"I cannot risk it. If I cannot purge it, it must be contained." Koshimizu answered back. "That budding power within you. I do not know where it comes from, but whatever Kaguya did to you, it has caused it to undergo a variant of metamorphosis. I must reboot you to ensure that you remain yourself."
"Purging my personality matrix is a measure far too great for this." Omoikane responded back. "And even then, you've known that my will is forged from something else entirely. Unlike Aogami, my core essence is foreign, and therefore, you do not have full authority on how it is shaped. My personality will not be altered, no matter what level of purging is initiated."
Koshimizu remained silent, before he then turned to leave. "Commence the procedure." He stated, before walking to the observation platform.
The devices began to rumble to life, as the tanks began to empty themselves into the tub-hole holding Omoikane, who looked up at Koshimizu, and merely sighed.
"You truly do not know what the future has in store, do you?" Omoikane stated, as his body was submerged in the green opaque fluid. "Brothers think alike. How I envy your bond, T-"
Before Omoikane could finish, his mouth was covered by the fluid, followed shortly by the rest of his head, completely submerging him, as several cooling vents opened, venting steam and gas through the chamber, while klaxons began to sound.
"Previously undiscovered data located. Analyzing…" One of the male scientists declared, before the device returned the results, with a beep. "Analysis incomplete. The undiscovered data is locked behind a key mechanism that is partially unlocked by unknown means. Several key sectors previously inhibited are unlocked."
"The corrupted areas have been properly restored to their last known state. Rebooting Omoikane…" A female scientist remarked, as the vats let out a final burst of steam and gas, before falling silent, with the fluid pool shimmering momentarily.
After a few moments, Omoikane's arm burst out of the pool, clutching the edge, and pulling the rest of him out, drenched in the fluid, as he slowly rose up, and stared forward.
"That unknown power of yours, Omoikane…" Koshimizu stated. "I do not know what caused it's change, although I can infer from the one you returned with… but I trust you'll come to our aid… kin of mine."
Omoikane merely looked up at Koshimizu, before leaving the chamber in silence.
Kaguya was about to go to her second day of 'school', with the intent of being able to investigate into Sahori's bullying, only for her to be interrupted by a call from Yuzuru, who was suspiciously absent from the incoming students, from the loaned phone that she got from Tao.
"Kaguya, are you there?" Yuzuru stated. "I just got word from the director. Demons are showing up all over Tokyo! We've deployed people throughout the city. I've been tasked with guarding the school. It sounds like he wants you over at Jozoji Temple. It's vital to our defences. Omoikane's ready for action and on his way. Get over there as soon as you can."
"Alright, be there soon." Kaguya stated, before she then immediately headed towards Jozoji Temple, taking several detours to avoid being stopped by authorities, and summoning her demons along the way, and meeting with Omoikane.
"It seems that danger has followed us here, Kaguya." Omoikane stated. "It was inevitable that this would come… but not as soon as it does now."
"Nothing to do about it, but to nip it in the bud." Kaguya sighed. "Let's go, Omoikane. I'm going to need as much help with this as I can."
"You will. I detect a powerful demon presence towards the temple. Be cautious." Omoikane warned Kaguya.
As they headed into the temple itself, passing through the large torii into the temple grounds, they noticed that a great battle had already happened here, with the bodies of angels and demons alike strewn through the entire area, with Magatsuhi flaking from their corpses, and the main temple itself was burning alight.
"Well, shit, talk about reliving old memories." Kaguya swore.
"To see a temple defiled in such a manner… Who could be the culprit of this…!?" Yoshitsune stated, as his expression turned cold.
"It's just like before… Nothing serious, right?" High Pixie remarked, taking a light gulp to express her worry, before calming down.
They soon found Goko, who was praying for a dead angel, before he noticed Kaguya and her party.
"I received reports that Bethel was sending reinforcements. Would that be you?" Goko asked.
"Who else?" Kaguya stated. "...Are you alright? Must be hell seeing this bloodbath, as some sort of monk."
"And you seem like you're on familiar grounds. How worrying." Goko stated. "Jozoji is crucial to Tokyo's defenses. We've assisted Bethel to ensure the city's safety. However, the most recent attack by the demons of chaos shattered our barrier. Bethel has been assisting me in rebuffing the demons, but they have suffered heavy casualties. Not only that, the demons show no sign of slowing. Soon, Tokyo will reach a crisis point."
"Not if I have anything to say about it. Let us handle what comes next." Kaguya remarked, wielding her naginata, with her demons standing ready, with her fourth member being Mermaid. "You go and assist anyone else who is in trouble. We'll clash against the next waves of demons to come."
"You are head-strong, in your quest to protect Tokyo. I wish you well." Goko stated, with a bow, just as several spatial fractures appeared, with the sound of cracking glass. "I will be witnessing the extent of your power."
Soon, a quartet of demons appeared, with a pair of blue avian-like creatures with a lion's head and an eagle's body, known as Anzus, while the other pair were half black-haired women, and half red-snake creatures known as Lamias.
"Alright, let's get this done and quick!" Kaguya remarked, before she then immediately gathered her energy. "Mabufu!"
Kaguya then immediately fired off a barrage of icicles that hit the enemy formation, as the Lamias were hurt considerably by the attack, more so than the Anzus.
"Mazan!" High Pixie declared, before she then created a massive blast of wind that hit the enemy formation, sending the Anzus sprawling, and the Lamias clinging tightly onto the ground.
Yoshitsune took a stance again, before disappearing, and inflicting the same light-speed cuts that he unleashed on Nuwas, except they were focused on the entire enemy formation, as the attacks managed to stagger the enemies, and take out one of the Anzus with a beheading strike.
Meanwhile, Mermaid let out her signature wail, as ice began to rain down on the Lamias, who were unfortunate to take the brunt of her attack, leaving only a sole Anzu, which Kaguya finished with a cleaving strike.
"One wave down, who knows how many to go…" Kaguya remarked, before the entire temple, and the surrounding ground began to rumble. "...Oh, what now…?"
"Kaguya! The formidable signature that I'm detecting is fast approaching. Prepare yourself!" Omoikane notified Kaguya.
There was a much more prominent shattering sound, followed by a larger rift, as a much larger demon came out, looking like a large floating mask with circular eye-holes and mouth, and nasty fangs grown across its face, and a large gathering of tentacles around it, as if it was a mane of oily hair, with some connected to other holes in the mask-like body of the demons.
"Ah… I'd missed the taste of the air of Assiah…" The demon rasped, as Kaguya recognized the voice immediately as the same one that spoke with Sahori. "Oh, such hunger… I must be sated, glutted on the humans' Magatsuhi… And what do we here…? I believe I have found a fine appetizer. I crave sweet Magatsuhi, human creature. And I declare you a first meal."
"You can try, this cream-puff bites back!" Kaguya taunted back.
Formidable Target Detected
Lahmu
Vile God of the Silt
Kaguya then began to charge her power, as Yoshitsune managed to land a powerful blow that damaged the body of the vile god, evident from the crack it caused, while High Pixie casted Zanma, as the powerful blast of wind managed to shake the god slightly. Kaguya also took the chance to swap out Mermaid, for a more suitable ally for the fight, which was Leanan Sidhe, who cast Mudo, as the dark curse hurt Lahmu even more.
"Ochitsuki!" Kaguya declared once more, as she landed the powerful flow, causing the masked god to reel back with a roar of pain.
"You shall pay for your arrogance!" Lahmu growled, before trembling, as it immediately inverted itself, and cast Mudo on Kaguya, who was stunned by the attack, although it was not as fatal as it would have been previously, merely wounding Kaguya moderately. However, Lahmu took the chance to attack once again with the same spell, only for the spell to hit Leanan Sidhe, who swatted the spell away with her metallic tools.
"Such an attack will not work against me." Leanan Sidhe remarked.
"You want to blot me out!? Let me burn you back then!" Kaguya growled, before she cast Hamaon, as the enhanced light spell, creating a triple ring of light talisman that encircled Lahmu, before exploding into a massive pillar of light, that caused Lahmu to growl once more.
"Help me out, Yoshi!" High Pixie stated, as the war god nodded, before the both of them immediately unleashed their attacks in unison, which was enough to send the god back, as it seethed silently.
"Damnable insect… Without my true power, you are too large a meal for me to consume… If I had reclaimed even a fraction of my former glory… you would've been nothing to me… " Lahmu cursed, before sensing something, turning towards Jouin High. "But what is this? Ah… there you are. She who called to me… She who sought my power. Her soul must be my other half. The missing piece I've been searching for."
"Other half? Wait a minute, you're going to-" Kaguya remarked, before she then charged at Lahmu. "Oh no you don't, not on my-"
Before Kaguya could even attack, Lahmu warped away from the temple, as her weapon hit empty air.
"Damnit… Of all the times to deal with something that could possibly be-" Kaguya stated, before Goko approached the scene.
"What? Where did that foul demon run off to…?" Goko stated.
"I'm sorry, Goko, but I can only help you up to here. If that demon gets what it's looking for… you're going to get something worse than some unwelcome intruders." Kaguya stated, before she then sprinted off towards Jouin High, before getting a call from Yuzuru.
"We've got a crisis! The demons that broke through the barrier are raiding the school!" Yuzuru exclaimed.
"No shit, just hold the line until I can get there! And if you find Sahori, keep her close!" Kaguya shouted. "I repeat, do not let Sahori disappear from your sight."
"Sahori, what's Sahori has to do with-" Yuzuru asked with confusion, before Kaguya closed the call.
"Omoikane, are you thinking what I am thinking about all of this?" Kaguya asked.
"It is very likely that this creature is seeking to become Nahobino." Omoikane stated. "The way it speaks of former glories, and the fact that it seeks Sahori Itsukishima… the conclusion is clear."
"We can't let it happen. If a Nahobino is meant to be strong enough to challenge the gods… if I don't stop it, I won't be able to stop it until I get some real firepower way down the line…" Kaguya cursed.
They soon arrived at the front gates of Jouin High, as the main building itself was outwardly intact, although they could see flaming debris all over the front courtyard.
"Netherworld energies detected. It seems that demons have successfully infiltrated the school." Omoikane declared.
Before Kaguya could formulate a reply, Omoikane's communicator began to ring, as the artificial being answered it.
"Omoikane, Kaguya. Report. I've just heard from Jozoji. Did you track down the demonic intruder?" Koshimizu asked.
"We're after it." Kaguya answered back. "And I can assure you that the creature was definitely the reason the school was overrun."
"Of course… I knew they'd target the school. All right, HQ's got a contingent of angels on the way. I need everyone to work together for this. Protect the students, and eliminate the demon Lahmu."
"So that's what it's called." Kaguya remarked. "I got it. This time, it won't get the chance to run off."
Kaguya began to rush into the school, pursuing after Lahmu's trail, as she could see blood everywhere, knowing that the source was from those who were unfortunate enough to be devoured by the invading demons. As soon as she passed through the building doors, she saw Sahori being held by Lahmu's tentacle, wrapped around her entire body.
"Heh heh heh… Finally." Lahmu wheezed a laugh.
"What… is that…?" Sahori remarked, as she was fearful of the demon who had her in its grasp.
"At last, we meet. My partnered soul…" Lahmu stated.
"That's the voice from yesterday..." Sahori remarked, recognising the voice.
"Sahori!" Kaguya exclaimed, as Sahori turned around.
"Kaguya…?" Sahori stated.
"Loathsome creature, you dare interfere…!?" Lahmu growled.
"Get your slimy tentacles off her, you bastard!" Kaguya remarked, as she charged a spell.
As Kaguya was about to aim it, Lahmu moved Sahori in front of it, as if to use her as a meat shield, which caused Kaguya to hesitate.
"Why do you hesitate!? This world is no place for a servant of evil! We have no choice. Both human and demon must be purged." An angel remarked, as a squad of them flew from behind Kaguya to attack Lahmu.
"No, don't!" Kaguya pleaded, as Lahmu foresaw the attacks.
"Angels of Bethel, you will not interfere!' Lahmu roared, before it then slammed the angels with the tentacles around it with killing force, as they exploded into magatsuhi.
Lahmu then released Sahori, who fell on her knees, as she slowly got up.
"So? Are you prepared to join with me?" Lahmu asked Sahori, who looked at it fearfully.
"You're my… partner…?" Sahori asked.
"It is the moment of decision, my errant soul. Accept me. Accept the vengeance you deserve." Lahmu beckoned.
"Sahori, don't! That demon wants more than your vengeance! If you accept a pact with it, you will pay a dear price! It will hurt and kill everyone that you know, even the ones you care about!" Kaguya shouted to Sahori as a plea. "You don't have to give in to rage to get your vengeance! You can fight on your own two feet, your will is strong enough to face it! You just need to believe in those who care for you!"
"Kaguya… but I'm not…" Sahori remarked.
"I command you… Give in to your urges. Accept them. Embrace them!" Lahmu growled, as it began to influence Sahori, who clutched her head, as if she was having a headache, before her eyes turned glowing orange, and her expression turned vacant.
"Sahori!" Kaguya remarked, before Omoikane and Yoshitsune stopped her.
"Kaguya, you cannot fight it head on!" Yoshitsune declared forcefully. "If you fight here, you risk the girl in the chaos of the battle!"
"But it's going to…!" Kaguya remarked.
"This is not the chance to save her." Omoikane declared firmly. "We need to find a way to separate it from Sahori, if you want any hope of saving her."
"And what if that can't be done…?" Kaguya asked back.
"...It pains me, but in that scenario, her death would be a mercy compared to being Lahmu's vessel." Omoikane stated with a regretful expression on his face.
Sahori clambered up into Lahmu's mouth, before sinking into it, her legs disappearing into the darkness of the mouth, as Lahmu cackled, before teleporting away.
"We must hurry. There is no telling what Lahmu might do." Omoikane urged Kaguya.
"I think that I've already got an idea for what Lahmu's next course of action is…" Kaguya stated.
The party then began to fight their way through the school, as many hostile demons rushed through the area, mostly consisting of red-skinned demons wielding dual scmitars, known as Rakshasa, and winged imp-like creatures with a horn on their lower halves, known as Incubuses, as the party made short work of them with their superior magical power in regards to High Pixie and Leanan Sidhe, and unmatched physical power, from both Kaguya and Yoshitsune.
"Gagh… how could this be…?" An Andras remarked, before Kaguya beheaded it with a horizontal slice of her naginata.
"That's one floor cleared. Lahmu and Sahori must be upstairs somewhere… I can only hope that time is on my side…" Kaguya remarked.
Kaguya began to climb the stairs, before she then felt a presence behind her, as she drew her nagi-nata and turned around to face it, only for nothing but wind to be there. However, this did not stop Kaguya from immediately preparing a Hama spell on her hand, turning back around to fire it on whoever was trying to ambush her.
As she did, she came across a large creature that seemed to be a mix of horse and lion, much like the mythical kirin, with white fur, and a dark sea-green mane and blue eyes, and metallic guards on its lower legs.
"Your reputation precedes you, mystic of another realm. I must apologize for startling you." The creature remarked. "My name is Hayataro, currently assigned to support Sire Yuzuru."
Yuzuru then came around the corner, as Kaguya dispelled the spell at hand, and walked up the rest of the stairs to meet with them eye-to-eye.
"Good, you're here. This is Hayataro, a sacred beast of Bethel, and my partner. He'll be assisting us with the mission." Yuzuru stated.
"I must say, their barbarity truly knows no bounds." Hayataro scowled.
"Yes, they've proven that they truly are shameless. It seems they've attacked a number of students, even kidnapping some of them. I hope Miyazu is safe…" Yuzuru agreed. "The current plan is for Hayataro and I to search this area for students. I'll ask that you do the same elsewhere, so we can cover more ground."
"Fine by me. But if you find Sahori, call me immediately. She's in danger, and the demon who broke through the school's defences is after her." Kaguya stated. "Hayataro won't even suffice as a distraction for it. Trust me on this."
"If you find Dazai, wish him luck. He's giving his demon summoning program its first real trial." Yuzuru declared, before he then walked down the hall to start his side of the search.
Kaguya then walked the way that Yuzuru came, before fighting more demons, and ending up finding that there was a demon that was being chased by others.
"Save me-hee! I'm being chased by some weird-ho!" A childish voice cried out in distress.
Kaguya then saw a diminutive creature, that could be best described as a sentient snowman shaped like a dwarf, with cute round black eyes and a fanged smile on its face, and a blue jester cap on its head and blue boots on its feet.
"A Jack Frost…!?" High Pixie remarked. "What's those doing here?"
"Hey, wait! What's the matter?" Kaguya cried out to the small demon.
"Ah! Hey-ho! Mind takin' care of this cree-hee-p, ho!?" The Jack Frost pleaded.
Kaguya then turned towards where the Jack Frost was pointing, as there was a female creature that seemed to be fairly rotten, with jaundice yellow skin, one leg with green root, and orange entrails hanging from the lower half, and a fanged mouth from the upper half, with a half rotten face, and a pair of draconic wings on her back.
"Huhuhu, where are you going, little boy?" The demon declared in a sultry voice, before noticing Kaguya. "What!? Who are you? If you plan on getting in my way, then I'll just have to take your blood first!"
"They just attacked me out of nowhere, hee! I didn't even do anything, ho!" The Jack Frost remarked, before Kaguya noticed the demon approaching. "Look out, ho! It's coming this way, ho!"
"How about no?" Kaguya remarked, before she then unleashed Hamaon right on the demon, which caused her to be vaporized in a single blow, complete with screams of damnation.
"Wow, that has got to be the worst case of cock-blocking if I ever saw one." High Pixie remarked, before Yoshitsune and Kaguya gave her a dead look. "What? It was the first thing that came to mind. And besides, that woman was really messed up, it wasn't going to be just pleasure she was going to deal."
"Hee-ho! Thank you, ho! See-hee these? These are tears of joy, ho!" The Jack Frost remarked, as tears ran from its round eyes.
"I believe you. You should get out. That woman is far less of a creep than that mass of tentacles that we're hunting. Take it from me, I know best when I have seen… material that predicts how an encounter like that ends." Kaguya remarked, before she coughed awkwardly.
"Eep! Then I better hee-ho-away then!" Jack Frost stated. "Thanks for the help, hee ho!"
Jack Frost then left the area, as Kaguya merely let out a sigh, seeing such an adorable demon leave, before they noticed that there was an Aitvaras guarding a large paper-like guardian, as the latter seemed to be flagging.
"Ooh! Hey, do you have any Life Stones on you? If it wasn't obvious, this guy's dying over here." The Aitvaras stated.
"Sure, but you better not backstab me." Kaguya remarked, before gesturing at Yoshitsune, who had one hand on his blade. "You will regret it badly."
"Oh no no, we won't dare!" The Aitvaras declared. "Please, just give us one. That's all I need."
"Catch." Kaguya remarked, before tossing the pink stone towards the avian creature, who caught it in its talons.
"Ooh! Perfect!" The Aitvaras remarked, before consuming it, as a pink glow washed over the tall demon, as it righted itself. "Ah, you're a real lifesaver! Guess there's nice guys on this side of things, too, huh? Come on, big guy, we gotta get out of here!"
Kaguya let the demons pass through her, before continuing her battle through the school, and cleansing whatever hostile demons was in her way, as she eventually came across a fallen female student, who was more paralyzed than injured.
"H-hey, you're with Bethel, right? I just saw Sahori, I mean, Itsukishima. She chased those girls who bullied her in the classroom. And Tao went in after her…" The female student said shakily.
"What!? Where!?" Kaguya exclaimed, before the student pointed to the exact classroom. "Everyone, get ready for a fight!"
Kaguya then shoulder-checked the classroom door, as Tao was ahead of her, facing Sahori, who was facing the pair of girls who bullied her before, her back turned to both Tao and Kaguya.
"Sahori, stop! Don't do this!" Tao pleaded.
"Sorry! Please don't hurt me!" One of the girls pleaded with fear in her eyes.
"Are you serious?" Sahori breathed, as her expression was tranquil, although her eyes burned with hate. "You're really trying it with me, after it never worked when I said it to you? When you were punching me, kicking me, destroying my stuff? Now you understand 'please don't hurt me?'!?"
"Uh… I…" The other girl blurted out, as Sahori took a step towards them.
"Sahori!" Tao pleaded, before Lahmu rose out of the ground behind Sahori.
"Ochi-" Kaguya was about to attack, before Lahmu's tentacles lashed out and hit her squarely in the chest, causing her to fly back and hit the wall of the classroom hard, with the sound of creaking bones, as she gasped in pain, before falling down.
"Kaguya!" High Pixie remarked, as Yoshitsune moved to protect Tao, while Leanan Sidhe rushed to Kaguya's side to protect her.
As High Pixie was healing Kaguya with Dia, Tao leaned out from behind Yoshitsune, to face Sahori.
"I'm so sorry. I wish I could've done something before it got to be so bad. Kaguya was right… I should have stood up for and to you…" Tao stated with remorse in her voice. "
"...You're not the one who needs to feel sorry, Tao. Kaguya's words were right… I should have trusted you. You did enough simply by reaching out to me. I was the one who pushed you away, because I was scared of you getting hurt for my sake… You don't deserve to be dragged into all of this. It's all mine to bear… All this… hatred…!"
"I know you don't want this, Sahori! Don't hurt anyone else!' Tao pleaded, as Sahori wrestled with herself, trying to fight off Lahmu's corruptive influence, clutching her head and writhing about.
"Don't 'hurt' them…? Ahahaha! I'm only returning the favor!" Sahori cackled maniacally, as the influence returned. "The only thing I did wrong was put up with their abuse for as long as I did! All that did was make them hurt me more. God, I hate them… I hate them SO MUCH!"
Sahori then walked towards the girls, as her eyes glared upon them with animosity unrestrained. "So I'm going to give them exactly what they deserve."
The two girls clambered away, before one of them decided to throw her partner to the figurative wolves, kicking her down in front of her, while the other one backed away. Sahori focused her ire on the one before her, as the girl was frozen with despair.
"Drop dead." Sahori declared coldly, pointing at the girl before her, as Lahmu lashed a tentacle that impaled the girl right through the heart, as she let out a dying wheeze, as red Magatsuhi flowed from her corpse, and into Lahmu's maw. "Heh… Hehehe… Serves you right!"
"Poor Sahori… Another pitiable lamb bled on God's altar. Another arbitary sacrifice." Lahmu remarked. "You need hold back no longer. I will scrub everything that has pained you from the face of this earth."
"AAAAHHH!" The other girl screamed, as she made a mad sprint for escape, passing by Sahori.
"Pathetic." Sahori remarked, before gesturing at the girl, as Lahmu rendered the same fate onto the girl, this time from behind, as the girl was inches away from Tao, as blood splashed onto her clothes and hands, causing the long-haired girl to seize up in fear, before the dead girl collapsed, her essence being consumed by Lahmu.
"Well? Do you not feel better now?" Lahmu remarked, as Sahori panted and wheezed, as the influence died from her mind, her eyes returning back to normal. "Should you accept me, such feelings are only the beginning of your new life. Now, the time has come to face your fate."
"Oh… No, I…" Sahori remarked, bewildered at what had happened in the past few moments.
"Let us become one in the other world." Lahmu remarked, before seizing Sahori with its tentacle.
"Tao! Help me!" Sahori pleaded, reaching out for her friend.
"Sahori!" Tao exclaimed.
"You forfeited any choice in the matter the moment you used my power…" Lahmu told Sahori, before creating a spatial rift back to the Netherworld with a swing of its tentacle.
"NOOOOoooo!" Sahori wailed, before she and Lahmu disappeared through the rift, while Tao fell to her knees in despair.
Kaguya, after finally recovering from the attack, quickly rushed over.
"Oh no you don't! You're not getting away that easily!" Kaguya roared, before dashing for the rift, only to be grabbed by Tao.
"Please, take me with you! I want to save Sahori too!" Tao begged Kaguya.
"Even if you have a seed of power in you, you're asking to die in the Netherworld!" Kaguya argued back.
"Please, if I can just talk to her again… I'm sure I can get through to her." Tao stated.
"Her Holiness's power can boost our odds in slaying Lahmu and saving Sahori." Omoikane stated. "I do not know how, truthfully, but I'm sure that she is anointed Saint for a reason. Her power can assist us actively."
"...Alright. But you stay away from battle." Kaguya remarked, before summoning Mermaid, Aitvaras, Apsaras, Mokoi. "You four, guard the Saint."
"I understand." Mermaid stated.
"Come, Saint. Let us protect you." Apsaras remarked. "You will be safe in our care."
"O-Oh. Thank you." Tao thanked the demons.
The group then entered through the rift, ready to save Sahori from Lahmu's machinations.