Unmei Force Shattered Heroes: Faded Divinity
Chapter 7: The Volcanic Demon of Chuo
As Kaguya began to venture through the battlefield, she found herself having to tend to the need of several demons along the way, one such example with a bird-like demon with a acquired taste for Poison Gems, which Kaguya easily relinquish for a pay in Macca and Dispel Charms. With a much greater variety of demons to fight against, her demons grown more and more stronger, especially High Pixie, who felt her power began to slowly develop in a way she didn't expect.
The group continued on, before they encountered Ichiro once again, along with Abdiel, as the latter seemed to have caught up to the human boy a little earlier.
"Another from the Japan branch." Abdiel remarked. "It was my understanding that you were commanded to stand by. What are you doing here?"
Kaguya didn't answer back, merely glaring back at Abdiel with restrained anger in her eyes, as the archangel did not enjoy the look given to her, as her grip on her blade tightened.
"W-Wait, she's here because she wants to put an end to this." Ichiro hastily intervened. "She's been through a bit having to take care of the Lahmu affair, and it has caused her a fair amount of distress."
"I see, you haven't come to seek glory or praise, but out of a sincere desire for peace." Abdiel answered back, as her stance relaxed slightly. "Considering the circumstances, you shall participate in our operation, but you WILL follow all orders as issued. I will not permit refusal or objection."
"Fine." Kaguya uttered back.
"Now, to the mission: the forces of Bethel are in the midst of a siege against the demons of chaos' headquarters. Your orders are to assist the other division leaders in hunting the demon king. While in his territory, you will show caution above all else."
Abdiel then looked towards Ichiro and turned to him. "You, Ichiro Dazai, correct?" She stated.
"Ah, yes, ma'am." Ichiro answered back.
"Hm. You are considerably less provisioned than Kaguya. I shall lend you my aid." Abdiel stated, before she then snapped her fingers, as two Powers, as well as a dark-skinned angel wielding a large metal wheel of fire, called a Throne, appeared before him. "They have been ordered to obey you. You will command these angels in the name of order."
"Oh, thank you, ma'am!" Ichiro thanked back, with a bow.
"Also, Kaguya. Once this holy operation is at last concluded. I will have words for you." Abdiel declared.
"Don't come to me. I'll come to you." Kaguya growled back.
Abdiel merely growled, before she then turned away and then took to the air.
"Huh… When I first saw her, she scared the crap outta me. Pretty surprising to see she's got a nice side." Ichiro remarked. "And to think that she would give me all this kind of help… I feel like she's got something on me. Well, me and these angels are gonna do what we can to take down that demon king… or at least help out. Be careful out there, okay?"
"So long as you don't throw yourself head-first into the deep end like you did with Lahmu, I trust you." Kaguya answered back with a nod.
"Sure will!" Ichiro smiled, before he then departed.
Kaguya and her group began to make their way towards Tokyo Station, in order to find the aforementioned passage to the Demon King's castle, encountering Hayataro on the way.
"Ah, Lady Kaguya. Sire Yuzuru has remained in Bethel Japan for the operation, so I have come alone to offer my aid." Hayataro greeted the group.
"You sure you're fine alone-" Kaguya asked with concern.
"What a cute doggie!" Alice remarked innocently, which caused Hayataro confusion.
"Hm, indeed a fine creature of the land." Artemis remarked, with hand under her chin. "A noble beast at that."
"You… seem to have quite a different group of demons with you." Hayataro answered back, noticing the newcomers to Kaguya's party.
"Don't worry, they're all acquainted enough with me to form such a well-coordinated party." Kaguya remarked, before gesturing at Artemis. "I got this peppy woman the latest."
"Hm, I wish you well then." Hayataro responded back. "For now, let us focus our efforts on eliminating the forces of chaos."
"As you were then." Kaguya nodded, before she then departed forth.
As soon as the group managed to get to a high point, they noticed that there was a raid team complete with angelic demons, as well several kinds of other order-related demons, with varying origins, who seemed to be facing a large dark-skinned humanoid giant wielding a sword of fire, and yellow pupil-less eyes.
As the angels in the air advanced towards the demon, the giant's eyes shimmered, before they were taken out by explosions of fire. Afterwards, the vanguard of the raiding team moved forward, only to be taken out the same way.
The giant then turned its attention to the entirety of the raiding group, before swinging its blade of fire across the area with a guttural roar, creating a blast of fire that wiped the entire Bethel unit, and lit the surroundings on fire, blocking several passages in flames.
"...Oh my, that's one giant demon. Almost as big as that rock demon!" High Pixie exclaimed.
"Such a massive demon… Father would have not approved of me fighting this one head-on…" Artemis winced.
"It seems we will need to assess this enemy for ourselves before taking him on." Kaguya remarked, before they continued on.
As they did, they encountered Goko, who observed the situation calmly.
"Ah, so you've come here as well." Goko stated. "At last, the victor in the battle between law and chaos will finally be decided. The demonic armies have already slain the Creator. However, the angels refuse to acknowledge it. Have you ever given thought to what Bethel and its allies strive for?"
"I don't need to. I have no intentions of serving them further after I do them this good deed." Kaguya responded back. "...After everything I have seen with my two eyes… My decision is set."
"Then I wish you luck on your path from this moment forward. It will not be an easy path to walk." Goko stated with understanding.
Kaguya began to head down the area, as she cleared an Abscess and two along the way to make the area a bit safer for other non-hostile demons, as her path led her towards Fionn mac Cumhaill, who was also in the role of taking out the hostile demons in the vicinity.
"Lady Kaguya." Fionn remarked. "To think I'd bump into you here. It seems you're quite the busy warrioress yourself."
"How did you know my name?" Kaguya asked. "I pretty much didn't tell anyone in the Fairy Village."
"Lady Idun wished to pass her thanks to you through me." Fionn stated. "You've done a great deed taking care of her. But onto present matters. It's a horrible sight, angels and demons locked in a bloody final battle. Naturally, it's a great time for mercenaries to earn big. But don't worry, I don't intend on taking either side at the moment. Though that does remind me, if there's anyone you can trust right now, it's those at the fairy village. They too, have decided to maintain a neutral stance in this. King Oberon may enjoy playing pranks, but it seems he's actually rather fond of humans… and of you, by latest news. I do have a favor to ask you-"
"You want me to help with their problems, as I did with Idun?" Kaguya asked back. "No problems. I won't guarantee to be a fix-all solution for all of their woes and issues, but I will do my best when I have the right opportunities for it."
"...So you have seen the affairs already." Fionn stated with a nod. "I'm most appreciative of your willingness to help."
"It's fine. In fact, I should thank you for telling me that even if I go independent, I still have some allies in the fairy village. So thanks for the assurance." Kaguya smiled.
"It's no problem." Fionn responded with a smile of his own. "Go forth, and complete your duty. I will not stand in your way any longer than I should."
As Kaguya reached closer and closer to the Tokyo Station, she noticed how the demons are becoming more and more agitated as she moved closer to the passage, which proved that her directions were on the right track.
However, the problem became clear immediately, as the way was blocked by the wall of fire created by the giant's previous attack, as there were Powers guarding the wall itself. The area seemed to be fine, despite the presence of such a great fire before them, only being slightly toasty, but Kaguya didn't wish to test how strong the flames were by going any closer.
"Halt. You can go no further." One of the Powers remarked.
"Witness the barrier of flame. Not even the strongest of demons could pass through that unscathed." The other Power declared.
"The demons' stronghold lies past here, but our advance has been halted by this burning wall." The first Power stated. "If we are to proceed, we must find some way to dispel this inferno. However, we ourselves are tasked with standing guard against the forces of chaos."
"That is why we require your assistance." The other Power said. "Might you seek a means to negate the fire, in our stead?"
"One of our brethren set off towards Akihabara in the hopes of finding a countermeasure for the fire, but there's been no word since." The first Power commented. "Might I ask you to seek him there, in Akihabara?"
"That may be our best chance at learning how to pass through the wall of flame. I will give you the location of his last point of contact." The other Power declared.
"Coordinates received." Omoikane remarked.
"Thanks. You'll have your solution soon." Kaguya stated, before she then headed off towards the location, as she began to use one of the abandoned train lines to head towards the Akihabara section of the city, as she found a gravely-wounded Power on one of the ruined buildings.
"You're… You're that woman from the Japanese branch. Your timing is perfect." The Power said weakly. "I was attacked by a human wearing an officer's cap. With these injuries, I cannot continue my mission. Up ahead, you'll find a shrine. There, you'll find a Japanese god with the means to nullify that burning wall. I will give you the location, so please. Enter the shrine and learn the secret in my place."
Omoikane received the coordinates silently, as the Power raised a spear down the rest of the ruined train line.
"That path should lead to the shrine." The Power stated. "I will return to headquarters to recover and report your progress. We're counting on you."
The Power then slinked away, as Kaguya jumped down to the ruined train line, as she began to walk down it.
"Kaguya, there is a chance that the human in question is-" Omoikane suggested.
"Don't need to tell me. If that bastard wants to get in my way, I'll gladly smack the notion out of him." Kaguya remarked.
As they advanced further, near the end of it, they heard the sound of gunshots, as Kaguya reflexively readied her naginata, looking around for the source, only to find that it was not visible, although she could see demons falling down, as they are the targets of said shots, dead upon impact.
However, Kaguya did not let down her guard, as a traditional short-muzzled revolver was pointed right at her head. As the bullet sailed towards her, Kaguya then spun around with great speed, as she smacked the bullet into the sky with a perfect slash, turning to face her assailant, Yakumo, as Nuwa made herself known.
"Well, well. We meet again, Kaguya. It appears you've made quite a name for yourself amidst this mess." Nuwa remarked. "And yet… as touching as this little reunion is…"
"We're not here to talk." Yakumo remarked, as he reloaded his weapon. "Even after everything we told you, you're still content to be pawns in Bethel's game."
"Jeez, this guy really doesn't change, does he?" High Pixie remarked with a deadpan expression.
"Believe how you like." Kaguya answered back with a sneer. "I don't need to justify myself to someone like you. Go ahead, pick a fight, and I'll make sure that you'll regret it."
"Hmph. Such arrogance." Yakumo remarked, as he holstered his pistol, and drew his blade out. "I don't know what you see in her, Nuwa. Just watch, and she'll die like any other demon."
"You will not harm her! Not as I draw breath!" Artemis declared fervently.
"I won't forgive you." Alice declared, as her eyes glowed. "I'm going to make you die."
"Don't hog the fun." Kaguya remarked, as she shifted her naginata. "I want my piece of him as well."
"Hm. You can see we're a bit divided on this matter, Kaguya. Would you be so kind as to prove my point?" Nuwa remarked, as she walked out to observe the fight.
Formidable Target Detected
Shohei Yakumo
He Who Fights For Humanity And Humanity Alone
"Gladly." Kaguya remarked, before she then immediately threw several light arrows, as they struck Yakumo hard. "Let's see if you're worth the trouble of fighting, now that we're on a fair field of battle."
Yakumo's glare merely intensified at Kaguya's taunt, before Artemis immediately rushed forth, before she then leapt towards him. He tried to block her attack, only for her to step right onto his blade, and use it as a footstool to somersault a kick right into Yakumo, as the attack was powerful enough to shatter his guard.
"Die for me." Alice remarked, as her signature move hit Yakumo hard, as the dark spears hit him hard, especially moreso with his guard weakened.
"Take a chill pill, won't you, big guy?" Pixie remarked, before she then used Sukunda to slow Yakumo down slightly.
Kaguya then immediately rushed Yakumo down with a powerful strike, as she clashed against his blade, before repeatedly striking it, as the heavy blows were damaging the blade itself, causing Yakumo to growl in frustration.
"Begone." Yakumo remarked, before he then readied his blade, as he then struck it down with such force that it created blades of wind that assaulted the group, kicking us dust, as they honed towards Alice and Kaguya, as the both of them were hit, although they were able to shrug its effects off. Afterwards, Yakumo began to bolster his own strength through magic, as Kaguya could sense his spirit rising.
"So you can strengthen yourself." Kaguya remarked off-handedly. "So what? You aren't the first opponent to try that. And with your blade damage, you've only evened the odds."
Kaguya then charged again, as she then went for Yakumo's arms, as the slash managed to cut deep into them, as the demon slayer felt the effects, with the blade feeling heavy from the wounds he took.
"I can sense that your strength lies in your blade… but allow me to teach you the meaning of my strength!" Artemis remarked, as she went for a thrusting strike, as Yakumo was prepared to guard against it. However, as he did so, Artemis shifted her blow to strike his stomach, winding him greatly, as the attack knocked him back a few steps.
Alice then hit him with another barrage of dark spears, while High Pixie slowed him down even further, as the effects were beginning to drag him down.
"...Damn demons…!" Yakumo seethed, before he then swung his blade forth, creating a massive slash wave that went for the entire group, although all but Kaguya managed to evade the blow.
"Hey, I noticed that you don't seem to take the dark so well." Kaguya remarked, before she then readied her blade, as it began to bubble with darkness. "...Good thing too, I got a little trick I want to try!"
Kaguya then smashed the dark-infused blade right into Yakumo, as the attack pierced through his guard, and hit him hard, causing him to reel back.
"It's not over yet!" Artemis remarked, before she then took the chance to land a powerful strike to Yakumo's head, as the attack managed to cause Yakumo's sense of direction to be messed up.
Alice then began to charge her energy, while High Pixie decided to weaken Yakumo's attack even more, using Tarunda to sap the strength from his arms, while Kaguya decided to hit Yakumo with more light arrows.
Yakumo immediately retaliated with Mazionga, as the attack hit the group, as Artemis shrugged the attack off, and Kaguya evaded the attack, while High Pixie and Alice endured the attack, as the electric blast hit them considerably.
"Been nice fighting, but I'm done letting you play this." Kaguya remarked, before she then unleashed the Magatsuhi, with the entire group feeling its effects. "Time for you to learn who you fucked with, you discount Raidou wannabe."
Before Yakumo could even make a response, Kaguya immediately leapt into the air, and hit him with a powerful Ochitsuki, the blow knocking his own stance open.
"Astral Saintstrike!" Artemis declared, before a rain of light-speed blows hit Yakumo, bruising every part of his body.
"Die." Alice merely declared, as the empowered spears skewered every part of Yakumo's stunned body, some even managed to penetrate the armored suit that Yakumo was wearing, as blood dripped from his wounds when it disappeared.
"Grrghh…" Yakumo growled in pain.
"Seriously, you're not winning this one." High Pixie remarked. "Do us all a favor and cut this short. Unlike you, we can go about this all day."
Yakumo glared at High Pixie, before he then sheathed his blade, although not willingly.
"So what Nuwa said was true." Yakumo remarked. "You were the one who put Lahmu down. All that strength, and still you're content to be Bethel's lapdog…? What are you thinking?"
"And what makes you think that I've willingly fed myself on their hands." Kaguya retorted back. "I'm doing this for the sake of the humans. If I have to make Bethel believe that I'll give them some quarter, then I will, if only because the forces of chaos deserve to go die first."
"Naive. You've seen what happens to the humans who demons set their sights on. They get twisted. Manipulated. Broken." Yakumo snarled back. "Did those demons make anyone's lives better? Or they ruin everything they touch?"
"Now see here, not all of us seek to cause problems for humanity!" Artemis argued. "I was on this journey with the intention of protecting the weak and downtrodden! And the humans are in their worst times at this moment. So naturally, I would offer aid to help their lives."
"Do you speak for all of the demons?" Yakumo bit back. "Demons are a blot on our world that must be cleansed. If you think they're worth fighting for, then by all means, prove it."
"I don't need to prove anything to you, because I don't believe for half a second that you would care." Kaguya answered back coldly. "Let us ask you this back? You're human, you think you understand demons as a whole? What gives you the right to be judge, jury and executioner to every demon here? There was a fairy village that protected their charges, and tended to them. Even let them go back to their worlds. You call this a blot to the world? Get real. I hate demons on the likes of Lahmu as much as you do, but I'm not arrogantly blind that I go around hacking and slashing any demons that look at me wrong."
"Kaguya knew the girl who was tempted by Lahmu. I watched her fight and struggle to save her… only to lose her, and nearly die for her." Nuwa remarked. "In fact, it took a great toll for her human companion to save her."
Kaguya's grip on her naginata grew, as she bit back her anger hard.
"You don't even know half of it." Kaguya growled back. "I did what I did because she deserved a better life than to die as demon chow. What would a goddess like you understand about the plight of the humans, so beneath you? Tao did something, while you just simply watched the drama unfold."
Nuwa noticed the venom in Kaguya's words, as her smile faded.
"You know that I take interest in you. Interfering in what happened would not do us any favors." Nuwa argued back. "Especially when you know what would have happened, had Yakumo sniffed out Lahmu himself."
"So what, you'd kill her? You'd kill Sahori because of a lapse of judgment?" Kaguya snarled back, glaring deep into Yakumo's eyes. "Well, what's your answer, Shohei Yakumo?"
"I will not allow anyone who betrays their fellow men to live." Yakumo coldly answered back.
"You sicken me. I seriously would wonder what fucking world you grew up to decide that a girl like Sahori deserves to die." Kaguya bit back, before she then turned on her heel. "I think that I learned enough to know that you and I will never see eye-to-eye. So I'll make this clear: Get in my way again, and I'll sever your head from your shoulders. As for you, Nuwa, the same goes, except that you'd do well to watch your tongue. I can beat you both with what I have, and it will not go better in the future."
"So be it." Yakumo remarked, as he turned to leave. "The demons are parasites who feed off mankind's pain and weakness. They don't belong in our world."
Nuwa was about to say something, before she decided against it, and left, as the two parties left in opposite directions.
"Kaguya, may I speak?" Omoikane asked Kaguya.
"Go ahead." Kaguya nodded.
"What you said… it resonates within me." Omoikane answered back. "The fact that you adopt a firm stance regarding demons, where you acknowledge the evil inherent in most beings, but do not undertake them under the same discrimination that most humans would… It feels like something that I can align with."
"That's because it's the right thing." Kaguya answered back. "Hasn't many myths and stories shown that what seems to be evil is in fact benevolence in truth? Sure, there's stuff that says vice versa, but the presence that the two types share indicates that neither are rumors or mere hearsay. Both are true in a sense. Hasn't the fairy village proven that well?"
"Even so, demons have caused such great harm. By Sahori alone, two lives were cut short." Omoikane responded back. "If I were to broaden the ranges, it would be thousands upon millions of people who suffered because of the demons. Would you convince others of this same ideal, despite this?"
"It has to work." Kaguya declared. "...Otherwise, humans will be no better than the demons in this case. Humans are flawed, just as much as demons. Sometimes, the worst thing to happen to people aren't the demons, but their fellow humans. Humans are capable of many sins, much more so than defined mythological beings who have a set range of morality, so to speak. We've seen demons who see humans in a better light. Why can we not strive to help keep that hope strong and true?"
"...Sometimes, I wonder… what has turned you into this." Omoikane stated. "...The you from the memories stored in the essences was not so mature and temperate."
"Guess you'll have the piece the story together after we get all those essences back." Kaguya smiled back.
Kaguya then began to explore the area, before she managed to find herself at the shrine of the Japanese gods, as it seemed to be fairly empty, save for a trio of individuals, all of varying appearances.
"I can't believe those demons are encroaching on our land." One of the demons remarked, being a white-faced warrior with the bundled hair of a Yamato-era warrior, and dressed in steel samurai armor and katana in hand.
"And burning everything on top of that. They're damned barbarians, the lot of them!" Another growled in a deep voice, being a kneeling creature with no arms, and dark obsidian skin, dressed in a white gown, and having red eyes and a pair of curved horns on its foreheads.
"Stow your anger, Take-Minakata. You cannot allow your emotions to betray you now." The third demon, who was a small human with a feather-like mask and a red cape, riding a floating wooden boat.
"But, Sukuna-Hikona… Why can't we simply use our power, and push through to punish him?" Take-Minakata growled.
"Because that's what we're about to do." Kaguya stated, as she stepped forth. "It's a rarity to see fellow gods and goddess of the national pantheon around here."
"Hm? Who are you? There is something very familiar about you." The white-faced demon remarked. "I am Okuninushi. And you are?"
"Kaguya Houraisen." Kaguya responded back. "Does my first name ring any bells?"
"Kaguya? As in Kaguya-no-hime of the moon?" Take-Minakata remarked. "...Hm, I see the resemblance, but I do not believe that you are truly her."
"Believe what you like. I'm just simply here to ask something of you." Kaguya remarked.
"Hold there. While it is not clear whether she is Kaguya-no-hime or not, she is indeed powerful enough to be considered a goddess by her own right." Sukuna-Hikona declared. "...I have heard that there was a woman who is considered one of the most powerful agents of Bethel. She even stated that her power rivals that of a Nahobino."
"What!? Did you say Bethel!?" Take-Minakata roared.
"I serve not those craven angels." Kaguya growled. "I would sooner cut my ties, the moment that I am done with dealing with the forces of chaos. Make no mistake, Bethel will accept my leave, or I will force them to."
"And yet you would side with them at the time?" Okuninushi asked back firmly.
"...A small sacrifice for the humans of the nation." Kaguya answered back.
"Your resolve is set. Know that your opinions are not alone. We of the Kunitsukami also sided with Bethel. But they have spiraled far below the noble causes they claimed to uphold." Sukuna-Hikona said. "The angels serve only themselves, chaining others to their own order. Following them will bring no salvation."
"But since you are not of any true loyalty to them, and because truth or no, you are a facsimile of Kaguya-no-hime, we will lend your aid."
"Then tell me how to bypass Surt's flames." Kaguya declared.
"Then take this Akiha-Gongen Tailsman." Okuninushi declared, handing Kaguya a paper talisman with Japanese sutras written on it. "It grants protection against fire. Its power will see you safely through the infernal barrier."
"Thank you. I promise that you will not wait long for Japan to see freedom in its own hands." Kaguya nodded back, pocketing the talisman.
"It is only right that we aid someone who aligns with our ideals." Sukuna-Hikona answered back. "Now go, we have much to discuss amongst ourselves."
As Kaguya left, she noticed that there was a active chest nearby, as she dropped down to break it open, revealing another of Omoikane's essences, which she handed to Omoikane to integrate, and relive the memory within.
"You must take the Ultramarine Orb Elixir, Richard."
"I will not. Taking it means that I risk becoming truly mortal. And that is not Kaguya's wish."
"If you do not take it, you'll suffer the burden of death again and again. Not only that, but even one is enough to take you down for the rest of the incident."
"It does not matter. If I am afraid of death, then I cannot be able to do anything for Kaguya. A coward who fears his death will never be able to proceed to further heights of strength. That is a lesson that I have learned."
"You stubborn fool. Merely because the phoenix blood within you allows you to possess identical effects of the Hourai Elixir in terms of resurrection, it is lesser. Death will set you back for days rather than minutes. By the time you fall and rise again, the incident will be over. You may as well not partake."
"That is not an option either. I will stop the Lunarians, and the Pure Spirit along with the other incident resolvers. You cannot convince me otherwise."
"...Why? Why do you do this to yourself? You never died, you do not understand the pain and suffering that death brings you. I am seeking to guide you to a way where you don't need to risk your life needlessly. Why turn that away?"
"Eirin. You said it yourself. Only pure humans can drink this elixir and be unaffected by its side-effects. However, I am not a pure human, and so the elixir will either change me or reject me. Neither outcome is favorable. What if the elixir kills me after taking away my phoenix blood? How would you explain to Kaguya, Eirin? Tell me. In fact, what if it causes an unexpected side effect and turns me into an abomination."
"..."
"And tell me why, why me in particular? Reimu never took it, Sanae never took it, Marisa didn't take it. Why me? Why. Me?"
"...Because you are precious to her. Because you deserve better than to simply suffer trying to help her. You need help, Richard. You're not as strong as you believe you are, despite all of the training you have done. You are still young to the ways of this world. Any perilous foe will break you over their knee if they took the battle seriously. The grace of the Spell-Card Rules prevents that from even being too severe on you. But the Lunarians and their foes will extend no such mercy. Torment awaits you, if you cannot succeed."
"...Then that's my drive. I will not fall for Kaguya, for the sake of her hope in me, for everything that she has done for me. I refuse it. Now, let me go, Eirin. The Moon Rabbits are already here, from what I can tell from Aya's breaking news."
"...I cannot believe that I am being talked down by a mere human… Very well, take this at least. You will need every restorative to even the odds of being a weaker combatant."
"...Thank you, Eirin. And tell Kaguya that I'll come back for her. That's a promise."
"..."
"...Richard… You idiot… You stupid idiot… Why do you have to do this all for me…"
"I… I don't know if what I feel is true love or not…"
"So please… let him come back… so that I can know the answer."
As the memory faded, Kaguya noticed that there was a sole tear from Omoikane's eye, before the artificial god blinked it away.
"...Such emotion. To face certain death with a conviction like that… Your beloved is a man to be proud of." Omoikane declared.
"Yeah. I know. He's a bit of a stubborn fool… But that's what I liked about him." Kaguya answered back. "For what he loved, he would cross the realms of hell itself, and suffer the greatest agonies known to man, if it would protect others, or even bring or protect their happiness."
Omoikane didn't respond, before the group began to backtrack through the rails, as Kaguya searched the vicinity for more chests to open, in case there was another of Omoikane's essences nearby.
As they did, they managed to find yet another of Omoikane's essences, one that they have passed over on their trip towards the Kunitsukami.
"It's been quite a long time since we have met, haven't we? Taking me out on this festival after such a major incident… you truly are headstrong, aren't you?"
"Well, the princess only deserves the best from someone like me. It's royal courtesy to do so."
"Heh. Flatterer, as you usually are.'
"How's the takoyaki stick doing for you? Tastes good for something made by the common-folk."
"Nrmf… I never did have it to bad-mouth the people who work hard to give me what I have. If I wasn't so jealous of my own wealth, I would have been far more charitable in giving them a man's bounty for their good deeds."
"Well, glad that you're not a bleeding heart- OW!"
"Now, now, you shouldn't say that to a maiden like me, Richard."
"Geez, that jeweled branch of yours is pretty hard. Please don't smack me with that."
"Eh, it can handle a few knocks. Besides… you think that we have a chance to be together?"
"I believe so. Why not? We share a lot of similar qualities, and we're bonded by the same hobbies and interests. Hell, we enjoy each other's unique traits enough to have you break out of your shell."
"But I still wonder… would you be happy being my prince?"
"Eh?"
"It's not going to be a quiet life. The Lunarians would likely prefer their princess single, even if they have no say on my matters, and you would have a lot of duties to fulfill, being my husband, which you can't shirk from, as I could. I just… worry that you might not enjoy life."
"Who can say for sure? Even if all that is true… As long as you're here by my side, and leaning on my shoulder, nothing would crush my spirit, because your care and comfort soothes me in a way that not many could."
"Y-You're doing it again."
"Hahaha, I can't help it. You're just too good of a woman for me to pass up. What's a little hardship in our potential life together? I spent a long time thinking about it, and I decided that I want us to be together. Nothing will convince me otherwise."
Frsshhh… BANG!
"Oh look, the fireworks are starting. Say, Kaguya. You want to wish for something? These are the harbingers of a new year of fortune, aren't they?"
"...Alright, but I want you to close your eyes."
"Done, and done. But why would you."
BANG!
"..."
"..."
"...Did you just…"
"...Please don't tell Eirin about this. She might not like me forcing the relationship fast."
"...Kaguya, that kiss… You don't need to be scared of it. I… I'm glad that you gave me my first direct kiss. It proves that you do love me somewhat. So don't rush it. We got all the time in the world to develop that love to encompass us both entirely in marital bliss. For now, let's just live in the moment. Enjoy the rest of the festival."
"...Okay, Richard. Only because it's you."
Fwweee… BANG!
Omoikane let the memory finish in his head, before he then gently smiled at himself.
"...This time, it was a happy one?" Kaguya asked Omoikane.
"Much so, I saw the first moment that you both shared an act of love." Omoikane responded back. "An act of love that cannot be denied, but hidden under the shade of night, and out of the ears of all but yourselves."
"Ah yes, back then…" Kaguya remarked, with a nostalgic look on her face. "...I was stuck in the bed for an entire day, because I was too flustered to be able to show my face to anyone, after I realized the implications of what I have done. After that…"
"You didn't regret it?" Omoikane answered back.
"Not a single bit." Kaguya proudly declared with a grin.
"...That's much like the you in the past memories." Omoikane smiled back.
"You really are becoming less of an artificial being, and more of your own person at this moment." Kaguya noted. "What do you think of that? Not being shackled by lines of code and defined orders?"
"...I feel liberated in a sense, as each Essence gives me a stronger sense of self…" Omoikane stated. "...I believe that this is good… but I fear what will happen if Tsukuyomi learns of this."
"Who?" Kaguya asked, as Omoikane noticed his slip-up.
"...I promise that I'll tell you soon. I hoped that I didn't have to tell you the truth about Japan's state of affairs so soon…" Omoikane sighed.
Kaguya was about to press the topic, before she then decided not to, due to the fact that she trusted Omoikane, giving a nod to indicate her understanding, just as they managed to return to the leyline fount nearby.
"What shall you do to prepare for the battle to come? That giant demon will certainly come after us if he learns of our trespassing through the wall of fire." Omoikane asked Kaguya.
"I have my own plans for that. And to do that, I will need to bring a certain friend into the fray." Kaguya stated. "Someone who is willing to give us a lot of healing aid."
"...You must mean Idun. And you shall use the summoning service to do that?' Omoikane stated.
"Just give me a few minutes." Kaguya stated. "Keep watch over my demons, so that they don't cause any notable problems, alright?"
The princess then disappeared into the leyline fount, leaving Omoikane outside with the active demons.
"Well, I suppose that considering that neither of us have been called upon. We're likely her mainstays." High Pixie remarked, before adopting a smug expression. "Goes to show that the phrase 'old faithful' rings true even in the world of demons."
"What could possibly be the ally she has in mind?" Artemis pondered. "The fairy seems to have a fair talent in healing our wounds in between battles and amidst it in some cases."
"Could it be… Miss Red Hood?' Alice suggested.
"Indeed, that goddess Idun has far superior talent in that area of expertise." Anahita remarked, much to High Pixie's annoyance, causing the diminutive demon to shout 'Hey!'. "Not only that, but she is quite strong. In Kaguya's hands, she will stand to be stronger than her captor will ever be, even more so than I could possibly be… could it be that she will serve as my replacement for the battles to come. How… vexing. I do not despise her, but I am still displeased by the circumstances."
"If I may speak." Omoikane stated, as all the demons turned to him. "By the actions that she had done to record the demons in the compendium, and let the demons roam free through the use of a free-range contract… I do believe that while she has an ideal line-up of demons that she might seek to use for following battles, that does not mean that she has abandoned you. You are still her demon comrades."
"Is that so? I never thought that a demon summoner like her would be so lax." Artemis remarked. "But then again, I can see why she has confidence in her methods, in her own proven strength."
"I know that the princess is a kind and generous person to her friends, and some good people." Alice remarked. "Because she usually tries to talk demons out of fighting entirely, even make them turn a new leaf."
"Ah yes, her charisma in full throttle." Anahita chuckled. "She is quite the sweet-talker, despite all of the force she uses to take care of problems where such diplomacy is seen as futile."
"But still. Omoikane, was it? I think what you're asking us is, are we happy with her?" High Pixie suggested.
"...Am I?" Omoikane answered back, before he then considered the question. "...Yes, perhaps I might have meant to ask that instead, but the exact idea never crossed my head."
"Do you even need to ask? She's my partner through and through. I wouldn't toss her for anything in this place. Not even ultimate power." High Pixie scoffed.
"Princess… is a good person. And she… is warm to be around. I don't want to leave her." Alice stated.
"Hm. While my allegiances are not steel-clad, being merely called, rather than created, I do believe that I owe her my respect and loyalty, for her honest nature." Anahita stated.
"...I do not know if I will stick by these words in the future, but I believe in myself that I did not choose wrong." Artemis declared with a firm expression. ]
"...I'm glad that she has such friends." Omoikane remarked, with warmth in his voice.
"...Hey, you didn't just sound human with that, did you?" High Pixie stated.
Before Omoikane could answer, Kaguya reappeared, with Idun in tow, as the red-hooded Norse goddess seemed to be quite jolly.
"All of you, say hi to Idun. She's going to be serving the same role that Tao did for her, before her… unfortunate situation." Kaguya stated. "She may not have the true golden apples to give us almighty strength, but the quick-apply versions she creates would do more than enough."
"It's a pleasure to meet you all." Idun answered back. "I hope that we can work together to help the people who are suffering through this crisis."
Alice merely smiled with more warmth than Kaguya expected, which shocked the princess for a moment, before she then hid her shock. High Pixie merely shrugged, as she saw that her nature in keeping her enemies slow was more suitable than being a means to restore the party.
"Right, so now that we have our new healer to keep us from dying miserable deaths… Let's get going." Kaguya stated.
They soon marched back to where the Powers were, as the angels noticed Kaguya in possession of the flame-repelling charm.
"Ah, so you've found a counter to the flames…? I see. A protective talisman." The first Power remarked. "I believe it belongs in your hands, then."
"Given your power, we ask that you be the one to take on Surt, the giant beyond the wall of flames." The other Power stated.
"Already on it. Buckle up, everyone." Kaguya stated, as the group pressed near her, as they passed through the wall of flames, the fire being pushed away, until they reached the other side, seeing Surt staring down on them.
"What has allowed you to come this far? Few have ever withstood my heat with such calm!" Surt boomed in a gravelly voice.
"And now you fight on our terms, you hulking piece of magma." Kaguya mocked back.
"Fight for Bethel as much as you please, it doesn't change the fact that God is dead." Surt growled back.
"So? And what does that have to do with now?" Kaguya retorted back. "I only care about putting you and your master down."
"Wretched imitator… The end of this world is long overdue. With my flames, I, Surt, shall cremate it all!" Surt growled, drawing his sword of fire. "Do not dare to think you could stop me! I shall reduce you to ash along with everything else!"
Formidable Target Detected
Surt
The One Who Burns The World
"Big talk from living magma!" Kaguya remarked, before she then immediately raised her naginata, before she then brought it down, creating a massive wave of silver light that hit Surt, before the hit areas began to explode in ice, as the fire giant roared in pain.
"Your size will not be enough to deter me, giant!" Artemis remarked, before she then began to rush towards Surt, managing to leap up towards him, as the fire giant tried to swat her out of the air with his sword of flame, although she deftly dodged it, and landed a powerful downward kick that hit the top of Surt's head, pushing it down.
"Here, you will need this!" Idun remarked, as she then winked, holding up a manifested golden apple, as she then spun around, as three more golden apples began to rotate around her, before falling into the hands of the rest of the group, who partook in the fruit, as they felt the magic within give them immense strength.
"Thanks Idun!" High Pixie remarked, before she then began to cast Sukunda to slow Surt down even further.
"Here, let me give a buff of my own." Kaguya stated, before she then twirled her naginata, as she cast Matarukaja, as the spell buffed the fighting spirit of the entire group.
"Burn away!" Surt remarked, before he then used a rain of fire to attack the group, as it managed to hit everyone but Artemis, who dodged the attack.
"Whoa, that was close, didn't want to get hit by that…" Artemis remarked. "Are you all alright?"
"Don't worry, the heat is only a little toasty to me." Kaguya assured Artemis, before turning back to Surt, before she then fired another wave of cold silver light at Surt, causing the fire giant to flinch once again.
"I shall defeat you, no matter what it takes! Astral Saintstrike!" Artemis declared, as she fired her signature move, as the attack hit the giant all over, as some of them managed to land critical blows, causing the giant to flinch even more.
"Torment this world no more, Surt!" Idun declared firmly, as she then used ice magic to target Surt, as her attack was also effective against the fire giant, weakening him further.
"Don't mind me, just charging up a big one here…" High Pixie remarked.
"And I as well." Kaguya declared, as she began to gather magical power to herself.
"I shall face you with everything I have!" Artemis said.
"Take the last of my power." Idun remarked, as she then summoned another set of golden apples for the group to ingest. "...I don't know if it's enough, but please, you must finish this quickly. Surt is a dangerous being when cornered."
"Oh, I know that." Kaguya declared confidently. "But there's no way he can harm us seriously."
"YOU DARE!?" Surt roared, as the indignance that Kaguya was showing towards him. "I shall enact Ragnarok upon you all!"
Surt then immediately raised his blade, before smashing it down, creating a massive pillar of fire that hit the entire group, as Artemis yelped in pain, as the attack hurt her severely, with most of the blows heading towards Kaguya as the target of his ire.
"That has not ended you? Very well, then I shall unleash another!" Surt remarked, before howling, as Magatsuhi began to flow into him.
"Too bad for you, because you missed your damn chance!" Kaguya roared, before she then immediately unleashed her group's Magatsuhi. "Let's pack this up!"
Kaguya then immediately fired the same silver light beam at Surt, except in its empowered state, it managed to freeze Surt's legs completely, rendering him immobile.
"Once more! Astral Saintstrike!" Artemis declared, as she leapt into the air, as her blows turned golden, and caused cracks to form from Surt's body.
"What!? Impossible!" Surt growled.
"Not for us, it ain't! Time for you to be blown out!" High Pixie declared, before she then cast Zandyne, as the massive tornado tore apart more of Surt's body.
"It ends here. For the mortals, I shall send you to Helheim with this final blow!" Idun declared, before she then unleashed Bufula, as the seemingly weak attack was enhanced by the goddess's innate magic talent, as Surt was encased in ice completely.
Surt then let out an agonising cry, as the ice began to shatter, along with his body inside, before crumbling into diamond dust. Due to their summoner's defeat, the flames raging across the city began to die out.
"Well-done, Proto-fiend of Bethel Japan." One of the Powers guarding the passage remarked, to check on the group.
"Excellent work. The forces of chaos will have nowhere to run." The other Power declared.
"And that means that you don't need to be here." Kaguya remarked. "I'll be going. The Demon King isn't going to take out himself."
"Very well, we wish you well on your quest." The Power remarked, as they departed the area.
"...I never thought that I would have such powerful companions… How much have you been training yourself and your companions, Kaguya?" Idun remarked, astounded at how easily the battle was won.
"We did a lot of training against the hostile demons. Clearing out local Abscesses didn't do a small amount either." Kaguya remarked, before she then flexed her arm and hand. "And funny enough, the immaterial faith that I have been gathering from all of the work I've been doing, poured into various talents to strengthen myself and my demons… I think that we're already as dangerous as Lahmu once was, if not even more."
"Damn right we are. Once we find Sahori again, and kick that slimy creep's equivalent of a butt, everything will go fine." High Pixie remarked.
As the group were about to leave, they were hailed by Ichiro himself.
"Heeeyyy!" Ichiro shouted, before panting when he stopped before them.
"What's up, Ichiro?" Kaguya asked.
"You really brought down that hothead, huh? Sheesh, you're something else!" Ichiro remarked.
"Damn right I am." Kaguya teased back with a grin.
"I've gotten a lot better at fighting myself." Ichiro stated. "But I'm nothing compared to you."
"Give it time. You'll be able to get there in time. By the way, you might want to switch the angels out in the future. Relying on them will be a bit of a crutch in the future. Diversity and variety wins the game, you know." Kaguya responded back.
"W-Well, not now. They're the only reason I've gotten this far without getting killed." Ichiro answered back. "Actually, since these angels have come from Master Abidel herself, I probably would've been screwed. Maybe I can hold my own in a fight as is, but it's not enough. I've gotta know the limits of my power. Make the wrong call out there, and you're dead. Seriously, I can't thank Master Abdiel enough."
"Good on you." Kaguya answered back. "Anything else you like to say?"
"I actually met up with her again after we separated. She leads others without any hesitation at all. Feels like, if it's her call. I can go ahead without second-guessing myself. I feel like I can do anything when I'm called upon by her." Ichiro stated. "That reminds me, you know how Director Koshimizu always asks us what we want to do, or what we think and stuff? How do you feel about that?"
"Why so curious about my answer?' Kaguya asked, as Ichiro adopted a pleading expression. "Fine, perhaps he's got the same idea as me. It's fair to let others choose their own way of life. But if there are people who need guidance, that's fair for them to do so. In fact, I met two demons who debated this point. I helped them reach common ground on it."
"You did?" Ichiro stated, as the statement shocked him. "...Oh, I suppose that I shouldn't ask you that. It's not like you're a personal acquaintance to us. But thanks for the advice."
"You're welcome." Kaguya stated, as she began to traverse further into Chuo City to find Tokyo Station, as it was in sight.
Proto Omoikane (Third Quarter)
Elemental Resistances: Ice, Light, Lightning, Force
Elemental Weaknesses: Fire, Dark
Notable Skills: Counter, Mediarama, Recovery, Ginsenko
Ginsenko (Lit. Silver Flash): 3-4 Heavy Ice damage on random foes
Proto Omoikane (Waning Crescent)
Elemental Resistances: Ice, Light, Lightning, Force
Elemental Weaknesses: Fire, Dark
Notable Skills: Beast Eye, Murderous Glee, Marakukaja, Onikiri
Onikiri (Lit. Demon Cutter): Light physical damage to one foe, 40% Seal, Tarunda