Demon Archives: Majora. Once a Demon Saint and one of the Great Evils of Termina, he is infamous for trying to crash the Moon onto Termina's Earth several times in history. Rumor says that "Majora" is a pair of demons instead of one.
Azure Hall; space between dimensions (Play "Aria of the Soul" from Persona.)
Torrelasell tore open a rift in space, escorting Mumkhar inside. The rogue Reaper surveyed the chamber with intrigue. The realm was mostly black and void, except for the glimmering blue path on which they walked, leading to a blue circle with seven pedestals surrounding it. Above those pedestals was a symbol designed like a lizard encircling a pig nose. Waiting in the circle, sitting politely at an office desk, was a smiling young woman with green hair and a black office dress. The nameplate on her desk labeled her as Lady Despair.
"I've brought your new applicant." The Daemonis said.
"Thank you, Torry. We'll take it from here. Your services are appreciated as always."
"Until we're needed again…" Torry gave a courteous bow before leaving them to their private meeting.
"Hello, Mister. May I have your name?"
"It's Mumkhar. And what in bloody hell is this place?" Mumkhar asked, his cockney accent resonating rudeness.
"For you to come here… must mean that you've been recommended by one of our cohorts. Correct?"
"Yeh, Aku told me about this place, back when I was workin' with Diablo's alliance. 'e said I had a 'certain flare' about me. Said he wanted me to meet some people once that business with over. Unfortunately, Aku kicked the bucket and the whole operation burned in flames. But that chick found me and brought me here, anyway."
"Puhuhu. Then let's begin the interview. Executives… you are on the line."
The seven pillars all projected holograms in silhouette. It was then Mumkhar noticed they each had Roman numbers and labels.
The "I" was labeled The Anti Heroine, its hologram a thin, but beefy feminine figure with a ponytail and purple aura around them.
"II" was The Bad Fairy, a wide-robed figure holding a scepter, with a comparatively smaller head with horns.
"III" was The Cosplayer, and clearly looked like Monkey D. Luffy from One Piece.
"IV" was The Oathbreaker, a man with messy hair with thick pants and a coat, smoking a cigar.
"V" was The Overlord, a skinny, round-headed figure with a long, pointed tail.
"VI" was The Genius, a man with spiked hair and a lab coat.
"VII" was The Stargazer, a thin man with long hair in bangs, horns, and star-glittered arms.
"So, Executives… does Mr. Mumkhar seem qualified to join the Axolites?"
"Hmmm…he does have a certain darkness about him." The Fairy said, her voice low and refined. "But I suppose our superior can attest that."
"He doesn't look like he'd be too cooperative." The Heroine said in a slightly less mature voice. "But not one to really betray us either…"
"All I can say is this job better be something that benefits me." Mumkhar replied. "And whatever you have me doing better be fun. I wanna bust some 'eads open with me new toy!"
"We want to conquer the multiverse." The Overlord replied, his voice somewhat nasally like that you'd hear from a typical alien. "It's as simple as that."
"Well, it don't get more fun than that." Mumkhar smiled and shrugged. "But how exactly?"
"A certain creature that dwells in the Sea of Worlds." Oathbreaker answered. "A creature that only wakes during multiversal crises… and the Throne War that happened 25 years ago is what finally attracted-"
"Oathbreaker." Stargazer interrupted, his voice soothing and deep. "You're not supposed to divulge too much during the interview."
"Heh, sorry. I wouldn't be living up to my title if I didn't."
"Ah, who cares!" 'Luffy' perked up. "We wanna use this creature to travel the multiverse!" He spun around as clothes flew in and out, becoming Naruto. "And we have a way to do it! Believe it!" He spun again and became Sora. "I wonder how many worlds there are out there? I wanna see 'em all!"
"Sound like a bunch of lunatics if you ask me." Mumkhar sneered.
"The most brilliant men in the world are madmen." The Genius reasoned. "Wouldn't you agree?"
"Especially if you're this guy." The Heroine remarked.
"Yeah, well we only learned from your predecessor!"
"Alright, alright." Mumkhar chuckled. "I'm in. Couldn't pass up a crazy opportunity like this."
"Not, yet." The Despair said. "First, you need majority approval. Executives, cast your votes."
The Executives each pressed one of two buttons that rose up. The score was 5 for Yea, 2 for Nay. "Well, that 'urts my feelings."
"Ah, that's just Stargazer being picky." Genius assured.
"Well, he isn't quite my 'type.'" Stargazer affirmed.
"I don't exactly trust him either." The Heroine said. "If he winds up confronted by his former boss, he may easily turn against us out of cowardice."
"Well, we won't 'ave that problem if you can make sure I can sock it to old Death." Mumkhar stated. "But 'long as I have this here scythe, I should be golden."
"Having the Reaper's Scythe is quite the asset." Overlord smirked. "But I doubt you know how to properly wield it."
"The original Grim Reaper was overpowered multiple times in the past!" The Despair giggled. "But still… the votes weigh in your favor. Now we need the final approval of His Majesty."
The symbol on top became static, replaced by another silhouetted entity: one with a portly appearance and a pursed mouth. "Cough…hork, huack." He coughed, speaking in a deep, ominous, withered, and yet childish voice. "Yeah, he can totally join! He sounds like a fun guy! And we need a new Enforcer to replace Aku, anyway, so why not? Cough…cuff…"
"So, Aku was an Enforcer then? What's the ranking system here exactly?"
"Below our King," Despair explained, "there are the Executives, followed by the Managers of our Thirteen Workshops which provide our resources, after which comes us Enforcers, while we have authority over the Soldiers."
"You mean to say Aku, a Demon Lord, was ranked below this lot?"
"His Power Level did not quite meet the standard." The Fairy clarified. "But he was an invaluable Enforcer all the same."
"Now pegs the question, which Executive to put you under?" Despair wondered. "You did work with The Cosplayer's Enforcer, Roger to attain that scythe, right?"
"That bloke was one, too? Oh, no thanks." Mumkhar scoffed.
"Your Highness, perhaps you can review his history?" Oathbreaker requested.
"I already have. He was a soldier from Planet Mira who betrayed his own people for power."
"Those were the good old days." Mumkhar sighed in reminisce.
"Then perhaps my division." The Oathkeeper's form became clearer: a man with a blue fur coat and white pants with gold diamond patterns. "I am a deathbender, after all."
"Thinking of letting him join your assassins?" Genius asked.
"Without Rokushiki, he won't really make the cut. I'll keep him separate from them. We'll also need to manufacture a Gigai so he can get around safely."
"Sounds like I'm set then." Mumkhar folded his arms knowingly.
"Indeed you are." Despair smiled. "Welcome to the Axolites, Rogue Reaper. For your first assignment… perhaps you can free Enforcer P from prison?"
On a Sky Island (Play "Have Some Fun" from Zatch Bell!)
The Divine Angels reserved an entire, enormous Island Cloud above Mexico and invited the Kids Next Door to a party in honor of their victory. The blood moon was slowly fading back into its original color, but with the threat of demons subsided, it looked lovelier tonight. "This is seriously, like, the craziest thing ever." Katie Mitchell said, freaked out by the array of Angels, friendly demons, spiritual decorations, and exotic foods on the tables. "Why the fudge isn't my phone working?! Come on, this is the chance of a lifetime, give me my million followers!"
"Heh, I see you brought Katie, Mika." Perry laughed.
"I mean, she kinda deserves it after what happened two days ago! Didn't you read my report?"
"I was way too busy."
"Mom, why are you still wearing that thing?" Star asked sheepishly.
"'Cause I dig it! Kind of wanna go dancing in it. Wanna join me, Kid?"
"Well, I-"
"Please, not here. Not now." Star shrunk.
"The atmosphere isn't quite right, anyway." Lord Death agreed. "It's much too disorganized up here. Besides, I still haven't found my scythe. I'm starting to worry…"
"Oh, it'll turn up somewhere, I'm sure." Nebula flapped the cape of her outfit over his head. "More importantly, you have a promise to fulfill."
"I'm not quite sure it's more important than-" Nebula shot him a glare. "Er, I mean… Star."
"Yeah?" his son looked up.
"I would like to spend time with you later… if you're available."
"Well, okay. I mean, I guess my schedule's open now…"
"Whoa, get out, dude!" Lucina exclaimed across the table. "You knew my dad?!" she asked Lady Jeanne.
"Back when I was alive." Jeanne smiled. "I used to see Ciel in Sunday school. …Then I met him a few times in the Underworld… after his tragedy. I'm glad he was able to find happiness in the end."
"It's a small universe after all, eh loves?" Loki put his arms around Lucina and Astere, sitting between both. "So much that we forget who's related to who. Did you know I'm the only one in my sector who isn't cousins with them? That means I'm the only close boy friend they can get with! Well, I'm pretty sure Hiyuki has the hots for Perry, but someone else can-"
Astere zapped and turned him into a fluffy cat. "I'm sure someone can." Lucina laughed and used him as a footrest.
"We'll meet agaaaiiin!" Alastor sang, chained to a chair as his fingers strummed the piano. "Don't know wheeeere, don't know wheeeen! I know we'll meet again some sunnyyyyy daaaaaay!"
"Why is he here?" Rango asked.
"We didn't want to hire another musician, so Alastor's working off his sentence." La Muerte answered.
"Give us more of that C minor!" Xibalba ordered.
"Here, kids!" Lord Dabura happily placed a flower crown on Robi. "Flower crowns for everyone! And a little tiny one for Lily~" He tapped a teeny crown on the inch-tall girl.
"Didn't you destroy him?" Ichigo asked Shunsui.
"Babidi had a spell prepared to quickly regenerate him. But he's still missing a lot of his power, so he's working off a sentence now, too. More importantly… Karin sure knows how to raise 'em, huh?" Shunsui craned his head up at the 20-foot giant. "Always knew the kid had spunk, but she sure didn't pass on the child care."
"Haha." Ichigo blushed awkwardly. "S-So, you knew her, huh?"
"Met her a few times with Yachiru. We sparred once… I won, but girl sure can kick."
"She kicks harder than Ichi, that's for sure!" Joto snickered. "He's still got the bruises to prove it!"
"Don't joke about that!"
"Heh heh. She actually reminds me a bit of your ancestor, Koda." He turned to the pyrotechnic.
"Huh?" Koda looked up in interest.
"Kūkaku Shiba. She was the biggest firecracker back in life, and she's still a nutcracker in the afterlife. Ain't you ever wonder where your family gets its skill?"
"Whoa… Can I meet her someday?!"
"Enough generations have passed, so I'm sure the gods will allow it."
"It's great to finally meet you, Robi!" Pit Icarus raised the frizzy-haired Nimbi on his shoulders. "Want me to teach you to wield a bow?"
"My mom did. I'm not really good at it…"
"I'm sure we can find a way that works for you. Like using Earth Arrows! I heard Link used Earth Arrows once."
"He's the spitting image of his grandfather, isn't he?" Grambi asked Jaydes, watching Robi's playtime with adoration.
"From his hair down to his toes." Jaydes agreed. "It's still odd to think that Fybi's father reincarnated as her son."
"That's what the cycle of life is. No different from extra lives in a videogame."
"Indeed it is, Grams."
"I am soooooo glad there's a footbath up here." MaKayla sighed, resting in said pool. "That was harder than I thought it'd be."
"Not everyone's first hosting is easy." Temvum said. "Especially when facing our natural enemy."
"That wasn't the problem. The problem was your clothes."
"Excuse me?"
"Your clothes weren't right for me at all. You see this body?" She flexed her slim right leg. "I need an outfit to really give me room. Something thin and flexible, and gives me air in the right places. It was hard to fight when my gear was so bulky."
"We do have different body types."
"I know, but try to wear something tighter next time. Something that catches my figure!"
"And what if anyone else should catch me in that attire…"
"Use Future Sight to determine the best time to avoid them!"
"Sigh…"
"Sooooo, Mom… who is this?" Ruford asked.
"I'll tell you later. Hurry, Juki's eating your favorite cupcake!"
"What?!"
Christina had no need to socialize with anyone, wanting only to relax with her family. She was glad to see everyone having fun; Sheila had a drinking contest with the Sun Angel, Maya, and the Moon Angel, Zatz, seemed to be comforting a depressed Tiffi at the edge of the cloud. Isabelle and Trella were playing fetch with King, Uncle Raymond and Eda watching happily. Balder was yelling at Astere to change his grandson back—wait, Loki was the Head Angel's grandson? That's a crazy thing to just passively learn; they already knew he was Dracula's grandson. But that didn't matter to Christina now. "Dad… I'm sorry about this."
"It's alright…" Christopher said hoarsely. "You did great… You all did. I was afraid a crisis like this would happen… and I worried you wouldn't be able to handle it. But you really are strong…"
"Yeah… You know, I destroyed the part of Malladus that was inside Diablo, and I think it went inside me. I don't feel too different."
"I guess it needs to regenerate. That means you'll be even stronger eventually."
"But… why didn't it go back to you? You need it more than I do."
"Maybe because… I was already done fighting a long time ago. I didn't have the will to hold onto Malladus… or the will to take him back."
"You had the will to live." Maddy smiled. "That's all that matters. Even if you're much older… I'm glad you can still be with us."
"I suppose not everyone has the luxury of aging well." A calm voice spoke. With a gasp, Christina looked up, seeing an… almost familiar samurai.
"Jack?!" He was wearing a black shirt advertising the band, KISS, and blue hippy jeans. "You… What the heck are you wearing?!"
"Is this… not appropriate?" Jack frowned. "Um…to begin with, that time-traveling woman offered to return me to my own time, provided I do not undo what has already been written. I thought it over, and… I think I have what might be known as 'past shock.' I've grown too accustomed to the future that I'm… not sure I can handle returning to the past. And to live in a world where Aku lives, where I am not allowed to fight him… I don't think I can accept it. So, maybe I'll stay around for a little while. I tried to learn about this era's trends and dress accordingly."
"You are SEVERAL decades behind, friend!" Maddy laughed.
"I am… sorry. …But it is an honor to meet the parents of Christina. You have raised a very fine daughter. I look forward to seeing how strong she becomes."
"You might have to wait on that." Christina said. "I'm taking a break from training. A long one."
"It is good to know one's limits." Jack agreed.
"I bet I know where we're going after this." Chris smiled.
"Not until we've had our free fill first."
The year may yet have more troubles, and so would the year beyond it. But those didn't matter now. Not when they could eat, play, and forget their recent troubles. Once more, the KND learned the value of friendship, family, and teamwork, and these things helped them survive and win. Their wounds would heal in time, and they knew they would be getting more wounds in time… but why worry about that when now, they could smile.
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The morning after the blood moon was crisp and fresh. The demons returned to their den, and Earth could enjoy a beautiful autumn. They could enjoy red leaves and not dread a red moon.
The pink morning sky cast a shadow over the serene mountain, the calm lake a clean, beautiful mirror of its image. The lake was only disturbed by the ripples of fishers on rowboats… one of which held a bandaged, relaxed blonde girl with a red ribbon, and her pale, elderly father, glad to spend his days by his daughter's side.
And that's the end of Third Gen's currently longest arc… excluding bonus chapters. I had a hard time trying to figure out the 2nd chapter's direction, but the rest flowed out pretty well! I definitely did a great job on this one. Got to incorporate a lot of spiritey ideas I've been wanting to, even if in cameos. Look forward to more Third Gen fun in the future!
