To King Shishima,
I am sorry to be a bother in this terribly busy time. I am well aware of your important duties in the mortal world, considering the child you and your lover will soon have. As you may very well know, there are only two reapers who help guide mortal souls from their realm into ours: one for peaceful death and the other for violent death.
What will follow is a well-kept secret of our kind which I need to tell you: even we can reproduce. We don't do it by choice, of course, as there must be only two reapers, no matter what. The only time we seek a youkai to reproduce is always when we have been mortally wounded. That is when our sexual desire fully overcomes us. The offspring is always a reaper, no hybrids.
Why am I going out of my way to tell you this? It's because my time is coming to an end thanks to a Dawn Kingdom angel who mistook my intentions for shortening an innocent life. I won't go into details, but suffice to say that with the aid of your mentor Fukurokuju, I've managed to prolong my lifespan a few centuries to raise my son. Would you believe we've never spoken before, but he spoke to me like a close friend, like he knew me entirely? I suppose that's how it goes with omniscience.
Still, my son is only a child and he needs to be acquainted with mortals before my duties are passed on to him. Which is why I humbly ask if you may please allow him to live on Earth under your protection? Even with the newfound peace in the Twilight Kingdom, I don't want him to interact with a Machiavellian society that will warp his views and only grow his cynicism further. He is introverted enough as is, since unfortunately he has seen me reap souls ever since I had him. Perhaps he can grow alongside your child and you can see that they are both raised to fulfill their roles in life.
I beg of you, not as a reaper but as a mother who is on the verge of being claimed by the Abyss. I place my full trust in your wisdom and generosity, my king. Please respond quickly, as time is not on my side.
Yours faithfully,
Yasurakana, reaper of peaceful death
Everything still didn't feel quite real.
It actually happened…?
That had been Hyouma's mantra in her brief moments of alone time. After thousands of years of scheming to reach the very top of her Machiavellian society, she realized only after reaching her goal that she hadn't believed becoming queen would be tenable. At least, not so soon. And yet there she was, on the throne, wielding ultimate power over the Twilight Kingdom and with Hell's gates under her control. Her life's goal had been achieved but she still felt like this was all a dream - and how terrible if it was. She'd always known that the next step after getting the throne was to keep it. That which comes with time would consolidate the stability of her reign, and her new goal would be the preparations of various measures and countermeasures against any who might nip her legacy at the bud before it could bloom.
With regards to this, Hyouma had made absolutely no progress.
Partly, she was too busy sorting the morass left by Koushishi's decadent rule. However, she'd never in all her many years thought out the secondary steps after becoming queen, and she was too dazed by her victory to do more than rely heavily on Fukurokuju's help.
Great responsibility was the burden of a monarch's title. Her predecessor chose to ignore them and indulge fully in her decadence and ego war against the upper realms. Hyouma had resolved to be cautious and smart. With Fukurokuju's guidance, she'd be a ruler for the people. Most if not all previous monarchs who spouted populist rhetoric ended up being warlords inciting their army to die for the cause of conquest. Doing the same wouldn't be wise. Her realm had stretched to include the fields of Purgatory in their entirety. There was no way she could fix past misdeeds, but at the very least she would rebuild her own kingdom and find a way for her youkai brethren to coexist without the need for wars, conquests or plunder. That was the reason for her diplomatic meeting with Queen Oureria. Hyouma wouldn't allow herself to indulge in the same hedonistic pleasures until she became an egoistic tyrant like Koushishi. Stepping out of Koushishi's shadow and taking her place now felt like a prison. Now that the singular goal that defined Hyouma was achieved, who was she? She was a queen, she'd endeavor to remain queen, but what sort of queen? Being a better ruler was just the smarter move right now. How could she possibly feel so indescribably hollow?
Hyouma was startled when Fukurokuju's wing gently patted her shoulder. She turned to face her advisor, donning the same silver armor he wore back in the Purgatory war days. A warm smile crept under his beak as he gently spoke to her with a fatherly tone:
"Don't worry, the puzzle pieces will fall in place in due time."
Of course, he knew her mind. There was literally nothing that could escape the omniscient Fukurokuju. As much as she appreciated his help, there were certain times when his support annoyed her for breaking her personal boundaries.
"Thank you," Hyouma flatly replied and turned her attention to the surrounding garrisons. In the Dawn Kingdom's sunlight, the golden crown glistened brightly on her head. She was quick to change the subject, "To think that just a few months ago those sentinels would've blasted us at first sight. I still find it hard to believe that we've finally made peace."
"Indeed it is a very fortunate time for both parties," Fukurokuju agreed as they both strolled down the gold bricked streets, ignoring the gasps and gossip among the angelic populace. "Peace is a fragile gift that leaders ought to preserve at all costs. That is the reason we are visiting Queen Oureria. We ought to be most respectful and understanding. We should also make concessions, as we were the aggressors in the war."
"I agree, but we shouldn't concede too much."
"Worry not, I am certain that Oureria will meet you halfway. Do not view her as a threat, consider her a potential ally."
Hyouma nodded, ever thankful for his advice. They both stopped in front of a golden palace and marveled at the structure which resembled an impregnable fortress and was a display of the Dawn Kingdom's military might. A small group of angels dressed in knightly armor were quick to greet them and lead them inside. After climbing a complex set of stairs, they soon found themselves escorted right into the throne room. Oureria was waiting on her throne, a lone advisor at her right, shuffling through paperwork.
"Your Majesty, the visitors have arrived!" announced one of the knights and then he stepped aside for Hyouma and Fukurokuju to walk in.
"Come in!" she greeted with an unexpectedly welcoming tone.
Throughout the Twilight Kingdom, Oureria had earned the nickname of 'Fiery War-Queen', as whenever she descended into battle there were no youkai soldiers who could stand up to her might. And upon meeting her in person, Hyouma could see the face of a stern and powerful leader who was hardened by countless wars. Everything from her tone and posture demanded respect, imposed authority and inspired awe. Unlike Koushishi, who inspired only fear in her subjects.
However, she couldn't falter or show too much deference. Hyouma was in a more vulnerable state than she'd realized. To cope, she turned off her emotions.
"It is an honor to meet you at last, Your Majesty," she greeted back while approaching the throne, Fukurokuju slowly following behind.
"Likewise. Knights, you may leave us!" Oureria ordered and the group of angels took their leave, closing the door behind. "I trust your journey here was without disturbance?"
Hyouma nodded. "As safe as it can be. It is precisely because of the peace that has befallen our kingdoms. May it bring prosperity to both realms."
"A noble sentiment which I also share," Oureria took note of the deadpan stare, and yet Hyouma still calculated that this impression was better than the alternative. Oureria turned her attention to the owl daiyoukai. "The great Fukurokuju, we finally meet!" He nodded and bowed courteously. "And on good terms, no less. The fact that you are both present here is truly a testament to the change your Twilight Kingdom has undergone."
"Wise words, Your Highness. I do believe that despite our differences, both angels and youkai seek a degree of order in their realms," Fukurokuju said as he eyed the monarchs. "Which is why I trust that you and my young queen will reach a mutually beneficial agreement."
"That remains to be seen." Oureria got up from her throne and gestured to her own advisor. He was dimpled with snowy hair, resembling a mortal man in his early forties. He wore a white and purple robe, and pearly pauldrons with red stripes. "This is Carlisle, my trusted advisor and also Head Operator of our church mainframes."
Carlisle was quick to bow and spoke warmly, "Welcome to the Dawn Kingdom, Queen Hyouma and esteemed Fukurokuju!"
"Our advisors will debate the terms and conditions of our agreement in my secretary's office. This will give us both plenty of time to come to a mutual understanding, Queen Hyouma," Oureria announced as Carlisle went to open another door, inviting Fukurokuju to join him inside.
Hyouma was able to calmly watch as both Carlisle and Fukurokuju walked away and then she turned her full attention to the other queen.
"It is difficult for you, am I right?" Oureria spoke in a much softer tone, confusing Hyouma. "Of course it is, you inherited so many responsibilities at such a young age. Your peers probably seek to still enjoy eternity's pleasures while they can until adulthood takes its toll. But you no longer have that privilege."
She was taken aback by Oureria's kindness, but it shouldn't have been altogether unexpected. Another gaffe, another of many small errors in her predicting abilities. Hyouma allowed her emotions to return.
"I don't view it as a loss," Hyouma answered earnestly. "Others choose to waste their youth away indulging in meaningless pleasure or scheming on such low scales. But this..." she gestured to her crown, "...this is what I've always wanted. There is no other path for me."
"You're saying this now, but there will come a time when that crown on your head will become a burden," Oureria insisted, the sternness on her face being replaced with regret. "I am saying this both as a fellow ruler... and as a mother."
"I've heard about your son. I'm sorry, it must've been hard to make such a decision."
"I did what had to be done for the sake of my kingdom. And yet not a day passes without me being reminded of the shame of harming and banishing my own son. I can only hope you'll never end up in my position."
"Thank you for the heartfelt wishes."
Oureria smiled back and granted her a chuckle. "Come now, let's have a seat at the table and we can discuss our peace treaty."
Hyouma nodded and followed her lead, assured that their negotiations would be smoother than she initially expected.
The first rays of sunlight entered the bedroom of Noriko Hayami, head of three major businesses in the failing oil industry. She was already up, white sheets wrapped around her naked body as she brushed her short black hair in front of a mirror. Much to her dismay, she noticed a few gray hairs. The mere thought of resorting to hair dye disgusted her, as not only was it visible for those with trained eyes, but it was also a waste of money. Still, she would not let the worries of old age bother her mind. Not after experiencing such youthful pleasures the night before. A yawn broke her trail of thought and she turned her gaze at her two-person bed.
Thirty-year-old Hajime Shirayama was finally awake. He rubbed his eyes and ran a hand through his ruffled blond hair. Noriko basked in his naked beauty as he got up, seemingly ignoring her, and picked up his underwear and a pair of pants. Although ten years younger than her, he looked like he'd barely finished college. Good genes and youthful appearances were highly appealing in her socialite circles. Him being the future head of Shirayama Industries was only an added bonus. Yes, he was a keeper.
"Did you have fun last night?" Noriko asked as she kept brushing her hair.
"The party was good, yes. What followed after was... okay," Hajime replied as he got dressed.
"Just okay? Considering how you acted in bed, I'd beg to differ."
"Different strokes for different folks."
"Well then, Hajime, when should we place our second date? Before or after the Hanami?"
"How about at the police station?" he suggested with a serious tone which took her by surprise.
"What do you mean?" Noriko asked, her voice betraying a hint of fear.
Fully dressed in his formal attire, Hajime turned to face her with a cold stare and took out his cell phone which he used to play a recording. It was Noriko's voice, she sounded as if she were drunk:
"I hate how all vehicles are now switching to these 'alternative' fuels! For what? Protecting the stupid environment? Especially when we solved the climate change problem years ago? It's because of these noble sentiments that the fracking industry is failing and I can't afford a trip to my tropical resort legally!"
"I am so sorry to hear this, Noriko-san! Pray tell, what do you mean legally?" It was Hajime's voice, he was both sober and oddly pleasant.
"I had to take a loan from the yakuza to keep my three oil companies afloat. They also helped me sabotage some of my competitors so that I can build a monopoly over the business in Japan."
Hajime stopped the recording and said, "Borrowing illegal money and sabotaging your competition? A good tier higher than malpractice, and I'm sure it earned you a good number of years behind bars."
"Who do you think you are?!" Noriko shouted back, indignant at his deception. "You're not even the head of your little fashion company, I could pull strings and have you and your worthless family on the streets!" As soon as she finished her threat, she heard police sirens out in her yard. "What is the meaning of this?!" she asked as she ran to the window and had the shock of seeing three vehicles parked at her mansion's entrance.
"I've fought the threat of Shishima and managed to come out alive and save my family. I've got nothing to fear from someone whose illegal holdings are being confiscated by the state as we speak," Hajime coldly replied, his icy blue eyes piercing her. "Face it, Miss Hayami, you won't be able to buy your way out of jail. Your corporate empire has come to an end."
"Why? You're one of us, you know how advanced capitalism works, how could you sell me out like that?!" the flustered Noriko protested.
"Shishima and his cult have been vanquished. I've put fear into common delinquents while also working to resolve the poverty issue in our country as much as possible. My fellow businessmen... you're the only villains I have left," Hajime explained and turned to leave just as the policemen barged into the bedroom. As he walked down the stairs, he made sure to send a text message to Count Kage, thanking him for pulling the right strings in the tabloids to expose Noriko's corruption.
Around an hour later, Hajime found himself back in the comfort of his Sagakin family mansion. As soon as he set foot inside, he was greeted by a scream of sheer joy and the sight of a five-year-old blonde girl with pigtails running down the stairs. His daughter was still in her pajamas, a sign that she had slept late.
"Daddy, I missed you!" she exclaimed as she hugged his left leg tightly.
"I missed you too, Tsugumi," Hajime said, leaning down to gently pat her head. "Have you slept well?"
"Uh huh!" she eagerly nodded. "Do you wanna play with me?"
Hajime's smile turned into a saddened frown. "I can't. I have work to do in my office."
"You're always busy!" Tsugumi shouted and stomped her foot in protest. "It's not fair! I want you to play with me!" she whined as her father picked her up in his arms.
"How about I ask the maid to play with you?"
"No, she always plays with me, I want to play with my daddy!"
"Daddy will play with you later, I promise," Hajime said, giving her a loving smile as he climbed up the stairs. "For now, the maid will come play house with you. You like playing house, right?"
"Hmph, daddy hasn't played house with me for a while!" Tsugumi huffed.
"He will today, if you show good behavior."
As much as it pained Hajime to lie to his daughter, he had no other choice in the matter. Living a triple life as a corporate figure, spy and father was a difficult task and one of his roles had to be neglected. A stable income was mandatory so he could provide Tsugumi an easy living like he had. And he would make sure to weed out all the vile scum who dared make his world a dark place, so she would inherit a much brighter future. One day she would understand the value of his sacrifices. For there was nothing he loved more in the entire world than his only child.
Queen Oureria proved to be most understanding. Although she had a fearsome reputation in the Twilight Kingdom and most Dawn Kingdom angels viewed her as a supreme figure of authority, in person she was willing to listen and negotiate. Oureria displayed a good understanding of the Twilight Kingdom's origins. In many ways their societies were similar, as the Dawn Kingdom angels also viewed their military lifestyle as a way of disciplining themselves and finding a purpose in serving others for the greater good. While Oureria was willing to overlook most of the Twilight Kingdom's transgressions against her own, as a sign of peace she requested that they concede half of Purgatory's skies and lower their border. While other daiyoukai would have considered such an offer sheer blasphemy, Hyouma was relieved Oureria hadn't demanded more, and she accepted the concession after an appropriately measured blip of time.
Once their discussion was over, a challenge to a duel was issued by the angelic queen. It was obvious that she wished to test the younger daiyoukai's skills and Hyouma knew better than to disrespect Oureria by refusing. As such, both queens set their cards on the negotiation table after the maps and parchments were set aside. A simple tabletop game, there was nothing to worry about. Yet she was worried. Hyouma considered shutting her emotions off once more, but to use the same trick twice might be noticed. No matter how close they became as allies, Hyouma always had to keep some skills close to her chest.
"I summon Chara Lupia," Oureria said. "My Dragons cost 2 mana less."
"I cast Faerie Re:Life," Hyouma said and put the top card of her deck into her mana zone.
"With Chara Lupia's cost reduction, I summon the speed attacker Valchuris, Dragon Armored for 3 mana. I attack with Valchuris and Revolution Change into Dogiragon Nova, Blue Guardian Deity! Final Revolution - I reveal the top 4 cards of my deck and put from among them any number of non-evolution multicolored creatures which in total cost 6 or less!" Oureria flashed the top four cards of her deck: Onikamas, Strange Flow, Evo Lupia, Holy, Flash Guardian and Chara Lupia. "I put Evo Lupia and Chara Lupia in the battle zone and send the rest to the bottom of my deck. With Evo Lupia's effect, I draw a card and evolve it into Valkyrie Lupia, Sky Lord Dragonmech! With Valkyrie Lupia's effect, I search my deck and add Miradante Twelve, Time Pope into my hand. Now go, Dogiragon Nova, triple break her shields!"
A fast rather than a controlled assault. Hyouma picked up the three cards from her shield zone and said:
"Guard Strike - I reveal Earth Dragon God's Magic Encampment and prevent Valkyrie Lupia from attacking this turn. Also, shield trigger, I cast Zainty Zain and give -3000 to all of your creatures, destroying both of your Chara Lupias!"
"I end my turn here and Dogiragon Nova untaps all of my multicolored creatures, himself included. It's your turn now, Hyouma."
"I summon Deddam, Disaster and check the top 3 cards of my deck. I'll add this to my hand, send Shakogairu, Water Academy No. 9 to my mana zone and Rolemodeltiger to my graveyard. Then I cast Earth Dragon God's Magic Encampment and check the top 3 cards of my deck again. I'll add Necrodragon End of the World to my mana zone and send the rest to the bottom of my deck."
"You are ramping so that you can stall me with Ninja Strikes," Oureria noticed. "However, I won't allow this to happen - I summon Magnum, Shortshot and now you can't play creatures during my turn!" Hyouma's eyes widened. Her opponent continued, "I attack with Valkyrie Lupia and Revolution Change into Miradante Twelve, Time Pope! With his effect I cast Jamming Chaff which lets me draw a card and you can't cast any spells until the start of my turn!" Without any creatures or spells, Hyouma would not be able to defend herself. She'd been fully locked down. "Miradante Twelve, break her final shields!"
"I have no response," Hyouma was forced to say after checking her remaining shields.
"Dogiragon Nova, todomeda!" Oureria ordered, sealing her victory.
While losing could've been strategic, Hyouma wasn't fast enough to figure out what her wider strategy for their game should be. She was not herself. She burned with shame. Oureria walked over and offered her pale hand. Hyouma looked into golden eyes that burned bright like the sun. There were no words, only a reassuring smile. After a pause that could've meant anything, she accepted the handshake.
"You are young, Hyouma, and still have much to learn. But your heart is in the right place, so I have no doubt that you'll make a great ruler!"
"Thank you, Your Majesty. Coming from you, that means everything."
"You are a most worthy successor to your kingdom's throne. I am certain that if we work together, this peace will be maintained!" the optimistic Oureria stated.
"It seems the negotiations are going well," Fukurokuju's voice echoed from the secretary's office. They both turned to see him and Carlisle each holding a quill and parchment.
"My queens, we are both ready to write down the peace treaty as you will dictate it!" the eager Carlisle added.
Oureria gave Hyouma another encouraging smile and so Hyouma nodded in return.
Clouds gathered above Sagakin by nightfall. Hajime yawned loudly as he got up from his office chair, having dealt with another long day of work. Sending a detailed report to the authorities which chronicled the extent of Noriko's corruption was already tiring. But then he also had a webcam meeting with his staff at Shirayama Industries to discuss the upcoming summer line which led to him going through a handful of contracts and digitally signing them. For all intents and purposes, he was a tired man.
The sound of his office door creaking open caught his attention. He found Tsugumi, still in her pajamas and holding a doll in her hand. Her round and soft face reminded him of Audra. Her cheeks blushed and her blue eyes were filled with tears.
"Sweetheart, what happened?" asked Hajime.
"You didn't come to play house with me! You didn't even come to eat with me!" Tsugumi cried at him, hot tears streaming down her cheeks.
"I already told you, daddy's busy today!" he tiredly groaned.
"Well stop being busy!" she snapped.
"Enough!" Hajime slammed his fist on the wooden desk, startling her. "I told you I'm busy and I'm too tired to deal with your whining. Go to bed this instant!"
"But-"
"Now!" he shouted.
Tsugumi burst into loud sobs and she ran out of the office. It was the third time that month when he poured his frustration on her. Shaking his head, Hajime sat back at his desk, trying to clear his thoughts. That was when he noticed a family photo that he and his parents took on one of the rare occasions they went on a trip in the mountains. His child self was all smiles, his mother was forcing a smile also, but his father could not. Even on holidays, Takuma Shirayama was always a tense and stressed man. And now that he had endured a taste of adulthood, Hajime came to understand why. Still, he was becoming exactly like his father: overworked, strict, inexorable, and he hated himself for it. Perhaps it was a generational curse, perhaps he had no other choice as a Shirayama.
Later that night, as the entire mansion fell asleep, Tsugumi was rolling in her bed due to a nightmare. A loud thunder jolted her awake. Her colorful toy-filled room was as dim as a cave. All she could hear was the loud rain. A bright lightning caused her to turn to her window and then she saw it: the sharp face of a purple lion, his tall horns, his eyes glowing red like an inferno. He smiled at her, flashing razor-sharp fangs. Horrified by the sight, Tsugumi got out of bed and ran out of her bedroom, down the long hallway, right into her father's bedroom. Grateful that his door was open, she found him sleeping peacefully. At first she hesitated, as she had angered him earlier and she did not want to upset him anymore. But then she was startled by another lightning and thunder. She ran to his bed, crawling under the covers and seeking his warmth. Yes, he would always keep her safe, no matter what. Knowing this, she fell asleep in Hajime's arms.
As the storm clouds dissipated and day's light once more crept from the horizon, Hajime slowly opened his eyes and he felt something grip tight onto him. Pulling off the covers, he found Tsugumi sleeping peacefully, her tiny arms wrapped around his abdomen. Even after he had raised his voice at her, she came to him for comfort. Of course, where else could she go? He was the only family she had left in the world. Perhaps he had been too harsh with her when all she wanted was some attention. He had felt alone for the majority of his life, but she would not suffer the same. Yes, he would be there for his little girl, to ensure her childhood would be happier than his own. Hajime kissed her forehead and hugged her back, choosing to rest for at least another hour.
Hyouma and Fukurokuju walked to the Dawn Kingdom's opened gates. Their diplomatic meeting had been a success, a collaboration between both kingdoms had been established and they had ensured that the hard-earned peace would endure for centuries if not millennia to come. After dealing with constant warfare for so long, Hyouma hadn't believed that communication could be sufficient in ending conflicts and preventing future ones.
"Congratulations for a job well done, my queen!" Fukurokuju said.
"Thank you. I don't know how this would've been achieved without your help at this time," Hyouma replied.
"Are you ready to head home?" the owl daiyoukai asked. He widened his eyes and they glowed a bright blue, calling forth a flying chariot pulled by their troops.
"I am," she confirmed as they both stepped in and the chariot dashed through the sky.
All of a sudden, Fukurokuju was assaulted by a migraine. One by one, terrible visions filled his mind. Visions of an uprising, of a civil war, of an all-out massacre, of his own death.
Yasurakana,
Although I am on the verge of parenthood, I will help raise your son. Death is an important part in the cycle of life and your race needs to be protected at all costs. Worry not, your son will grow alongside my offspring, and although they will be under human guise for their first years on Earth, I will ensure they learn about their powers in due time. In the meantime, try to cling to life as much as you can, so that mortals who die peacefully can then move on into our world.
Your son can walk into the portal through which I am sending this letter. It will lead straight into my mansion. Rest assured, he will be in good hands.
Lord Shishima