To King Shishima,
The dreaded day has come. Once your mother reclaims the throne, her second rule will bring about the downfall of the Twilight Kingdom and all realms above and below. It is the end of our knowledge, of the spirit world as we knew it.
But know that there is still hope. It lies with you, your family and the few who will seek refuge on Earth. Be sure to protect and guide them like the responsible king you are. There are still so many trials and tribulations ahead, but I know that you will overcome them, as you've proven so many times.
In my previous letter I brought up how your late father would've been proud to see you choose your own happiness over a king's responsibility. But know that I am just as proud, for you did not turn out like your mother despite her numerous attempts to corrupt you. And while you are far from the ideal king I would've raised, ultimately I have no qualms. You chose to walk the path of an honorable monster, one who seeks power to protect those he loves the most. It is who you are, and I couldn't be happier for you.
Enclosed with this letter are both of my Magic Tool decks and a selection of books on the subjects of arcane magic and the mysteries of the universe, all written by me. Please make good use of them as you see fit.
Do not mourn my passing. If you wish to honor my memory, seek to preserve knowledge and research the vast universe. Let this be the final lesson I impart onto you.
May your legacy return the enlightenment we lost since the dawn of time,
The proudest teacher in the Twilight Kingdom, Fukurokuju
Koushishi set foot in the crowded hallway, a smirk on her face as she admired the maddened youkai who fought each other relentlessly. Good. There was no room for camaraderie or overstepping bounds in her Twilight Kingdom. The hierarchy existed for a reason, everyone needed to know their place, and she would gladly remind them. Many lived under the false impression that her powers were all reliant on the crown since she had been queen for so long. But that assumption was false, as she discovered in her early teenage years that she had an innate power: verbal persuasion. This pushed her to get deeply involved with politics. More importantly, this power ensured that she almost always received anything she wanted, especially since most youkai were weak-willed and easily succumbed to her persuasion. Taking a deep breath, she shouted, catching everyone's attention:
"In the name of Queen Koushishi, I order thee to step aside! Take your plebeian squabbles elsewhere!"
Her power indeed overcame their madness, and soon the fighting youkai were gone, resuming their struggles on the stairs and at the lower levels. The hallway, although ravaged, was clear.
"This is why we all missed you, my queen!" Sazansho cheered, sheer happiness in his voice.
"I can say the same for you, my dear advisor," she replied pedantically and gently pet his salamander head. "The time has come for us to deal with the one who was always a thorn on my side. Tonight, the great Fukurokuju will pay dearly for betraying the very kingdom he founded! And once we have excised this old tumor that's been lingering at the heart of our kingdom, we will then dispose of the backstabber who stole my rightful crown and anyone who dares remain loyal to her!"
Among the cheers that came from Koushishi's advisors and Kamijishi, a new presence made itself known. A small light orb which emerged from a portal transformed into Tenshiyoku, his body filled with countless cuts, and yet he maintained a princely stance while healing his wounds.
"My prince, you're finally back!" exclaimed Kamijishi with relief.
"And with good news nonetheless - Nekohana's been fatally wounded and trapped in a coma. I've bound my fate to hers, so there's no way Shishima can kill me without also taking her life. It was a painful struggle, but in the end we've enacted vengeance on your behalf, Rufu. Are you satisfied?" the expectant Tenshiyoku asked.
"For now," the wolf daiyoukai sternly replied. He took out the katana from his stump and in its place bone, flesh, skin and fur grew back. His left hand, the one capable of firing magic claw attacks, had regrown. Then his left eye, the one gouged by Shishima, also grew back in its socket. "I will restore my other eye once the rightful queen is back on the throne."
"Do my eyes deceive me?" Koushishi said while approaching the newcomer. "If it isn't Queen Oureria's son, the one whose coup failed. Your servant here told me many things about you, boy."
"I've been looking forward to our eventual meeting, Your Majesty," Tenshiyoku replied, keeping his composure. "I trust that Kamijishi has informed you of our plans?"
"Indeed he has, and I agree with your proposal. As soon as I reclaim my rightful throne, you will have my full support on your quest of claiming your own throne, prince. Let it be known that Queen Koushishi is always a generous ruler... to those truly deserving!"
Tenshiyoku nodded, exchanging ambitious smiles with the former queen while their servants cheered their newfound alliance, one that would signal the upheaval of both Twilight and Dawn Kingdoms and the beginning of a new era.
The mood was somber at the Kage mansion on that late spring night. Shishima had not said a word to Borof ever since they left for the Twilight Kingdom. Was he really that upset with his servant's failure? Or perhaps he was too distracted by the loss of Nekohana to even pour his wrath onto the plushie?
Borof had finished sweeping out the window glass shards and decided to take a break before vacuuming the main hallway. He was thankful that Tenshiyoku's attack did not leave the house in a much worse shape. Out of instinct, he glanced at his master's office, finding Shishima sitting at his desk, staring blankly at a mountain of paperwork and a couple of books. Was he trying to stay busy with work? No, he was tapping a single claw against the wooden desk. To pass the time? Was he waiting for something to happen? Borof had never seen his master in such a gloomy state. Even in his foulest moods, Shishima would have at least berated his servant or physically punished him.
Out of the blue, a portal to the Twilight Kingdom opened inside the office. Expecting the worse, Borof pulled out his scythe. But great was his surprise when he saw a child walk out, barefoot, wearing a black robe with a hood covering the top of his head and framing his face. Shishima turned his attention to the visitor - he looked like a five-year-old mortal boy, with pale cadaver-like skin, rich white locks resting on his shoulders and yellow cat-like eyes with black slits for pupils, a contrast to the black sclera and red pupils that youkai typically had. In his left hand he was holding a gift box and in his right hand a scythe which matched his body height.
"Hail King Shishima!" he greeted with an echoed and melodious voice.
"You must be Yasurakana's son," Shishima remarked, the boy nodded. "I bid you welcome to Earth, my new domain." With a wave from his index finger, the portal closed. "What did you bring along, child?"
"My apologies," the reaper replied courtly and walked over to the desk, rising on his toes to offer the gift box. "The Oni King instructed me to give this to you once I crossed over. He said it's an important message from Fukurokuju."
Shishima gasped and immediately grabbed the box. Why did his mentor send correspondence through that child? Usually they just opened portals to one another and threw their letters in as if they were mailboxes. Inspecting its contents, he was shocked to find a handful of books, two jewel encrusted deck cases and a letter. Opening the cases, he noticed they were both Magic Tool decks, one focused on Darkness and the other on Water. Unraveling the parchment, Shishima read Fukurokuju's letter in silence. After a few minutes he dropped the paper, his neutral expression masking the great sorrow he felt deep inside. The daiyoukai of knowledge and wisdom, his mentor, the only father figure he had left... he was gone. Or perhaps he did not yet meet his end, perhaps there was still time for Shishima to rush into the Twilight Kingdom and alter the strands of fate, as he did numerous times. But then his attention turned to the silent child who was inspecting the room.
No, he had to protect his son, the reaper, Borof, Hajime and his daughter. The mere thought of either of them ending up in Nekohana's position was enough to make him go mad. The Twilight Kingdom's affairs would be postponed for the time being. Clearing his throat, Shishima asked, "What is your name, child?"
"Shikou," the little one sheepishly answered.
"Shikou, has your mother taught you how to duel?"
"I'm afraid not, Your Highness. I did witness her face off against others while I was in her care. But I don't even have a deck, she said there was no time..."
"This will change now," Shishima said while checking one of his drawers and taking out a deck. It was the Light Water Darkness Graveyard Degeneration which Mister Gumo used against him five years ago. A fast and efficient strategy not to be underestimated, Shishima had to preserve it after disposing of that dangerous mortal. Now he was gifting his enemy's deck to Shikou. "Here, from now on this is yours. I have a vast collection of cards here in my office should you need upgrades. Just be sure to ask for my permission."
"You are most generous, my king!" Shikou humbly said while accepting the deck.
"I will have my trusted servant duel you so that you will get the hang of it."
Borof straightened and walked into the office. "As you wish, milord! You can leave the child in my care, I promise I won't fail you again!"
Shishima ignored him and focused fully on Shikou, "He will also take you to the guest bedroom. Make sure you get some rest, as I trust your journey was tiresome."
All of a sudden, the reaper moaned in pain, dropping his scythe as he gripped his head. Visions assaulted him, he saw ill mortals of all ages, elders, even youths who accepted their fate. He knew of deaths from all over the world happening in that very instant. Thankfully Yasurakana taught him what to do. Taking a deep breath, he fought the mental shock and focused, clearing his mind. Once he regained control, Shikou picked up his scythe and turned to Shishima, who was silently observing him, a curious expression on his face.
"I do apologize for this, my king! Not long after setting foot in the mortal world, a reaper will always sense their associated deaths."
"Worry not, Shikou. This Shishima understands your plight quite well. There will be souls seeking you, begging you to help them pass on. We will prepare you for when that time comes. But until then... you are both dismissed!"
Borof and Shikou both bowed down before him, after which they took their leave. Shishima rubbed his hands as he assessed his new protégé. At a first glance Shikou was shy and reclusive, a true introvert. But beneath his court behavior he was masking a plethora of emotions: fear of the unknown, low self-esteem and a deep longing for his mother. It was clear that he had great difficulty expressing how he truly felt, something Shishima could sympathize with as he reflected on his own childhood. In due time he would help Shikou grow out of his shell. If only those efforts went towards raising his own son. If only he didn't fall for Tenshiyoku's trap...
Fate was a cruel mistress. She cared not for prosperity, harmony, happiness or even the greater good. She was strict, inexorable and, unfortunately, inescapable. Try as one might, nobody could sway her to look in the other direction. Fukurokuju cursed the futility of his position: even with the spirit world's vast knowledge at his disposal and glimpsing into all possible timelines, his demise was a certain outcome everywhere. He could try to heal warriors from their madness, cast his most potent spells and even bring his strongest deck to duel her, in the end Koushishi would always prevail.
But it was not his impending doom that Fukurokuju regretted. He had accepted his fate over the past few days. His true regrets lied in the fact that he could not prevent the tragedy which fell upon Shishima and Nekohana. From what he could glimpse in the future, dark times awaited their family, as both father and son would face numerous struggles in the upcoming war. He could only hope that they would find a way to rescue Nekohana. The only other regret Fukurokuju had was for the inevitable downfall of the Twilight Kingdom. He foresaw a great bloodbath once Koushishi reclaimed her throne, and ultimately, the Twilight and Dawn Kingdoms succumbing to ruin. Yet this tragic fate was not solely of Koushishi's devise, for there was another schemer who truly wished to see both kingdoms burn, and their motive was truly tragic. If only Fukurokuju had paid more attention, so many tragedies could have been easily prevented...
Those heavy thoughts greatly pressured his mind. He could not focus to locate the source of the spell which brought insanity upon the majority of the palace. What he knew for certain was that Koushishi and her conspirators had escaped, and he was their next target. Once they were done with him, Hyouma would follow. If Fukurokuju could not prevent those incoming tragedies, at the very least he would prevent the incoming casualties.
"Fukurokuju, we're here!" the Oni King shouted as he barged in the office.
"Yes sir, we've arrived as quickly as possible!" Akamaru added as he stepped in by his father's side.
The owl daiyoukai sighed and turned away from the window to face his visitors. "I trust you're both aware of the grave situation outside." Both oni nodded. "I'm afraid Queen Koushishi is free. This chaos is entirely of her doing. Before either of you urges that we fight her forces, let me tell you right now that they've grown stronger. As much as it pains me to say it, they have the upper hand, no matter what we try."
"Are you sure, sir? It would be dishonorable to just back down and let her win!" Akamaru protested.
The Oni King placed a comforting hand on his son's shoulder and added, "I've fought alongside you long enough to know that you're aware of every outcome, old friend. Are you sure we have no chance of winning whatsoever?" Fukurokuju responded with a somber nod. "Then what should we do? What hope does our kingdom have?"
"Hope lies in our true queen. Hyouma needs to survive, no matter what. There is a portal to the mortal world in the southeastern woods. Take her there, make sure she passes through safely and then... return to your people and guide them through Koushishi's upcoming tyranny."
"But sir, we can't just run without a fight! We have to try and do-"
"Even if you two team up with Hyouma and fight back, you will all lose to the power of the Dispectors!" Fukurokuju cut off Akamaru, a sharp tone in his voice. "Time is not on our side, I'm afraid. You two need to go to our queen and escape the capital palace. Tell Hyouma to leave the crown on the throne so that Koushishi won't feel inclined to chase after you."
"What about you?" the Oni King reluctantly asked.
"I will do what I should've done countless millennia ago - deal with Koushishi."
Count Kage walked the empty streets of Sagakin with Shikou by his side. Giving the reaper a human form was easy since he already had the traits of one. He had the appearance of a five-year-old. His white skin was no longer cadaver-like, his yellow eyes no longer cat-like and he wore a simple school uniform consisting of black trousers, a matching jacket and leather shoes, and a buttoned white shirt beneath. What remained unchanged were his silent demeanor and intense stare, an attitude they still had to work on.
"King Shishima, forgive my curiosity, but may I ask why you chose to move in this primitive world?"
"Child, while we are on the streets we address each other by our earthly monikers - I am Count Kage and you are Shinji, understood?"
Shinji nervously nodded. "My apologies, Count Kage."
"As for your question, the answer is quite simple: the spirit world is rife with dangers, only the strongest can survive. Alas, I can survive there without any qualms, but... there is no way one can have inner peace in a realm rife with scheming and warfare. I rejected the throne which was my birthright and sought refuge here because I can rule over these weak mortals in peace, without them knowing or me having to constantly watch my back. This world, I once saw it as a treasure to be plundered, but only now I understand it is truly a gift, a hidden blessing for undeserving monsters such as ourselves."
"Most enlightening, thank-" Shinji suddenly paused as they reached a nearby hospital.
"Is something the matter?" Count Kage asked, but the child ignored him and walked into the building.
Of course, there were mortals on the verge of death inside, reapers by their very nature were drawn to such places. Shaking his head, Count Kage quickly followed Shinji. Thankfully at those late hours there was barely any staff to notice them as they strolled down the corridors. In a matter of minutes they were inside a dimly lit room wherein a bald man in his early thirties rested on a bed, barely breathing.
Shinji transformed into Shikou as he approached the dying mortal. The two locked eyes and exchanged no words. A mutual understanding was reached instantly - the human had accepted his fate and was waiting for his suffering to end. The young reaper had come to deliver him from said suffering. As much as he tried to be detached from the plights of the dying, Shikou could not help but empathize with the tragedy of a life that had been cut too short. He floated to the man's level and caressed his cheek softly, finally breaking the silence:
"Shh, it's okay, I know you went through horrible pain. Just leave your regrets behind..." The mortal favored him with a grateful smile, Shikou reciprocated. "That's right, ease off, let it go, what awaits is peaceful slumber." A loud gasp, followed by death throes. "Don't worry, I'm by your side, I will ease your passage. Fear not death, for it is only the beginning." Finally, the soul emerged as a tiny ball of light from the opened mouth. Shikou gently picked it and opened a portal to the afterlife. "That's it, you're free now. May your eternal rest be peaceful." The soul passed through and the portal immediately closed. "It is done," he concluded and turned back to the fresh corpse, closing its mouth.
Count Kage gave him an approving nod. "Yasurakana taught you well. You have the right amount of patience and empathy that comes with your role as reaper of peaceful death."
Shikou took his human for once more and replied, "It's far from a happy job, but someone has to do it. May I ask how you are able to claim lives so easily, count?"
"I built a ruthless reputation which I must keep. Whenever I take a life, it's because I view my victims as obstacles at best, sworn enemies at worst. But don't let appearances deceive you, as I am no longer the heartless monster the Twilight Kingdom once feared. Even I have attachments."
Shinji nodded, pleased to know that his protector truly was capable of empathy. Their business done, they both walked out of the hospital room.
Hyouma punched the arm of her throne. Everything was futile. She tried calling the royal guards, no answer. She tried reaching out to the army, no answer. A grand conflict was assaulting the lower levels, she was well aware. But her authority alone could not bring an end to it. What use did she have for a crown and a throne when nobody listened? In the end she was but a helpless monarch hiding behind the safety of her four walls. A nightingale in a golden cage, cowering from her kingdom's issues. Did she rush to claim the crown too soon? Did she rely on Fukurokuju's help too much? What wrong step did she take on her journey to ultimate power?
"Your Highness!" the Oni King shouted as he barged in the throne room, Akamaru by his side. "Are you safe? Has anyone else reached the throne chambers?"
Hyouma kept her cool. "No, you are the first ones. What is the situation downstairs?"
"Helpless would be putting it lightly. We've barely managed to fight our way to the stairs and get here in one piece. I'm afraid that even the commoners from the lowest levels have succumbed to this curse and are now fighting among themselves. My son and I are sane solely because we arrived at the palace only an hour ago once we caught word of the happenings here."
"What about Fukurokuju?"
"His sanity is intact, thankfully. He instructed us to help you abdicate."
Hyouma widened her eyes, taken aback. Quickly regaining her composure, she replied, "Abdicate? Why would he suggest such a thing?"
The Oni King's expression was regretful, as if he was choking back a loud sob. "He has foreseen our deaths if we fight back. The conspirators have freed Koushishi and she is coming after you."
Hyouma's metal claws ended up scratching the arms of her throne. Controlling her emotions was a futile battle at that point. Everything she had struggled so hard to build was tumbling down. A part of her longed to fight and keep the crown she had fought so hard to attain. But she knew such an approach was fatal, Fukurokuju himself had warned them. Switching off her emotions, she rose from her throne and asked:
"What does Fukurokuju want us to do?"
"Leave the crown here so that Koushishi will not pursue us. We will escort you to the southeastern woods. There you will find a portal that will lead you to King Shishima."
"Disgraceful as it sounds, there's no other way. He said you are our kingdom's last hope," Akamaru finally spoke.
Reluctantly, Hyouma took the crown off her head and laid it on the throne. A single pulse, it was everything she needed to know that the Twilight Kingdom's law magic had changed, she no longer had control over it. Perhaps if she had kept her emotions, a great sense of regret would have overwhelmed her.
"One day everything will be yours again," the Oni King promised.
Hyouma nodded. "We'll escape using the 'backdoor'."
Both oni regarded her with confusion. She lightly pressed a brick from behind the throne which opened a door to the private spa Koushishi built thousands of years ago. But beyond its walls there was a set of hidden passageways which eventually led to an exit downstairs. Hyouma ensured she memorized each and every one of them in her few moments of loneliness, knowing that one day they would come in handy.
Fukurokuju got up from his desk after ensuring his writings were burned to ash. His precious knowledge would not fall in Koushishi's hands. A smile of relief grew beneath his beak as he sensed Hyouma's escape. If everything went according to plan, if he managed to stall them long enough, she would cross through the portal by the break of dawn. Bracing himself for the upcoming showdown, he picked up his deck and waited...
Rufu slammed the office doors open. He smirked with satisfaction as he looked Fukurokuju in the eye, greatly anticipating the former advisor's impending doom. Stepping aside, he revealed Koushishi, who took slow steps inside with the same arrogant attitude of a spoiled monarch she had since infancy. How Fukurokuju wished the strands of fate told a different tale, perhaps if he had been firmer with her, she would have kept her ambitions in check.
Koushishi stopped in front of him, her wings spread in full display and her horns and claws sharp as ever. "The time has come to settle our score. You've been a thorn on my side for far too long," she said, taking out her deck.
"The feeling is mutual," Fukurokuju sternly replied. He waved his staff, tearing his empty desk in half and turning both wooden pieces into dueling tables. "You are everything I stood against, the rot that has kept demonkind fallen. Your values will never earn us entrance into Heaven!"
"Old fool, my values are what will help us break into Heaven! Do you really think that those angels would welcome us back with open arms?"
"Yes, if only we recovered the enlightenment we lost during the Great Fall!"
"Enough!" Koushishi shouted while stomping loudly. "We come from Hell's rebels, the fallen angels cursed by the Creator to never dwell in Heaven again! Your philosophical rambling hasn't brought us any good results and Hyouma's rule has only brought stagnation! I am the Twilight Kingdom's future, and I will crush all who stand in my way!"
"Then let's see you try," Fukurokuju challenged her while setting up his shields.
Koushishi did the same, both drew their cards and thus their match began.
"I summon Frogger-1, Moon Sand." A yellow gecko wearing silver armor appeared by Koushishi's side. "Your non-evolution creatures can't attack on the turn they're put."
"I summon Bimnum, Misfortune Demon 77." A mechanical cowboy wearing a purple hat and cape, wielding two guns appeared by Fukurokuju's side. "During your turn, whenever you play a creature without summoning, it gets destroyed."
"I cast Reload Charger." Koushishi discarded Babelginus, Demonic Dragon and drew a card.
"I summon Genmu Emperor, Void Infinite Dragon!" An eyeless black dragon with two purple screws attached to his chest arose by Fukurokuju's side. "Meet the RexStars incarnation of Team Zero's leader Genmu Emperor!" The top four cards of his deck were revealed: BloodRayne, Restart Dash, Duzame's Shadow, Honenbe GS, Skeletal Guardian and Genmu Emperor (Death the Star), the latter of which went into his hand while the rest went into his graveyard. "I add an evolution creature into my hand and mill the rest."
"I cast Slash Charger." Koushishi checked the top four cards of her deck and sent Dorphadillom, Holy Demon Concatenated King to her graveyard, the rest going to the bottom of her deck.
"I summon Honenbe GS, Skeletal Guardian." A purple skull with two pairs of bat wings hovered above Fukurokuju as the top three cards of his deck went into the graveyard: Mukade (Deathshiraz Star), Viola's Shadow and Genmu MAX, the latter of which was recovered.
Koushishi's smile stretched from ear to ear. "I cast Monte Scale Sign and revive Babelginus, Demonic Dragon!" A horned dragon with many tentacles holding shovels appeared and immediately exploded. "I destroy Babelginus and revive Dorphadillom, Holy Demon Concatenated King! Arise, king of the Concatenated Dispectors!" A golden-armored angel who was forcefully fused with a white goat demon with zippers materialized by her side. The creature had three pairs of white wings and a pair of red wings. "Ex Life, I gain a new shield. When Dorphadillom is put in the battle zone, I destroy all your non-multicolored creatures!" The Dispector fired purple beams from its three pairs of arms, wiping out all opposing creatures. "And while Dorphadillom is in the battle zone, you can't cast non-multicolored spells!"
"Since you played your creature without summoning, Bimnum destroys Dorphadillom!"
"You'd wish - I burn the Ex Life shield and Dorphadillom remains! Now go, triple break his shields!"
Heeding Koushishi's order, the creature flew towards the opponent and used its golden swords to hack away three shields.
"Guard Strike - I reveal BloodRayne, Restart Dash and stop Frogger-1 from attacking this turn!" Fukurokuju intervened. "And now it's my turn, I summon BloodRayne, Restart Dash." A cowboy with a skeletal serpent attached to his right arm appeared. "Then I summon Duzame's Shadow." He was joined by a large chess piece depicting a skeletal demon wielding a halberd and a golden sword. The top four cards of their owner's deck went into his graveyard: Honenbe GS, Skeletal Guardian, Genmu Emperor (Ballom Star), Genmu MAX and Viola's Shadow. "With this tamaseed's effect I can recover up to two evolution creatures from my graveyard, so I'll recover Genmu Emperor (Ballom Star) and Genmu MAX."
"I summon Jigoku Parthenon, Concatenated Sentenced Spirit." A purple demon with flowing long hair and cape who was forcefully fused with an angel's golden armor through zippers joined Koushishi's army of creatures. "Ex Life, I gain a new shield. Dorphadillom, break his final shields!"
Fukurokuju watched as his remaining two shields were hacked away into pieces. He reached one of his snowy-white wings and picked up the cards, revealing one and saying, "Shield trigger, I summon Viola's Shadow!" A chess piece depicting a black dragon with a red mane and golden horns appeared by his side. "With its effect I destroy Dorphadillom and revive Honenbe GS!" The chess piece fired a purple beam upon the angel-demon hybrid, disintegrating it. Then the skull on bat wings reappeared, causing the top three cards of its owner's deck to go into his graveyard: Duzame's Shadow and two Mukade (Deathshiraz Star), one of which was recovered.
"At the end of my turn, Jigoku Parthenon makes you discard a card," Koushishi concluded, watching her opponent toss Bimnum, Misfortune Demon 77 into his graveyard.
"With BloodRayne's cost reduction I summon Genmu Emperor, Void Infinite Dragon by paying 2 mana." The eyeless black dragon returned, revealing the top four cards of his owner's deck one more: Duzame's Shadow, Viola's Shadow, Genmu MAX and another Genmu Emperor, Void Infinite Dragon. "I add Genmu MAX to my hand and send the rest to my graveyard. Then, since I have 4 cards or more in my graveyard, I evolve Genmu Emperor into Genmu Emperor (Death the Star) by paying 4 mana instead of 7!" The dragon's body got surrounded by a purple aura and his claws grew sharper and bloody, his limbs got wrapped in bandages, an additional pair of white wings grew out of his back and an eerie green eye hovered above his head. "Shinkapower, since I have 15 cards in my graveyard, I give -15000 power to Jigoku Parthenon!"
"I burn the Ex Life shield to save him!"
"It's futile, the power reduction persists until the end of the turn and he's destroyed!" Fukurokuju watched as his dragon hacked the other angel-demon hybrid into pieces. "Death the Star, attack and destroy Frogger-1 as well, then triple break her shields!" The armored gecko met its fate at the creature's claws, after which three of the opposing shields were sliced away.
Koushishi checked the cards and immediately burst into mirthful laughter. "Fool, you've just spelled your own doom! It's telling that all this time the Abyss was your greatest enemy. Just us being doused in it is enough to evade your supposed omniscience!" Fukurokuju remained grimly silent at her taunts. "Shield trigger, I cast Heavenash Sign and revive Dorphadillom!" Her mighty finisher emerged from a gate of light. "Ex Life, I gain a new shield and Dorphadillom destroys all your non-multicolored creatures!" Once more it fired purple beams from its three pairs of hands, wiping out all of the opposing creatures.
"Star Evolution, although Death the Star gets destroyed, Genmu Emperor remains!"
"Futile, Heavenash Sign force battles Dorphadillom with your tiny Genmu Emperor and destroys him as well!"
Fukurokuju watched as his creature met its end by the Dispector's laser beams. Still, there was hope. He had stacked on Genmu MAX copies in his hand precisely to survive a direct attack with the help of Star MAX Evolution.
"And now it's my turn, I cast Lost Re:Soul and discard your whole hand!" Koushishi said and she gleefully watched her opponent dump all cards from his hand into his graveyard. "You were thinking of stalling out my ultimate victory, it's a good thing I thwarted that plan. Your long-awaited demise has finally come - Dorphadillom, todomeda!"
Fukurokuju was blasted away by the creature's attack, its beams melting his silver armor. Before he knew it, Koushishi flew right above him and her sharp claws tore through his chest, slicing flesh and vital organs. He choked on his blood, helplessly staring at the tyrant who managed to thwart his life's work. Her smile betrayed both maliciousness and insanity, he had not witnessed such pure evil since...
It all came back to him: the fires of Hell and the great pain they brought, the shock from the Great Fall and the deep regret which lingered in his heart, the Tree of Knowledge which Lucifer tricked him into creating - the very reason for their downfall, and lastly... the warmth of Heaven. Before there was a need for knowledge, all he knew was the Creator's love. At last, after struggling so hard to regain the paradise he lost, in death he could glimpse that pure bliss his heart desperately longed for. His owl form shifted into that of a human-like sage hermit in white robes, his black hair wrapped behind in a ponytail, his face sporting a long goatee, a Fu Manchu mustache and Asian features. One last glimpse of his true form before his body dissolved, before the cold Abyss claimed him.
A great earthquake shook the Twilight Kingdom's very foundations. Inside Fukurokuju's cave, his mansion burned down. Countless years of knowledge vanished before it would fall in the wrong hands. Thankfully his Magic Tools and most important books were in Shishima's possession.
Koushishi found the throne room deserted. No sign of the traitor. Just her crown lying on an empty throne. Everything was as it should be. She walked gracefully down the red carpet and picked up her prize, placing the crown between her horns. A single pulse - her body got enveloped by a bright golden aura and she had access to the Twilight Kingdom's law magic once more. As soon as the glowing ceased, she sat on the throne and declared to her audience of four:
"The rightful queen has returned! This time my reign shall be eternal!"
Sazansho and the angels erupted in great cheers. Although silent, Rufu grew back his other eye as promised. Finally, he could fully see again once more. He opted to keep the scars around his eye sockets as a token of his battles.
"This is a course for great celebration, my queen!" Sazansho said, eager to enjoy the pleasures of his beloved wine once more.
"Not just yet, first we need Antoma Tan Gendo to put an end to this spell, Kamijishi," Koushishi instructed, the angel obediently nodding. "Good, and once everyone is back to their senses, I want both of you, Sazansho and Rufu, to go claim your rightful positions as heads of the sealing corps and the army! We have to hunt down the one rat who dared subvert my authority."
It was during the early hours of the morning that Count Kage and Shinji visited the Shirayama mansion. The house staff did not start their shift, so Hajime himself prepared a small meal to welcome his guests. After breakfast they introduced Shinji to the large TV screen in the living room, leaving him to relax on the couch and discover the wonder of children's entertainment. Left alone, the two men sat in the kitchen at the dining table and discussed the current events.
"Are you serious, Shishima? You just said you're too busy with the Twilight Kingdom's matters to bother raising a child! Why are you now taking care of this kid?"
"This kid is a reaper, a shinigami, a spirit that collects the souls of mortals and helps them pass over into the afterlife. Their race is extremely rare in the spirit world; without them you would have plenty of poltergeist phenomena."
"I suppose you're going to dump him on my back as well?"
"Hajime, there's no need for tantrums. Raising a reaper is a very delicate task, as they need to grasp their powers and learn their role in a timely manner. Shikou will remain under my protection until he matures. His body will age at the same rate as my son's, meaning in well over a year he will be independent."
"That's good to hear. I suppose Nekohana will at least join me to help raise Hanashishi?" Count Kage remained silent, his upset expression unnerving Hajime, who pressed on, "Shishima, I don't like that look. What's the matter?" The silence persisted. "Oh no. Did... did something happen to Nekohana?"
Shinji did not find much appeal in the cartoon he witnessed onscreen. Talking animals going on magical adventures was not something out of the ordinary in his home world. Something else caught his attention, an aura similar to his. It was upstairs. Although he did not want to disobey Count Kage, he could not help himself and got off the couch, climbing the stairs to the upper level.
Tsugumi was still enjoying the sweet embrace of an early morning's sleep. Shinji did not bother her. With just one look he could tell that she had a long life ahead, much like her father. Of course, not even reapers could predict the sudden changes of fate's course, but the Shirayama family's future was definitely a positive one.
The next bedroom drew his attention further. There he found Hanashishi, under the guise of a human infant. He sat inside the protection of a baby's bed, wearing only a diaper and surrounded by plush toys. He was laughing without a care in the world, his attention focused on a nearby flower pot with a little sprout sticking out. His palm was stretched in its direction and in a matter of seconds the sprout grew into a full-fledged poppy flower. This youkai had powers over plants much like his mother. He could control and give birth to life. Shinji's heart ached, as his duties were completely opposite, and yet he could not envy Hanashishi one bit. Life and death ultimately went hand in hand.
Taking slow steps as to not intimidate him, Shinji said, "Hello there, I hope you don't mind..."
The baby turned to him and favored him with a warm smile and a wave, making him feel welcome. Shinji stopped by the bed and stuck his index finger through the bars. Hanashishi grabbed it and suckled on it. For a short moment his pupils glowed red, as if to acknowledge that they were both supernatural and had no qualms about it. Shinji nodded and stuck the rest of his hand, caressing his face. A new friendship had been born on that morning.
To Queen Oureria of the Dawn Kingdom,
The pretender who stole my throne has abdicated. I hereby declare all treaties signed by her null and void. Prepare yourself for a new war! Nothing will stop us from our rightful conquest of Heaven. Your walls will fall and your angels will burn before your very eyes. Best enjoy these last moments of peace while you still can.
Signed,
Queen Koushishi of the Twilight Kingdom