Mirth. Such a simple and addictive feeling, one that was privy to only a select few in the Twilight Kingdom. In a world of demonic entities where backstabbing was required for mere survival, the purest form of mirth could only be experienced by the very top of the daiyoukai, those who renounced the shackles of attachment eons ago and embraced their truest of potentials, now deified even among their own ranks due to their incredible power and status. Prime example was none other than the sole ruler - Queen Koushishi.
She ensured each morning was mirthful, from the very moment she opened her eyes and became aware of the immeasurable comfort brought to her by the enchanted sheets made of the softest of silks. The empty cup resting on her nightstand would be filled with wine by her succubi slaves before she could even part her lips to demand for it. Her facial expression was always enough of a hint, and the same could be said about the mandatory morning massages in which each part of her back and limbs would be properly awakened to life by the delicate touch of her well-trained servants. A single glare or frown was enough to let everyone know what she desired and it would be hers in a matter of moments. By the time her breakfast was ready, she would have already been washed as well.
There were some rare occasions once every few centuries, when lost in thought during her morning routine, that she wondered if there was more to her eternity once she would have achieved everything. Eventually the time would come when her remaining obstacles, the Dawn Kingdom and Heaven, would succumb to the might of her army, thus rendering her the absolute ruler of the afterlife. Then what? Even the eternal torture and humiliation of her large list of enemies would eventually lose its flair after a couple of millennia. She had always been confident that with more power, new windows of opportunity would open themselves to her, leading her to a fresh new conquest which would keep her occupied for a while. But what would have happened if absolutely every facet of her life would have lost its excitement once all of her goals were achieved? This thought bothered her like a nagging toothache. Was she, Koushishi, the strongest daiyoukai to have ever existed... afraid?
Nonsense! She had never allowed herself to have any kind of weakness. Those who were foolish enough to allow a single flaw to taint their character would forever limit themselves, never achieving their truest of potentials because of their own stupidity. Dwelling one's inner thoughts on a particular matter for too long was always a recipe for disaster in her book. Which is why she focused more on the incredible taste of baked eggs and tarts while looking outside the balcony. Morning's clouds had only just gathered on the horizon, blending in well with the desert storm from afar. The sight of her vast palace gardens was always a treat to her black and red eyes. Having gone through the claws of many gardeners, they always knew how to both tame and morph the plants according to her whims, ensuring their sights were nothing less than exquisite for her fellow nobles. Yes, nature was nothing but a canvas, and she was the most worthy artist of all who could decide what shape its painting took.
Alas, day's light began to grow in intensity, thus announcing the beginning of her royal schedule. And yet, it would no longer be a day like any other. Ever since her son had reappeared in her life, the queen could not help but feel an entirely new kind of mirth - one rooted in the mystery of his survival. There was a plethora of answers that awaited once her selective brand of torture would have shown its results. It was a slow and, arguably arduous process, but patience was a virtue she had long mastered ever since she hatched her very first scheme as a young cub. Before heading out to begin her schedule, she cast one last glance at the gardens she held so dear, in the direction of a small group of inu youkai among which her most favored General Rufu was training. All the puzzle pieces were into place, her word was law, everything was as it should. There was nothing that could bring more mirth into the perfection that was Koushishi's life.
Nervousness was in the minds of all soldiers who were gathered around for their latest brand of training on that day. Their mighty leader, General Rufu, lay among them, shirtless and with all four limbs chained to large boulders. A single order had been given to them all, to draw out their weapons and attack him with everything they've got. Many were hesitant to even threaten such a frail-looking old wolf, but all doubt was easily cast away when he spoke with an acrid tone, "All those who dare defy my order will be held in contempt and publicly executed this afternoon!" Not long after, they all gave a loud battle cry and rushed to attack their commander. Just as planned. Before the first blade could even reach him, Rufu dodged the attacker and headbutted him in the stomach, throwing him into two others. As more came to attack from behind, he fell on the ground and shoved his chained legs into their crotches, causing them to collapse as well. Then he quickly got back up and easily dispatched each attacker from all directions with his bare fists, despite the weights of those boulders and chains, despite their high number and despite his age. His frail appearance was but a façade to lure his opponents into a false sense of security. Deep down he was still as agile and well-trained as he had been when he first joined the military countless eons ago, while serving a far less civilized and more ruthless royal couple. He had lost count of the kings and queens he had served under, and the time when he had been a mere soldier in training had become a far distant memory. It seemed like having the distinct honor of being the Supreme Commander of the Twilight Kingdom's army had always been part of his life.
When he was done, the entire army of inu youkai lay in painful defeat at his feet. He glanced down at them with utter disgust and easily broke the chains that shackled him, beginning to slowly walk towards the pair of vines where he had hung his black military jacket.
"What a poor performance you've all displayed today! You're all youngsters, fresh faces, at least a few centuries old, and this is all you have to show for yourselves?! I have given you every single advantage possible in numbers and strength, and yet none of you could at least bring me to my knees. I have trained long and hard to get to the position I am in, I have led plenty of proud warriors into our glorious war and seen countless pups such as yourselves die foolishly on the battlefield because of their lack of training. Unlike you, I have devoted my entire existence to the army, our Twilight Kingdom's most valuable asset! There is nothing more patriotic than fighting for our queen! Every battle I have fought is a precious memory in my heart, every scar I have obtained I keep with pride. Alas, there is but one scar I deeply cherish the most and that is the one on my face, when thousands upon thousands of years ago one of Purgatory's finest angels managed to strike a lucky blow and gouge out my left eye. We daiyoukai have the ability to fully heal each of our wounds, no matter the severity, but I have willingly chosen not to. If I, a one-eyed cripple can still stand tall and proud atop our vast and glorious army, what excuse have you for disgracing me today with such sheer incompetence?!" Silence had fallen among his defeated troops as they all stared at him in shame while he dressed himself and covered his magical right hand with its trademark leather glove. "My good friend Senator Sazansho is hosting a great ball today in honor of Her Majesty. I could easily ignore my duties and join them, but my warrior's honor will not allow me. Up there at our far border there is a war against the Dawn Kingdom, and the only way our society can survive is through our collective sacrifice. I am willingly renouncing my own safety and comfort for the greater good. If you ever wish to grow an iota stronger, I am the figure you should all aspire to become!"
Once his speech was over, the inu youkai all got on their feet and began cheering and praising his name. Just as planned. The truth was that this particular kind of training session was nothing but masked discipline. In order to keep all his soldiers' ambitions in check, General Rufu had to constantly remind them that he was the pack alpha, then berate them by dangling their own weakness before their very eyes in order to shatter their self confidence, only to rebuild it by setting himself up as an example that they should all follow. This ensured that he was deified in front of his troops and their loyalty would remain unquestioned. For the weak always put their hopes and dreams in the hands of the strong figures they admired. And through their faith and devotion the strong only grew stronger. Indeed it was a pity that Rufu could not attend his queen's ball, but unfortunately more urgent matters awaited him on the battlefield. With time, each of his sacrifices would be appreciated by the people.
Loud and bombastic symphonies filled the large ballroom as the daiyoukai nobles danced to their hearts' content. Gold chandeliers and historical paintings adorned the walls and the checkered floor was covered by rugs made of the finest of silks. Select foods made of the rarest ingredients filled the tables. Only the most expensive punch and wine filled their golden goblets. It was a day of celebration unlike any other. There had never been such collective joy among them since the night of Purgatory's fall. The party's head organizer, Senator Sazansho knew his queen better than any of his fellow aristocrats. Whenever her sharp leonine face bore a large grin that exposed most of her fangs and her eyes fixated and glistened with a red light of malicious glee, it was a sign of her experiencing utter delight. Such was her delight when the insignificant rebellion orchestrated by that queer child of hers had been quenched thanks to the collective effort of Sazansho and Koushishi. A grand artist and his glorious ruler, truly they were an unstoppable pair. The orchestra went silent as the entrance doors screeched open and all turned to greet the guest of honor - Her Majesty.
It was a rare occasion that she wore clothes. Nudity was never taboo nor punishable in the libertine society of the Twilight Kingdom, not even among higher classes. The queen's closest confidants knew that she loved to have her fur groomed on a daily basis so that she could better expose her true majestic self to the people. And besides, the crown which floated between her horns was the only adornment that mattered. But this was a special occasion, so she came in a black leather bodice which greatly accentuated her chest's size, as well as an overly-long purple skirt which matched her fur and dragged along the floor with each step she took.
"My fellow daiyoukai, the queen has arrived!" Sazansho was quick to announce.
"All hail Her Majesty Queen Koushishi!" the guests all chanted in unison until their beloved despot raised her clawed hands and gestured for them to stop.
"Esteemed senators and nobles, it is with great joy that I stand before thee today a victor, a conqueror! It seemed like only yesterday that our valuable order was endangered by the wicked machinations of our former prince. But rest assured, for peace has been restored before these conspirators could topple the immense tower of greatness that is our perfect society. And just as we have swiftly defended ourselves, so will we be bringing swift justice upon those who dared defy our ultimate authority!" She reached out and grabbed a goblet that was immediately filled with wine by an imp butler. "I raise a toast to thee, pure daiyoukai of old! For we are the apex of all demonkind and thus we will always be the past, present and future of the spirit world!" Loud cheering ensued as she drank, glasses and goblets clanked, kisses and hugs were shared among the aristocracy, and once Sazansho gave the cue and the orchestra resumed playing, heated dancing erupted again in the ballroom.
Indeed it was a great time to celebrate. If any other traitor were to threaten Koushishi's life, she would have declared a state of martial law, imposed sanctions upon the lower class youkai and ordered General Rufu to go on an arresting spree until the very last co-conspirator were brought to justice. However, since the culprit was none other than the son she had banished over a thousand years ago, the stakes were greatly changed. Others in her position would have feared having to face an offspring they intentionally tortured and attempted to brainwash into the perfect murderer. Yet she had been experiencing nothing but utter mirth at the mere thought that her beloved son was once more part of her life. At last nobody would stand in her way. She could finally raise him in the correct way she intended from the very beginning, before his father, the former king, dared stick his nose where it didn't belong. For the first time in millennia, Koushishi felt motherly pride. This alone was cause for great celebration among the daiyoukai.
It was during the late hours of the afternoon, when fatigue reached most of the party-goers that the queen arose from her throne and walked up to her dearest Senator Sazansho, who was struggling to open a brand new wine bottle - his seventh on that day. Emptying one more would have been enough to knock him in a state of perpetual drunkenness, a joy she could not allow him to experience yet. She gently grabbed his nubby hand and leaned in from behind, whispering in his ear, "Now that the spirits are low, shall we have a duel to entertain our lovely guests?"
"Ah, but of course, my queen!" Sazansho exclaimed while putting away the wine bottle. "As always, thy will be done without any question!"
He was quick to snatch out his deck from his tufty purple uniform's pocket, after which both walked to the closest dueling tables and set their cards, catching everyone's attention once their glowing rectangular shields materialized.
"I cast Lost Watergate and search my deck for a multicolored card," Sazansho said and looked through his cards. "I put Aesthetic Movement is an Explosion on the top of my deck and end."
"I summon Mixel, Strange Stone." An airship made of red crystal appeared by Koushishi's side.
"Vividdraw 2, I cast Aesthetic Movement is an Explosion! With its effect I destroy Mixel." A multicolored meteor shower descended from the ceiling and crushed the crystal creature into pieces.
"I should've seen that one coming, shouldn't I?" the queen replied with a smirk as she began her turn. It was rare that she ever had self-deprecating humor, but if she made such remarks during a duel, it meant that she was enjoying herself, and that was all that mattered. "I cast Kenzan Charger to reveal the top card of my deck and if it's a blocker or spell, I can add it to my hand." The top card was Emeralda, Pitch Dragon Elemental which was added to her hand.
"Vividdraw 3, I summon Skeptic, Fake Supporting Actor." A white and blue bird donning blue robes appeared by the salamander's side, allowing him to draw three cards, after which he placed one at the top of his deck. "Due to Skeptic's effect, I end my turn here."
"I summon Phantom, False Moon Thief." A demonic raccoon wearing an elegant gray tuxedo with a top hat that had a half moon symbol and with a walking cane in his hands appeared by Koushishi's side.
A smile of confidence betrayed Sazansho's excitement. Both players knew exactly what card he had set up for his fourth turn, so there was no surprise when he drew it and revealed it to everyone, declaring:
"Vividdraw 4, I cast Celebrate! The final curtain of this story! With its effect I draw a card and bring out Sr Spellcyclica, Dragment Symbol!" A dragon made of sharp pale blue crystals with a long tail, large claws and purple horns appeared in the battle zone. "Celebrate grants Sr Spellcyclica speed attacker and with his own effect I shall recast this spell and take it to my hand! Now, I draw again and bring out my greatest performer, the leader of the Bikkuri Kingdom - Meteorshower Auroratheater!" A Phoenix modeled after a carnival mask with giant purple feathers for wings, a red and a blue snake for limbs which held fans in their mouths and a wild red and blue flame surrounding its body also appeared in the battle zone and commanded full attention as the orchestra once more began to boom its instruments to announce its arrival. Although Sazansho was ecstatic, he made sure not to laugh maniacally. It would have been poor etiquette to indulge in such feelings while in front of the queen. "Meteorshower allows me to draw three cards, has speed attacker and cannot be blocked. Go, triple break her shields!" At his behest, the creature dashed headfirst through three opposing shields.
"Shield trigger, I cast Heaven's Gate and bring out both Emeralda, Pitch Dragon Elemental and Moon, Destruction, Satan and Angel who-"
"With all due respect, Your Highness, I hate to be the one to interrupt, but Meteorshower Auroratheater will not allow you during its attack to put creatures into the battle zone which cost equal or less to the number of cards in my hand." Sazansho flashed a total of seven cards in his hand.
"Then how about we decrease their number? Oshiokimoon, Phantom makes you discard a card for each shield you broke!"
"Not a problem," Sazansho replied while tossing Brain Storm, Skeptic, Fake Supporting Actor and The Clock, Ragnarok into his graveyard. "Sr Spellcyclica, break her final shields!" The Crystal Command Dragon dashed through the air and hacked away the remaining two shields with his claws.
"Shield trigger, I cast Mujun! Gekko MAX and add a new shield from the top of my deck. Oshiokimoon, Phantom makes you discard two more cards!" Koushishi reminded her opponent who tossed away Submarine Fortress Lair and Celebrate! The final curtain of this story.
"Since this was my second attack, I summon Valchuris, Dragon Armored for free!" A trio of mice, each wearing the red skull of a dragon and holding a repair tool appeared in the battle zone. "Valchuris is a speed attacker, so I break your final shield!" The rodents rushed ahead and used their tools to crack away the queen's remaining shield.
"Oshiokimoon, Phantom makes you discard your last card, my dearest Sazansho."
"Alas, great sacrifices must always be made!" he sighed dramatically while tossing away his second Celebrate! The final curtain of this story. "Seeing how your remaining creature is a blocker, if I were to attack with Skeptic as well, victory would not be mine. As such, I shall end here and both Sr Spellcyclica and Meteorshower will go to the top of my deck."
"A brilliant display of power, exactly what I expected from one of my top advisors!" Koushishi complimented as she began her turn. "I cast Heaven's Gate and bring out Welkius, Assault Gate Elemental and Kaiserbarra, War Dragon Elemental!" A winged mechanical angel wielding two purple laser swords and a golden armored angelic dragon wielding a blue sword and being decorated with a large blue rose appeared by the queen's side. "With the effect of Welkius I draw a card and bring out Hades, the New Moon that Rules the Underworld." A six armed angel-demon hybrid donning a purple armor and holding a weapon in each of his hands joined the other two creatures. "With the effect of Kaiserbarra I draw a card and bring out the head of the Gekko Kingdom - Moon, Destruction, Satan and Angel!" Another angel-demon hybrid arose, this one taller than all other creatures, his limbs and wings made of black cannons, four gun barrels coming out of a faceless head. "With his effect I add the top two cards of my deck to my shields. Phantom, destroy Valchuris!" The demonic raccoon tossed its walking cane like a boomerang at the trio of mice, hacking them into pieces. "I end my turn and Satan and Angel breaks one of my shields. Oshiokimoon, one of your shields also gets broken and Phantom discards it!"
"Your superb lockdowns never cease to impress me, Your Highness!" Sazansho gushed for a moment as he drew his first card. "Vividdraw 5, Meteorshower Auroratheater returns in the battle zone and allows me to draw three cards again!" The Phoenix shaped after a carnival mask reappeared by its owner's side. "Go, break her final shield!" It dashed headfirst once more, going past all opposing blockers and tearing through the remaining shield.
"Oshiokimoon, Phantom makes you discard a card and Satan and Angel breaks one of your shields too."
"I shall discard Villainheel, Absolute Antagonist. Also shield trigger, I summon The Clock, Ragnarok and end my turn here!" A muscular humanoid with spiky blue hair and two golden clock arms coming out of his chest appeared in the battle zone, freezing all other creatures in place for a moment.
"I hope you are ready to be impressed even more then - I cast Jamming Chaff which allows me to draw a card and you can't cast any spells until the start of my next turn! Hades, destroy Meteorshower!"
"Skeptic, block the attack!" The small blue Fire Bird flew in front of the purple armored creature and allowed itself to be hacked in two by his golden sword.
"Since one of my creatures won a battle, Welkius allows me to draw a card and bring out another Moon, Destruction, Satan and Angel which grants me two new shields. Now Phantom, double break his shields! Kaiserbarra, break his final shield!" The two creatures rushed ahead and used both their walking cane and blue sword to shatter the remaining three shields.
"Shield trigger, I expand Cyberdice Vegas, Gambling Expert of D." Their surroundings changed to those of a futuristic casino with a glowing blue dice floating in the middle.
"Satan and Angel, todomeda!"
"Denjara Switch, I turn Cyberdice Vegas upside down and cast Aesthetic Movement is an Explosion which-"
"I am sorry to be the one interrupting this time around, dearest Sazansho, but Jamming Chaff will not allow you to cast any spells this turn!"
"Oh no..."
The tall angel-demon hybrid raised both arms and fired bullets from all of his fingers which blew Sazansho and his cards away. A large round of applause followed for Koushishi, who eagerly received everyone's praise as she bowed down like an actor who had just finished a very difficult play. Despite being on the receiving end of defeat, Sazansho did not care, for it meant yet another glorious victory to the queen he adored so much. And as long as she was appeased, that was all that mattered in his world. The cheering ceased once Koushishi loudly clapped her hands so that she had the gathering's total attention.
"I thank you all for sparing time from your precious daily schedules to come and celebrate with me our latest victory. Unfortunately, the hours are running late and the moon will rise soon, which means this particular festivity has come to an end." Murmurs of disappointment filled the ballroom among the guests. "Fret not, my fellow nobles! There will always be another celebration. As long as the kingdom works hard and brings us great results, that is." Cheers and goodwill returned once more among the daiyoukai as they all saluted their leader by giving a polite bow before taking their leave. "Sazansho, wait," she sternly demanded, causing the salamander to stop in his steps as he was shuffling his deck. "Please accompany me in the southwestern wing. I wish to show you my latest project."
The welcoming elegant sights of the topmost floor were soon replaced by those of the dungeons located at the lowest level. It did not matter how many times he wandered in that area of the capital palace, Sazansho could never get used to the dim lighting, humid air, cold atmosphere or the disgusting criminal scum dwelling in the prison cells. Those were the lowest dregs of society which his own sealing corps and Rufu's soldiers arrested and brought to justice on a daily basis. Their mere presence was enough to make the senator sick to his stomach. But even he was not prepared for the surprise that awaited in the farthest cell.
Blood stained the gray brick walls, liquefied organs and bones formed a puddle on the floor and the powerful stench of rot and death assaulted the nostrils of anyone who dared step in. The pathetic sight of Shishima greeted them, the former prince's limbs bound with thick chains to the wall, his horned head lowered in shame, the fur on his torso burned off, his rib cage and belly torn wide open, out of which his stomach and entrails dangled aimlessly. Sensing visitors, he made the effort to look up and Sazansho was quick to notice that his sharp leonine face had been skinned, exposing its diseased sickly red flesh. Each moment he drew breath was nothing but absolute agony.
"My queen, to what horror am I being privy?!"
"Feast your eyes on my son, Sazansho! He is back home where he rightfully belongs. This is the discipline he will face in the upcoming century as punishment for his treachery!" Koushishi explained with utter glee, savoring the glare of utter hatred that her offspring was casting at them.
"W-w-with all due respect, this kind of torture is only reserved for the scummiest of scum, those death row inmates guilty of unpardonable crimes... but not to a daiyoukai! And especially not to one descended from you, who shares your own pure blood, Your Highness! This is an outrage, surely there are lesser punishments befit to his crimes!" Sazansho argued, struggling not to vomit on sight and disgrace himself in front of the queen.
"Hmm, perhaps you are right..." she pondered for a moment, rubbing her chin while admiring the utter state of pain her son was in. "Then again, my main goal is to torture him until he breaks his limits and loses all control of his mind. At that point I will be able to tame this beast into our greatest weapon and all of his secrets will be ours!"
"Thy will is law, my queen," Sazansho sighed and bowed his head. While he did not hold any particular attachment to Shishima, he was still one of his own daiyoukai and as upper class demons he could not fathom someone of his ilk being treated worse than a common criminal. "But how can we ensure that what he experiences will not be fatal? Are there any precautions to these methods?"
"Why of course! I have instructed the guards to avoid all of his vital organs and take short breaks between the mutilation sessions so that the pain of each wound will properly sink in and his heart will not stop from the shock of new sudden cuts. And while resting at night, whether willingly or otherwise, his powers always kick in and slowly begin to heal his body, thus providing us a brand new blank slate to work with the following day! You see, just like with your theater plays, there is a certain beauty in ensuring that someone experiences nothing but pain for a copious amount of time."
Although reluctant, Sazansho nodded and gave his former prince one last saddened look as Koushishi dragged him away, the two resuming their philosophical discussion on the nature of torture as they left the dungeon. Once the coast was clear, Borof flew out of Shishima's mane and cried hopelessly:
"Oh milord, how will we ever escape this accursed predicament?"