To the Oni King,
My old friend, I have seen it. The end of our kingdom, of our people, of the spirit world as we knew it. And I have searched far and wide while meditating, I have sought out different timelines, tried to alter the strands of fate, but even I am unable to put a stop to what is coming.
Since the founding of the Twilight Kingdom, I have gazed into the Abyss, trying to commune with the countless spirits it claimed, only to be met with cold nothingness. But now I finally understand that even us, as immortals, cannot escape death. Any fatal wound leads to us being swallowed by the primordial darkness. It is a truth that brings me great pain, for I always believed that we were the universe contemplating itself, but now I know that we came from nothing and ultimately we become nothing.
I can only hope that in my final moments I will get to see the Creator for one last time. Know that the reason I supported the first king's conquest to the upper realms was solely so over the years we could reach the wisdom of our far ancestors before the Great Fall. What our people needed to learn was that the fallen angels made a mistake and refused to acknowledge it out of pride. If only we accepted this fact, we would have been worthy of Heaven once more...
After my demise I fear that Queen Hyouma will not be able to hold the throne. 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 ensure that these are handed over to King Shishima and protect Queen Hyouma with your life!
May the Creator have mercy upon us all,
Fukurokuju, military tactician and royal advisor of the Twilight Kingdom
Time passed slowly, each second bringing forth more worries, more heartaches. Borof walked in circles as Nekohana rested on the bed, staring at the ceiling. They needed to know what was going on. Did Shishima deal with the angels? Was Hanashishi safe with Hajime? Was the threat still clouding above them? Deep down, Nekohana was full of bitterness. Of all the times, why did the Twilight Kingdom's affairs seep back into their lives just when their first cub was born? Even after Shishima renounced the throne, the past was still haunting them. Unable to handle the pressure anymore, she broke the silence:
"Why did I go along with Shishima's plan, Borof?"
The wolf plushie halted and turned to face her. "He said there was no other way, milady..."
"Do you know what giving our son mortal flesh means?" she asked, Borof shook his head. "It means he'll age quicker than mortals till he becomes an adult. His childhood will last a year and a half at most. And we won't be able to savor the most important years of Hanashishi's life because they'll be gone before we knew it. How could Shishima do this to us?!"
An understanding frown grew on Borof's plush face as he flew to her side and replied, "I understand your pain, Nekohana-sama. But those angels will be posing a great threat to us all, and both you and the master won't have time to focus on parenting duties. I saw the look on Shishima-sama's face, he was as regretful as you."
"We should've stopped him, Borof!" she insisted, bloody tears filling her eyes. "We should've..."
"I know, milady, I also don't agree with what he did. We can only hope that those angels are dealt with swiftly, perhaps he can then undo the spell."
Nekohana sighed and stared down at her hands, inspecting her claws. "I hate angels with all my heart."
"How so? Is it because of what transpired tonight?"
"Not only. I never told you, Borof, but my mother was murdered by a Purgatory angel when I was really young. That heartless being struck her dead before my very eyes. Ever since then I knew the truth: angels are not forces of good, they're just self-righteous murderers. This is the reason I couldn't join any religion which worshiped them in any of my past lives. I could never fathom serving any god that employed such despicable creatures!"
Touched by her tale, Borof reached out and patted her shoulder with his gloved hand. "Rest assured, Nekohana, I have faith in the master. He will protect us all, I now know that his family matters to him more than anything else in the entire universe."
She turned to look him in the eye. "I pray that he will bring out the best outcome for us all. I just..." Out of frustration, she made a plant stretch from its pot and break a nearby vase - her only way to rage at the futility of her position. "...wish things were different."
Borof sighed. "You and me both. You know, Nekohana, I truly am sorry for what I did to you."
"What do you mean?" she asked, surprised by his sudden earnest tone.
"I'm sorry for doubting you way back when and believing you were just trying to seduce the master for your own goals. Only now I see that you were trying to bring out the best in him. And I was wrong, for thinking he's the most fun only during killing sprees. You were right, there's so much more to him than that!"
Before Nekohana could take in his confession, they were both startled by a sudden noise coming from outside. Borof rushed to the window and pulled the curtain to see Tenshiyoku firing holy fire upon Shishima's barrier.
Sazansho and Rufu were taken aback to see Kamijishi return so soon. He crashed into the blacksmith's workshop with his deck scattered on the floor, a nasty claw mark left on his robes. Sazansho's eyes widened and he scowled, angered at the prospect of their plan seemingly failing. Then he regained his composure, putting on a mask of amusement and saying:
"Back so soon? From the looks of it, those two traitors were too much for you!"
"Not quite..." Kamijishi replied as he used his elbows to get up from the floor. "I was just a distraction to keep Shishima away from Nekohana. You were right, as a daiyoukai he's truly a force to be reckoned, but his lover is a mere commoner. She is no match for Prince Tenshiyoku."
"So that was the kid's plan all along?" asked Rufu, a hint of displeasure in his voice. "Is he going to take her life?"
"It's... more complicated than that," Kamijishi admitted as he got back on his feet. While inspecting the damage to his clothes, he continued, "The prince wishes to use her as a bargaining chip which will bring Shishima to his knees. Before they know it, they'll both be our hostages!" The wolf daiyoukai remained silent, he pressed, "I suppose this is enough vengeance for you?"
"Hmph, we'll see when the time comes."
Kamijishi frowned at the subtle threat. It was obvious that Rufu's desire for Nekohana persisted even after she crippled him and played a part in his imprisonment. Would he downright abandon their cause if Tenshiyoku lost his temper and took her life by accident? Would lust triumph over his loyalty to Koushishi? Kamijishi shuddered to think how their coup would unfold without Rufu's strong military aid.
"Long!" an ominous voice echoed in the room. "This is taking too long, Kamijishi!"
"Who said that?" asked the worried Sazansho, looking over his shoulder.
Out of Kamijishi's pocket flew a small orb made of dark metal, the colors of the five civilizations painted on it.
"I-I'm sorry, but the situation is more complicated than expected!" the angel was quick to apologize, falling on a knee. "We still don't know where the former queen is being held captive and-"
"We need all five Dispector factions united under their duelists immediately, I have no time for your excuses!" the orb shouted. "The Oni RexStars are already aware of my plot and have warned Shishima. The fifth faction needs its duelist as soon as possible!"
Before any of them could try to reason with it, Antoma Tan Gendo pulsated loudly, shaking them violently. Its pulses echoed throughout the capital palace, reaching even a lone luxury suite. Jolted awake from her sleep, Koushishi rose from her plush couch. For the first time in months, she grinned. At last, her liberation was at hand.
Tenshiyoku's plan was going brilliantly. Shishima's barrier was strong, but with the right amount of focus he was able to blast a hole through it with his purifying fire. That weak youkai would not get away. He could already sense her aura as soon as he set foot in the mansion. As he wandered the dark corridors with only the moonlight as his guide, he wondered how could any daiyoukai disgrace himself by shrinking to the size of mortals in an attempt to fit in. Those pathetic pieces of meat had only one purpose: worshiping their superiors, for it was their belief that fueled the spirit world. Once his goals were achieved and he took his rightful place as head of the Dawn Kingdom, Tenshiyoku resolved to return to the mortal world, hail himself as a savior and have those humans willingly submit to his perfect rule.
All of a sudden, he slipped on a thin rope, causing a bucket to crash on his head. Taking advantage of that short moment of confusion, Borof jumped from around the corner and shoved his scythe into the angel's throat. The pained moans he let out was a sign that he indeed could be hurt. What followed next was an assault of punches into his stomach which made him back down. With a swift kick to the crotch, Tenshiyoku was thrown into a wall, his unconscious body sliding down on the floor.
Grinning triumphantly, the plushie flew close to inspect his handiwork when all of a sudden, his victim shone bright as the sun, the following explosion melting the bucket and throwing him out the window. Tenshiyoku caught his breath as he got back up on his feet and dusted his robes, the deep cut in his throat beginning to heal.
"I don't have time to waste on second rate lackeys!" he proudly declared while advancing to the master bedroom, following his target's demonic aura. "You can't run or hide from me forever. Come out and face your destiny with dignity, Nekohana! Don't make things harder for the both of-"
Out of the blue, pairs of vines emerged from two empty flower pots and wrapped themselves around his wrists, halting his steps. A tree branch broke through a nearby window and impaled him in the throat, sinking deeper into the wound that Borof left. Angered, Tenshiyoku unleashed his divine powers once more as his body glowed bright again. The plants did not falter. Nekohana was much stronger than expected, she had perfect control over the surrounding vegetation. From that point on it was a battle of wills.
"What do you want from us? We've left the spirit world behind and have severed connections with the Twilight Kingdom!" Nekohana argued as she focused all of her body's energy to maintain her plants.
"Nothing personal, I just need an ally to cooperate, and the only way he's willing to do so is if I deal with you and Shishima," Tenshiyoku nonchalantly explained.
"An ally? Who could possibly-"
"None of your business, peasant!"
Tragically, it was Tenshiyoku's anger and ambition that overcame Nekohana's love and determination. The plants were burned away and the backlash shock that followed shook her very bones, knocking her on the floor. In a matter of moments, the intruder blasted the bedroom's doors wide open, admiring his prize with malicious glee.
"Alright then, how about you surrender like a good girl?" Tenshiyoku said as he approached with slow steps.
"Never!" Nekohana growled back at him and took out her deck to challenge him as she forced herself back on her feet.
"A duel? Why not, I may as well test these Dispectors that my servant's been talking about," the angel replied as he also took a deck out of his robes. "Very well, filthy youkai, I accept your challenge!"
Once Antoma Tan Gendo's pulses ceased, it did not take long for noises to fill the corridors. Curses, death threats, snarls and growls formed a terrifying cacophony which was complemented only by the sound of clashing metal.
"What have you done, master?" Kamijishi asked nervously.
"That which you were unable to - I've hastened your plans," the orb coldly replied.
"Take a look at this!" Sazansho exclaimed while peeking out the door. "It seems as if everyone's gone mad. They're all fighting each other - the guards, the workers, the commoners, they know of neither friend nor foe!"
"The power of fusing two lives and taking away their free will, it can also take away rational thought and sow seeds of hatred in weak hearts. Don't expect another favor if you dare fail me again, Kamijishi!" threatened Antoma Tan Gendo. "As for the rest of you, I've located your queen's whereabouts, my slow duelist will guide you to her. Now go and unite the Dispectors, for there is much work to do!"
"It's a temporary spell, we best head out now!" Kamijishi urged them while packing his documents.
Sazansho and Rufu both nodded and prepared themselves for the worst. In a matter of moments, the trio dashed headfirst into the grand conflict which tainted the hallways. They fought their way through the crowd of maddened youkai, combining their fists, weapons and magic into a deadly combo. Their main focus was not the body count, but rather traversing the corridor in a swift manner and without drawing attention.
After what seemed like an eternity, they managed to reach the golden doors of a well-hidden luxury suite, only to find the two guards - a young oni and an elderly inu youkai engaged in a fierce wrestling match, both foaming at the mouth with fury.
"Is this disgraceful spot really where they locked up my queen?!" Sazansho asked, incredulous.
"It seems so," Kamijishi replied flatly. "We'll need to deal with those two first."
"Leave them to me," Rufu said while wiping the blood off his katana.
Although he could no longer see his opponents, his other senses had been greatly accentuated. He could follow the sound of their steps and punches, he could smell the blood off their wounds and he could sense the air against his fur with each move they made. Cracking his fist, he jumped in on them, joining their conflict with renewed determination.
Behind the walls of Count Kage's master bedroom, the fateful duel between Nekohana and Tenshiyoku took place, the moon's silvery rays shining through the windows whose curtains had been pulled.
"I cast Dark Life." Nekohana checked the top two cards of her deck. "Domanmodrange goes to my mana zone and Gigandydanos, Big Tree King goes to my graveyard."
"I cast Justice Shaper." Tenshiyoku revealed the top three cards of his deck: The Triple Three, Dragon's Sign and Scrapper Spiral Spark. "They're all Light cards, they'll all go to my hand."
"I summon Rymer Druid." A green-skinned humanoid appeared in the battle zone, wearing an orange loincloth, a necklace with painted eyes, golden bracelets and earrings and a witch hat, and wielding a wooden staff with a skull on its top. Nekohana checked the top four cards of her deck and said, "I add Smapon to my mana zone and send Brachiodrange, Aple, Young Great Elder and Dragon Head Nebula Man to my graveyard. Then Rymer Druid is destroyed." The creature vanished in an explosion.
"I cast The Triple Three and draw three cards. Your turn, commoner."
"I cast Beginning of the End." The top three cards of Nekohana's deck went into her graveyard: Katsuraderansu / I'm going to Afro, Fernando Sesseur / Primal Scream and 5000GT, Riot, the latter of which was recovered. "Then with my remaining mana I summon 5000GT, Riot!" A winged red-skinned humanoid with dragon features, donning a formal black suit with a blue tie and its left arm replaced with a giant buzz saw and a sharp blade arose and dashed ahead. "Go, triple break his shields!" With a swing, the buzz saw hacked away three shields.
Tenshiyoku stood silent, surrounded by shield shards. An ominous grin appeared on his face as the shards united into three cards that went into his hand. He revealed one of them and said:
"Shield trigger, I cast Now or Never and put Zardiclica, Hybrid Winds Dragon in the battle zone!" A golden-armored warrior with four arms made of molten lava and with the head of a blue crystal dragon forcefully fused onto its body arose in the battle zone. "Ex Life, I gain a new shield. With Zardiclica's effect, I cast Now or Never from my graveyard once more and send it to the bottom of my deck. With Now or Never's effect, I put Nevershidend, Concatenated Purple Sky in the battle zone!" A dragon dressed in both red and golden armor appeared by Tenshiyoku's side as well, wielding a red katana in one hand and a golden spear in the other. "Ex Life, I gain another shield."
"Zardiclica? Nevershidend? But those are Zardia and Sr Spellcyclica... and also Neverend and Bolbalzak "Shiden" Dragon!" Nekohana observed, taken aback by the terrible fusions which seemed to be a mockery of the past creatures.
"These are the Dispectors, who take the best out of both worlds from weaker beings," Tenshiyoku explained proudly. "Now or Never's effect returns both creatures to my hand, but I'll burn their Ex Life shields and they shall stay! Thanks for the free bodies, now my actual turn begins - I cast Justice Shaper again." He revealed the top three cards of his deck: Dragon's Sign, End of Land, Secret Forbidden Time King and Aquan, the latter of which went into his graveyard while the rest went into his hand. "Zardiclica, attack! Since I am attacking with a Light Water Fire Dispector, Attack Chance: I cast End of Land, Secret Forbidden Time King for free! I'll draw two cards and discard Dragon's Sign, then you won't be able to cast any spells that cost 5 or less until the start of my next turn! Now go, Zardiclica, double break her shields!"
Nekohana took cover as a blast of molten lava took down two of her shields. She frowned with disappointment when she received Primal Scream and Zero Birthday in her hand, both shield trigger spells that she could not use since their cost was 4.
"From the looks of it, you're pretty locked down, filthy youkai. Nevershidend, double break her shields!" The dragon jumped forward and hacked two shields with both weapons. "I untap Nevershidend after this first attack, meaning I can attack once more and-"
"Guard Strike - I reveal Aple, Young Great Elder and prevent Nevershidend from attacking again this turn!"
"Very well, I end here and Zardiclica allows me to draw a card because I cast a spell this turn."
Tenshiyoku stood tall and proud, certain of his victory. His deck was filled with shield trigger defense and Nekohana's 5000GT only locked down creatures with power 5000 or less, which his deck contained in small numbers. There was no way he could lose on that turn.
"Since I have 9 creatures in my graveyard, I summon Obuza 08, Demon Dragon Armored by paying a single mana." A tall mechanical creature covered in spikes and chains appeared by Nekohana's side, a cannon sticking out of its mouth and a dragon's skull on its head. "With his effect I give -9000 to Nevershidend, destroying him!" The creature fired a laser beam from its cannon which obliterated the red and golden-armored dragon. "Then Fushigiverse, I send Obuza 08 to my mana zone and revive Gigandydanos, Big Tree King for 5 mana!" A green aura enveloped the mechanical creature, making it vanish, and in its place arose a giant tree creature with moose features, a glowing halo above its head and toxic purple fumes coming outs of its skull face. "With his effect, you must send all the cards from your hand to your mana zone!" She watched with satisfaction as her opponent lost the nine cards in his hand. "All your creatures that are weaker than my Gigandydanos's 50000 power cannot attack me! Now go, 5000GT, destroy Zardiclica!" The remaining opposing creature met its fate by the buzz saw's blade.
Tenshiyoku was surprised by her resilience. Instead of trying to go for the win, she dealt with his field and also left him in a pseudo-lockdown. Perhaps he had underestimated her, a mistake that would not be repeated. A smile grew on his face as he drew the top card of his deck and began his turn:
"I cast The Triple Three and draw three cards. Then I cast The Triple Three again and the next creature I summon costs 3 mana less and gains speed attacker. Come out, king of the Hybrid Dispectors - Dokindante Twenty Two, Forbidden Time Hybrid King!" A horned skeletal figure that was crucified on a stone tablet which was shaped after a pegasus and surrounded by spheres depicting the twelve hours of day materialized in the battle zone.
Having recognized her former finisher, Nekohana gasped and took a step back, murmuring to herself, "Dokindam X fused with Miradante Twelve... it even has 99999 power like Dokindam X."
"Ex Life, I gain a new shield. When Dokindante Twenty Two is put into the battle zone, all of your creatures lose their effects until the start of my next turn! Now go, break her final shield!" Tenshiyoku ordered and the creature fired twelve beams from the surrounding spheres which shattered the opposing shield into pieces.
With her lockdowns nullified and her last means of defense gone, Nekohana had once more been pushed into a corner. Checking the cards in her hand, she had no other option but to go all in.
"I summon a second 5000GT, Riot! Go, break his final shields!" she ordered and the dragon-like humanoid hacked away the opponent's remaining three shields.
Tenshiyoku's smile grew wide upon inspecting the cards he received, revealing one and saying:
"Shield trigger, I cast Scrapper Spiral Spark! Choose one of your creatures that has the lowest power and destroy it!"
"I'll destroy the 5000GT I attacked with," Nekohana replied, her creature vanishing in a fiery explosion.
"Choose one of your creatures that has the highest power and return it to your hand!"
"I'll return Gigandydanos to my hand," Nekohana conceded and her tree creature vanished in a watery spiral.
"And lastly, I'll tap all of your creatures!" Tenshiyoku said, relishing in his opponent's shock as a bright beam of light fell upon the battle zone, rendering her remaining 5000GT unable to deliver the final attack. "And now it's my turn, I summon Bau Mad Romaion, Concatenated True Wicked. Ex Life, I gain a new shield, and with his effect I recover Scrapper Spiral Spark and Dragon's Sign from my graveyard. I told you there was nowhere to run or hide from me, girly. It's game over - Dokindante Twenty Two, todomeda!"
Nekohana felt the creature blast her from twelve directions, burning her fur and piercing her flesh. Her crash against the wall only added further fractures. That, coupled with the strong magical backlash she had to endure and the tiring efforts of childbirth proved too much for her weakened body. Throughout the great pain that still lingered inside, she could feel that the Abyss was slowly creeping in to claim her at long last.
She would not cheat death again, as the reincarnation cycle had been broken once she claimed Sayo's body as her own. Her heart ached, as she would never see her beloved Shishima again, nor would she cradle Hanashishi in her arms once more. She would never get to see her son grow up and have the happy life she wished upon him, and that reality hurt more than the terrible physical pain she endured. Before she could even shed tears, her consciousness finally slipped, and then she knew no more.
"Oh no you don't, you're not getting away that easily!" said Tenshiyoku as he fired a beam of light from his hand upon her dissolving body, stabilizing it before the Abyss could claim her. "You won't be a good bargaining chip if you're dead. A coma best suits you for the time being." As soon as the light faded, he added with a satisfied smirk, "It is done, our fates are bound."
SLASH!
The sudden pain took Tenshiyoku by surprise. He felt a clawed hand grip at his throat and he turned to see none other than Shishima. Sheer anger could be read on his sharp leonine face, there was no sadistic smile, no poetic quip, just a primal urge to kill. He had no time to explain what his plan was, no moment to relish in his victory, as Shishima punched him in the face, then as he let go he also sliced Tenshiyoku's stomach open. Unlike everything he had faced on that night, those attacks inflicted severe pain. The clawed hands were soon thrust into his belly, pulling out entrails in a violent fashion. There was no rhythm to those attacks, no moments of pause to relish in the inflicted pain, just raw anger being unleashed, and the beating Tenshiyoku endured felt worse than anything Oureria even pulled on him. When it was all over, the once beautiful angel was left a bloody mess lying on the bedroom floor, not far from his victim.
"You picked the wrong target tonight, fool!" Shishima spat as he raised his claws in the air to deliver the finishing blow. "Let this be a message to anyone who dares come after-"
"If you kill me, she also dies!" Tenshiyoku spoke in a nutshell and then coughed on his own blood.
The claws paused mid-air. "You're bluffing."
"Am I?" Tenshiyoku weakly raised his hand and revealed a glowing string that stretched from his pinkie all the way to Nekohana's pinkie. It vanished as soon as it appeared. "Our fates are now bound. If either one of us dies, so will the other."
Shishima's eyes widened, the only sign Tenshiyoku needed to know that he won. As his body slowly began healing, the angel forced himself back up and continued, "I am Tenshiyoku, former prince of the Dawn Kingdom. I, like you, have been banished by my mother and denied my birth right. Which is why I've come here to demand that you forsake your allegiance to the Oni RexStars and join the side of the Dispectors! Together we'll bring new glory to both the Twilight and Dawn Kingdoms!"
"Will this 'glory' include freeing my mother from the punishment I've imposed on her?"
"Ah, but Shishima, we both know that your mother has the best intentions when it comes to future of our kingdoms! Her long and prosperous reign is a testament to that!"
"Don't you dare sugarcoat me!" Shishima said through his clenched fangs. "I know very well what your true goals are - undoing the peace I've fought hard to achieve, all for the sake of claiming your own crown. This Shishima will not partake in your farce, so you can shove those Dispectors right-"
"Let me put it in simple terms for your barbarian brain: you don't join us, I'm never freeing Nekohana from her coma or our bound fates. Your choice!" Tenshiyoku replied plainly, certain that he finally caught him in a checkmate. What he did not expect was Shishima baring out his claws once more and approaching him like a predator. "What are you doing? I said if you kill me, she also dies!"
"I'll take my chances."
That look on his face was enough indication that he was not bluffing. Was he truly willing to risk his lover's life? Tenshiyoku was no longer certain, but he knew that he had endured enough pain that night and did not need to feel anymore. In the span of a second, he turned into a small orb of light and flew out the broken window.
Sazansho stepped over the unconscious guards after Rufu finished beating them. He inspected the entrance door while rubbing his chin, trying to estimate the strength of the magical barrier he was sensing. Deciding that it was best to use the full extent of his powers, he took a deep breath and spat a grand torrent of blue fire, his companions patiently waiting. By the time he was done, smoke came out of his mouth.
"I've canceled the barrier and all defense enchantments surrounding this room. Gentlemen, the floor is yours!" Sazansho said as he stepped aside.
Rufu approached the entrance and with a single thrust from his fist, the doors were knocked wide open. The luxury suite was small, having just enough room for a red plush sofa and a dining table. Above, a chandelier with four candles to light the room. One of the walls was made of glass and with sturdy bars, so the commoners could all witness and laugh at the former queen's shame for eternity. Koushishi rose from her couch and stretched her wings and limbs, shaking away the numbness that overtook her over the past few months. Kamijishi rushed past her loyalists and quickly fell on his knees in front of her, saying:
"All hail Queen Koushishi, the legitimate ruler of the Twilight Kingdom! My name is Kamijishi, servant of Prince Tenshiyoku, and on my master's behalf I've come to propose an alliance!" She remained silent, a sign for him to continue, "We seek to reinstate you on your rightful throne, and in exchange we humbly ask that you aid us in dethroning Queen Oureria!"
In response, the lioness daiyoukai burst into mirthful laughter, bringing shivers down the angel's spine. "At last, the day has finally come. My retribution will set this treacherous kingdom of mine on fire! Of course, Kamijishi. To prove my endless generosity, I will gladly help you with your quest for the Dawn Kingdom's throne."
"In that case I welcome you to the team, Your Highness!" Kamijishi took out two cards: Alphadios, Lord of Spirits and Dorballom, God of Demons. His hands glowed green, forcefully fusing them both into Dorphadillom, Holy Demon Concatenated King, which he then offered to Koushishi.
"And what might this lovely creature be?" she asked while inspecting her gift.
"A Dispector, which is a fusion of two past creatures. The Dispectors have five factions, each containing three civilizations. They are as follows: Electrofused, Water Fire Nature, belonging to Sazansho. Connected, Light Darkness Nature, belonging to Rufu. Hybrid, Light Water Fire, belonging to Prince Tenshiyoku. Sutured, Water Darkness Nature, belonging to me. And lastly, Concatenated, Light Darkness Fire, which are all yours, Your Highness!"
"I can already sense the power of these Dispectors, Kamijishi. This power you've bestowed upon us shall be the first step to me reclaiming the throne!" Koushishi declared, her advisors hailing her name.
Kamijishi nodded and pulled the hood over his head, assured that Antoma Tan Gendo was finally pleased. With the five Dispector factions united, it was only a matter of time until they upturned Queen Hyouma's rule and brought about a new order.
Deep within the Twilight Kingdom's southeastern woods, a new portal opened and out flew Borof and Shishima, the latter carrying his comatose lover.
"Sire, I've failed in the mission you gave me," Borof spoke after being silent for most of their journey. "Whatever punishment you see fit, I will accept it."
Shishima did not respond, instead he sped ahead and landed in an eerie grove. Rich grass and sharp stones surrounded him, and in the very center of that small corner of nature there was an imposing tree with reddened leaves, its roots sunk deep into the fresh corpses of youkai, feeding on their blood. Once Borof set foot on the grass, one of the roots stabbed him in the back and his eyes glowed green.
"Shishima!" the tree spoke through his servant. "What is this disgraceful sight that you now bring before me?"
"Nekohana was fatally wounded and thrown in a coma. The only thing keeping her alive is this spell that a Dawn Kingdom angel cast on her which bound their fates together," he bitterly answered. "Is there anything you can do, Jubokko?"
"Why did you not protect her? This is entirely your fault, Shishima!" Jubokko scolded and then a hole grew in its trunk, exposing pulsating veins and fleshy wood. "Leave her in my care. With time, I will be able to heal those wounds so when she wakes from her coma it won't be fatal. But there is absolutely nothing I can do to break their bound fates."
"So you'll basically be her life support until Tenshiyoku is dealt with," Shishima deduced and ultimately flew over to the tree, carefully placing Nekohana inside the trunk, and once he did, roots stabbed her wrists and ankles, pumping sap. "You best protect her with your life, else there will be dire consequences!"
"Worry not, I will succeed where you failed," the tree reassured him before closing its trunk.
There were no words left to be said. The root left Borof's body, causing him to regain consciousness. Before he could even protest at Jubokko for invading his privacy, Shishima grabbed him and took off, seeking to return to Earth. They needed to regroup and think of a new plan of attack. But more importantly, he had to find a way to shelter Hanashishi from the incoming conflict, for if either kingdom were to discover that he had a son, he would become another casualty just like Nekohana. And Shishima swore then and there that he would not fail another loved one.
My dear son,
I have received word from Fukurokuju that an uprising is on the verge of shaking the Twilight Kingdom. Reports are coming from the capital palace that everyone has lost their minds and have turned against one another due to a strange curse. Trust has been shattered.
I am heading over there to put an end to this madness. Please hurry and join my side as soon as you finish reading this letter. Queen Hyouma needs us now more than ever!
Take care of yourself,
Akaga, the Oni King