Surviving the Apocalypse.
It might seem nigh-impossible with what I currently have in possession in regards to physical and magical strength. I assure you, it has been, once. Now? Only if I'm feeling suicidal.
There are many, many different types of Beasts around Kyoto when Apocalypse settles in for the first time, lurking in the shadows, awaiting to strike in the most dire hour of Humanity. Dragons are one example, marking their presence in the airspace of Kyoto for the whole duration of the Kyoto Declaration. To make Humanity submit, Dragons would've been enough, if not for Yasaka-san, if not for Yokai opening their arms to us.
So, where are the rest of these Apocalyptic nightmares?
Most of them are currently hibernating, waiting to be unleashed once Trihexa's corrosion fully expands to the land of the rising sun. I say most, because some of them, lackeys of Trihexa as I call these creatures, are already feasting upon the commoners and the unfortunate ones. An inescapable open prison, once the homeland of many people, Kyoto now is known as the most dangerous place on planet Earth.
Created by the Beast's own skin and blood, the monsters lurk around the most uncanny of places in Kyoto, waiting for one unfortunate soul to cross their way, so they can strike them and consume what is left of them. Amalgams of beings that Humanity had slain, the species they've driven to extinction, they've come to exact their vengeance as they've suffered under Humanity once upon a time, and the Beast provides the means ever gracefully.
Attraction of the Beast, Resurrection Aspect.
The Ever-Hateful Nega-Messiah
As Trihexa expands its wings to yet another species, offering them the power to crush the beings they've suffered under, People of Kyoto soon find themselves praying to Gods, as the dead walk again once more among the living, enacting the first basis of Apocalypse in many mythologies. Their aim, unclear, their hatred, unrelenting, their strength, overwhelming. I refer to them as Vengeful Wanderers as a whole.
Among these Wanderers, there are Vermillion Birds of lower caliber, capable of extinguishing even the most formidable of humans even though they've been severely weakened due to the corrosion, aiding Trihexa and its conquest of realms unwillingly, unknowingly. One of the first to arrive in the Eastern side of the World, the lands from which their legends have originated from allure these creatures like no other.
Apart from Vermillion Birds, there are few certain species that no matter where I end up at the end of my journey, I stumble upon, such as Hydras, Oni, Basilisks and Corroded Yokai. Even amongst such species, there are few bound exceptions that require precise handling for the sake of the innocents. One such case is a Japanese Yokai/Oni that is solely composed of the bones of slain humans, Gashadokuro. They, however, are one of the toughest to deal with regardless of how powerful I am at the time. That is due to the fact that one can't defeat Gashadokuro with might alone.
Why?
Because Gashadokuro stands for rattling skeleton, literally. It's a lesser Embodiment of Hatred, it's body formed by the bones of people that either met their end in the battlefield, or of starvation and thirst. Endlessly wandering the mainland, Gashadokuro doesn't stop until it avenges whomever killed them or their target pleads guilty and repents for their sins. The best way to deal with Gashadokuro are to leave them alone and find whoever is responsible before it's too late.
I've yet to incur the wrath of them on my own, that's something I'm grateful for.
I'm sure you've noticed something off with the beasts I mentioned, Corroded Yokai.
Humans possess natural adaptability, we adapt to our environment due time and have little difficulty maintaining our physique and wellbeing in such times. That's one of the better perks that comes with being Human, that we do not get affected by the Corrosion Aspect. However, that doesn't apply for most of Supernatural, especially those that are under constant exposure to Beast's Aura.
During the entire duration of the Kyoto Incident, Yokai are constantly battling against the Corroded and Resurrected Beasts, as well as Heralds of the Apocalyptic Beast when time comes. It's only natural that they're exposed to Beast's influence and Aura, which in turn reverses their natural gifts, exponential Ki and Touki. If only they lost their magical possessions, that much wouldn't present any problems.
I've told you a story about how Val ends the world in some cases, due to being exposed to the Beast before his body could develop resistance against Trihexa's corrosion. Val only manages to develop resistance because he's part Human and Dragon, that his devil blood can resist against Trihexa's tricks. The same logic applies to every Supernatural being, no matter how strong they are, they'll eventually get infected and would be forced to fight alongside the Beast.
Val's only saving grace is he's one tough motherfucker to take down. I've come across versions of himself that forcefully rewrote his entire existence, rejecting his demonity and turning himself into a full-fledged Dragon, with the help of Albion. The single act of renouncing his demonity allows Val to develop enough resistance to never ever fall into the hands of the Beast, even when he's finally bit the dust. No one can be as durable as Val when it comes to resisting against Trihexa, no matter where you look at it.
Kyoto Incident lasts 3 years, just because Yasaka-san manages to develop a cure for those that are infected. If not for her guidance and support, Kyoto would've fallen in under six months, no more, no less. The dedication and ferocity of those that continue to contribute are unmatched, and Yasaka-san is no quitter if it means Yokai and Humanity live to see another day.
What part do I play in the Resistance?
What can I contribute?
Something priceless.
Knowledge.
Information about the cure, of how Yasaka-san might revert the effects of corrosion and utilize the Yokai most efficiently, of the characteristics of the Beast falling down to our lands. About other pantheons and how much they've suffered, communication with beings that are yet to descend to our realm. Of course, with the nobody I am today, there's no way that I can reach out to Yasaka of Yokai by myself. However, if you're a regressor like me, there are plenty of backdoors you are able to utilize in the next cycles.
What I've set out to do might sound unethical to you, yet I've moved past the point of being rational and ethical. I mainly care about being efficient and quick, especially within the first months of Kyoto Incident. That's because if I try to do things the ethical way, I waste a year of progress and eventually the number of Corroded Yokai exceeds the remaining, healthy Yokai. If you have enough imagination, you can pretty much picture how that one goes for us.
So, how do I manage to get the attention of Yokai?
By defiling a Shrine, of course.
Shrine of Susanoo, no less.
Even when Apocalypse is in full effect, they aren't able to pass something as sinful as this away. Not to take credit away from myself, I do a pretty nice job when it comes to ruining something so much that it doesn't even make you reminisce about it the same way ever again. I actually pride this as one of my stronger points, reinforced by Baek Soo-Yeun and Val's comments, as well. I am pretty much unmatched at this.
Yokai would ignore me and my comments for the first five minutes, which I spend drawing some nice, juicy things on the depictions of Susanoo and Tsukuyomi. That much is fine as they think me of someone deranged, mentally ill. However, in the next forty five minutes, I show them the perfection of my craft. Illustrating the most fucked up thoughts and straight up blasphemy unheard of this caliber, for the sake of not revealing the element of surprise, I'm going to refrain myself.
There's a great reason I'm revered as the Perverted Trio's Leader.
[Recommended BGM; Peace of Akatosh by Jeremy Soule.]
If not for my little derailment, I'd be on my way to the Shrine.
However, it ain't a big deal. I managed to come across a beautiful soul. If I can save him from himself and the world around him even for a bit, that much is already enough for me.
Little Sei, I made a promise to him and I have to fulfill it.
Comfortably laying his chin at the top of my head, I can feel his anticipation and fear of the unknown, still not able to acknowledge the fact that Kyoto no longer stands tall as it used to. He's just a kid, I can't blame him for not being able to perceive this fact. For him, for all the innocent souls that desire to go back to the world we once knew, I have to do everything I can, even if I have to lay my body in line of fire.
His little fingers, strafing throughout my hair, anxiously and forcefully. Even when I am able to ease his burdens a little, it's only natural for him to be still at edge. The longer he's silent, the harder it will be for him to focus on being optimistic and happy. I made quite the remark about being optimistic when faced with Apocalypse for the first time, but every human is different from one another. Even if I come face to face with the Beast right now, and I won't be shaken, due to knowing that I get to see another day thanks to my gift.
"Say, Sei."
"Mhm?"
"What did you want to be when you grew up?"
"Mmm… I don't know. I promised papa that I would become a hero like him!."
"A hero?"
"Yes! Papa saved people from fire, I wanted to be like him."
"He's a firefighter, I'm sure you'd become one yourself, too."
"Mhm! People that papa saved came around often, they brought me presents too."
"How surprising… Where's your papa and mama now, Sei?"
"I don't know, Nii-san."
"I'm sure they'd take you with them if they knew they would survive, Sei. For their sake, I'll do my best to keep you safe."
If they're as benevolent as Sei proclaims, I'm sure they've done their part and contributed until the very end. There can't be any other explanation for their disappearance, although I presumed the worst, I'm glad that Sei had such role models and good people around him before I got to know him. It's been almost a week since Dragon Shower now, ordinary people can't survive that long against the Beast, especially if they go in blindly, without realizing the dangers the monsters pose.
"What about you, Nii-san?"
"Hmm?"
"Is there anyone you need to meet up with?"
"Ah… There actually is, Sei. I was on my way to present some information about these events, that is until I met you."
"I made Nii-san take a detour?"
"Haha, don't worry about it Sei. I'd have spent some time in the suburbs regardless, I'm glad that I got to spend time with you instead."
"Sorry, Ise-nii-san."
"Don't be, didn't I say I was happy because I met you."
"Still!"
"Forget about it, kiddo. No need to cry over spilled milk."
I've been on my way to one safe convenience store I managed to find in my earlier cycles, away from people and attention before meeting up with Sei. Even if I am in such a hurry, I need to gather supplies and take care of myself before meeting up with Soo-Yeun once again. In most cycles, I embark on this road with her, getting to know her better during our journey and developing our relationship deeper. This time, I got to have a little brother on my shoulders, demanding cookies. What can I say, either way, I'm pleased.
This one store building had its fair share of Apocalyptic damnation upon it as expected, still, I only need fifteen minutes, I just pray to whomever hears me that it doesn't collapse upon me by the time I'm already done scavenging.
Navigating through the rubbles, I find the aisle where cookies are located. As expected, there are plenty of supplies untouched, as it's far away from civilization, this store escapes the fate it would succumb to if it had been in the more populated parts of the city. I extend my arms to little Sei, gradually and carefully lowering him to the ground to not hurt him even slightly. The look on his eyes, finally finding adequate food that will leave a good taste in his mouth, is priceless.
"Enjoy yourself, Sei. I'm gonna be over there, need to make a phone call. Just shout out to me if you need anything."
"Mhm!"
Even if I'm with Sei, I can't help but worry about my companions even for a second, especially the hot wench. Val would find a way to cheat death if necessary, I have that much faith in his capabilities and the extent of his power. Soo-Yeun? She's a different story, like one bishonen I'll encounter much later in my adventures, she blooms much, much later compared to Val's insane growth and innate strength. Without my guidance, she's akin to a ticking time bomb, in due time that will wound us for sure just because she has a tendency to overstep her boundaries.
It's been six days since the Dragon Shower, I can't even imagine what Fortress of Dawn looks like at the moment. In the drifting cycle, I managed to get a closer look at the Headquarters of the Demonic Sect, being buried in ruins and memorials, long past its prime. Of course, Baek Soo-Yeun of that cycle flourished the ruins and became a one member cult by herself, just because I could oppose her, that she found the strength and ambition to rise as the Last Heavenly Demon.
This cycle is different, it's bound to be.
As I dial in, I hope to hear the soothing voice of my eternal companion.
All for naught.
Expectedly, I had no answer to my calls.
I can only hope for the best, that Soo-Yeun will undoubtedly come back.
Yet…
Yet…
I don't know, I'll possibly never know.
If Soo-Yeun met her end alongside the Demonic Sect, I have no idea what I should do.
Do I… reverse the clockwatch..?
For one person?
Do I have to..?
I'm… not sure…
I have to… keep marching onwards, even if… even if it means I won't be able to see her smile for another decade…
That's who I am, I can't forsake the world for just one soul…
I shouldn't
I must not.
Eventually we will rejoice, eventually…
I'm sorry, Soo-Yeun…
That Hyoudou Issei is one motherfucker scared of death, of not being able to regress once more.
Compared to all the times you greet lady Death with a smile.
It's been twelve hours since I dropped voicemails and hundreds of calls, all directed to Soo-Yeun.
I couldn't leave the convenience store even if I wanted to, my legs never stopped trembling when I attempted to make my way out.
I'm used to losing people, that has become a part of me.
I hate being able to say that with a straight voice, I hate the way Regression made me.
I feel, I can only feel in this god forsaken world.
I have only feelings yet to lose, I'm afraid what will come after I abandon the only part of humanity I have left.
I hate.
I hate.
HateHateHateHateHateHateHateHateHateHateHateHateHateHateHateHateHateHATEHATEHATEHATEHATEHATEHATEHATEHATEHATEHATEHATEHATEHATEHATEHATEHATEHATE
I HATE MYSELF.
IF ONLY…
IF ONLY I HAD A BETTER BEGINNING…
if only I could be of some use…
i would be able to…
I could..
"Hyoudou?"
"..."
"What's going on?"
"..."
"Are you, alright?"
"..."
"Where the fuck are you, I'm coming straight away."
"Ise-nii-san's sleeping, who is this?"
"What's the name kiddo? And where's Hyoudou?"
"Sekiguchi, Sir! Ise-nii-san made a promise to me to get me cookies and brought me to a store, I ate as many as I could!"
"Good for you, Sekiguchi. Do you happen to know where you are at the moment?"
"Nuh uh…"
"Damn… Do you know how to share the location through the GPS, Kid?"
"Yes! Papa taught me."
"Nice! Share it with this number, I'm gonna be there soon to check up on your Nii-san."
"Is Ise-nii-san in some trouble?"
"Not at all, Sekiguchi. I just need to confront him about something, I'm also worried about him. I'm sure he mentioned me, the name's Vali."
"Mhm! Ise-nii-san spoke highly about you and the beautiful lady."
"The Beautiful Lady?"
"Baka So-Yen."
"Baka So-Yen?"
"Ise-nii-san tried to reach out to her a couple of times today, I don't know why."
"I'll be there in a min, Sekiguchi. Try to wake up your Nii-san, we have a lot to talk about."
"You told me Cadres would be dead by the time I got there, you motherfucker."
"They should've been. Not my fault. Cadres lasting this long hadn't happened before."
"Well, sorry to burst your fucking bubble but they made it out."
"Good for you."
"Fuck that, where the fuck have you been? I tried contacting you numerous times today."
"It's weird, you know, that you care for me this much."
"You're my only hope to defeat Trihexa, after, I'm gonna bury you nevertheless."
"That's more like it."
"The fuck's gotten into you?"
"I don't know, I don't care."
"Well, I do."
"Don't."
"I swear I'm gonna have a meltdown here, Hyoudou."
"Fucking do it Val."
"Why are you being like this? Weren't you the one to tell me that we need to keep our composure even when we're against unfavorable odds?"
"Something changed, that's why."
By then, Vali's grip on my throat easened. He's been strangulating me ever since he got to the store, pushing me against the vulnerable walls. His fierce eyes staring deep into my uninterested, lifeless ones. I don't want to trauma dump him, I don't want to be seen as a weakling because I lost my hope due to one person, although important to me, has seemingly perished before I could give my last regards to them.
"You're very, very lucky that we didn't meet when I was still a raging teenager, Hyoudou."
"Hah, as if that would change anything with you."
"It does, trust me."
"What does?"
"I regard people's feelings far more now, compared to the times I've been mindlessly trying to gain power."
"Coming from you, that's a shocker."
"Believe me, even I wouldn't want to meet my younger self."
"Pfft."
Seeing Val being honest about himself, that he's not afraid to open up to people, it's… relieving in a sense.
"I can verify that, nya~"
His companion, that he brought all the way from Underworld to here, finally decided to partake in our conversation. Keeping little Sei in her arms, providing the safety and warmth of a mother ever so kindly, this person means the World to Val more than anything and anyone else. Kuroka Toujou, an SS Class Stray-Devil that hunted down her master, albeit for very, very good reasons. Dressed in her kimono and pitch black veil that covers her hair, this voluptuous figured woman had been there for Val when no one wasn't. That's the main reason I respect her, because she understands the troubles this madlad went through and never abandoned him.
Just a few months before Apocalypse dawned upon us, Kuroka Toujou, restless due to her sister's fall in Reignition, made the decision to live the life of a recluse at the glorious nature of the Nordic countries. Due to her nature, she didn't inform anyone of her decision and left Val with a note, stating how sorry and heartbroken she is. Good thing Val has someone like me as his friend as we spent cycle 74th together to locate Kuroka due to my promise to his cycle 71st self.
Kuroka's presence weakens the boundaries of this madlad, even changing him slightly. This Nekoshou reinforces the Human part of Vali more than the demonic part, giving his emotions more room to develop and eventually giving him a decent shot at being a normal person. If not for her, Val would turn out to be just like his ancestors, cold and merciless, prideful and uncaring. I'm glad there's someone out here for him, honestly.
"Kuroka, Toujou. Nice to meet nya~."
"Hyoudou Issei, likewise."
If not for Val burying me deep into the walls, I'd have extended my hand to her. As if he heard me, Little Sei went in for a handshake of his own, despite snuggling to the lady with all his might.
"Sei! Issei Sekiguchi, Kuroka-nee-san."
"Ah! You're both Issei, how adorable, little one. Don't worry, your Nee-san will take care of you."
One thing that also helps Kuroka being listed high on my list of people is that she possesses strong, unmatchable maternal instincts. She's akin to a beacon of light with broken and lonely kids, Val included. Even the faintest smile that escapes her lips is enough for the Battle-crazed Lucifer to stand down, I'm amazed by her capabilities of negotiation.
"So, I take it that you're the one Va-chan's been talking about non-stop."
"Kuroka!"
"You're capable of being embarrassed about something? Color me fucking surprised."
"Shut up!"
"I'm gonna tease you to death, not even your future counterparts will be safe from this."
"Future counterparts?"
"Reintroduction, Hyoudou Issei, a.k.a Regressor. Val gave me plenty of reasons to trust you, Kuroka Toujou."
"Fufu, first, Trihexa, now a Regressor. Life's surely full of surprises."
"Yeah, if only the Beast of Revelations was our only problem."
"Nya~?"
"Don't have enough time to chit chat, need to confirm something first, I'm gonna borrow this bastard for a bit. Is it alright with you?"
"Hey! Don't leave me out of the conversation."
"He's all yours, I'll be looking after the little one."
"You have my utmost thanks, Toujou-san."
"No need to be formal, nya~!"
As Kuroka tends to Sei, I forcefully drag Val to confirm my suspicions.
"You and I, we need to look for a certain someone."
"Whom?"
"What does Kuroka mean to you?"
"What's that to do with what we're gonna do?"
"It has everything to do, just answer the damn question, Val."
"I guess she means everything to me?"
"Damn straight, we'll search for someone that's the equivalent of Kuroka to me."
"That important?"
"On point, a valuable asset even if I wasn't caring for them."
"Let's get straight to it then."
"Do you happen to know where Fortress of Dawn is located?"
"I didn't spend a decade in Grigori to not know basic information like this, Hyoudou. Of course I fucking know where the Demonic Sect's Headquarters is."
"Then teleport us there immediately."
"Oh, is this person Baka So-Yen?"
"Baka So-Yen?"
"Yeah, the little one called her that. The Heavenly Demon, Seo Baek-Hyang and her descendant, Baek Soo-Yeun. Don't get me wrong, I was surprised at first, yet I figured I shouldn't be."
"Because I'm a regressor?"
"Precisely, I don't know how you two ended up the way you are, but I honestly don't care at the moment."
In the magical lands of the Eastern World, there are plenty of mysteries to the Humans. Societies that have been brought up for thousands of years, tribes that have yet to go extinct and monsters that still persist. Martial World and their locations are hidden, kept as secrets to the Humanity, only appearing to those that have been gifted with extraordinary amounts of Ki and Aura, calling them to this side of the World.
In the lush jungles of Korea lies the foundations of civilizations older than the Martial World, those that made the first step to overcome their boundaries and limits, located there are the shrines devoted to the primordial deities of planet Earth. Demonic Sect, located within a seemingly endless forest, able to deceive the eyes of many adventurers and travelers. Had Val not possessed the information needed, we wouldn't be able to see the sect's headquarters.
Ransacked and ravaged, from the green jungles of Korea laid the waste and ruin of the Demonic Sect and its followers. Grave after grave, memorial after memorial, as if life had ended in its entirety. That wouldn't come as a surprise, I've observed this sight before, a scene that's more than enough to depress me.
However, Demonic Sect and its leader won't go down without a worthy fight. For every follower that met its end, at least ten beasts followed them to the afterlife. This battlefield, filled with corpses of man and beast.
Even Val's been pretty surprised with the amount of beasts they've slain, with wide eyes he's been examining the battlefield in its entirety. Step by step, we've been getting closer to the decisive moment. The moment which will break me.
One must never underestimate the ferocity of Swordmasters of the Eastern World.
That's a mistake I have committed in the past, and I still am shaken about it.
Alas, as if to present me with hope, the Greatest of Sinners appear before us, beheading yet another monster that dared to disturb her meditation.
Heavenly Demon
Coated with the blood of beasts, the Leader of Demonic Sect slowly withdraws her blade, shining bright red from her usage of Aura, from her victim, a five-headed Hydra. Seo Baek-Hyang, a woman of alluring beauty with skin as white as marble, almost charcoal like eyes that resemble that of her daughter. Her clothing, befitting that of Heavenly Demon, pitch-black Wuxia that embraces her seemingly young body.
Her cold, uninterested and glaring eyes finally find their destination, Val and I. Within an instant, she appeared before us, locked in, not even discriminating whether her blade swung towards an innocent or sinner. Looking eye to eye with Heavenly Demon and making it out alive is a supposed myth, as once she starts to cut down the Sinners, Heavenly Demon won't stop until there are none left.
Thankfully, I have someone as deranged as Heavenly Demon right next to me, Vali fucking Lucifer.
Stopping the Heavenly Demon's blade with his bare hands, Vali conveys a clear message. That we are not here to fight.
And if we were, Heavenly Demon would cease to exist here and now.
Vali's someone that had his fair share of starvation, thirst and death experiences, against the current Heavenly Demon, he would've gone all out but still emerge as victorious in the end. Infernal Heaven's Grace is simply a technique that's invalid against the likes of Vali, a sinner that has experienced the worst outcomes and endings.
"State your business, Devil."
"I have no desire to disturb the peace of the Demonic Sect, it is my friend here that requires your cooperation, Heavenly Demon."
Still, Val gives credit where it's due. Seo Baek-Hyang is a formidable opponent, one that Vali can respect.
"Baek Soo-Yeun, I've come to look for her."
"On whose account?"
"Mine, I'm one of her friends from Kyoto. Your daughter made a promise that she hasn't fulfilled, that's why I came here."
"Shame, truly."
"If you are able to exact your price from a grave, be my guest, strangers."
The sorrow of a mother that buried her daughters, I pray to God no soul experiences pain like this ever.
Soo-Yeun
Daughter of Seo-Hyang
Sister to Demonic Sect
Sibling of Seo-Jae
1997-2018
May her soul rest in lights, guided by the innocents.
Even If I try to contain myself, I can't…
I…
Soo-Yeun…
Do I…
For one person?
No…
For Soo-Yeun..?
Can I… abandon my purpose..?
Just because… Just because…
"Next time we meet, try to call me earlier."
Someone else made the judgment on my behalf.
And I'm thankful for it.
A short chap, because chapter 7 and 8 are connected, so expect chapter 8 within a day or less xd.
We'll derail from the plot on chapter 8 to introduce someone special, stay tuned ^^
R&R boys and grilles.
Shiwftie, out.