"Human Talking"

'Human Thoughts'

"Demon Talking"

'Demon Thoughts'

[Spells or Techniques]

28th of October 2014

Japan

Minato Ward, Tokyo

Odaiba

3:30 P.M

The call of Daiba station rang out in the train car and the passengers shifted in their seats, checking their belongings as they did so.

The train slowed down and came to a stop. As the train doors opened the crowd of people exited the train. Among them are two children, they distance themselves from the crowd and sit on a bench to look upon their surroundings.

Sahori looked at the people around them going to and fro, from one end to the station and to the other. 'Such a busy life these people lead. I wonder, do they even know that a horrific crime occurred near this place just two days ago or do they not just want to think about such a thing?' She thinks to herself, wondering if the people here don't care about the appalling murder that has happened right at their doorsteps or they just don't know about it. She doesn't know which thought is more worrisome.

"Is something the matter, Sahori?" Sahori turned her head to the side and saw Jasper looking at her questioningly.

Sahori smiled and shook her head "No, it's just, I'm happy that we're at Odaiba and we can finally see the sights. It is my first time here, you know."

Jasper looked at her blankly, but he just huffed in amusement "It is my first time here, too. But we shouldn't get too comfortable, you do remember that we're here to investigate don't you?" Though he really couldn't blame her. Even he wants to explore Odaiba and see what it has to offer.

Sahori nodded in agreement "I do, but maybe we can look at the sights while we investigate, can't we, Jasper?" She looked at him with upturned eyes and could see his resistance visibly crumbling.

"Fine," Jasper bit out, Sahori was about to celebrate but he held his hand up "But we should be vigilant, we never know when danger will show itself."

Sahori agreed and stood up, smiling all the while. "Let's go, then. I just know where to go first." She grabbed his hand and dragged him out of the station.

Their first stop is Palette Town, a shopping mall and entertainment complex. Jasper is puzzled why they are here, but it became clear when Sahori entered a high class clothing shop. What followed was half an hour of Sahori choosing and buying clothes that she fancied like long skirts and collared long sleeves frilly shirts.

Funnily enough, the store clerks thought they were just lost children and not customers. That quickly changed when Sahori showed them a credit card and they all fell silent and assisted with her shopping after that. Jasper doesn't know what that credit card is, but he can surmise that that credit card is essentially a blank check given to her by her father. He could feel himself getting lightheaded just thinking about the money that Sahori's family possesses.

After clothes shopping, they went to the statue outside DiverCity Tokyo Plaza. They could see a lot of people taking pictures of the huge Gundam statue. Sahori's eyes widened in delight as she took in the sight and Jasper couldn't blame her. Even he is impressed at the robot statue.

Sahori grabbed her camera from her bag and started taking pictures. After taking pictures of her surroundings, she grabbed Jasper's hand and went towards the statue.

They stopped in front of the statue. "Jasper, smile for the camera." Jasper rolled his eyes, but did as she said and smiled. Sahori turned her camera towards them and smiled. A blinding flash followed and Jasper had to blink a few times to get rid of the spots in his eyes.

He looked at Sahori who looked quite delighted at the picture, seeing as she's still preoccupied, he looked around the place and found a bench near them. Sitting on it, he took out his cellphone and saw Gremlin lazing about on its sofa.

"Summoner, what can I do for you?" It raised its hand in greeting, but didn't bother to get up from its seat.

"Sahori and I are currently investigating the crime that happened in Odaiba and I would like your help with that."

Gremlin looks at him like he has a screw loose. "You two kids must have some kind of death wish if you're snooping around for that demon."

"Regardless of your opinion, we must find and eliminate that demon. It has killed people and will continue to do so. The bodies will only continue to pile up if we don't do something about it." Jasper said with a steely conviction in his voice.

A look of consternation spread on Gremlin's face. "Tch. Fine, I'll do it. It's not like I have a choice anyway."

"Thank you, Gremlin. Though I know I can order you to do my bidding, it is only to our benefit if we can mutually work together without any animosity between us." Jasper sent Gremlin a grateful look.

"Whatever. Just tell me what to do." Gremlin grumbled as he looked at the side.

"Very well then. First, we need to know its location. Can you sense the demon right now?" Jasper asked, curious if the demon is running around the area even though the sun is out.

Gremlin closed its eyes and sensed the place around them. Some moments passed and Gremlin opened its eyes. "I can't sense it anymore, maybe it's not in this area."

Jasper shook his head "Maybe it hid its presence? Gremlin, can a demon do that?"

Gremlin's eyes narrowed "Yeah, we can do that. But why would it even hide itself, no human could possibly threaten it." Jasper looked at him questioningly and Gremlin rolled its eyes "Human weapons don't really hurt us and we really don't think of humans as threats, Summoner. So why would it even bother hiding its presence."

Jasper hummed in thought at the new information that he has heard. "Human weapons don't hurt demons? So guns and missiles can't hurt you?"

"That's what I heard from other demons. I'm not exactly keen on going around to get shot at by a human to test out that theory."

"I see." Jasper fell silent as he mulled over the information that Gremlin provided him.

"Hey, summoner. I got a question for you. How can you use magic?" Gremlin crossed its arms and tilted its head to the side in confusion.

Jasper blinked in surprise at the question. "What brought this on?"

"I haven't seen any humans use magic before, so I got curious." Gremlin looked at him inquisitively.

"Well, if you must know, Sahori is the one who has taught me how to use magic." He smiled as he saw Sahori walking around and admiring the place.

"Eh?! That girl taught you to use magic?! But how? She's human!" Gremlin exclaimed, its loud voice being amplified by the speakers of his cellphone. Fortunately there were no people near him to hear what was said.

"Can you please keep your voice down." Jasper said with an annoyed look and massaged his ears as it continued to ring.

"Are you sure your friend's not a demon in disguise, summoner? That's the only reason I can think of why she knows how to use magic and teach it to others." He couldn't blame Gremlin for being so skeptical. Even he is quite mystified by the circumstances they find themselves in.

"I can guarantee you that she is as human as one can be. Besides, the only reason she can use magic now is because we fought a demon before gaining the ability to do so." Jasper said, a wistful look on his face as he looked at Sahori.

"What? You kids fought a demon before you could even wield magic? I don't know if that's the most idiotic thing I have ever heard or the bravest." Gremlin looked at him like he was an especially dim child.

Jasper huffed in annoyance "You don't have to tell me that, but all I can tell you is that Sahori and I needed to do that."

Seeing that its summoner clamped down about that topic Gremlin let it be "Right, well, whatever. So, what do you need me to do about that demon?"

"For now, we need more information about its whereabouts. Start looking through security cameras near the area where you felt that demon, we might find a clue there. In the meantime, Sahori and I will go to the place where the bodies were found."

"And if I find it?" Gremlin gripped its hammer and wrench anxiously.

"If you do find it, then it's best that you immediately make yourself scarce and report back to me." Jasper looked at Gremlin with a reassuring gaze.

"Sounds like a plan. I'll be going, then." Gremlin let out a relieved sigh and bid him goodbye as it left his cellphone and flew away.

With that out of the way he shifted his attention to Sahori and found her staring at him with a look of amusement.

"I suppose that our time for leisure is now over, Jasper?" Though she said it as a question he can tell that she already knows the answer.

Jasper nodded. "That it is, it's time to do what we came here for, Sahori."

As they walk to their destination, the two children notice that the number of police officers increases the closer they get to Daiba Park, their destination. When they arrived, they could see police lines covering most parts of the park. Investigators scoured the place looking for anything that might hint as evidence against the perpetrator of that heinous crime. Off to the side, there were several heavily armed policemen guarding the place. Their eyes keenly observing if any trouble is afoot.

"Seems like the police are taking this quite seriously." Jasper said as he looked around the park. He even saw a police dog sniffing around the place where they found the bodies.

"True, but something is quite wrong in this situation." Sahori said with a puzzled look.

"What do you mean, Sahori?" He looked at her questioningly.

Sahori gestured to the heavily armed policemen "Why are the Special Assault Team deployed here? If memory serves, these kinds of units are only deployed when the police are expecting a direct confrontation with the perpetrator.

Jasper raised his eyebrow inquisitively "Special Assault Team? Is that what they're called?" Sahori nodded, "I see, I'm surprised that you're knowledgeable about such things, Sahori." It is a valid statement, Sahori hasn't shown any inclinations about such topics when they talk.

"Otou-san has thoroughly educated me about such topics when we talk. He says that it is important that I learn of them even if I have no plan to be a soldier or a police officer." Sahori succinctly said as she looked around the park.

"I see, I forgot that your father is part of the military so I suppose it's only natural he educates you in such matters." Jasper said with a hint of understanding.

Sahori didn't say anything and continued observing the police officers. Jasper sensed someone looking at them and looked to his left and saw an officer walking towards them.

"Sahori."

"I know, let me handle it." She stepped forward to meet the officer and smiled sweetly. "Is something the matter, officer?"

The officer held a serious gaze as he looked at both of them, if they were ordinary children they would probably be terrified and running away by now.

"You kids, the park is off-limits to civilians right now, please leave." He pointed towards the exit and the intent was clear. Both of them need to leave.

"Can we ask what happened here, officer?" Sahori ignored his words and pointed at the investigators.

The officer's stony gaze softened slightly "If I tell you what happened here will you promise me that you will leave this place."

"I promise!" Sahori exclaimed as she brought up her pinky finger in front of the officer.

"It's a promise, then." The officer smiled slightly as he hooked his pinky finger to hers.

When their eyes met, mana filled the air and Sahori's eyes glowed with an ethereal red. For a brief moment, Jasper wondered what Sahori did to the man. But his silent question was answered when she started commanding the officer to tell her why there are many heavily armed policemen in this park.

"Orders from above said that tactical units must be deployed to become backup for the upcoming operation." The hypnotized officer said in a monotone voice.

"What is this operation that you speak of?" Sahori asked, her voice laced with intrigue.

"Operation: Fumigate, it's the operation to find and detain the killer. Intelligence suggests that the killer is hiding near or in the Odaiba/Minato coasts." Jasper filed away that invaluable information in his head.

"Do you know who the killer is?" Sahori narrowed her eyes in anticipation.

"No, the higher ups didn't mention anything about the identity of the killer. It's likely they don't know who the killer is."

"I see, thank you for your cooperation, you may leave." Sahori waved at the man and the spell binding him was gone. Sahori and Jasper hurriedly left the premises before the officer got his bearings back.

The two children made their way to the train station to go home thinking deeply all the while. Jasper looked at Sahori who seemed distracted. "What's on your mind, Sahori?"

Sahori stayed silent, he was about to ask again but she suddenly looked at him. "It doesn't add up."

"What doesn't add up?" Jasper asked, his eyebrow raised questioningly.

"What that policeman said. He said they don't know who the killer is, but they deployed police tactical units. They only do so when they know that there will be a direct confrontation with a heavily armed criminal." Sahori explained as she crossed her arms.

"Do you think the police higher ups lied to their subordinates?" Jasper asked as he climbed the stairs leading to the station.

"I don't know, but if they did, then they surely know what's in store for them." Sahori responded with a hint of worry in her eyes. With what Gremlin said to them about human weaponry not working against demons, if it is true, then there will be significantly more bodies when they confront the demon.

"No sense in worrying about it, Sahori. The only thing we can do is wait for Gremlin's report and prepare." Jasper said as he tapped his train card on the scanner and pushed the turnstile aside.

"I guess you're right." Sahori sighed and knew he was correct. Worrying about things that are outside of your control will serve no purpose other than to hinder oneself.

The sound of the approaching train hurried their steps and as they arrived on the train platform they saw the train waiting for its passengers. They stepped into the train and sat down.

Minutes pass and the doors of the train close and Sahori looks at the city as they pass by and her heart fills with joy as she sees the dazzling sights before her. Seeing it from the television or a computer screen can't really compare.

Sahori looked beside her and saw Jasper with a smile as he admired the city. She wishes that she can just travel around with him. But she knows that such fanciful thoughts will never come true, because they have a responsibility to ensure that any demon who wishes to do harm to their beloved city will be vanquished by their hands. This she swears.

29th of October 2014

Japan

Minato Ward, Tokyo

Minato Elementary School

12:00 P.M

"Have you heard, they said they found a lot of dead people near the Shibaura Ferry Terminal."

"The ferry? Kaa-san uses it to get to her work and to go home. Maybe she saw the crime scene."

"They said that the bodies were floating in the water when they found them. Papa says that a bad person is doing this and I should be careful when I go home from school."

A grimace formed as Jasper listened to the conversations around him. Another murder, this time with twelve victims. The news said that the victims had large chunks of their flesh missing and is said to be related to the recent murder on Odaiba. Jasper has no doubt that both crimes are related, but what bothers him is the growing list of casualties from the murders. At first, there were only five victims, but now there are twelve.

This means that the demon is becoming bolder by the day and this would only spell disaster if this goes on unchecked.

'It seems that Sahori and I must intervene before the situation becomes even more dire. But should we really?' Jasper thought as he finished his lunch.

"Nitta-kun, is something the matter?"

Jasper jolted in surprise as he saw Maginias looking at him with concern on her face.

"Oh, sorry, Maginias-chan. It's nothing, you don't need to worry about it." Jasper smiled at her, but she could see that it didn't reach his eyes.

"...Understood." Maginias said with a blank tone.

In response, she sat next to him and stared at him. Even though her gaze is as blank as a white canvas, Jasper could feel the heat behind her gaze. Minutes went by and he could feel her stare bearing down on him like a boulder about to crush him.

"Ok, ok, I'll tell you what's bothering me." Unable to bear the weight of her gaze he cracked. It may be a trick of the light, but, for a moment, he thought he saw a glint of victory in her eyes.

He sighed "Where to start, I suppose I can just ask a question. What would you do if a dangerous situation comes up and you don't want you or your partner to get hurt, would you still do it even if you could get hurt or die in the process?" Maginias fell in a deep thought as she weighed the thoughts in her mind. Finally, she looked at him.

"Personally, I think the question is quite idiotic." Maginias said with a blank expression

Jasper blinked in surprise at her answer but kept quiet as he could see she still has something to say.

"Even if one can get hurt or die in the process of resolving such a situation, they should be comforted in knowing that they are doing this for the greater good of the people. Protecting those who can not protect themselves is a noble and righteous duty and they should be honored that they are afforded to do so." Maginias said as she looked at him. Her usually blank stare is replaced with an iron one. Her sense of righteousness rings loudly in his very being and his soul is roaring with applause at her words.

"I see. You always do have a strong sense of responsibility. You're right, thank you for answering my question, Maginias-chan." Jasper said with a smile. This time she could see that he really was smiling and she felt a warmness in her chest as he smiled at her.

"It's nothing, Nitta-kun. If you have any problems, then you can always ask me for advice." Maginias said with a small smile as she looked at him.

'Confronting that demon is the course of action that Sahori and I should be taking. Shielding Sahori from danger would only be a detriment towards her growth and I'm sure she will resent me if I even attempt to do so.' Jasper thought with a wry smile. He shook his head to banish the thought.

He looked at Maginias and saw her finish her lunch "Maginias-chan, have you seen the news last night?"

Maginias nodded "Another murder like the one in Odaiba, but this time with more victims." She said with a tone of distaste.

"Right, twelve victims that were found by the ferry station. Wait a minute, isn't your home close to the ferry?" Jasper asked, a look of worry in his eyes.

"Yes, but you don't need to worry, Nitta-kun. I always go home after school and I also lock the doors of my home." Maginias replied and nodded with an assured look on her face.

'If only these threats can be handled by a locked door, then I would be reassured by what you said, Maginias-chan.' Jasper thought as he nodded to her.

The bell rang signifying that their lunch was over. As Maginias was about to return to her seat, Jasper held her hand to stop her. She looked at him, wondering why he stopped her.

"Just… please be careful, Maginias-chan. You never know what might happen." Jasper said with apprehension.

"I will, Nitta-kun. I hope you will stay safe as well." Maginias said with a light tone. He let go of her and she returned to her seat.

Minutes ticked by and the teacher arrived, lessons resumed and the afternoon passed by quickly. Through it all, Jasper couldn't help but feel that something disastrous would happen tonight.

29th of October 2014

Japan

Minato Ward, Tokyo

Itsukushima Residence

4:00 P.M

"It's worse than we feared." Jasper murmured with a dark look on his face as Gremlin finished relaying its report.

"Indeed, we thought that the demon perpetrating these crimes is operating alone, but it is, in fact, a group of demons going through Minato right now. Quite distressing." Sahori mumbled as she played with her hair, a sure sign that she's quite anxious.

"Yep, and that's not the only bad thing in this trainwreck of a situation. Did you both notice that they didn't completely eat those humans?" Unlike most days, it seems Gremlin is taking things seriously this time.

"Yes, I did notice that they only took large chunks of the victims bodies. Why did they do that, Gremlin?" Jasper stared at Gremlin with a confused look.

"I think it's because they are setting up a ritual. Most demons would devour every part of a human to get their Magatsuhi. The reason that the body is half-eaten is because it's a condition that needs to be fulfilled for their crazy ritual to take effect." Gremlin crossed its arms in thought.

"A ritual, for what?" Sahori asked with an anxious look on her face.

"I don't know, but I know it's not good. They're attracting an awful lot of attention for this ritual of theirs. I even asked some of the demons scattered in Tokyo if they have any idea about the situation. They're getting antsy too, but they don't have anything solid about those demons." Gremlin shrugged its shoulders indifferently.

Jasper perked up and looked at Gremlin with a thoughtful look "You forgot one important detail. Do you have any idea why they leave the bodies on the water? If it is a ritual, then surely this has to have a meaning to it."

"Hmm… Now that you mention it. There was a demon that I spoke to that said that the sea started getting rougher when the murders started, so maybe it's connected to that?"

"Maybe they're trying to summon a demon? Can demons do that, Gremlin?" Sahori asked with a hint of unease in her tone.

"They can, personally, I haven't seen a demon summon another demon, but a friend did tell me that there was a demon that did that many years ago in a place called Europe." Gremlin shook his head, "If they are trying to summon a demon then this is going to explode right into our faces and I don't want to be here if they succeed. I guarantee that the both of you will just be eaten by them and then your life will be for nothing." A shiver went through Gremlin's body as it floated around nervously in the air.

Silence enveloped the room and Gremlin thought that both kids were sufficiently cowed, but its opinion quickly changed when it saw their eyes.

"Then we need to make sure that that does not happen. Killing those demons would put a stop to their ritual and the murders." Jasper said with a resolute look in his eyes.

"That's right, we need to make sure that Minato, no, the whole of Tokyo will be safe from any and all demonic threats." Sahori stood up with fiery determination radiating from her body.

"Even after knowing all that, you kids still want to go after those demons? You kids really are crazy." Gremlin shakes its head incredulously at the two children.

"Your words do hold some merit, Gremlin. No sane human would willingly hunt down a group of demons that are actively trying to kill people." Jasper let out a chuckle at the thought.

"We are wasting time here, Jasper. We need to prepare for our confrontation against those demons." Sahori turned her back on them and started packing her belongings.

"You heard her, Gremlin. It would be best if you get ready. " Jasper smirked as he did the same.

Gremlin looked at the two and just sighed. Knowing that all its warnings have fallen on deaf ears, it is currently considering a way out of its demon contract, but a single part of its mind is shouting at it to follow them and see if they really can defeat those demons.

'If they can, then life won't be boring after that. I'm sure of it.'

…

..

.

Side Story: A Night to Remember

29th of October 2014

Japan

Minato Ward, Tokyo

Maginias Residence

7:00 P.M

Persophone Maginias is watching television. After a long day of school and doing her homework, she finally has time to relax and unwind. Though she gives off the appearance of a serious no-nonsense child, she does like to watch TV shows and play games, but she only does so when her tasks are finished.

She got up to drink water as an advertisement played on the television. She walks towards the kitchen, but suddenly stops.

Something on the back of her mind is saying that someone is watching her, she glances at the window, staring at it for some time and sees nothing. She touches her chest and can feel her heart beating fast. She shakes her head and goes on her way.

She picks up a mug, fills it with water and drinks from it, letting out a contented sigh as her parched throat was reinvigorated. She paused, again, there it is again. Someone was watching her. She couldn't put a finger on it, but she knows someone is looking at her.

She puts down her mug and looks around the kitchen, it was the same as usual, the dining table with two chairs, the stove, the refrigerator, the water dispenser and a woman riding a camel.

She froze, her brain finally catching up on the anomaly. There was a woman in her kitchen. A beautiful woman with sun-kissed skin, blue ornate clothing, clothing that one sees from dry desert countries, and, bizarrely enough, a camel with blue ornate headgear.

"You can see me, only a few from this city can. But you are a cut above the rest. Your Magatsuhi is exceptional, perfect for the ritual." The woman's honeyed voice echoed in her head. Her mind prompts her to kneel before her and submit, but she resists.

The woman arches her brow in surprise as she sees the girl fighting her influence "It seems your Magatsuhi is not the only exceptional thing about you. Unfortunately, you are but a human and humans are nothing but sheep." She points at her with her slender finger.

[Dormina]

A wave of heaviness hit her mind and she tried to fight it, but eventually she slumped over and fell unconscious.

The woman waved her hand and the camel grabbed the girl using its mouth and put it down next to its master. She tapped the side of the camel and disappeared into the night.

…

..

.

Author's Notes: Side stories run parallel to the main story, they are just told in a different perspective and focus on a different character.

Mentions: Thank you for following/favorite my story - LemmonGrove and ringtailemur0.

Thank you for reading, I hope you enjoyed the chapter.