Second to last chapter. The penultimate part. It's time for the climax of this arc.
Felix: Just nyow getting around to joining us, Julius? Thanks so much for gracing us with your presence.
Julius: Please. You're going to ruin my reputation. Now listen. You seem to be mistaken. I am not the man called Julius. Let me see. Perhaps I'll go by something like Jules instead. Even if it is temporary, a man who has the status of knight must never lower himself to the rank of common mercenary.
Kaoi: This guy…
While arrogance is an emotion that could make Kaoi puke. A close second would be smugness. Even without his empathy powers, Kaoi still can't stand smug people that are too prideful of themselves.
Felix: A proper household's code of chivalry can be a real pain sometimes, huh?
Julius then turns to Kaoi as he drops his smile.
Julius: I am glad to see your wounds from our previous encounter have healed.
Kaoi: Likewise.
Kaoi: Yeah this is going to be tough.
Timeskip
Kaoi: Thanks to all of you, we succeeded in taking out the White Whale. However, it's not over yet. There is going to be an attack made by the Witch Cult. Once they have been defeated then your mission will be complete
Mimi: The Witch's Cult is up next?!
Tivey: You think we can trust the allegations that the White Whale and the Witch's Cult are actually connected? I mean, after all, we just came here as reinforcements for the-
Mimi: Enough!
The small cat girl wacks the orange cat boy over the head with her staff.
Tivey: Ow! What was that for?
Mimi: If you can't believe him, even after everything he did to help stop the White Whale, then you just need to believe me.
Kaoi just smiled at the antics of the two orange cat siblings.
Felix: Didn't you look into that connection before, Old Man Wil?
Wilhelm: I wouldn't call my findings definitive evidence, but instances of Whale appearances and cult activities seem to coincide in many respects.
Kaoi: On that note, we're going to make our way to the Mathers domain. The cult is most likely hidden in the forest there. Our main strategy is to raid them before they can read our movements.
Soldier: I'm concerned. Is there a way to keep the villagers safe?
Kaoi: That is already taken care of. I asked Miss Anastasia and Russel to talk to the merchants along the highway. Under the condition that Margrave Mathers buys their cargo at the asking price, they'll ask the merchants to evacuate the villagers as well as the residents of Roswaal's mansion. For those in the mansion, Teruo should have arrived there as we speak. Nobody there knows about the alliance. There's bound to be chaos without them being notified about it.
Ricardo: Sounds like we can get the ball rolling, then.
Mimi/Tivey: Yeah!
Wilhelm: We've quite the upper hand here. We've never had such an advantage battling the Witch's Cult.
Kaoi: Agreed and now with Julius and his crew joining us, we have the advantage in numbers.
Julius then raises his hand.
Kaoi: Yes?
Julius: I'd like to offer one correction. Remember my name is Jules. Just be sure to keep that in mind.
Kaoi:... As I was saying with the additions of Julius and his crew. The Witch Cult is at a disadvantage.
Julius: Hmmmm…
Kaoi: The subjugation of the White Whale was not without its heavy toll. We've lost many men. Some even vanished and never returned. So I ask of you, to win this battle without losing another life. Set your hearts ablaze and walk towards the path of absolute victory!
Timeskip
Now riding upon their mounts. The warriors make their way to the Roswaal domain. Julius makes his way next to Kaoi riding Patrache.
Julius: Is it true?
Kaoi: What is?
Julius: The subjugation of the White Whale has been a wish the Imperial Knights have held for as long as anyone can remember, but were never able to fulfill.
Kaoi then turns his head towards Julius.
Julius: It would seem I owe you my thanks. For putting an end to what seemed like an unstoppable calamity that all nations ignored for far too long, I sincerely thank you.
Kaoi: Hmph! You're Welcome. How have you been by the way?
Julius: What?
Kaoi: Reinhard told me that you have been making rare appearances ever since our duel. He was pretty worried.
Julius: That does sound like him. Ha… I was pondering on what you said back then. Ultimately, I decided that you were correct in outing our distasteful actions in bystanding as two of the Dragon's chosen were insulted. Although I'd wish you had put your words in a more tactful way.
Kaoi: Then it may have gone over their heads. By being blunt with my words I made sure that it sticks with them.
Julius: Even so, while none of them have been open about it. Some of my men still harbor some resentment towards you.
Kaoi: I can tell.
Julius: …
Kaoi: Apologies for breaking your sword by the way. I didn't know it was a family heirloom. Honestly though if that hadn't happened I would have lost.
Julius: What?
Kaoi: It's no secret that your magical prowess is far greater than mine. If you had actually gone all out or if your sword didn't break, I would have lost that duel.
Julius: You could tell that I was holding back?
Kaoi: To be fair I was also holding back. No need to have your head rolling on the sand. Although I do wonder who would come out on top if we were to fight for real.
Julius: I see, but there is no need to apologize. It was my decision to challenge you to a duel. It was I that exploited the situation that those two knights put you in.
Kaoi: What do you mean?
Julius: The two knights that blocked you off were acting on their own accord and I decided to take advantage of the situation to pressure you into the duel. You need not worry about them as they have been thoroughly reprimanded.
Kaoi: Even so, it was I that requested that we use our real blades.
Julius: And it was I that accepted it. I am just fortunate that my lady allowed me to stay in her services as her knight.
Kaoi: That will be something I will never understand. That blind loyalty to a person.
Julius: Didn't you do all of this to get back in Lady Emilia's graces.
Kaoi: No. Like I told you before, I pride myself in the safety of others. I am doing this because people are in danger and it is my duty to help them.
Julius: I see, speaking of our duel, I must ask, how did you know about my spirits?
Kaoi: I have an ability to detect emotions. After being near Puck for a long time. I can sometimes detect the emotions of spirits even when they make their presence unknown.
Kaoi: Speaking of…
Kaoi: Hey Julius.
Julius: What is it?
Kaoi: What can you tell me about one of the merchants traveling with us?
Scene Change
Walking into her room, Emilia moves to sit on her bed as Puck comes out from her hair.
Puck: You seem tired, Lia. You should lie down and rest for a bit.
Emilia: Mm-mmm. I don't think that I'll be able to fall asleep. Aren't you getting tired, though?
Puck: No way. I'm fine. The forest barrier is all fixed up, too.
Emilia: Even so…
Tap. Tap.
Tap. Tap.
Tap. Tap.
Emilia: What is that?
Going over to her window and moving away the curtains. Emilia is shocked to see a familiar crow wearing a small red scarf.
Emilia: Teruo!
Quickly opening the window, Emilia lets in the crow.
Puck: What are you doing here?
Teruo: Emilia, I have come with an important message from Kaoi.
Emilia: Huh?
Scene Change
Looking over the village of Irlam. Stands a normal looking man accompanied by a few members of the Witch Cult. The man takes out a pocket mirror that glows blue when opened.
Kaoi: It seems like I was correct about you.
Merchant: Huh?
Kaoi: So this is how you are able to communicate with each other.
[blow strikes]
Merchant: Huh?
Looking over to his right the merchant sees a familiar demon slayer over the fallen bodies of the witch cultists. Startled, the man takes out a dagger.
Merchant: You're…
Suddenly, blood spatters as two more members are killed before a blade is placed in front of his neck.
Wilhelm: Too slow.
Surrounded by Wilhelm, Felix, Julius and Kaoi, the man drops his weapon as he is held down on the ground by Julius.
Julius: It seems that you were correct. This man was a spy for the Witch Cult. But I once again ask how.
Kaoi: Simply, when we were taking roll calls I felt a disturbing presence when I came across him. I'm glad that I was correct. Thanks to the false plan that I gave earlier, we have a two hour advantage over them.
Felix: They do say that fortune favors the bold.
Kaoi: I can agree.
Scene Change
As the carriages begin moving. Emilia is still in a little bit of disbelief.
Emilia: Even after what had happened back at the capital. He still goes out of his way for me.
Petra: We're all packed up, Lady. Ready when you are.
Looking behind her she sees the village children.
Emilia: Wait. What? Sorry, but I think there may have been a mistake.
Rem: Not at all, Miss Emilia. Given the number of people and carriages, to speed up the process, we ask you to share a ride with the children.
Emilia: Can't we put them in a different carriage? Think that would be better, for the children , that is.
Rem: No one in this word, not in Kaoi's, or in any other is meant to be alone.
Emilia: What?
Looking over to the blue maid. Emilia sees that she is bearing a reminiscence full smile.
Rem: That is what Kaoi said to me after my punishment was over and is something I think you should take to heart as well.
Emilia: But Rem-
Rem: Children, do you have anything against taking a ride in the same carriage as Lady Emilia?
Closing her eyes, Emilia prepares herself for rejection.
Petra: No, of course not.
Emilia: [Gasps]
Petra: I know her. You're the lady with the potato stamps, aren't you? The same one who always came along with Kaoi to watch as he played with us.
Emilia: Well, I, uh..
Petra: You didn't say much but I know it was you. We couldn't see your face but we saw you having a good time talking with him. [giggle]
Emilia: [Gasps]
Petra: Please come and ride with us.
Mild: It'll be fun.
Dine: Yeah, I wanna ride with you, too.
One by one, each of the children begged Emilia to come with them. Emilia, feeling at ease, grabs one of their hands and moves inside the carriage.
Emilia: Rem, take care of things at the Sanctuary. Be sure to protect the villagers.
Rem: Of course, Miss Emilia and you take care as well.
Timeskip
Now prepared to take off. Emilia decides to give words of encouragement to the soldiers.
Emilia: Please be careful. May the blessings of the spirits be with you.
With that Emilia, the children and a handful of warriors including Wilhelm take off. Wilhelm gives Kaoi a determined look.
Wilhelm: May you prevail.
Felix: Nyow that just leaves…
[Riger footsteps]
Coming with his blade bloodied, Ricardo arrives victorious.
Felix: Welcome back! How did it go?
Ricardo: Most of us pulled off the surprise attack. While some of us got injured, none died.
Kaoi: That's great to hear.
Ricardo: Those two hours really helped us out. You have my thanks little man.
Kaoi: You're welcome.
Ricardo: I don't know if you'd call 'em fastidious or high-strung, but it worked against 'em. And we got what we were after, too. This strike should shut down the communications network.
Looking behind his right shoulder. The other members of the Iron Fang strike team come in.
Mimi: Hooray! We killed all of 'em!
Kaoi: That cute voice should not be saying such things.
Tivey: Please don't say things that make us look awful. Oh! Guess what! We took a prisoner, too.
Kaoi: A prisoner?
Tied to a wooden pole, comes in this gray haired man dressed in green. For some reason this man seems familiar to Kaoi but he couldn't put a finger on it.
Kaoi: Wait a minute… Otto!
Indeed, it was the unlucky merchant that Kaoi met in a previous loop that was apparently taken prisoner.
Kaoi: He's not in the Witch's Cult so you can let him go.
Otto: I don't know who you are and I don't care, cause I'd like to thank you for saving me.
Kaoi: You can thank me after I get those bonds off you.
Otto: Thank you kind, sir.
Kaoi: Don't mention it.
Timeskip
Now that the Witch Cultists hidden in the forests have been defeated. There is only one target left.
Julius: Everything is ready and accounted for. Kaoi, we can leave anytime.
Kaoi: Alright, let's do this, everyone. We'll begin as planned. Remember, to set your heart ablaze and go forth to victory!
Kaoi: It is time to meet your end sloth.
Scene Change
Walking through the woods, Kaoi takes each step with fierce determination.
Betelguese.
Now of all the people Kaoi has met in this world. Him and Elsa are closest to demons and according to the demon slayer's code.
All demons must be slain.
These are the words that Rengoku has instilled into Kaoi.
It will be the words that he will live by.
Now arriving at a ruin, Kaoi can see the pale green man at the entrance of the ancient building. Giving off the same sadistic smile he had when he was killed…
Betelguese: I've been waiting to see you face to face for a long time, believer in love. I am a Sin Archbishop of the Witch's Cult, representing Sloth, Betelguese Romanee-Conti, yes!
Walking towards the Archbishop, Kaoi made a force respectful bow to the man.
Kaoi: It is an honor. I ask of you to allow me into the ranks of the great Witch's cult.
Betelguese: Oh, my! How wondrous, how vivacious your faith is. To think there was such a devout believer. Please forgive my sloth for failing to find him!
He then starts bashing his head upon a stone wall as he shouts to his beloved Witch to forgive him.
Kaoi:...
Betelguese: I have no way to atone! For the sloth and foolishness I have shown!
Kaoi: If I may speak freely. I don't think the benevolent witch would want to see her beloved follower in such agony. I believe she would be much happier to see you carry your ordeal to completion.
Betelguese: [Gasps] Now what was I thinking? You are absolutely right! Yes, of course. The Ordeal! What she needs from me right now is the Ordeal.
Betelguese then jumps over to Kaoi.
Betelguese: Your inspiring words have opened my eyes.
He then hugs Kaoi to thank him over and over again as he is still restraining himself.
Betelguese: With this Ordeal we must test her and find out if this half-devil is good enough, if she is a worthy vessel to put the Witch into.
Kaoi: I see, so that is your goal.
With that Betelguese lets go of Kaoi as he brings out a black book.
Betelguese:The words inscribed on the pages of the Gospel tell of her love! All of it guides me down this glorious path! Time to show me your Gospel.
Kaoi says nothing as he holds out a pocket mirror.
Betelguese: Eh? What's that?
Kaoi: Don't you recognize your own tools?
Opening the conference mirror, Kaoi allows Felix to take a good look at the Sin Archbishop.
Felix: So that's the Archbishop of Sloth. Ugh! His face looks just as scary as I heard.
Betelguese: My face? Who are you? No! I mean what are you?!
Felix: Now then, Tora! Tora! Tora!
(Play Takt of Heroes)
Kaoi snaps his fingers. Calling upon Patrache as she headbutts Betelguese.
Patrache: [Roars]
Betelguese: A surprise attack? Then What do you think of this?!
Betelguese then summons over a dozen unseen hands and sends them against Kaoi.
Kaoi: Flame Breathing, Fourth Form: Blooming Flame Undulation!
In one swift motion, Kaoi had sliced all of Betelguese's unseen hands.
Betelguese: How?! How can your eyes see my Authority?!
As he wallows in denial. Kaoi mounts Patrache.
Kaoi: Try asking the Witch that marked me with her love.
Betelguese: How dare you speak of her, non-believer!
In his anger, Betelguese releases more unseen hands. This time over twenty.
Kaoi: Let's go, Patrache!
Like that, Kaoi makes his way into the woods with Betelguese following in close pursuit. Using giant versions of unseen hands. Betelguese's cape flaps in the air.
Betelguese: Don't you dare think you can ever escape from me.
Behind Patrache comes in more Witch Cultists running at a fast pace.
Kaoi: Don't slow down! They're right on our tail!
Betelguese summons more hands to surround Kaoi.
Betelguese: Impossible! Vanish in the vengeful face of my devoted diligence!
All of a sudden, several explosions went off in the forest.
Kaoi: Thank you for your service, Patrache.
Betelguese: But, but ,but! This is the end, the end!
Kaoi: I don't think so!
As the cultists got closer, they were hit by the sonic screams of Mimi and Tivey.
Kaoi: Thanks for the save.
Behind Kaoi are the two cat siblings of the Iron Fang.
Mimi: You're welcome, Kaoi! We're happy to help!
Tivey: Is that man floating up in the sky the Sin Archbishop?
Mimi: Whoa! What the heck is that? There's a balled-up man flying. That's crazy!
Tivey: I never seen anything look so creepy, seriously!
Kaoi: Then I hope you never come across a demon from my world.
Kaoi: Leave him to me and watch the rear like we planned!
Tivey: You got it, Kaoi! Let's do this Sis.
Mimi: Aye, aye! Hey, bro, you're gonna look pretty awesome if you beat him now!
Kaoi: Thank you! Do you worst, Archbishop!
Betelguese: What do you say! He's coming for me?! Who do you think you are?
Looking back, Betelguese can see his forces being surrounded by the Iron Fan.
Betelguese: This cannot be! It's impossible! None of this is in the guide to my divine destiny in the Gospel! What are you?!
Kaoi: To put it simply, I am Kaoi, I am a Demon Slayer and I will be the one to slay you, Archbishop!
Betelguese: [Shrieks]
Soon the two arrived at the bottom of a cliff. Near it are stone spikes that protrude from the ground. Some of them with clean flat surfaces.
Betelguese: What a strange-looking place.
Kaoi: Yes, it is. I discovered this place when I was exploring over two months ago. I used this place for training, and now it will become your grave.
Kaoi dismounts from Patrache as Betelguese gets off his giant unseen hand. The two are now facing each other in this strange arena.
Betelguese: If your goal was to lead me here what do you have prepared for me?
Kaoi: Nothing, I just wanted to drag more of your members out so that they don't interrupt our duel.
Unknown to Betelguese there was one spectator up on the cliff. A purple-haired knight that watch what was going to unfold.
Julius: Kaoi…
Flashback
Julius: What do you mean you want to face the archbishop all by yourself?!
Kaoi: Just like you said. Even if the fight looks like their are at their absolute worst. I need you to only provide me support. Only come in if I had been defeated for good.
Julius: Kaoi, just what are you thinking?
Kaoi: There is a lot of things we don't know about the Archbishop. So I'm going to need some watch over me as I fight him. Julius, I wouldn't be asking this of you if I didn't trust you to finish the job if I were to fall.
Flashback Ends
Julius: … May you prove victorious.
(Play Giyu Theme)
Betelguese: Well it's no matter who I face! I will defeat you all! Tear apart those who remain, resume the Ordeal and you can't stop me! My Diligence knows not of slothful resignation, nor of demise! [shrieking]
Kaoi readies his purple blade as the unseen hands approach him.
Betelguese: Sloth! Sloth! Sloth! Sloth! Sloth! Sloth!
Betelguese smirks as the unseen hands cover Kaoi.
Kaoi: Flame Breathing, Fifth Form: Flame Tiger!
[Roars]
But in a bright orange flash, they all fell apart and are burned by orange flames. Standing completely fine is Kaoi.
Betelguese: [Shrieking] How dare you! How dare you! How dare you not bend to my diligence!
Going crazy, Betelgues summons more hands that goes wild. Causing debris and dust to fly. Kaoi braces for impact as a hand goes for him.
Kaoi: No Betelguese, you will bend to mine. Second Form: Rising Scorching Sun!
Then one of the giant hands goes at him.
Kaoi: First Form: Unknowing Fire!
Only for Kaoi to slice it in half.
Betelguese: [Shrieking]
Still convulsing wildly, Betelguese sends out more hands. More hands that are quickly dodge and sliced by Kaoi.
Kaoi: Hrk!
Although some got through his defense and we're able to draw blood. As was exemplified by a hand that gripped his leg before it was sliced.
Kaoi: Sixth Form: Igniting Cannon!
Launching for war, Kaoi lets out a thrust attack at Betelguese.
Kaoi: What!
Only for it to be block instantly by a group of hands forming a spiral shield around the Archibishop.
Betelguese: I have you now!
Kaoi: He plans on twisting and breaking the blade!
Kaoi quickly lets go of the hilt as his sword made a 180 turn. Then he just a quickly grabs the hilt and pulls it out of the hands' grasps.
Kaoi: Third Form: Blazing Universe!
With a downward slash, Kaoi sliced his spiral shield in half before jumping away to dodge more hands.
Betelguese sends out his unseen hands as Kaoi. Who jumps and dodges around them in between the stone spikes
Kaoi: Seventh Form: Ring of Inferno!
Afterwards Kaoi jumps high in the air where the hands follow.
Kaoi: Eight Form: Torching Wildfire!
Like before the hands were set asunder!
Betelguese: I won't let you get away! Get away! Get away! I still have one more attack, my grand spell granted to me by the Witch, Sloth!
Kaoi: Here it comes!
A black wave of magical energy emits from the Sin Archbishop. Kaoi braces himself for being imoblized. That is until a magical energy forms a shield around him of Red and Black.
Kaoi: What is this?
It was then that Kaoi notices two glowing orbs at his sides.
Kaoi: Wait a minute you are?!
Going back to the top of the cliff. Julius watches on edge as the fight progressed. Recognizing the Archbishop using a spirit art. He had sent hin two of his spirits to protect Kaoi while the remaining four protected their contactor.
Julius: Show him, Kaoi. Show him what you have shown me back in our duel. Show him the true power of a Demon Slayer.
Kaoi: Thank you, Julius. So this attack was a spirit art
Betelguese: Spirits? Impossible! Impossible! How can it be? Why is this happening?! I thought I was loved! Loved! Loved by the Witch! By the Witch! By the Witch! By the Witch!
In a flash, Betelguese was able to hit Kaoi as he was barley able to block the attack. However, it did sent him flying and his back hit the side of the cliff.
Kaoi: Argh!
Seeing more hands that are sent his way to crush him. Kaoi quickly dodge and landed safely on the ground.
Kaoi: [breathing heavily] Despite being protected from that last attack. I am starting to feel the fatigue. Never before had I been pushed this far. As much as I hate to admit it but I can't use Flame Breathing to defeat him.
While Kaoi did learn most of the techniques from Rengoku and was able to adequately perform them. He was never really able to bring out its full potential of Flame Breathing. He knew this when he failed to properly perform the last technique, Rengoku. No matter how hard he tries, the esoteric art was always going to be out of his grasp.
This thought was further solidified when he received his Nichirin Blade and it turned purple. Not red like his mentor.
Flashback
Rengoku: It simply means that you are destined to walk a different path than I have.
Kaoi: But Rengoku-sama…
Rengoku: Mitsuri was not able to perform a single Flame Breathing technique but she was able to pass the Final Selection, discover Love Breathing, and become a Hashira. Your time will come Kaoi. For when you discover that path, I know you will flourish.
Flashback Ends
For a long time, Kaoi wondered when that time would come. As unseen hands were slowly descending on him. Kaoi couldn't help but remember a certain conversation he had with Beatrice.
Flashback - Cliff Bottom, Two Months Ago
Beatrice: You're trying to channel yin magic into your blade like you do with fire magic, aren't you?
Kaoi: Huh! Oh, Beatrice, I didn't expect you here!
Looking back, Kaoi sees his magic teacher with her arms crossed.
Kaoi: I just thought that I could do the same thing with Yin magic. Maybe even develop a new breathing style called Moon Breathing but it seems like it isn't working out for me.
Beatrice: Well what did you expect?
Kaoi: What?
Beatrice: You're trying to produce Yin magic with out having a proper understanding of it.
Kaoi: What do you mean? Didn't you already explain it all to me when we started our magic lessons?
Beatrice: What I told you back then were the capabilities of Yin magic not its nature. You may think that Yin magic as this magical force made up of shadows, but that is a gross misunderstanding, I suppose. Yin is the force of the universe that embodies destruction and decay. The break the laws of the world to suit your own needs! Keep that in mind next time. I don't want my student to do something so foolish like this ever again.
Flashback Ends
Kaoi: Destruction and decay…
As he said this Kaoi was soon surrounded by over thirty hands.
Betelguese: Finally! Finally! Now bend to my diligence.
Julius: Kaoi's in trouble! I have to help him now!
[Shirk]
(Play Yoriichi - Entertainment District Theme)
Betelguese: [Shrieking]
Julius: What happened!
In an instant, all thirty hands were sliced into shreds. Pieces of them falling around one Demon Slayer with his sword emanating with purple energy.
Betelguese: But why? But why? But why? But why? But why? But why? I don't understand. Why are you still alive and kicking? After all that you endured? Why do you simply do not bend to my diligence?
Kaoi: Because no matter what. I am and will always be a demon slayer. That might not mean something to this world, but that is a fact that I will always be proud of.
The demon slayer then dashes at the Sin Archbishop.
Betelguese: [Shrieking]
Betelguese tries to summon more hands to defend himself, to get away, but it was futile as they were all cut down by Kaoi. He then closes the distance.
Kaoi: Rengoku, thank you for teaching me the ways of a demon slayer. Ram, thank you for being my most trusted ally and friend in this world. While I am sill unsure of my feelings for you. I hope to figure them out someday. Beatrice, thank you for helping me find my path. In your honor, I shall name this new path after you.
With one last lateral swing, Kaoi slices the neck of Betelguese Romanee-Conti, the Sin Archbishop of Sloth.
Kaoi: In No Seishin Kagura! (Dance of the Yin Spirit!)
Just like that, a new breathing style is born! Yeah, I'm calling Kaoi's breathing style Dance of the Yin Spirit because to me that sounds better than Yin breathing. Anyway, what do you guys think of the fight? Did I meet your expectations? Was it awesome? Feel free to let me know in the comments. For those who want to see it as a drawing. Don't worry. I am planning on doing a new artbook, so you can look forward to that.