Chapter 10: Purple and Green

30 September X820

Reiji spent the last two days in bed. Before she even had the chance to call Mina, the manager herself sent a prerecorded message via an intercom telepathy spell.

My sister Miratona already told me what's to come. Take all the time you need, my dear. You will always have a place with us.

- From Mina

Reiji was honestly relieved. Her body was sore from battling the nightmare Chief Pruzo Midnight unleashed on her for that horrible test. Additionally, her irrational fears and anxiety were through the roof. She had spent her whole life recovering from the chaos of her formative years. All it took was one or two nightmares to ruin her headspace.

The green haired demon lied in bed deep under her covers, wearing nothing but cotton shorts to keep cool under the warm layers. She was used to her body temperature jumping between hot and cold when her anxiety was a burden. But ever since this rosary latched onto her, it was dreadful.

Just yesterday, she nearly broke her garbage disposal in a desperate attempt to get rid of it. But once again, that retched jewelry was back in one piece.

Her appetite was also at an all time low. Her bowels were empty but it still felt like she had to release something and flee. Reiji felt the fearful butterflies in her belly every single day, two days and nights straight.

Did she—or the entity—really kill the creatures who once tormented her in childhood? If so, what would become of Reiji? What happened to their bodies?

Reiji threw up what little she ate for the fifth time that week. It wasn't intentional, of course. The green haired demon began to cry each time in frustration at her body's refusal to hold down food. She hurriedly washed see out her mouth with minty mouth wash each time.

Suddenly, there was a knock at her door. Reiji was lying on her couch, lazily fanning her sweat beaded face. She sniffed a scent of natural musk and sweet scented soap. Takeshiro?

She put on a nightgown, then went to her small front entrance. She indeed found Takeshiro in the peephole, then opened the door. She fixed her glasses, looking surprised to see him.

"Takeshiro, what are you doing here?" she asked. The younger male adjusted his own glasses, smiling softly.

"Good morning, Rei. Can I come in?"

"Uh, yes, come in," Reiji nodded hesitantly. The male demon walked into the cozy apartment. He took his sandals off at the entrance. "I came to check up on you. You haven't communicated in days," the demon said. He sat on the couch, then pulled something from under him.

"Is this a necklace?" he asked.

Reiji immediately snatched it. "It's nothing!" she chirped. He couldn't see it, but he didn't need to feel it either. "Just a necklace, nothing special."

"REI-TARAAA!" Reiji and Takeshiro perked up at the sound of the bubbly ginger female running up the stairs. Two more pairs of feet followed her. Shugo and Ryouichi shoved the other male to make it to her door first. Ushizumo burst through.

"I'm here to save you, Rei-ta-AAGH!" she smacked down on the floor as two bickering males tripped over themselves, squashing Ushizumo.

"You idiot, you hit my sister!" Shugo growled, shoving Ryouichi into the foyer wall. Because the space was narrow, Ryouichi kicked Shugo in the chin. Ushizumo managed to crawl out just as Reiji's cocoon of hair collided the two in a dark green, hairy prison. Ryo squeaked in pain, his leg stuck over his head.

"Release me, you foul woman!"

"Oh, you guys made it," Takeshiro chuckled. Ushizumo plopped down on the couch. She wore black sneakers, black leg warmers, and a purple sweater dress with green hearts. Her right eye patch was also a purple and green heart theme. Takeshiro wore a light purple tank top and slim fitting denim shorts. Reiji dropped Shugo and Ryouichi. She noticed they also wore purple and green shades in their own styles. Shugo wore denim capris, a dark green turtleneck and a purple letter jacket. Ryouichi wore his common ripped jeans, a purple studded belt and a black sleeveless shirt with a tiny green alien.

"Uh, what is the occasion?" Reiji asked in a worried tone. Did she miss something important?!

Ushizumo showed Reiji an open letter, grinning widely.

"The Tartaros Fairy colors, silly!"

Reiji's stomach dropped. She neglected everything including checking the mail. She didn't want it to be real. She collapsed to her knees, choking up sobs. The four demons' faces went from pride and humor to horror in seconds. Shugo reached out to touch her shoulder, but retracted.

"You're burning up, Rei," he frowned. "Are you sick?"

"I am... I'm scared," she cried, hugging her trembling self. Zumi and Takeshiro joined Shugo and Rei on the floor, but a couple of feet from her. Reiji felt like they were suffocating her and squeezing her air space. Her sobs spiraled into uncontrollable gasps for air that just wouldn't inhale.

Takeshiro's eyebrows raised, mouth slightly open in shock.

"Hey, stop looking in my head!" Ryo snapped at Takeshiro.

"Ryo, why didn't you tell us?"

"Wasn't my place to tell," he said, averting his gaze. Reiji was being consoled by Shugo, who rubbed small circles on her upper back.

"We're still with you, Rei. It's okay," he assured her in a soft tone. Ryo rolled his eyes. Zumi gently held Reiji's hands in her lap.

Zumi slowly massaged Reiji's hands with her thumbs. To Shugo's surprise, Reiji calmed down in just a couple minutes. Zumi, Ryo, and Shugo exchanged glance. Reiji removed her glasses, sighing tiredly. Shugo went into the small kitchen and opened the fridge. He took out chocolate covered berries in a glass container.

"Sweet, chocolate! Reiji, can you eat?"

"N-not really," she muttered, rubbing her belly. "I haven't been able to eat."

"I should teach that shitty chief a lesson!" Ryo glared, clenching his fists. "How could he do that to you? First it was falling asleep in the middle of the day, then he lured you into a trap!"

"H-he did not do this, anxiety did," Reiji mumbled, hanging her in defeat. Ryo crossed his arms. "Whatever. He triggered your little monster and I hate his guts!"

Shugo and Zumi shot looks at him. Reiji wiped her teary face on her gown sleeves. Takeshiro held two fingers to his forehead.

"Are you ready to talk to us?" Takeshiro asked. Reiji nodded in response.

"Okay. Telepathic Order: Grimhilde Mirror."

A thin ray of light popped out of Ryouichi's head, then a small holographic screen appeared. From Ryouichi's perspective of that mission. The group watched a silent, fast paced version of the events. Ryouichi's vision was sometimes limited from the hair he was hiding under. Reiji—while the entity had taken over—indeed took down every feral in a short amount of time.

They witnessed her transformation into the darker skinned creature, the stripes on its face, the axe with six point and a spear tip. And towards the end of the memory, the demon walked near Ryouichi's hiding place to pick up Reiji's damaged glasses. Then, the holograph disappeared. The room was silent.

Reiji finally got to see everything from a clear perspective. Alas, none of her own memories of that creature miraculously came back.

"That was so cool," Zumi whispered in awe.

"Honestly, I was kinda scared you were gonna mistake me for a feral too," Ryo laughed sheepishly, scratching the back of his head.

"Do you want to see the nightmare the chief—"

"No, no, no!" Shugo interjected, waving with his arms. "It's too risky. Besides, I doubt a nightmare reminder is good for Rei."

"If it's a memory, it can't hurt us," Reiji murmured. She picked a few chocolate berries from the bowl discreetly placed beside her, forcing herself to eat.

"Rei, wanna read the letter now?" Takeshiro asked, changing the subject.

"Oh, the invitation letter? I don't know," the green haired demon trailed off.

"You have to accept or reject," Takeshiro reminded her. "I'll read it," Shugo stated, taking the papers.

Shugo took the two papers from Ushizumo, then cleared his throat.

"Dear Reiji Sagara,

"I hope this invitation letter finds you well. You displayed great courage and skill in a test against my Nightmare Domain Curse and it would be an honor to potentially welcome you into the dark guild society. I am writing to you to affirm your qualifications for the following level two dark guilds:

"Tartaros Fairy

"Titania Devil

"Pheasant Peak

"Snowblood

"Desirée Cavalry

"Level two dark guilds select qualifying candidates based on qualities and personality traits such as intelligence, intermediate mastery of curse abilities, prudence, advanced use of rare lost magic items, and more—

"That sounds like any regular guild! And Reiji hasn't mastered shit!" Ryouichi protested. Reiji facepalmed. He was right, but ouch.

"Keep talking shit and you'll get hit," Shugo grunted. Ryouichi's head transformed into a feral dog, barking at Shugo. Ushizumo slapped his nose; the mutt was too stunned to speak. Shugo continued.

"On the second page, you will find a brief summary of the following details regarding each guild:

"1. A description of the guild's goal

"2. The names of two representatives from each guild

"3. Additional candidate qualifications unique to each guild

"4. Type of assessment—

"More tests?" Shugo blurted in disbelief.

"I already read that other page," Zumi chimed in. "Each guild conducts their own unique test that lines up with their main goals. Tartaros Fairy tests spell casting, Desirée Cavalry is physical endurance, Pheasant Peak hand-to-hand combat, Titania Devil potion creation, and Snowblood is song."

"Song as in singing?" Reiji asked worriedly. "I will surely fail!"

"Oh, it really is like regular guilds. Remember Miratona describing other assessments?" Ryo asked Shugo. The older ginger nodded. "Yup, guild cities and towns too," Ryouichi concluded. Takeshiro smiled reassuringly at Reiji.

"I can help you practice that, Rei."

"Anyway," Shugo continued again.

"If you wish to proceed with the process of acceptance into dark guild society, simply place a fingerprint of approval on the signature line. We hope to hear from you soon!

"Sincerely,

Chief Master Pruzo Midnight"

"Personally, I think you should choose Tartaros Fairy. They're the reason we're still alive!" Zumi beamed. Takeshiro nodded quickly.

Reiji was silent, taking in the information. With her friends and a good cry, her nerves seemed to calm down for a change. Her stomach growled despite the berries.

"I know, we should discuss over food. My interest in these other guilds is peaked now," Ryouichi said inquisitively.

"Tar-tar-ros! Fair-y! Tar-tar-rommph!" Reiji placed a finger over Zumi's lips. The green haired demon looked tired of the noise.

"Please, inside voices. All of you."

A couple hours later, SHAKE IT UP

Reiji still dressed in her usual favorite color blue, but with a lavender purple bandana and a dark green shoulder bag. The group of five sat at a round table with empty trays and nearly finished milkshake cups. Takeshiro was twirling his cup in thin air just above his hand, resting his chin on the other hand.

Reiji drank tomato basil soup from a paper bowl and ate bread as well.

Ushizumo and Shugo looked over the second page, attempting to recognize any of the representatives.

"So, Titania Devil is probably out of the question. Says here their main goal is the total ban of Black Witch curse usage," Ryo said. "I once met someone who was chosen for that guild. They lasted a month before they almost died in combat against a corrupt Witch."

Zumi shuddered. "Remember that female from Desirée Cavalry? She didn't make it past the hazing assessment."

The group made audible noises of pity and discomfort about the memory. That girl was expected to stand against both the representatives of Desirée Cavalry that year. She suffered a pretty severe concussion.

"Snowblood is probably the easiest level two. They're an all female Red Witch group of like, 18 members," Takeshiro added. "But you'd have to learn their craft on top of whatever your lost curse is. And they're basically a musical guild."

"I have so little experience," Reiji wilted. "If I accept the invitation, I would only have a few weeks to prepare myself. And I can hardly do a push up!"

"Me neither," Zumi giggled. "It's not a drill. This female, Minerva of Tartaros Fairy? She isn't that muscular either."

"Oh shit, their reps are Kyôka and Minerva this time!" Shugo exclaimed. "Last year, it was Jackal and Keith."

"Keith? But he's in Phantom 13," Reiji recounted, fixing her glasses.

"Phantom 13 isn't a guild per se, they basically manage the lower dark ranks," Takeshiro reminded her.

"We've never properly met the individual members of Tartaros Fairy, have we?" Reiji mused. She definitely knew Lamy well enough. But she hasn't so much as seen any of their other faces unmasked.

"We know their names," Takeshiro said, beginning to count with his fingers. "Lamy, Jackal, Sayla, Minerva, Kyôka, Keith, Tempesta."

"Which one's the guild master?" Shugo asked. "Gotta be Kyôka or Jackal, right?"

"Not a clue," Takeshiro shrugged. "I'm not sure they really answer to a sole figure."

"That's weird," Zumi commented, slurping her milkshake til empty.

"I guess I'll find out, assuming I'm chosen by them," Reiji mused. "Whatever, I will try to keep an open mind."

"That's the spirit, Rei!" Ryouichi grinned, patting her shoulder. Reiji cracked a small smile. Open mind...

"First thing's first: you have to dominate your curse magic thing with an iron fist," Shugo began, earning stifled snickering from Ryo, Zumi, and Takeshiro. The Jade Dragon slayer rolled his eyes. "Anyway, your damn curse thing. How does it work?"

"It only ever emerges when I'm in danger," Reiji replied. She pulled the rosary from underneath her collar. "It all started with this. The dreams, the possession..." Ryouichi pointed at it with an intense, knowing look.

"That thing from the huge axe looks just like the jewel! How did you even get this thing"

"Michele, the blacksmith," Reiji blushed, thinking about her crush suddenly. Shugo's jaw dropped.

"The hot Michele?! What the hell was she thinking?!"

"It was an heirloom she wanted me to have," Reiji answered defensively. "She couldn't have known what it was!"

Ryo punched his fist into his palm, smirking. "Who gives a shit what she thought? Michele gave me a perfect sparring partner!" Zumi glared at the Beast Soul demon.

"You saw how it fought, you could die!"

"No I won't, because Reiji's gonna control it and we're gonna spar like old buddies!" Ryo and Zumi bickered some more. Reiji shook her head, chuckling lightly.

The group continued their chatter as the crimson sun began to set. First thing for sure, controlling the demon was a must. If Reiji wanted to stand a chance, she had to make the curse bow to her will, no matter how she did it. After that, learning a few spells. And then endurance training, vocal practice, potions, and sparring. Of course, she would have to watch the nightmare again for studying. A nightmare curse from the past can't hurt anyone, right?

Townhall, 01 October X820

Miratona sat in a communal office occupied by another member of the council, a Guild Messenger named Mistique Ryder. He tapped keys rapidly on a typewriter, which was the only item on his L shaped desk. A shimmer of light manifested above, dropping a sealed envelope in front of the typewriter. He paused his work, sliding the letter ink slot back in slowly.

The name on the envelope was Reiji Sagara in neat cursive with a single thumbprint.

Thanks for reading! Until next time

- ML

P.S. I started up Jackal's Diary again. Updates won't be frequent because I could risk spoiling the plot. The format, grammar, spelling, and punctuation are intentional! Rated M for obvious reasons too.