Shogunate Pride

by Bluestar076

In the region of Caelum, miles away from the guild of Fairy Tail, there's a special guild made of samurais that is always ready to dive into new adventures to save their region from supernatural threats by clashing their weapons. This is their story, as a girl that controls both light and darkness joins them (SYOC Closed.)

7. Family Requiem

Shogunate Pride Chapter 5: Family Requiem

By Bluestar076

Hello everyone! Bluestar here with a new chapter! To think that we are already in the fifth chapter and I've had a charge with other stories it's something incredible! It has been a while since I've had a really productive period, and I'm glad that this story helped me through! And it's surely a nice thing to see that, despite being few, you're enjoying it! Speaking of today's episode, it's time to see how Tsukuyomi's first mission will end up! While the previous chapter was more focused on the suspense and the horror, this one will have a sadder tone, and some of you may already know why since I could see that some of you took up the guesses and the clues. So, without further ado, let's get right into it! As always, I hope you enjoy!

Note: I do not own Fairy Tail. All rights and characters belong to Hiro Mashima, A1-Pictures and CloverWorks.

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Chapter 5: Family Requiem

Caelum – City of Elba

"Anf…anf…anf…" Being a member of Shogunate Pride for a while by now, Henry was used to climb up the mountain where his guild was located, so it wouldn't have been a problem to do it each time he had to come back from a mission. But his…misfortune made it look like the last fatigue he had to go through before getting a well-deserved rest.

With his body full of small scratches and chestnuts and what seemed to be a small bento box on his hands, the samurai mage was able to reach out the entrance of his guild. "Anf…thank God I'm here…" He spoke before hearing something from inside. "Hm?" When he came closer, he could recognize some of the members' voices. In particular, Sena and Tammy seemed to talk in a panicked voice.

"How am I supposed to take him out!?"

"I DON'T KNOW! JUST MAKE UP SOMETHING! HE'S SCARING ME!"

"He's not going to do anything, if you keep on doing so, you'll just agitate him!"

The last voice was of Fern. Sensing a possible danger, Henry alarmed and abruptly entered inside the guild, ready to take out his katana. "What's going on!?" He exclaimed.

The guild was clean and ordered, meaning that nothing bad happened. Some of the members were simply sitting in the chairs. Henry was confused by this, but he could then see the one who shouted before.

Tammy was standing on the table panicked out while Sena was trying to climb up to one of the columns in order to reach out something that was standing on the bars of the first floor.

"Ah! Henry! Thank God, you're here! Please help us!" Sena exclaimed while keeping on climbing.

"H-HE'S STARING AT ME!" Tammy shouted.

Henry was more confused than anything. "What is…exactly going on here?" He asked.

Fern sighed and pointed at the bars. "Nothing special. A tanuki simply entered from one of the windows and Tammy freaked out when he started to move." He explained, feeling stupid for his guildmates.

"He simply won't move out! He stood there for like half an hour!" Sena added.

Henry looked up and could see him: A small brown tanuki was sitting in the bars with a tired expression. Much like Sena said, he didn't seem to movie, apart from scratching his head with his paw.

"What? Aw, come on. You've got scared for such a tiny thing? Let me handle it!" Henry commented, finding the situation funny and ready to resolve the thing. He started off with a whistle and snapping his fingers, trying to catch the small creature's attention. "Come here, buddy! I won't hurt you!"

The tanuki turned his head and saw him. At first, he didn't seem to react…but then he started to feel something wrong about him. This sense of danger made him start to snarl.

"Iiiii don't think it's working." Rokumon, who was drinking some tea, commented.

"H-He's preparing something! I know it!" Tammy exclaimed, still in panic.

"Nah, come on! He just feels threatened. I just need to make him know that I'm not going to-" Henry wanted to calm him down, but before he could do so, his kind expression turned into a horror one after he saw the tanuki jump out towards him with a shrill voice.

In less than a second, the small animal grabbed Henry face and didn't get out of it, almost looking like an alien that wanted to enter inside of him.

"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH! HELP ME! HE'S ATTACKING ME! HE DOESN'T WANT TO GET OUT!" Henry started to freak out and move around, not knowing where he was going since his sight was blocked by the animal, who started to scratch him.

Yori looked up at the scene with complete impassiveness. "You know, at this point I'm not even surprised anymore." He commented.

"Agreed. It's almost like everything does something to him on purpose." Rokumon added.

Sena in the meantime, came down from the column. "I've tried to scare him away without transforming, but maybe it would have been a better choice…"

"I told you he was aggressive! Look at him!" Tammy exclaimed.

"Speaking of which…shouldn't someone of us do something, Master?" Hoshiko asked to Dohko, who was sitting next to him.

Dohko was looking at the scene while eating a lollipop. "It would be bad since this scene is funny! But sure, someone get that furred demon off him."

Hearing him like that made Hoshiko shiver for a second. "Eugh…sometimes you're creepy, Master…"

Iory, who was watching the scene as well, sighed before looking at his exceed friend. "What do you say, Ronin? Think you can get him out?" He asked.

"Alright, leave it to me…" Ronin replied before putting himself on all fours and started to run at an impressive speed towards the tanuki, who turned around. Ronin started to hiss at him and the tanuki got scared for that, leaving Henry and running away from the guild.

Henry could take a breath of relief and could seat down. "Phew…thank God…I owe you one, Ronin. What can I do?" He asked.

"Hmmm, let's say that you'll offer the sashimi next time!" Ronin replied with a smug smile.

"Deal." The cowboy samurai simply replied while putting the bento he had on his hand on the table. Luckily for him, the box remained intact even after the 'attack'.

At the sight of it, the three Master's daughters ran to see it, curious. "Uaaaah! What is this? Who is it for?" Madoka asked.

"Madoka! You can't just ask that! Maybe it's not for you!" Her mother, Yukari, told her.

At the sight of the little girl, Henry couldn't help but smile and explain. "Well, after getting back from a mission I bought this box of Berry Blast mochi for Tsukuyomi, as a way to celebrate her return from her first mission on the guild."

At hearing it, Hoshiko's star-shaped eyes started to shine as she jumped in the table. "R-Really!? Sakura mochi! Come on, you can't do this, you know they're my favorite!" She exclaimed before looking at the box. "Although…maybe just one wouldn't mind…"

"Oh don't worry! I've actually brought them for everyone!" Henry assured her with a smile. At this point, the other mage's excitement was at the highest level.

"THANKS!" In an instant, Hoshiko took a portion of the sweets and started to eat them quite fast.

"Wow…didn't know Berry Blast mochi gave her such an effect…" Iory commented.

"Oh, it's only natural! Everyone gets crazy over their favorite food! I do overreact over sweets after all! Even Revany has her moments!" Domino answered.

As usual, Revany was sitting far from the others, and as soon as she heard her name she raised her head. "Nonsense." She denied.

"Are you suuure?" Domino asked while showing to her a plate of tiramisu sweet in her hand.

To that sight, Revany slightly widened her eyes. In an instant, the other samurai could see a red flash grabbing the plate and go back to the table where Revany was standing. Everyone could see her devouring the sweet in a way that seemed completely out of character.

"Ahah! Are you seeing this?" Sena commented, pointing at her.

"Oh, she does that a lot, you know it!" Henry commented.

"Well, even if it doesn't seem like it, she does have something that can make her feel good." Dohko added before turning to the cowboy samurai. "Speaking of which, Henry, I gave a look back on the mission you went out to take and…judging by your skills, you should have come back sooner. Did something happen in the meantime?" Dohko asked.

"Eheheeheheh…eeeeeeeh…" By hearing that question, Henry made a nervous laugh and looked elsewhere. The other members could already understand what happened.

"Let me guess…another misadventure?" Yori asked.

Henry remained in silent for some seconds but then lowered his gaze in resignation. "Yes…the wait for the sweets turned out to be longer than expected." He admitted.

"What happened this time?" Rokumon asked.

"Well, you see, at first, I've arrived to the bakery when it was free enough and I could have gotten the chance to take the sweets immediately and go back easily. But then I saw a man trying to walk through the street while a cart was going to run over him, so I've saved him. When I came back, the line was longer, but I thought 'Heh, I can handle it!', but then I've heard a child scream and when I turned around, I saw a kid getting kidnapped by a gigantic PTERODACTYL! So, I saved the kid and when I've returned to the bakery, it was already sunset and I was worried that Mrs. Ami ended the Sakura mochi, but luckily, she saved a few dozens for me, she's really a wonderful woman, trust me. After getting the sweets, I was on my way back here but I spotted Hanako, the girl I told you about a while ago crying while sitting on a bench, so I've took some time and she told me about her first break-up. Feeling a bit pit for her, I've decided to give her some of the mochi. AND THEN…I came here." Henry summed up his whole day, making the other members realize why he seemed messed up.

"Huh…I've expected something worse actually." Fern commented.

"HEY!" Henry shouted.

"Say, was the pterodactyl true?" Sena asked, intrigued to hear about a real dinosaur.

"Oh, you can bet on it! Even a large one." Henry answered while taking off his hat. In that moment, he could see that Madoka and the other two girls were holding their hands on the table with large puppy eyes. Herny made a small smile before looking at Yukari. He already knew what they want.

Yukari caught up Henry's stare and looked at her three girls. "What do you have to say?" She asked.

"Pleaaaaaaase!" The three little kids said in a small choir. Seeing that scene made Hoshiko make a snort.

Henry didn't need to hear more. He took some of the sweets and gave them at the girls. "Here you go!"

"YAAAAAAY!" The three girls scattered throughout the hall like three small lightnings and eating their sweets.

"Slow down!" Yukari told them.

"Naah, let them be! They need to taste enjoyement." Dohko told her.

And after everything, it was in that moment that Henry noticed that the three ones for whom he took the sweets weren't still there. "Speaking of which, are they not back yet?" He asked.

"Apparently not. Judging by the time, they're either still on the mission or they're on their way back. To be fair, this can be considered normal, since it's Tsukuyomi's first mission." Yori answered.

"Huh…I…didn't expect so. For once I actually came early!" Henry commented before looking back. "I just hope they're ok."

"Do you think we should send some aid, Master?" Tammy asked to the Guild Master, who had a serene expression on his face.

"Let's not be hasty, Tammy. Whatever they're doing, it's pretty much certain that they will succeed. True, Tsukuyomi may be a newcomer and this is her first mission, but since I've first laid my eyes on it…I could sense that she had something special, just like the rest of us." Dohko replied before turning his head on Revany. "I'm sure Revany here can say the same."

The girl looked elsewhere while getting another spoon of the tiramisu, but she still nodded.

"Whether we talk about a newbie or someone with experience, a samurai is never someone to be taken so easily." Dohko added with one of his usual smiles. "They'll be able to handle it, don't worry."

Tammy still wasn't sure of it, but she knew that she could trust her Master. "Got it!"

"That's pretty true! After all, we had the proof for everyone here in the past, right?" Sena asked to the others, who nodded. Then, in that moment, a large bottle fell down from the first floor and hit the young boy right in the head, making him fall down. "OUCH!"

Everyone looked at the boy and then looked up to see Iku coming out from her room and noticing what she had done. "Oh gosh, Sena! Did I hit you? Eheh…my baaaaaaaaad!" She said with a clearly tipsy tone.

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Caelum – City of Michaerya

After passing through some bizarre and creepy situations, Tsukuyomi, Rere and Cal were finally in front of their target: an abomination that for the past months was tormenting the city of Michaerya by making some of its citizens disappear into nothing. The three samurais, with Tsukuyomi in her first mission for the guild, were able to find out the ones who went missing, and they were now ready to face their enemy.

"Grrrrr…" After falling from the ceiling, the monster slowly raised its head and gave a look to each one of the people that entered inside its territory. After that, it started trembling and released a loud growl that shattered the only window of the room. "GRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!"

"W-What the hell is that!?" Rere asked, as she started to make a few steps back.

Even Tsukuyomi was tense, as her head started to sweat and the grip on her katana became tighter due to the pression. "It's even worse than I thought…" Even so, she tried to remain composed and focused. "D-Don't worry! I'm still with you guys!"

Cal, on the other hand, started to assume his cold attitude in order to remain focus on the target, especially with someone of that size. "It's better if we limit its movements!" He warned the others before noticing something alarming. "Uh!?"

"GRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!" The beast started to stretch some of its limbs, aiming to attack the three samurais, who got panicked and shouted out in unison.

"HERE IT COMES!"

CRASH!

"GAH!" Not expecting the attack, Tsukuyomi was wiped away by the paw that made a large hole in the room that risked to make the girl fall down from it. "Gh…Eclipse Comet!" In order to prevent the fall, Tsukuyomi activated one of her techniques and used it to stay in mid-air and reach the attic again. When she landed her feet, she could feel the wind flow behind her and see that the attack from before caused a large hole on the room. Judging by the strength used, it was almost a miracle that the roof didn't collapse. She then turned around and could see that even the other two mages were able to get back on the ceiling without falling down. "Are you ok!?" She asked worried.

"Y-Yeah, somehow!" Rere replied with an agitated tone.

Cal was already holding his blade tightly. "Just as I thought. It's probably angry for all the mess we made through the house earlier, and now it doesn't want to let us go! Be ready for any blow!" He warned.

"I know!" Tsukuyomi replied before looking at the monster. "That attack was so direct that I couldn't do anything…the best thing I can do is to keep my eyes on it and try to reach out the body to eliminate it…the others are probably of the same opinion…plus we had the confirm when it attacked us the first time. This one is not a ghost, unlike the others, we can harm it with our blades. This should give us an advantage!" She then thought.

"GRRRRRRRR!" The beast kept on growling at them, furious for the fact that they were still standing there.

"We've made it even more pissed! Ready, guys!?" Tsukuyomi asked to the others.

"Ready!" Rere and Cal exclaimed together. Soon, the three of them had their gazes locked on the monster, who showed up its wrath.

"GRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!" It quickly stretched its limbs, but instead of using them to crush down the enemies again, it placed them on the ground and started to spin the whole body around fast to make the limbs spin fast as well, sounding almost like a deadly pinwheel.

"Dammit! Move fast!" Cal exclaimed. The three samurais were forced to move up at the beast's pace, making sure that they don't get attacked by the limbs.

"Do you think it's trying to make us tired!?" Tsukuyomi asked.

"In that case, it's better if some of us act first!" Rere answered before jumping up. "I can't believe I said something like that-" She thought before planting some of the tanto blades in the limbs and one in the head. As soon as she landed right above the monster, she pushed with the blade on the head to make sure that the electricity passed through the wires in order to attack the monster properly. "HAH!"

"GRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!" The whole monster's body was soon infused with electricity, making it stumble for a while.

"It worked! We should take this opportunity to-" Tsukuyomi was ready to attack, but she noticed something with horror. "Ah! RERE, BEHIND YOU!"

"What!?" As soon as Rere turned around, she could see that some limbs crashed down on her, even if electrified. Not being able to do anything in time, the samurai got attacked and fell on the ground. "GAH!"

"GRRRRRRRRRR!" The beast then turned at the other two enemies and charged against them.

As an answer, Cal ran as well towards it and used his magic to deliver effective attacks in the hope that they could have worked. "Applied Magic: Accelleration!" Cal used the magic to make both his body and his blade faster. As soon as the creature tried to use one of its limbs to crush him, Cal slipped under the large body at high speed, starting to make long cuts in its paws. He hoped that he could have done something similar to the battle against the ghost toad, but to his surprise and horror, the monster could still move, as it jumped high, making a hole in the roof and then fell down directly on him. "W-Wha- GAAAAAAAAH!"

"CAL!" Tsukuyomi shouted worried. But she couldn't have the time to worry or do something for her friend. When she raised her head up the creature was already charging against her with its mouth wide open. Seeing it closely was actually an horrifying view and as such, Tsukuyomi acted quickly and made three cuts infused with the magic of eclipse.

"Eclipse Reverse Swallow!" In an instant, Tsukuyomi was behind the creature, which had three large cuts all over its body, but just as the girl thought, even that wasn't enough to put it at ease.

"GRRRRRR…" Even if injured, the beast slowly turned around on the girl, still furious. "Stay away…" Somehow, the creature was able to actually talk. Tsukuyomi was surprised. She did hear it say something but just vaguely, so hearing it talk 'clean' was something new.

"What?" She wondered.

"Stay away from my family…DON'T TOUCH IT!" The creature shouted out before releasing a storm of limbs directly at Tsukuyomi, who was forced to attack as an answer.

"Dance of the Eclipse!" Tsukuyomi delivered a sword attacks sequence in order to answer to each one of the limbs, which got hit but kept on heading towards her, trying to completely wrap her in a deadly grip. "Dammit! It keeps on moving! At this point I'll lose too much stamina!" She thought. She kept on attacking, but the creature continued to attack with a violent impetus.

Luckily for the girl, she could see some wires getting wrapped around the creature's neck, which soon got electrified, hurting the beast as well. "GRAAAAAAAH!"

When Tsukuyomi turned around, she could see that Rere was using both her arms and all the strength she could use to block the monster's movements with her magic. "Rere!"

"GH! QUICK! ATTACK IT! I WON'T BE ABLE TO HOLD IT FOR LONG!" The other girl warned.

Tsukuyomi didn't lose any time and started to dash against the target surrounded by a greyish aura. "ECLIPSE COMET!" The girl started to attack the monster from each angle like a meteor, trying to make sure that it wasn't going to move again. But even in that occasion, the beast didn't want to fall down, despite all the damages that it was getting.

"GHHH! ARE YOU KIDDING ME!? HOW MUCH ENERGY DOES IT HAVE!?" Rere exclaimed while still trying to hold it still.

"GRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!" In that moment, the beast was able to free itself from the grasp, and Rere could see all of her wires loosen up.

"AH DAMMIT!"

The being didn't lose any time and crashed down both Tsukuyomi and Rere with two of its limbs.

"GAAAAAH!" Tsukuyomi ended up getting thrown next to the friend. Both of them slowly stood up, as they could see the monster moving its limbs menacingly while it started to approach them.

Rere could see that even the bandages on her body started to loosen up as well. "Oh no!"

"Gh…It's no use at this point! It's not invincible, but it resists at every attack we throw at it! We won't be able to resist if we continue like this! It's just like when it attacked us at the ground floor!" Tsukuyomi said while holding her wounds.

Rere's agitation was at its peak at this moment. Not only she was facing something that turned out to be more resistant than expected, but the risks of her forced to use her true magic started to grow. "A-At this point we need to use something that can guarantee its destruction!" She exclaimed out of panic. "Please, make it end! I don't want to use it, I CAN'T use it!" She thought.

"Watch out! It's coming!" Tsukuyomi warned the friend, who saw the monster throw back its limbs at them. Tsukuyomi stood in front of the other girl and started to sent back the limbs with her Dance of the Eclipse.

"No, Tsukuyomi! What are you doing!?" Rere exclaimed.

"I'm keeping it busy! At this point, your plan might be the only one! I trust you!" Tsukuyomi answered.

Rere drew a gasp after hearing that phrase. It had been a long time ever since someone told her that thing, especially after what she had been through. For a moment, some pieces of her memories flashed on her mind for this.

"Why in the world should we trust you!? You know what happened last time!"

Rere started to panic again because of this, but seeing that Tsukuyomi was doing her best to give her a chance, she tried to calm down and once again, she started to spin her wires like a lazzo and then wrapped them around the creature's neck. She then started to infuse electrical energy through them, trying to not surpass her own limit, hoping that the monster would have soon turned into dust. "GRRRRRRR! JUST LOSE ALREADY!"

Despite the electricity, the monster wasn't showing signs of failure and continued to attack.

"I-IT'S NOT WORKING!" Rere shouted.

"KEEP GOING! I CAN STILL ATTACK!" Tsukuyomi tried to encourage her while keeping on slashing.

Then, the monster could feel something wrong on her back, almost like it stopped moving. "GRAAAAH!?" When she turned around, she could see that Cal was finally able to recover from the previous attack, and now was jumping high, with his sword which was releasing a small cold breeze. "Applied Magic: Ice!" In an instant, Cal started to swing his sword throughout the monster's body before landing on his feet.

The creature could see that from the cuts the samurai made, ice started to grow fast, quickly surrounding its whole body. The beast tried to struggle against it, but soon, the whole body was covered in eyes, giving the three of them the best chance to attack.

"NOW!" Cal warned.

"SONIC BOOM!"

"APPLIED MAGIC: WIND!"

"GRRRRRR!"

While Tsukuyomi and Cal started to throw several swipes made of their elements, Rere planted her tanto blades inside the 'ice sculpture' and released electricity through it.

Soon, the combination of the attacks generated a small explosion that fully hit the creature. From it, they could see several pieces of ice fly everywhere, followed by a large pile of smoke.

The three samurais could take a moment to catch their breaths while holding their weapons tight. Sweat was all over their faces at that moment.

"Anf…anf…anf…we did it?" Rere wondered.

"Anf, see? I told you we would have made it!" Tsukuyomi said to the friend with a smile.

Rere was still extremely nervous, especially because the bandages around her body were starting to fall apart, but she could still make a smile after seeing that everything worked out. "Y-Yeah! Thank God…I think I was about to faint one way or another…"

Cal, on the other hand, still had a cold expression on his face and glared at the smoke while still holding his blade. "Don't let your guard down. Nothing is settled yet." He warned. Hearing that, the three of them looked back at the smoke, which started to fade away.

In the end, it revealed that all that was left of the monster was just the head, which stood on the floor without moving.

"We…we destroyed its body…" Tsukuyomi noticed.

"At this point, it shouldn't be able to do so, right?" Rere asked.

Cal wasn't of the same opinion, though. He thought that there was something wrong. This sensation made him start to slowly move towards the creature. "It's better if we finish it." He spoke. His blade was already glowing up again, implying that the boy would have used his magic. But just as he raised his sword to finish the creature…this one started to cry.

"Fa…mi…ly…" It was the same lament that the three mages heard when they approached the mansion and that dragged all the people that went on missing inside of it.

"Uh?" Cal was confused for a bit, even if he was still intending to deliver the finishing blow. But that single second of distraction ended up being vital, as the monster's head started to get surrounded by a black and red aura, which forced Cal to step backwards. "What the!?" Cal still held his sword, but he was bewildered as he saw the scene. Tsukuyomi and Rere were of the same reaction.

"What is going on!?" Rere exclaimed.

"Is it…still able to fight!?" Tsukuyomi exclaimed.

What was left of the monster started to boil and the dark aura increased even further. "I…love my family. I'm a good girl…I won't let anyone touch it…" Once again, against all odds, the beast spoke.

And…it was right in that moment that the three mages thought of something. Rere in particular, understood everything first. Suddenly, it all made sense.

The scratched picture. The little girl that all three ghosts mentioned. And the monster that kept on talking about family. All of these things related to the mansion…were linked. That thing could have been only one person.

"…Ellie?" Rere quietly wondered.

"Of course...it was her..." Tsukuyomi added.

Cal wanted to make some theories about what happened as well, but he had to keep his guard high after seeing that once again, even if her body was destroyed, the monster stretched what was left of her form, reaching up the roof to the point of destroying it and creating a new long body. From the sides of this new body, two flesh-like paws started to take form. The creature now assumed the form of some sort of corrupted giant carnivore plant, which roared out of rage at the three mages.

"GRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!"

The roar echoed through what was left of the attic and shook the surrounding plants.

"I-It's not over yet! That thing is infused with magic!" Tsukuyomi exclaimed.

"H-How do we stop such thing!?" Rere added. Her agitation started to rise up again after seeing all of this.

"I don't know, but it's almost certain that after this, it won't be able to move again. Don't lose your concentration until that! We can still stop this thing!" Cal replied before noticing something. "UH!?"

The beast started to shake her mouth, almost as if something was boiling up inside of it. A moment later, the creature unleashed an acid jet that aimed directly at the three mages. "DON'T TOUCH MY FAMILY!"

"GET OUT OF THERE!" Cal shouted out, as he and the others jumped away to avoid the acid, which ended up on the floor, melting it and show the lower floor. This sight made Tsukuyomi alarm.

"Dammit! At this point, the acid will reach the civilians who are still in the mansion!" She exclaimed.

"We need to beat her out in time, then! If she keeps spitting acid, they're lost!" Rere added.

"So, this is how you wanna play…" Cal commented, glaring at the beast with his usual cold stare. "I'm sorry for everything, but you leave me with no other choice. "Applied Magic: Lock on + Fire!" The boy's sword started to get surrounded by a burst of flames, and thanks to his magic, Cal was able to have his eyes locked on the monster's main head. "TSEAAAH!" In an instant, he started to run though the creature's body, aiming at the head.

The creature, which was confirmed to be Ellie, used her paws to try crushing Cal down, but the boy's reflexes helped him push the limbs away, and he was able to reach the head. The boy didn't lose time, and while he maintained a cold stare, he started to relentlessly attack the head, which started to get filled with cuts, even though it wasn't enough. It was then that Cal decided to change strategies. He jumped away from the head and while still on mid-air, he started to attack it with a different element, in the attempt of attacking it on more spots at once. "Applied Magic: Wind!" He used the wind element to generate even small swipes of wind that attacked the monster in more spots.

"GRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!" Out of pain and rage, the creature tried to wrap up Cal with her two limbs, but before they could reach him, they were the ones which got wrapped up by several wires.

"Ghhhh…GOT THEM!" As soon as Rere was able to block the creature's limbs, she started to infuse the wires with electrical magic, hoping to paralyze the body. For a moment it worked, and this allowed Cal to continue with its attack.

"It's working!" Tsukuyomi noticed.

"Q-Quick! While Cal is attacking the head, try to make her body crumble! That magic of yours should make the deal!" Rere warned the girl.

Tsukuyomi didn't hesitate and held her katana tightly before starting to run towards the body. "Leave it to me!" She exclaimed. It was bad for her to attack the monster, now that she realized who she really was, and what that sole doll on the mansion meant. But she also knew that it was the only thing she could do, or she and other people would have paid the price. She needed to act quickly, and as such, the eclipse magic started to surround Tsukuyomi's nichirin blade.

"Dance of the Eclipse!" As soon as she was close to the main body, Tsukuyomi started to execute a precise sequence of sword attacks which started to make the monster lose balance. "Come on! Keep it going! Fall!"

"GRAAAAAAAAH!" Ellie was starting to have enough of it, and as such, she put enough strength to get free of Rere's grasp and use one of her limbs to push Tsukuyomi away.

The girl with the kimono didn't expect such move and she got fully hit. "GAAAAAH!"

"OH NO!" As soon as Rere saw that the wires were loosened, she tried to throw the tanto blades on them to attack the beast on her sides in order to send more electricity to it.

"GRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!" Ellie continued to feel pain, and this made her lower her head to Rere and spit another jet of acid against her.

"AH!" Rere got scared by such thing, since she wouldn't have been able to dodge it in time.

When Tsukuyomi stood up, she could see the attack going towards Rere and started to run at high speed. "RERE!" Luckily, she was able to push the other girl in time, and the acid ended up destroying the floor again, melting another part. The two girls could hear some alarmed screams and when they looked down, they could see Sayori and the others getting scared of the situation.

"Oh no, at this point the floor will collapse and they'll get either crushed or melted!" Rere said out of panic.

"Then we need to finish this right now! ECLIPSE COMET!" Tsukuyomi immediately started to dash throughout the body of the creature while being surrounded by eclipse energy. In a short time, she was able to reach out Cal, who kept on attacking the head thanks to the two girls' distractions. "Where are we at?" She asked.

"At a good point, but she still resists! She really doesn't want to let us go!" Cal answered while attacking.

"Then let's see how she reacts if we attack together! Ready? One…two…" Tsukuyomi then aimed at the head as well, waiting for the perfect moment to make a double strike with her new friend. Thanks to the Lock On effect, Cal was able to spot the right moment and as such, the two samurais attacked in unison.

"THREE!"

Both of them were able to plant their swords in the beast's front, who roared out of pain.

"GRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!" Her roar was loud enough to make birds a few miles afar fly away, and she seemed to stop every movement. Tsukuyomi and Cal still had their blades planted (wondering also how they were able to stay in mid-air for so long), while Rere looked at the scene with heavy breathes and praying that it was finally done.

"Is it over?" Tsukuyomi asked.

"With an attack like this, we should have reached her brain. She should fall down now…" Cal answered. His reasoning seemed right…but to everyone's horror…it was not.

A few seconds later, the creature raised her eyes and made another roar of rage, shooting another jet of acid right in front of the two samurais.

"WHAT!? GAAAAH!" Tsukuyomi and Cal couldn't do anything to prevent from getting attacked and as an answer, they fell right in the lower floor due to the acid.

"GUYS!" Rere shouted out in panic.

"GH! Applied Magic: Water!" In order to prevent their bodies from being melted in the acid, Cal used the water from his applied magic to clean themselves up, but the creature wasn't done there. "WATCH-" Cal and Tsukuyomi couldn't do anything that the creature already wrapped both of them with her limbs.

"GAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!"

"AAAAAAAAAAAGH!" The two samurais could feel their bodies getting cracked up by the grasp of the monster, who was approaching her mouth to them, aiming to eat them right away.

"N-No no no no no no NO! STOP!" Rere shouted out, feeling helpless at such scene.

"GH! RERE! DO SOMETHING QUICK!" Tsukuyomi cried out.

"H-How can I do something!? You know what I can do! It won't work against him!" Rere protested.

"No that's wrong! We know well that you can do something! Y-You need to hurry!" Cal tried to encourage her, but Rere was currently living a moment of pure panic and anxiety.

"HOW!? YOU KNOW HOW IT WOULD END!" Rere shouted out. Her breathing was getting heavier and she could feel her heart beating up faster and faster, almost in an episode of tachycardia. Tears soon started to fall down from her eyes. "I-I knew it! I shouldn't have come here! I should have been more imposing with the Master! Now the mission is screwed up because of my presence! I'M WORTHLESS!"

"NO, YOU'RE NOT!" Tsukuyomi retorted with the same volume tone.

"U-Uh?" Rere asked. In the meantime, the attic's holes started to get bigger, and Ellie was getting closer to eat the two samurais she caught.

"L-Listen, Rere, I'm a newcomer and I surely don't' know you enough to understand why you act like this! But I'm sure there's something you can do! If you stood up against the ghost and helped us against her, you can still do something! Don't hold anything back! WE CAN STILL SAVE EVERYONE!" Tsukuyomi then added. Panic started to fill her heart as well, but she knew that she couldn't lose hope yet.

"You don't understand! The outcome would be even worse than now! I COULD KILL YOU BOTH, DO YOU UNDERSTAND!?" Rere insisted, but Tsukuyomi's next answer caught her off guard.

"THEN I'LL MAKE SURE TO STOP YOU!"

Rere stood silent for a moment.

"I-I just arrived at the guild, and even if I find some of you weird, I still want to stay in this place and make more missions with you! You're weird too, Rere, but it's clear that you are a great person! So, if by chance, anything could go wrong, I'll make sure to fix it, this is what mages work for, right?" Tsukuyomi continued.

"It's just like she says! We both know that you can cut this thing off! We'll be here with you! We're a team, don't forget it!" Cal added.

"T-Trust me, Rere…I don't intend to leave you behind for such a thing…I…I've got your back!" Tsukuyomi concluded, trying to make a smile, even in a situation like that.

Rere's eyes started to nervously twitch and her whole body started to tremble. She was still contrary to push through with her magic. She was still absolutely contrary, as she knew well what would have been the risks. The sight of her bandages made her remind it. That sight made her think back of what she heard because of it.

"You need to put things at ease with that, or you will succumb."

"Do you really expect to achieve your goal if you don't push further!? COWARD!"

She heard mixed up opinions about her magic, but her own one was one of complete fear. The damages she made with the magic weren't something she came up with in order to not use it. They were a fair reason to not use it, especially in a situation like that.

But…for some reason…Tsukuyomi's last words echoed through her mind.

"I've got your back!"

When was the last time she heard something like that? But most importantly…why was she that kind with her? She didn't know her enough to form some sort of…bond with her, so why was she trusting her? Not only in that exact moment, but throughout the mission, she kept on making a kind smile with her. Why?

Normally, it would have been unsettling for Rere but…in this moment…it was…reassuring…almost like Tsukuyomi was a lotus flower that landed on an agitated lake that calmed down with its touch.

Maybe…more than ever…Rere needed someone that could trust her. This made her also remember one of the traits of the samurai.

忠誠心 – Chusei kokoro; Loyalty. Use the strength to what was right and made feel themselves at ease. Right now…Tsukuyomi was showing that trait to her, even if she didn't deserve it in her opinion…but to such thing…she couldn't repay the debt.

Suddenly…Rere's breath started to slow down, as she watched both the beast that would have devoured her comrades and the people on the lower floor, who were frightened.

It was still an absolutely terrible idea…but she knew what to do.

"…I…" She was still hesitant on acting…but she felt the urge to do it. And as such, she raised her stare. "I want to trust you as well."

With those words, Rere put one foot forward and one behind and lowered both her head and her back. "Please please…don't lose control…use it properly!" She though as gritted her teeth. And right in that moment…some of the bandages in her body fell down, and Tsukuyomi could see them.

"Uh?"

Black marks could be seen around Rere's neck. They were related to what she was going to do. They were the reason why Rere tried to control herself. But for once…to help a stranger that wanted to trust her…

She wanted to put that fear aside.

Rere took a deep breath…as several golden lightnings started to surround her. Finally, she was releasing her true magic. She looked at the beast…and Tsukuyomi could hear her pronounce a technique's name for the first time.

"Lightning Devil's…STRIKE!" In the blink of an eye, Rere dashed against the creature with absolute precision by using her tanto blades, cutting through one of the limbs and setting Tsukuyomi free.

"GRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!" The beast looked at Rere, who landed her feet on the wall. She tried to attack her with an acid jet, but the girl already moved forward with another dash attack and the second limb was cut off in one second, setting Cal free as well.

"Agh!"

"Cal, are you ok?" Tsukuyomi asked.

"Y-Yes…" Cal replied before looking at Rere. "She made it again…"

Tsukuyomi looked back at the other girl as well, completely compelled by what she was witnessing. "That was why she was holding herself…I've heard of it. Those who use a magic that needs to be controlled in order to slay evil." She spoke. Everything was now clearer. She knew what Rere was.

"She's a Devil Slayer!"

"GRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!" Out of frustration, the creature tried to swallow Rere in a myriad of acid balls, but the girl jumped away at high speed and ended up above her. There, her tanto blades spread out in a circle before violently implanting them on the monster's body.

"LIGHTNING DEVIL'S LAUGHTER!" Much like before, Rere infused her wires with electricity, but with a more intense charge. Now, the monster wasn't going to move for real. "GUYS! LET'S DO IT!" The girl then shouted.

Tsukuyomi and Cal looked at each other and nodded. Now that they had the chance, they could strike down the monster for good. So they both started to run against it and used their techniques.

"DANCE OF THE ECLIPSE!"

"APPLIED MAGIC: ENHANCE!"

The two powerful strikes cut through the monster, who was left open for one last attack.

"DO IT RERE!" Tsukuyomi warned.

Rere was still anxious, but she aimed at the monster and went for the long-waited finishing blow. "LIGHTNING DEVIL'S STRIKE!" She dashed yet again with her electricity.

Ellie tried to devour Rere as she came closer, but before she could grab her with her mouth…

SWISH!

KRA-KOOM!

The monster's head was cut down, followed by a loud thunder that struck down the body. The head ended up falling on the ground with a large thud, while the girl landed on her feet.

"We…we did it!" Tsukuyomi exclaimed, happy to see the result.

"Yes…I'll admit it, it was a close call." Cal commented, thinking on how he behaved on the battle. The two of them looked at the girl, who still had a fighting position, but her eyes were wide open, showing clear tension.

At this point, Rere was expecting herself to continue with the attacks and destroy everything, but somehow…this didn't happen. She remained in that position for a while longer before moving again and look at her hand. "I'm…still me?" She wondered. She looked her hand better to see if something was wrong, but no. Even the mark she had on her neck grew up of just a few inches.

"I'm…I'm ok…" She commented, surprised. But her expression soon changed into a whiny one, as she started to tremble with tears on her eyes. "And I just…used my magic…"

Tsukuyomi promptly came closer and gave her a friendly pat on the back. "Come on! The important is that everything went fine, right?" She tried to calm her down, even if Rere continued to tremble.

"Y-You're too pure to understand, this is something I don't feel very proud of…" She commented.

"Still…who knew that she was a Devil Slayer? You don't see them that often!" Tsukuyomi then commented.

"Typical of hers. She keeps on hiding this for some reason, but whenever she uses this magic, she surprises anyone. I wish I could have that same speed of hers." Cal added.

"C-Can we please stop talking about this?" Rere asked.

"Ok, don't worry. Also, because we have something else to check…" Tsukuyomi replied. The three samurais then turned around and saw the monster's head. she seemed pretty much knocked out, but just a few moments earlier, they had the proof that even when she seemed defeated, Ellie had still something to show. With that in mind, they started to come closer very slowly while holding their weapons.

"I know I said that we did it but…I don't know if that was certain…" Tsukuyomi commented.

"I swear if she stands up in a third form, I'm not using my magic again!" Rere added. They knew what could have awaited them, so they didn't took their eyes off the creature's head which…didn't seem to move…until…

Another cry from Ellie could be heard. Cal told the girls to get ready with their weapons in case of anything. This time, he wasn't going to let her transform again. But…an anticipated attack wasn't needed. Because they could see that the monster's head was starting to turn into ash.

"Uh?" Tsukuyomi asked.

"She's…disappearing…" Cal added. He then turned around to see that the body as well, was disappearing in ashes, faster than the main head.

"Fa…mi…ly…" Once again, the monster repeated her more frequent word.

"She said it again…" Tsukuyomi spoke. In that moment, the three mages could see a bubble coming out from the monster's mouth and fly up. From there…they could see several scenes take place. It didn't take them long to realize that they were her memories.

From the bubble, they could see Ellie's true appearance: A small girl with blonde hair and large black eyes wearing a small red shirt, a pair of light blue pants and white shoes. Her most notable trait was that her body and her skin seemed all wrinkled up. She clearly wasn't well nurtured. But as soon as the three mages continued to see the scenes…they could understand why.

"Stop staring! It's your fault if I lost!"

"You can't act like this! Think what the gods would say to you!"

"Give me more food! This one isn't enough!"

Her mother, her father and her grandfather kept on calling out for her only when they needed her. She was more of a tool than an effective member of the family, and whenever she did something wrong, slaps and punches were the answer to that. They weren't even going to look at her, because they were too focused on their activities, too ashamed to confess their faults and instead…they vent their frustration to the girl, who couldn't do anything but…assist.

She ended up screaming several times out of panic, and the only place she could be in peace was the attic, where she would have sat down on an angle and hold her only toy: A headless doll. Every day…every night…every week…every month…was the same. A road of frustration and neglecting that she needed to pass through in order to survive, because her family didn't want to consider her.

Until one night.

While wandering in a grassland, Ellie spotted what seemed like a small red ball. She didn't know what it was. One thing was certain: with the treatment she had every day…she was hungry…and as such, she hoped that red ball was some candy another kid left. Her hunger and despair made her grab the ball and eat it. Once swallowed…everything remained the same…but in a couple of seconds…

"G-GAAAH!" Ellie started to writhe as her body started to change…and her mind started to get blurry…confused…aggressive…

The little girl didn't know that she ate a small sphere of condensed ethernano that accidentally ended up buried in the park. The magical energy that was assimilated in her body caused her whole essence to transform into a completely different one…a non-identified creature that came back home and started to violently attack everyone.

"AAAAAAAAAAAAAH! STAY AWAY!"

"O' GODS! WHY DID YOU DO THIS TO ME!?"

"AAAAAAAAAH! NO! I DON'T WANT TO BE EATEN!"

In a matter of minutes, Ellie ended up brutally murdering and devouring her family. But she wasn't done there…she was still hungry…she was still desperate. She started to growl out of anger…but also whine with sadness. That cry slowly started to drag people inside the mansion…and she started to take them away for the past months. But the effects of the ethernano ball she ingested spread out even to the surrounding environment, and as such…the souls of the family members didn't reach the other world and remained in the mansion as wandering ghosts, not knowing what happened to them and continue to live their days like nothing happened.

Tsukuyomi and the others were bewildered as they saw all of this. They didn't really know what to say.

"They…they were her family…" The black-haired girl commented.

"A horrible one…" Cal added. "She acted out of sorrow…"

"And she ended up as a monster for an accident…and for their fault." Rere added before noticing something else. "Uh? Look!"

The three mages could see one last scene from the memory bubble…although this didn't seem to be a memory.

Ellie, now as a girl again, was sitting on a large table in front of a cake…surrounded by many people. The three samurais could notice that they were all the ones she kidnapped in the past months. In that vision…all of them were smiling. Even Ike and Sayori. They all seemed assuring in Ellie's eyes. The little girl smiled and as an answer, all of the missing people came closer and gave her a warm and comforting hug. With that last scene…the bubble burst.

Once they understood what that last vision meant…Tsukuyomi, Rere and Cal all fell their blood froze out for a moment. Everything was now clear, including the reason why she was kidnapping people and slowly consume them. The three of them looked down at the monster…whose eyes were flowing with tears.

"I…love…my family…" With those last words…Ellie's head faded away into ashes…that were blown away by the wind, with the three samurais looking up grieved.

"…She…wanted a family that could see her…" Rere quietly spoke. Tsukuyomi looked up at the headless doll and grabbed her.

"She was forced to pass through hell…because of those three…" She commented. In that moment, she could feel her eyes getting watery. She did know well what that suffering meant.

Cal as well was feeling bad. "At least…she has stopped suffering." She spoke. "We can hope that she's going in a better place." He told the others.

They grudgingly nodded and then looked down…at least they could see that the missing people seemed fine. "Are you ok?" Tsukuyomi asked.

"Y-Yes…is it over?" Sayori asked.

"Yes! We're coming for you now!" Rere added before looking at Cal.

"Let's…get them out of here…" Tsukuyomi concluded. "And possibly…let's get out of here as well."

Cal simply nodded. "No problem."

---

Two hours later…

As soon as they could see each other, Ike and Sayori came closer with the remaining strength they had left and hugged each other.

"Oh Ike…I thought I wasn't going to see you again…" Sayori spoke.

"I thought the same, Sayori…don't worry now." Ike replied before turning on his father, the commissioner Kawajiri, who hugged both of them. "I'm so glad that you're ok…" He then raised his head on the three members of Shogunate Pride. "On behalf of this city, thank you so much. You've helped a lot of families and helped my soldiers to finally rest in peace." He said to them with a bow.

Naturally, even Ike and Sayori bowed. "We owe you everything, I hope we can repay the debt one day." The girl added.

The three samurais made a smile by doing so. Tsukuyomi in particular felt nice to hear someone being grateful to her. "Don't worry. It was our duty after all." She then turned to see the other missing members who were coming back to their friends and families. "If anything, we're glad that this city can sleep peacefully now…and that Ellie as well will move on and possibly find peace."

"It's true that she killed some people and tried to force innocents to become her family…but in the end, she was a victim of her parents and in the end…a victim of herself." Cal added.

To hear those things, Kawajiri made a grim expression as well and looked at the mansion. "Hearing the story surely made an effect on us. Not many people knew much about that family, since they were pretty reserved. If I knew what was going on inside there, I would have made sure that Ellie would have been brought away from that asylum. She deserved better." He commented. He then took three pockets and handed them at the three mages.

"Uh? Are these…?" Rere asked, making the commissioner nod.

"60.000 Jewels. The reward. You've helped this city and its citizens a lot. This is the least I can do, but I hope to do more in the future. We owe you a big one." He explained.

Tsukuyomi couldn't be happier and as result, all three samurais bowed down as well. "Thank you, commissioner. It was a pleasure for us to help." The black-haired girl spoke.

"In case you need something else, We'll be here." Cal added.

"Y-Yeah, maybe with someone else." Rere concluded. The other two looked at her with a sceptic face but they decided to leave it be.

"Well…with your permission, we leave now." In the end, Tsukuyomi and the other two mages made one last salute to the commissioner and started to leave.

"You know, Sayori…sometimes…I wonder how it feels to be part of a guild." Ike commented.

"Really? Those three gave me the same thought…who knows…" Sayori added.

After a few minutes of walking, Tsukuyomi found a small spot of ground and used it to bury the small headless doll. "Rest in peace…" She thought before turning on the others, who were waiting for her. "So…what happens now?" She asked.

"Isn't it obvious? We go back to the guild." Cal replied. That sentence made Rere sigh.

"That means we already need to spend a piece of the reward for the train…" She commented.

"Yeah, and this time, let's try and take a better seat." Tsukuyomi told her.

"WHAT!? Come on, what did I tell you before!? You can't waste such values to the first comfy thing you find!" Rere protested, making the other two mages sigh.

"And here we go again…" Both Tsukuyomi and Cal said while Rere started another monologue about Jewels.

Later on, the three of them came back to the station, ready to turn back to Elba and reach out the guild. While Cal went on to buy the tickets, Tsukuyomi and Rere waited at the binary and saw if the train was coming.

Everything was settled and the mission was over. But Rere still felt a bit uncomfortable after what she had to do to save the others and accomplish the mission. For her, it was still incredible that she was able to take control despite using the Devil Slayer magic. Yet…the fear was still in there, especially now that she had to show her true side with the newest addition to her guild.

She then looked up at Tsukuyomi, who was checking out If the train was coming or not. Rere wasn't going to hide it: she thought that black-haired girl was weird. And yet…it was with her and Cal's encouragement that Rere was able to overcome her fear even for a fleeting moment and save everyone in the mansion. She wanted to be clear with that discussion and as such…she came closer.

"…Tsukuyomi…" She called out.

"Hm?" Tsukuyomi turned around. "What is it?" she asked.

Rere was a bit hesitant at first to ask about it, but then took a deep breath and spit it out. "So…what did you think of…well…the fact that I'm a Devil Slayer? Did it scare you? In case you say 'yes'…it's only natural. I do become creepy when-"

Before she could finish, Tsukuyomi interrupted her. "What? No, are you kidding? You were awesome! I never knew that there was something like a Devil Slayer in our guild! I've heard of them when I started to study my magic, but to see someone like you in my guild? Just…wow!" She commented. "Is it…something you're ashamed of?" She asked.

Rere was surprised to hear such comment. Once again, she surpassed her expectations, even for someone who she barely knew. But then…the question made her falter for a bit. "Well…yes, but…" She then turned around. "It's…not really something I want to talk about."

"Oh, I see. Don't worry. I don't surely want to invade your privacy, eheh!" Tsukuyomi said with a sweet tone.

"…Still…I've wanted to know something." Rere then continued.

"Hm?"

Rere turned on her once again. "When you said that thing…'I'll make sure to stop you'…what made you say that? I mean, we know each other for just a day…and we've been together only for this mission at the moment. Then why? Why did you try to encourage me? Even if I'm not this big of a deal?" She asked.

This time, it was Tsukuyomi who was caught off by surprise. She took some minutes to think and then gave her answer. "I mean…your reasoning is not entirely wrong." She started. "This was only my first mission for the guild after all, so I still need to know what it feels like to stay in a group. For most of my life, I've fought up on my own, and just until a few days ago, I didn't know what it meant to fight with someone on your side. But…I think…it was only natural in that moment. We were all scared and if the monster had been faster…we would have all been killed. But most of all…you were panicked. Cal said that you had something you could do to save the situation, yet you refused to do so, you even said that you are worthless. But…I don't think you are."

Rere remained in silence to let her finish, but her expression said everything. It had been a very long time since someone said things like that.

"Maybe I have dwelt a bit, but the point is that…I've wanted to see you stay at peace, also because we were going to die, eheh…" Tsukuyomi continued. "But I think you're getting what I'm trying to say. We all have some skeletons in our closer we want to keep locked. Just so you know…I don't intend to judge you for your decisions. If anything…I need to thank you."

"Thank me? For what?" Rere asked.

In that moment, Tsukuyomi made a small smile and pointed at it with her two index fingers. "For giving me a funny first experience as a mage of Shogunate Pride! I hope I can keep on working with you as a friend!" She concluded.

In that moment…Rere could feel her heart melt down for a moment, a thing she wasn't absolutely used to. "T-Tsukuyomi…"

Before she could continue, the two girls were caught by Cal coming closer.

"Ok, I've got the tickets. As soon as the train arrives, we are ready to go." The boy commented before noticing the two girls' expressions. "Did I…interrupt something?" He asked.

"Oh nothing important. Just clearing out some things, that's all!" Tsukuyomi replied.

"Y-Yeah…" Rere added. But then she thought of something. "Wait a second…what was that? That…last word you used?" She asked.

"Hm? Well, I said…" Tsukuyomi answered, and for the bewilderment, Rere could see her lips move in slow motion.

"F.r.i.e.n.d."

Silence. Rere's brain went on blackout for a moment, but the girl had a dull expression.

"…Rere?" Tsukuyomi asked.

"Are you ok?" Cal added.

Rere kept on having that face for a few moments…and then fell on the ground.

"…Re-" Before Tsukuyomi could say anything…

"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHERDTETVXFCGRTNHFYETDGFXCRVHYCXBYHEWDRFTGKHMLUIKYHTGRFDGGHBJTTVFDERTGEREWTVYNJ5D4BYVTFXWEVGTJYUGKIOYJHVTYRTEBYVJRCHWDEWTHYGSEDAXECHTWVYJ67#####%%%%%%%-"

Rere Takara .exe has stopped working.

The girl glitched out for a moment and then fainted with her eyes open. That single word was too much for her.

Tsukuyomi and Cal simply looked at her.

"…Uuuuuuuh… is this a normal thing as well?" The girl asked.

"It's actually the first time I see her act like this." Cal replied. "But yes…it's probably normal." In that moment, they could hear the sound of a locomotive. "Well, what a coincidence! The train has arrived."

Tsukuyomi then started to drag on Rere by her legs. "Come on, Rere! Let's go home…" The travel back home went off fine and Tsukuyomi's first mission ended up being a success, bizarre indeed, but a success.

---

Caelum – City of Elba

During the return trip, Rere was able to wake up by herself and felt extremely embarrassed during their walk to reach the guild.

"Aaaaah…please don't tell anyone what happened back there! My reputation is scattered to oblivion!" She said while covering her faces.

"We won't say anything. But the real problem is more like…how long will it take for the others to find out." Cal told her.

Tsukuyomi was looking at the guild entrance in the meantime. "This is the first time I head back to the guild…it…makes a strange effect…but a nice one!" She commented.

"You'll get used to it." Cal told her. "The most appalling effect is to see when someone sees you back." He then opened up the doors of the guild. Tsukuyomi knew what was waiting for her, since she already had been there. But after seeing the main hall being revealed…she could guess what Cal meant.

The three samurais entered inside the mansion, and Tsukuyomi could look around, sensing a familiar air. "Can I…say it?" She asked.

"K-Knock yourself out…" Rere told her, still embarrassed for earlier.

With that, Tsukuyomi took a deep breath and said it. "I'm home!"

Nobuhito, who was a few meters away heard her voice and turned around. "Well would you look at that! They're back!" He commented.

"Finally! Welcome back!" Domino added. In a short time, the other members, who were scattered throughout the ground and first floor, turned around and looked at the three members who returned.

"Cal! Rere! Tsukuyomi!" The Master's three daughters immediately ran around the three samurais to greet them.

"Did you accomplish your mission?"

"Please tell us!"

"We want to know everything! Pleaaase!"

Even Rere warmed up a bit to this sight. "Alright! But let us breathe a moment!" She told them.

Naturally, Yukari came closer to get back the kids and greet them. "Welcome back! You do look tired! Would you like to take a shower?" She asked.

"Yeah…that would be the best actually. The mission turned out to be tougher than we thought…" Tsukuyomi replied, feeling a bit tired indeed.

"Well, this is what you'll get used to, now that you are a mage of Shogunate Pride. But if you came back all in one piece, it means that you passing the text wasn't just a coincidence." Yori told her before making a light smile. "Well done, girl. And I'm sure that Cal and Rere did good as well."

Cal made a small bow. "Thank you, Yori-shishou. Your teachings turned out to be useful this time as well." He spoke.

"The small spots of blood and sweat on your body give me the confirm of that. Now make sure to rest. You'll need it for tomorrow." The other samurai told him.

Tsukuyomi then turned on Revany. Since she was the one who introduced her to the guild, she wanted to know her opinion.

Just as she expected, the other girl simply nodded and looked elsewhere. It was still a satisfying answer.

In that moment, Henry came closer. "I'm sure that you'll have all the time to talk about the details, but first, I think a rest is more than deserved. And to start off…" He then showed the bento box with the sweets. "How about these Berry Blast mochi?" He asked.

Tsukuyomi's eyes shined like stars at this sight and naturally, she took some of them. "YES! THANK YOU, HENRY!"

"H-Hey! Leave them to me! I love them as well!" Rere protested.

"Ahah! Chill out! There's plenty for everyone!" Henry said before taking one of them. "I made sure that Mrs. Ami prepared tons of them for this occa-" Before he could finish the sentence, he chocked on the sweet. "AGH! GAH!"

Everyone got alarmed.

"AH! SOMEONE DO SOMETHING QUICK!" Nobuhito shouted out in panic.

"Leave it to me!" Rokumon promptly ran behind Henry and started to push so that the other boy could spit out the sweet.

"PUAH!" Luckily for them, Henry was able to spit out the sweet, which ended up at Dohko, who came right in that moment and blocked the sweet with his hand.

"It seems that even in happy moments, these episodes torment you, don't they, Henry?" He asked.

After being freed from the food, the cowboy samurai had to take a deep breath before talking. "D-Don't get me started, Master…" He spoke.

Dohko then took the opportunity to take a lot of Sakura mochi and put them all in his mouth, sounding a bit childish. "It seems that in the end you came back safe and sound! Once you're done here, come to my room." He spoke to the three members.

"Dohko! What are you doing!?" Yukari exclaimed, feeling astonished for her husband's behavior.

"Mom! Can I do like dad is doing?" Mami asked.

"Absolutely not!" Yukari protested.

"Uhm…If I may…can I ask why?" Tsukuyomi then asked to the Guild Master, fearing to know the answer.

Dohko took some seconds to swallow all the sweets in his mouth at once. Some of the members were a bit shocked by this. "Isn't it obvious?" The Master asked in an apparently serious voice before turning around with a cold expression. The three samurais sweated a bit, but then…

"It's because I want to be the first one to hear your first adventure, Tsukuyomi!" Dohko answered with a more childish smile.

Once again, Tsukuyomi was confused by his behavior. At least she was happy to know that she wasn't in trouble.

"D-Don't worry, Tsukuyomi, you'll get used to this quirk of his as well…" Rere told her.

"Yeah…I fell for it every time. Sometimes, Master Dohko can be quite unpredictable…" Cal added.

"Is that so…?" Tsukuyomi asked.

"Yes, but don't worry! Usually, the outcome is positive! It's hard to imagine Dohko getting mad! He's such a softer!" Domino told her.

"And I don't think you want to see him angry…at the sole thought I get goosebumps…" Fern added, trembling a bit.

Tsukuyomi was a bit confused by that sentence. Looking at Dohko, it was hard to imagine someone like him being furious. The least she could think of was him bouncing around in a field of flowers while threatening someone.

"Ahahahahah! I'll cut your throat!"

"Maybe…I'll understand it in the future?" She wondered.

"Maybe it's better if you don't understand it at all…" Nobuhito commented. He knew as well.

"Strange enough? But well…thank you again for the sweets, Henry! I guess I'll anticipate the othe-" Tsukuyomi then tried to follow Dohko, but right in that moment, she felt someone hugging her from behind. Judging by the softness of the body, she knew well who grabbed her. "A-ACK…"

"Aw, come on Tsukuyomi! You came back from your first mission and you don't even say hello to me? Stay a bit longer…why don't you tell me everything with a sweet glass of sakè?" It was Iku, who wanted to feel the newcomer's company a bit longer. And naturally, she was drunk.

Complete silence…until Cal sighed. "Here we go again."

"How much do you think it will take for her to react?" Rere asked.

"I would say in 3…2…1…" Yori started to count down. And just as he predicted…

"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!"

---

A few moments later…

Just like they have been told, Tsukuyomi, Rere and Cal were sitting in front of their Guild Master inside his own room. The room was actually small, consisting of a few foldable tents with various oriental plants drawn in it, a large red carpet with golden ornaments various pillows used as seats and a large bed near the window, big enough to fit in Dohko, Yukari and the three girls. The room was illuminated only by some candles that were scattered through the room and behind Dohko's seat, stood an altar with a sheathed katana on it.

The three samurais told Dohko and his family about the small adventure they had at the mansion in Michaerya and the sad ending they arrived to.

"So scary…" Homura commented.

"I don't think I'll sleep tonight!" Mami added.

"Then why did you stay and listen? Come on, you'll stick to me tonight, don't worry." Yukari told them. "Still…to think that everything started because of a little girl's despair is…incredible…" She then commented.

"Indeed. I feel sad for her as well. Maybe things could have gone better for her if someone helped in time. Sometimes…the feelings in the heart of a being can be stronger than expected. But while feelings can turn into good strength, they can also turn into violence and madness. Unfortunately, this girl ended up choosing the second way, and she had to pay the price for her actions." Dohko commented.

For some reason, the last things he said rang a bell in Tsukuyomi. It felt…familiar somehow. But as of now, she was more concerned about what happened, now that they brought it back.

Dohko could see it clearly, and as such, he made a heartened smile. "I completely understand how you feel, Tsukuyomi. My reaction wouldn't have been different if I were in your place. But even if sad, you did the right choice. Michaerya was haunted for several months by that girl, who was suffering because of others. And you three helped them both. What can make you feel more at ease with yourself, is the fact that you set them all free. Even her." He explained.

"What matters the most is that everyone is ok, especially the people you've rescued." Yukari added.

"Just as I said! Though I think that maybe some of the troubles were because of me…" Cal added as well.

"It's normal to make mistakes in a battle, nothing to feel pressured on Cal. What's important is that you three were able to complete the task with success, especially you, Tsukuyomi. Now we have the confirm that you are a qualified samurai just like everyone else here." Dohko continued. "Which means…that I'm expecting great things from you."

Once again, Tsukuyomi had that feeling of pleasure in her heart. "Thanks, Master…" She said with her cheeks lightly red while looking down. "I'm a real deal now, eh? Eheh…that's…good."

"You're now dismissed. Go take shower. Feel free to enjoy some hot water now!" Dohko concluded.

"Yes, Master!" The three samurais said in unison before standing up. But Rere stopped herself.

"Uhm…you guys go. I'll take the shower later." She spoke, surprising everyone.

"Are you sure?" Cal asked.

"Don't worry. Not a big deal…right?" Rere replied with a small smile. Tsukuyomi could recognize the same joke she used so she giggled. She then nodded to Cal and the two of them left, leaving only Rere with the Master and his family.

"Is there something wrong, Rere?" Dohko asked to her.

"No, it's not that bad. I only wanted to know one thing…" Rere replied as she sat down again.

"I'm all ears!" The Master spoke.

Rere looked down for a moment before asking her question. "May…May I know why did you pick me up to support Tsukuyomi in her first mission alongside Cal? I'm surely not among the strongest members of the guild and I'm pretty sure someone else would have done a better job to guide her in our ways so…why me?"

Dohko remained in silence for a few seconds but then made a small giggle. "So that's what it was all about." He commented before making himself comfier in the pillow. "True…you may not be among the strongest ones and maybe I should have brought someone with more experience on the field but…let me answer your question with another question…how did you feel while staying with her and Cal?"

Rere didn't really know what to say. She surely wasn't expecting that answer, but she also knew that maybe giving a reply would have helped her understand what her Master meant. "…Well…I've felt a bit odd and out of place. Apart from being creeped out by the idea that I had to face off a monster, I've felt weird…and like I was doing something for the first time. While I know Cal a bit…Tsukuyomi seemed like a bizarre person. So close to me, willing to ask me questions, try to comfort me…and all of this while she barely knew me for a day! And if I were to start how about I was forced to use the Devil Slayer magic…AAH!" She started to explain.

"…But…" She then continued. "At the same time…I've felt at ease. It was…fun to hang up with both her and Cal, also because we all ended up being similar: three complete socially awkward people, eheh! And then, she told me that she got my back in case everything went wrong. I've felt like…with that sole information I would have been able to control the magic. Because in the end-" After saying this, Rere widened her eyes and gasped. In the end, she realized it alone. "Wait…don't tell me that…"

Dohko nodded. "Glad that you've realized it by yourself." He spoke. "You've been here for around a year by now, but I could see pretty quickly what was your problem, also thanks to that letter I've received when you first joined the guild. And while we tried to work it out, I thought that maybe fighting alongside someone else would have helped you. You didn't take many missions with someone else here, right? Then, when Tsukuyomi joined in yesterday, I thought of an idea. She seemed an ideal person to start an interaction with someone like you. So, I've decided to send you and Cal with her. And…it seemed that it kinda worked, am I right?"

"You…You did it for me." Rere said, still incredulous.

"The road of the samurai also consists of conquering yourself before your enemy. And guilds mostly exist to unite people together and help them with their own problems. I think this is enough to let you understand what I mean. It will be hard, but in a way or another, we'll find a way to help you with your magic. This can be a start!" Dohko continued before coming closer and hugging her. Rere didn't move and let herself get hugged. "We all got your back. You can be sure of that."

"Super affection!" The three little girls and even Yukari joined in the hug.

"…Thank you, Master…" Rere simply replied. It felt just...incredible how he planned something to make her feel slightly better. Maybe...this would have been the right time for her. "But can you please get out? I'm feeling nervous…"

"Oh, right! Sorry." Dohko didn't hesitate and they all got out from the girl, who stood up.

"Well…in case…I think I can try to give the others a try…although socializing isn't surely one of my best qualities…" Rere concluded, feeling a bit embarrassed. "But I'll do my best! I promise!"

"Everyone has their own times, you know it. Speaking of which…has there been news about…well, that thing?" Dohko then asked.

Sadly, Rere shook her head. "No. Things have been a lot quiet during these times." She replied.

"I see. Well, now get a shower and then some rest. Let me know how it all works!" Dohko concluded with a wink. Rere nodded and left the room, feeling a bit better.

"She's a really sweet girl, even if she doesn't show it, right?" Yukari asked.

"Much like other ones here in the guild. What can I say, samurais can be weird." Dohko commented.

Rere came out from Dohko's room with a deep breath and a small smile. Sure, the fear of her hidden side prevailing still remained…but now she was certain of it. It wasn't assured that she would have won, but she had someone she could ask help with. This news made her go inside the female shower while feeling at ease and join Tsukuyomi in their bath.

After a good hot shower, Tsukuyomi didn't feel sleep yet. And in order to spend some time so that her eyes would start to feel tired, she decided to climb all the way through the roof of the guild. There, she started to look at the pale moon in silence. That night, it was full. She didn't know why, but ever since she was a child, she always felt attracted by that distant natural satellite. It gave her a peaceful effect.

This also helped her to think back at everything that happened that day and the one before. It was incredible of how in such a short amount of time, a lot of things could happen. Her first day at the guild, her first sad mission and the comfort of all members that, for better or for worse, liked to have her around. She didn't know how to feel like and what other adversity future would have thrown at her. But…after everything that happened that day…she felt like she would have found the strength to face them. The same strength she wanted to find.

This last thought made her look at her sword. The same one her father passed down to her before passing away. But then, her deep thoughts were interrupted when she heard someone coming closer. "Uh?"

"Aaah…Here we are." It was Ren, who sat on the roof a few meters away from Tsukuyomi alongside Cal.

"So why did you invite me, exactly?" Cal asked.

"There wasn't a real motivation. Just having someone to spend the night with." Ren replied before noticing someone else. "Uh? Oh, Tsukuyomi! You're here too?" He asked with a smile.

"Ren? Cal? What are you doing here?" Tsukuyomi asked.

"Nothing particular! Just staying in the chill before going to bed. Cal seemed a bit off so I've decided to bring him along." The more experienced mage explained.

"I was just thinking…" Cal replied.

"Oh! So this is some sort of…reserved space? I'm sorry, I'll leave right awa-" Tsukuyomi was ready to get up and leave in order to not bother the others, but Ren raised his hand in a stop sign.

"Don't worry, you can rest. It surely doesn't bother us! In fact, why won't you come closer?" He then asked.

Not knowing what to do, Tskuyomi looked at Cal for confirms. The boy simply shrugged in resignation. This made the girl come closer a bit embarrassed.

"There we go. So, you enjoy the sight of the pale moonlight as well?" Ren asked.

"Well…yes. I mean…it's just you and the moon after all. Nothing else." Tsukuyomi commented.

"I agree." Cal added. "It kinda helps you focusing on what to do. Maybe because you feel relaxed. Well…that actually depends on what emotion you're feeling at the moment…"

"Hmhm! Glad that you feel similar!" Ren commented before taking a bit of what seemed to be a clear blue ice cream.

Tsukuyomi could see it closer and find it strange. "What…is that?" She asked.

"Sea Salty ice cream. Just like the titles said, it's the only ice cream with salt." Ren said before taking another bite.

The idea of a salty ice cream disgusted both Tsukuyomi and Cal. "Eugh, how can you eat something like that?" The latter asked.

"Meh. If you ate it, you would change your mind. But tell me more about you." Ren replied while looking at the newest member. "How was your first mission? Any particular opinions?"

Tsukuyomi was caught off guard by that question. But she couldn't even back down. It was a normal question after all. "Well…first off, it was surely creepy. Of all things I didn't know things would have turned out…that way." She started.

"Definitely. Of all missions, you picked up the most messed up one. Though we did give a great help." Cal added a comment of his own.

"And it surely saddened me to find out what happened to that girl." Tsukuyomi then continued. "But…I won't hide the fact that I've had some fun as well. Thanks to Cal here and Rere. I've never experienced making a mission before, well except for a thing that happened a few days ago, but…I can get now what it means to be part of a guild. I clearly can't wait to see more! Of course, if I'm not a bother to you."

"You're not. At least for me. I wouldn't mind going on a mission with you again. I'm sure Rere thinks the same." Cal replied.

"That would make me glad! I know that she likes to keeps some things for herself but…she's not that bad either! Back in the shower she was even eager to talk to me! Well…even if only a bit." The black haired girl said.

Hearing those words made Ren chuckle while keeping on eating the ice cream. "It's not that unusual in here actually. I'm sure you also have your own secrets in the pocket. In a way or another, everyone wants to pass through something that happened in their past. After all, life also consists in knowing sadness and accept it."

While Cal looked down immersed in thoughts, almost as if this proved out what Ren was saying, Tsukuyomi felt like those words were able to reach out her own mind.

"Surprised, eh? Even if it doesn't seem like, I'm pretty good in seeing this stuff." Ren said satisfied before getting comfier and finishing his ice cream. "Maybe with time, you'll understand what I mean."

Even if confused by that, Tsukuyomi made a smirk. "I'll try! After all…what you said is right." She spoke before looking back at the moon and then at Cal. "Are you ok?"

"Uh? Yes, don't worry. Just…thinking of something, that's all." The boy replied.

"See?" Ren thought.

"Speaking of which Ren, where have you been today? The others told me that you were out for most of the day." Tsukuyomi then asked.

"What can I say? S-Class mages can be quite busy." The other mage replied.

"Are you sure you weren't out for one of your games?" Cal asked.

The question made Ren waver. "GH!" He slowly moved his head towards them with a nervous smile. "C-Come on! What would make you think that?"

Both Tsukuyomi and Cal looked at him with a sceptic face.

"GUYS!"

And so, from one joke to another, one realization to another…that long day came to an end. The young girl finally found some sleep and went to bed. The questions were numerous…but there was time for all of them.

---

The next day…

Since it was placed in the mountains, the sun went up pretty early for the guild of Shogunate Pride, and its mages were ready to wake up.

Tsukuyomi in particular, woke up while feeling relaxed. After some minutes of morning stretching, she was ready to go. "Phew…I'm still in my room here. It's incredible that I'm still not in a dream…or! It's a very long one…I hope it's the first answer. Anyways! Time to go!

After a quick shower, the girl reached out the first hall, where she could see all the members eating up in one of the tables with their shenanigans.

"Hm? Oh hey, guys! Tsukuyomi woke up!" Henry pointed out.

"It's already the second time you're the last one to wake up, sir." Fern added.

"Oh, come on, don't make her feel uncomfortable in the first morning." Iori said to the comrade.

"Don't worry, I'm not upset. Though I hope there's still food for me…" Tsukuyomi replied.

"Plenty of it! Yukari here never disappoints!" Ronin replied, making the woman blush.

"Oh now, no need to make compliments!"

"Tsukuyomi! I've reserved a place for you! Y-You can stay here…to eat…" Rere told her, still nervous to think that she could have had a friend. The other girl was surprised, but accepted it with pleasure. She ended up staying between Rere and Cal, who both felt nice having her around. "Oh...and by the way..." Rere then added.

"Hm?"

"...Thank you. I mean...for yesterday." Rere said while looking down a bit embarassed.

By hearing her, Tsukuyomi made a small laugh. "Oh there's no need to. Besides, this is just the beginning if we're gonna be comrades and friends!"

Rere flinched again after hearing that word. "GH- I-I know..." She commented. "Do not faint again..."

From there Tsukuyomi could see the guild as a whole and overall…she felt nice. The road of the samurai seemed hard…but enjoyable. "Eheh…if that of yesterday was only the first mission, I wonder how the rest will look like!" She thought.

The answer would have came out sooner than she expected.

---

And that's all! I hope that the ending of this chapter didn't sound too rushed! At least I can say that I've brought up the things I've wanted to put in this chapter! As I said at the beginning, this chapter was more focused on sadness and the first sights of character interactions, which are the topics I like the most to bring up, especially the second one, since I've always thought that character interactions are the things that bring forward a story, and as such, I always do my best to make them work out. And not gonna lie, when I wrote Ellie's death, I felt myself die a bit inside. Despite knowing how the scene would have evolved, I've felt really sad, despite knowing that it was the best outcome, although I'll admit that I had some second thoughts during the making of the chapter, before deciding to stick with the original idea.

I've also had a lot of fun writing Rere's true power! Ever since I've got her as a character, a scene like this was something I've wanted to do with her. I hope that the one that submitted her will feel happy to see her first moment of glory! A praise also to Cal obviously, since his magic is always a fun ride to write, especially with all the combinations.

But naturally, the last opinion is left to you! Did you like the chapter? What are your opinions on the fight with Ellie and its outcome? Did you like Rere's revelation? Did you think I've made a good job with the interactions? As always, let me know in your reviews! Your opinion is important!

And with this, another small arc is done! I can't believe I'm already down to two! Although it's normal, the first part of the story will mostly be made of shorter arcs, but with the next one will already be longer, since we'll dive into the true action with battles that are closer to the classic Fairy Tail and we'll see the rest of the guild show off their skills! Can't wait to show them all and finally bring up more enemies, since I have plans for them as well!

As always, I thank you a lot for reading this chapter and I'll see you in the next one or the next chapter of another story! From Bluestar here, arrivederci!