02/07/2024 03:34 PM  FOR THE LIFE OF ME Vol.1 - Index FULL TEXT (with an extra bonus) - Google docs PROLOGUE - YAMI KUZUNOHA THE ELEVENTH 第十一代目葛葉やみ,の序幕 (Daijūichidaime Kuzunoha Yami no Jomaku) "Down the capital, there lies a secret. A new defender is being born... and his future is yet to be written" Chapter 1 - The Bride goes to the Big City 花嫁は大都会に行く (Hanayome wa dai tokai ni iku) "She is back! She is here, she is in a big city, facing the past, while running away from her fears. Why is the sky so scary to someone who wishes t be free?" Chapter 2 - Liquid Gold 溶融金 (Yōyū-kin) "Isn't it funny, Mister Dirksen? Beer... a simple beverage, right? Yet, it unifies entire people, and it is older than time... don't you remember, Mister Jakob Dirksen"  Chapter 3 - Showdown! Yami Kuzunoha VS The Scarlet Devilman 決軍勝負!! 葛葉ヤミ対真紅魔人 (Keggun shōbu! ! Kuzunoha Yami tai Shinku Majin) "From the very desk of Yatagarasu, here it comes: a fight between the man mistaken for death itself, and a monster in the guise of a man. The most brutal fight for Yami Kuzunoha begins" Chapter 4 - Looking back, Arrowroots leaves うらみ葛の葉 (Urami Kuzunoha) "Once upon a time, an ancient fox spirits that fell in love with a human, birthing with him the man who'd become the greatest Yin Yang master: this is the story before that fateful meeting" Chapter 5 - In Death's Maw (Volume 1 finale) 死の口中 (Shi no kōchū) "In the finale of this volume (but not of his story) while revisiting stories about man's relationship with death, Death comes once more  to claim what fell into its den..." 0 Comments  Report Post

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02/06/2024 05:28 PM  In Death's Maw - 死の口中 ".... Pruflas, you are pulsating.... Is my future uncertain again or have we found him?", he questioned, still walking into the thick fog that allowed him to traverse the area, any outsider would barely be able to see but a glimpse of him, unable to track his steps “אפשרות אחת לא שוללת את השנייה, אדוני מצאנו אותו”, the Demon answered, its shape morphing into an arrow breaching through the fog, clearing a path. Eyelids shut, deep solemn breath escaped his lips as he was focusing on his mission. He had to give a proper answer to what he was going to do. About time… "It’s go time then"; the summoner remarked, putting on a smile that was shifting into a smirk as he placed his kitsune mask to cover himself. A look at the surrounding area, hands clutched on his kodachi hidden in the umbrella. Too much filth leads to curses that lead to disaster... There’s one at the door. At the gates of Damnation IN DEATH’S MAW Shi no kōchū 死の口中 What a peculiar weather, the heavy hail having dropped the temperature of summer in United Stated to a bearable degree, yet down in the slums, same old night, with the dim light on the street giving the way to where only criminals came and frolicked about, the atmosphere thickened by the smoke of cigarettes and the fumes of alcohol pestering the whole club. Zachary Robets, Slippery Zack for friends, a small-time crook, had an awfully busy day on the run, but at last he could rest, maybe spend some time talking to a friend of his… well, if he could call ‘Ray Collins’ a friend: a very mysterious dude from Japan, scary looking. Some said he had killed an entire yakuza clan over a single night, others said he had escaped the entire Japanese force while on foot after punching the Emperor in the face. Others said he was born from a tree and fed on roots. Crazy, right? Yet you would believe it by looking at him. What Zachary, and probably everyone else found more unbelievable, was that they were friends. So quick and sudden: he had saved Zachary’s life, and ever since, whenever they met, he treated him to some good booze within what he could afford. Only two things were certain about Ray Collins: his fashion style was ridiculously dated, and had first appeared in America during a storm, even worse than the one today. Today they were going cheap: two pretty mugs of beer today yet Ray seemed awfully silent, looking out at the foggy windows, waiting for something. “What’s wrong dude?”Zachary asked. No answer from Ray until a bright lighting bolt shook the entire building, lighting up what seemed to be an endless night. What seemed to be the faint flapping of wings seemed to slightly rattle Ray, but he didn’t show nothing but a light shiver. “Usual sh*t. Except for one thing I have heard…. Shinigami” Zachary, woefully ignorant, had no idea what the hell that meant. Before he could ask, the loud rumble followed the bolt, shaking the entire building. It was then Ray realized “Sorry… it means…”, how to explain Zachary without clashing with his Christian belief “Spirit of ‘death’, more or less. The Grim Reaper,” Zachary was not the kind to believe in that, however, and indeed, he remarked: “Is that a fancy assassin?” “Some think that”, Ray muttered, drinking a long sip of his mug, holding his head in his grave pensive mood, as if waiting on something. There was an awkward silence following as the bartender, Jakob Dirksen, moved in to take an order. Did Zachary remember how he first met Jakob DIrksen? He had heard he had moved from Germany recently after some convincing from his husband… at least his beer was delicious. Such crazy stories, between the speculation of thunder, Jakob and now even this… “...Shinigami…”, Zachary muttered to himself while scratching his head. Something was clicking to him I … I think I heard that name before, Ray”, he said as if he had the smartest idea in his life “there was like this random file I got … a spam mail” “I told you not to read this crap. They are scam”, Ray chided him, but Zachary insisted on showing him what it was. Ray seemed more intent in wanting to check at the window, touching his medallion, but… relented, eventually, if only out of curiosity and to keep Zachary calm. That wasn’t a simple spam email: not only there was missing A weird tale, of a self declared bride running away from a Shinigami while losing her mind waiting on someone… someone she wanted to kill. Ray was barely changing expression, but he seemed to be becoming more and more uncomfortable with the way her mental state deteriorated. “This makes no sense”, Ray turned somewhere around the end “I should say ‘Oni’, not ‘Bonnie’.” “You sure?”, the other remarked “This looks like the classical moment where the protagonist's name is revealed” Ray was looking incredulous at Zachary showing off random culture of literary devices but he just dismissed it: “The Bride was clearly a monster all along, I am guessing a delusional Hannya. The ‘Shinigami’ wanted to call her ‘Bony’ or ‘Oni’. Cheap horror” Ray stood up, getting up as he picked up a cigarette, but as soon as he opened it… but as soon as he reached the door… the downpour., so much water, he had to slam the door shut to make sure it wouldn’t step further. As he did so, all lights began flickering, the surrounding shadows taking bizarre shapes for a few instants before everything would be set to normal. “Kuso”, he growled in frustration. More lighting pouring down. He was not amused when he saw that Jakob had moved to read the story on Zachary’s mobile… and had forgotten their order “... I do not think this is meant to be horror, the finale is sweet. The Bride has a chance of redemption by moving to the bus and then accepts her issues”, he mused with a romantic sigh “... The beers?”, Ray questioned him, making the tall bartender step up. “Sorry sorry, I just remembered that my Ehemann… How do you say it… husband? Yes, I first met my husband on a bus…” Do you remember, Mister Jakob Dirksen? There was the myst … and the figure in the shadow talking to you….. So many figures talking to you, not even in your language… Do you want to remember, Mister Jakob Dirksen? Was there even something worth remembering? Feeling his head pulsating, he decided not to further push himself. He was happy, had become quite rich with his secret beer recipe, had gotten married to a gorgeous guy before legally moving to America and was starting to moonlight as a bartender while his husband kept paying the bills. Everything was going as smoothly as it could go with Mister Jakob Dirksen’s life…Then why did he have these weird flashes? It was if he wanted to remember something… he wasn’t supposed to. A sudden draft of a cold that wouldn’t be out of place in winter snapped him back to reality. The storm was still raging…. “I better go and raise the heating system”, he said as he went behind the counter, hearing out a voice suddenly calling him out “Eh, up, dude, 'ere, about time, give us one o' yor finest ale, right, and quick. I slammed them brass on yor counter”, it yelled out “Oh, sure”, he said as he noticed the money there and quickly swept it up, as he got ready to prepare the mug. Wait, where was the client? It seemed like he was very short and…. An upward swoosh and it was no longer anything there. Except the money?..... Right? “Did anyone see…?”, he asked, but only Ray seemed to care “What?” His piercing gaze overwhelmed Jakob, who meekly bowed his head. “I should go…” Ray would help the staggering bartender. “Let me help you”, he declared with a sigh, Zachary giving Jakob a seat. “I still don’t get why you are so scared of a dude called Shinigami, it’s obvious that you can take anyone, right, Ray?”, he asked his friend confidently, only to be met with silence “... right?” “.... What if I told you… the Shinigami may have been the reason why Enrico Rossi is gone?”, Ray asked. The other patrons turned at hearing that name “Don’t. Say. That. Name”, one asked “We don’t want the Scarlet Devilman here” “Doesn’t matter”, Ray remarked unfettered by the many people glaring at him “He is dead” “You know, this is what my boss told me, everyone had gotten ready to shoot the f*** out of that bastard. Without even bothering, one of his men literally blocked the bullets, they bounced off his skin. Then Enrico walked up to most of us and offered them swords to fight, talking about some sh*t about Mura-something and, I sh*t you not, my boss gut himself like a f***ing fish as soon as he touched it. Every other person who tried to help him did the same. Then two more of Enrico’s men went and began eating the corpses down to their f***ing bones. Do you think THIS Enrico can die? Then he sent the few of us that had been guarding the boss’ family to see the video. I am not even sure if he is human…” It was weird… the very first time, Zack could swear Ray was shaking “I know”, Ray said “And this is why I know the Shinigami did him in” “What a lovely story”, the wheezed voice of an old lady, barely limping from the door holding an umbrella, was barely able to mutter. “... any issue, granny?”, one of the more grizzled patron asked, but she just coughed “None at all, my dear grandchild is outside, he is parking in this Scheißwheather….”, she said, making Jakob surprised “Ma’am!” “I am old, young man, don’t ma’am me!....”, she said before coughing just while another thunder crashed down “Sorry… this rain makes me worry for my dear grandchild … as an apology… a round of beer for everyone while we wait for him!” And thus the old lady conquered the entire bar with this. She seemed heavily overdressed and frail, but…. Eeeh, it had been a tiring day for anyone to want to be daring and rob an old lady. One tried, but he felt like something poked his behind, causing him to recoil away As Jakob offered the beer, the old lady spoke “So… are we telling stories about devils? Don’t you fear them?” Silence from everyone. They really didn’t like to talk about Enrico Rossi. It had been over a month since the last time he had appeared in public, or was there even a vague hint of any of his criminal activities, but… Such was the power of fear “... It’s not really a literal devil, he just … a very scary man”, Zachary remarked “Bah”, the old lady mumbled “Men. All of us are going to die one way or the other, what’s the deal?” …. Awkward silence “... Awww, come on, now what?”, the granny remarked “I am going to die before all of you, likely, be grown ups!” She cackled a little before muttering “Sorry…. You remind me of an old story I heard when I was young” — Once upon a time, There was an ugly and baaad demon, it looked like a human sized hairless bat. And, let me tell you, was she bad! Every night, she slipped in the shadows to enter people’s bedrooms and sat on their stomach. Ignorant of her presence, she would weave nightmares in their mind. At times, they woke up in tears. And was she proud? Oh yes, she deemed herself an artist in her bad dream craft, her chest swole in pride every time she felt their fear and distress. This Demon, let’s call her the Alp, savored their terror, she lived for it. And every time, they sought her, she hastily hid in the dark so well that commoners could never see her, but they knew they were being watched. But art is beauty, and beauty takes time and concentration. Her victim was a little girl. The Alp did the usual: slid out the shadows from the shadow of her sleeping bag, sat on her stomach… And began weaving a Nightmare through her fears It was then the light came on. The Demon had made a mistake in picking a girl in the middle of a sleepover. No shadows, no other beds, no closets to run away… just, around nine little girls had surrounded her. The Alp was a master of psychological fear, she wasn't the kind to believe in just making verses and jumping, thus she was stunned by the bright light… She stood frozen in anxiety and fear. Silence “Ugly”, one child called her “Ugly! Ugly! Ugly”, the other children joined the chorus and began beating the Alp back with pillows. Despite the Alp’s claws and fangs, she was not fighting back: poor her,having lived her life in darkness on solo performances, how could she know she suffered from stage fright? They had called her ugly. She had never considered that. Overwhelmed, she was pushed out of the window and fell. Once the child hosting the sleepover party warned her parents… The adults found nothing. The Alp had run away in fear, hiding in the shadows but, maybe, she should have tried to fight back for from that day on, she had stopped living. She was afraid of whenever the shadows retreated. She could no longer sow terror for she feared the light to turn on and to be called ugly again. She had no desire to follow her craft, how could she follow a will to live? Resting, she waited in the darkness for oblivion to embrace her. But much to her surprise, it was Death to come. First, it was a cold chill. Then came the fog… with but two large luminous eyes piercing through, freezing her like the first time she was bathed in light. “Alp of the Night clan”, Death spoke, its dark figure framed by light “I have come for you” She didn't answer. There was no way to back away…she saw the blade. Her eyes closed, waiting for the reaping to begin. Eye closed. Shaking, yet accepting her grim fate. … Or so she thought. Minutes passed, but she could still feel conscious and alive. When her eyes were open, it wasn't the cold steel of a cruel blade that was facing her, but a humanoid hand. The other risen to cover the bright light away from the demons visage “Come with me. We will wander through the darkness, and dig the hiddenmost fear of the foul ones that believe not to be afraid” She understood… And chose to accept the offer. And thus, people who Death comes to will forever have one more reason to fear it, if their heart ever so wishes. —-- “The End~”, the Old Lady spoke “What now?”, Zachary remarked “You are telling us you are the child that called the demon ugly?” The lady laughed, taking the joke in stride. She began shivering a little as some fog had again leaked in when she entered. “Sorry, my bad”, Jakob said, closing the door and locking it, just to make sure there wouldn’t be any further draft. At least, with the heaters on, the place would soon get cozy. “You totally got me... I like you boy”; she said jokingly pinching his cheeks. It ever so slightly hurt due to her very long nails, but Zachary paid no attention. Ray was glaring at her throughout “What now, young man?”, she asked him challengingly, her small beady eyes, clearly almost completely blind, narrowed even thinner as he looked at the man walking in front of her, seeming confrontation. She couldn’t help but notice how he was holding and nervously touching his own pendant “.... When is your grandchild coming?”, he pointed out at her, causing her to dismiss him. “Patience, young man, patience”, she muttered “The patience gets always awarded while otherwise…. You know what happens to the young man who steps in the wrong den right?” “What is it? Another story?”, Zack asked “Come on, lady, you just told one” “...it’s going to be shorter, just enough for my grandchild to arrive”, she said as the sound of a large car braking echoed “I think he is close” Hesitation “.... If you listen to my story, another round of beer” The hardened criminals, acting pettily, were about to just mind their own business, when some could swear hearing some weird noises “... Is something in the pipes, Jakob?” … but a beer was beer, and this old lady seemed to like it. “Such good beer, I was told it was super good”, she remarked with a chuckle “Told ya, Granny”, a voice nobody seemed to come from hallowed out, but the old woman coughed a little “So… I owed you a story…”, she muttered, earning a groan from everyone — Once upon a time, A boy and a girl that were in the woods, living their life as aimlessly as kids do, enjoying the moment. But the girl wanted to go to the forbidden woods, where there was said to be… Let’s call it a wolf. The most dreadful, cruelest and most uncompromising wolf there was, said not to hunt for hunger nor sport, but territory: all that crosses into the wolf’s den belongs to its maws. No matter how big, small, strong, weak, old, young, from the mouse to the bull, each had been a meal that had fallen to his mighty jaws. However, the boy was determined in saving the girl. He grabbed her and ran. The Wolf went after them… Because it thought nothing could stop it, much less a boy. But the boy had plans. Traps. Weapons, negotiation. Just like the Wolf wouldn’t yield to nothing from getting the girl back, neither the Boy would dare to budge against him. — Silence, the lady took all of the time to order another mug and slowly drink it down, seeming to ignore the group of people that had gathered around her table “... And?”, Zack questioned her, waiting for any way to get a proper conclusion. “Ah, the story more or less ends here”, the old lady remarked with a nod “This isn’t a story, it’s barely a pitch of one. First of all, what were even the boy and the girl? Brother and sister? Did the boy love her? Anything?”, he snapped, feeling underwhelmed by how abrupt it had ended. “Does it really matter? Honestly, I don’t think even their gender matters beyond distinguishing them. Just like the Wolf in some stories is a Jackal, a Dragon, or another monster… One crossed over the forbidden den, the other did their best to defend the other”, she explained with a calm nod. “... okay fine, but the story didn’t even end. Who won? Did the boy kick the wolf’s ass?” “Nah, obviously the wolf ate both children” Ah, speculation, this made the old lady chuckle “.... end? This is a story that has many versions, Kinder”, she answered, suddenly a German word escaping her lips “In some stories, the boy is able to negotiate with the wolf… his life for hers. In far too many, the wolf succeeds despite everything, the grimmest ones having it kill both. In yet others, the boy is able to seal the wolf, but it escapes after several decades to finish the job. I have heard there is one version where the boy is able to permanently defeat the wolf. Other versions say they are still running to this day” “... the meaning is obvious though, what does a man do when faced with the inevitable? The impossible challenge, shall we say. To give an end… is the answer few people want to give”, the old woman commented “... What about your friend Ray?. Wait, I think he has run away…” Zack and the others went to look for their friend… she was right. That made no sense, though…. Why would he be running away from an old lady? Darkness had completely fallen down, the granny’s silhouette seeming to shift into another shape entirely. It was unclear as it was seeking to move behind, but it looked like a human sized wingless bat "Schande über ihn. Ich hatte nicht erwartet, dass er ein Feigling wäre. Aber wie gesagt: Angst vor dem Sensenmann ... für diejenigen, die es verdienen. [Shame on him. I didn't expect him to be a coward. But like I said: fear of the Grim Reaper...for those who deserve it.]” Out of instinct, Zack sought to run away, but he kept saying just the vaguest hints of the bat-like creature… only to realize that on the ceiling there seemed to be a third creature, imp like in size… Jakob tried to run away… but the Alp moved behind him and whispered: “Ich hoffe wirklich, dass Ihr Mann Sie liebt: Seien Sie vorsichtig mit Ihrem geliebten Loki” Frozen, he saw what seemed the imp-like creature “Right on cue, right, Alpie, right, let's give them chumps a good ole shower from Lethe waters, for Luv’s duck” Tiny fist slammed on the fire alam! And while the sirens blazed and water would wash away memories like rain, Ray Collins was running away amidst the storm, seeking a way out from the mysterious fog that seemed to overwhelm the storm. But … the wall. He had run in a dead corner… and the shadow had cornered him. “Ray… Collins… Raiko”, the Shadow guessed Ray’s name or, as he knew him…   “Agent THUNDER, it’s about time we finally meet! But you do know who I am… I would have sworn Enrico had killed you. That's what I get for not looking for the body, am I right?”, Yami Kuzunoha cheered, his steps ringing into his interlocutor's ears like a funerary bell toll. “... Did you like the story of the children and the wolf? I made it up, but the Alp has recited it magnificently: I’d ask her to step out of the shadows if she didn’t suffer from stage fright. Admittedly, I personally had written the predator as a catty fox rather than a wolf but…” Ray narrowed his eyes, his knuckles ready, as well as his necklace hiding his summons, interrupting the rambling ‘Shinigami’ “Yami Kuzunoha?… I thought that Tyrfing’s curse…” “... Oooh, don’t tell me, you have no idea what I had to do to get rid of it. Turned out, it was Odin’s plan all along, but … Ah, my Goddess! Verdandi is as adorable as a cupcake!” Yami replied with fake pleasantries “Nonetheless, you don’t want trouble? Well, that is grand, neither doI. What I would rather have are the reports you dared to hack from my computer” Finally, under the false smile he was wearing, the ‘Shinigami’s voice was beginning to sound annoyed, even grave. “... Why, Thunder, how did you escape both Yatagarasu and the Scarlet Devilman?” That was when Thunder barked back with bold defiance, aware of the sore spot it had to be: “How else, but Demonlover?” Demonlover…, he had known about that woman, a tenuous ally of Yatagarasu at best, yet one of the masterminds behind the creation of the Kan’non collective. Most importantly, Demonlover was the girlfriend of one of his supervisors, Geirin Kuzunoha, representative of one of the main divisions. In other words, she was borderline untouchable without the right way…. “First she sabotages my entrance ritual, then this…”, he grumbled in frustration. “Don’t feel special, she likes to prank everyone at Yatagarasu”, the retired summoner spoke, his eyes narrowed on the the ‘Shinigami’ had lowered his guard …. It was time to fight back. He still held a demon hidden in the pendant around his neck …. The same one the Alp, sliding out of the shadow, had slipped out of his neck from the shadows just before tossing it at her master. Before the fugitive could take it back, he had been halted by the demon and forced to watch as the elitè Demon Hunter picked the Kartika knife. One slam of the Vajira end. Two. Three. A crack, at last. Lighting bolts came out of the metallic pendant as a creature tried to come out “Leigong of the Destroyer Clan… impressive”, Yami said, acknowledging it as a potentially tough opponent…. Had it been able to take shape. As nothing but electrified magnetite, it was easy to destroy and dispel before the slashes of his Kartika dagger. At last, the rain was finally beginning to subside, the fog triumphing over it. Now the former agent was desperate, seeking to grab away the Alp to avoid it from attacking him any further. Before any blow could be blended, he got struck by Yami’s elbow to the solar plexus, taking the breath off him and bringing him down to his knees. Before Thunder could stand up, his opponent had his foot pressured on top of his head “Thunder…”, he called out again, in a more serious again “Kill me”, the retired summoner called out. No answer, “I am sick of all the sh*t Yatagarasu has put me through. Ever since I was born…. You have gotten everything from me. When the Scarlet Devilman attacked… about f***ing time. I could finally have an excuse. Agent Thunder was dead. I could live a life… sure, I scrap by money, I get into fights non-stop… it’s a bit of a sh*tty life, but it’s MINE” “While still keeping a bound contract to a Chinese Thunder God…”, Yami pointed out the hypocrisy of what the man said, causing him to snap. Any attempt to move was pushed down by Yami’s foot pressuring him “A leverage in case one of you would come”, Thunder barked back “Good it did for you. To be honest… I do not hold any interest in your life. Live, die, do whatever… but you stole my files, my very report about my fight with the Scarlet Devilman. What were you trying to accomplish? Blackmail me? Blackmail Yatagarasu? Maybe just erase any mention of yourself?” Thunder didn’t reply to Yami’s accusations. A click from his gun made his back shiver. “My reports. Now…”, he repeated “They are home on my computer… too far from here. I didn’t know you would come here….”, was Thunder’s meek defense, an easy lie “You had been summoning Leigong’s power, you definitely knew I was coming for you”, he remarked “But if you truly kept them home….” Finally the foot pressure was relieved but Yami had just grabbed him by the back of his hair… and had Thunder’s mobile. Forcing his hand on the display, the Kuzunoha summoner was able to unlock the mobile, and uploaded one of his demons. What seemed the icon for firefox began moving in the monitor, beginning to burn and destroy the files “And here. Yeobul is feasting on your files at the speed of light. Next I am going to your email and having her wreak havoc on your computer as well. Any file you had of me will be devoured by her flames…. I fear whatever was in your ‘private folder’ is going to be destroyed as well Sorry… however, just to make sure…” He tossed the mobile against the ground, promptly smashing it with his feet. “Buy yourself a new mobile, Ray”, Yami remarked drily, turning the former summoner to his back “For all I care, Thunder has been killed by Enrico and his body's still missing. As for you, Ray, your life begins anew tonight” The former Summoner was too shocked to be rational and accept the mercy from the élite who was already walking away, standing up and call him out. He did realize something. If Yami had been acting like this … Yatagarasu hasn’t realized I am here, then… “What the hell is wrong with you, Yami? If you are sparing me, you know Yatagarasu is sh*t, why are you still with them? ”, Thunder remarked. The other summoner’s face piqued in curiosity, pleased at being asked “Don’t pull my leg, you don’t want to know, long story, just leave”, was Yami’s curt response, turning so his facial expression and the new grimace wouldn’t be seen “I have all the time to listen”, was Ray’s bold claim, still as defiant as ever. A deep breath escaped the Kuzunoha, his weapons still drawn so he could make sure the fugitive wouldn’t get funny ideas. He slowly turned, checking on the man struggling to get back up to his feet I suppose there is one more time for a story, the élite summoner thought to himself “Long ago, before I even knew of Yatagarasu, I used to want to be a hero…”, was the young man’s incipit, hastily halted by the older fugitive’s coarse laughter. “No, Seriously? To be a hero? That was your dream? This sounds … so stupid”, the former agent of Yatagarasu remarked incredulously, looking down with a mix of mockery and curiosity “What made you stop?” Such a reaction was met throughout with silence and a deadpan glare on the Kuzunoha’s face. The desire to continue this conversation was gone “...I wonder myself”, was his monotonous response as he turned his back again “Get the f*** back to his friends” Ray just shook his head, still defiant, running towards the fog Kuzunoha was creating “You are insane, Kuzunoha. Run away from them, or you will end up alone and crazy, you get me?” Thunder could see nothing any longer. He couldn’t see from an inch from his nose, he suddenly felt a hand pulling him in. Was it Yami’s? Before he could attack he realized who was holding him…. Zackary greeted him. Once more back at the bar “Yo, Ray. Did you see the rain? It was crazy”, he cheered “Come on, I got some beer for ya, rounds on me” Ray looked around. No Kuzunoha… no Yatagarasu… no Summons… no way to get back. Maybe it was for the best. A stoic nod and he sat next to his friend, “Of course, how are you doing?”, Ray asked “Good, you?”, Zack replied curious “Please… you know not even Death can stop me”, his bolder and more badass friend replied, hearing the flap of wings of something in the far distance. But he didn’t care. He was with his friend, Jakob seemed ready to make his amazing beer, and the bar seemed unusually cozier, likely the heaters had been turned on. He was no longer afraid. Today he was going to enjoy what little was left of the night. EPILOGUE Hòujì 后记 “Yes, my superiors, my wage has arrived. Thanks for the concern. No, sir, I can confirm that ever since the cupca-Lady Verdandi performed the exorcism I have had no side effects from Tyrfing, I will come tomorrow… No sir… still no trace of Agent Thunder. With how fierce Enrico Rossi was… I am not sure if we will hear of him ever again”, he grimly remarked. His voice trembling a little, the firefox who had just come back in a rare case nuzzling him for comfort… … No wait, she just wanted snacks. As soon as she had eaten a candy bar, her flames turning bright azure, she had returned to mind her own business. From the other side of the phone, there was nothing but a buzzing annoyance in his ears, a spiel about how rightful it was to wish him for mercy on his soul, as away from Yatagarasu, who knows what the poor man was going to deal with “I merely do my job for the sake of Yatagarasu and our superiors”, he answered calmly “As the time I have killed Enrico Rossi, you won’t be let down” Finally a smile at the next words. Just to make sure, he checked his account “I can confirm the Macca is already there. Yes, I shall take my day off to rest, I am most aware I should avoid stressing myself… We shall meet tomorrow for a check up as already established. Best wishes” He hung up his phone, now his voice turning at the demons “Easy comes”, he said admiring the money, subtracting a small part, just enough to allow someone to buy a new mobile “Easy goes…” A deep breath. Soon, he noticed that all of his demons that had summoned were looking at him intensively. He knew what they wanted. “... yes, we are going to take a beer to Dirksen later, just give them a few to allow the power of Lethe to be done scrambling his mind… but for the time being… you are dismissed. I need to rest” Pruflas, Alp, Yeobul and Jack all nodded and, soon, they were fading into data as static noises buzzed down. He immediately closed his hand and…. Everything was over.. There was no mist, there were no streetlights, only Yami Kuzunoha, and the bus. With no clients around, and his demons away, The night was his and his alone.. Gods are described these days as cruel and unjust, but the truth was that you cannot just pinpoint a race and think to group their personality as a dividual. Each god is different, some were pranksters, others were slaves of vice, yet rightful. Ultimately, gods were human, and just like people, you can’t apply a specific rule. Of course he had to learn that, for he was no Shinigami, despite people mistaking him for such: he didn’t choose who lives and who dies, only carries them to their rightful place. A duty stolen, of all things, from an actual long lost deity by his clan’s founder. And with such a task, you had to learn to adapt and grow… and this is what Yami Kuzunoha had done across his missions. He had no regret in his act of mercy, despite Thunder seeming to do his best not to want it. After all, he was under Demonlover’s protection. Yami was going to have to deal with her someday…. But far later down the line. Formerly a young man with a dream, now a worker, capable of balancing his own past with the present, and growing out of it a bit more. From a man unable to control his own demons, to one learning from the very inner demons of mankind. But right now… all he is doing is enjoying some bentoes. He has people who love him and help him prepare such lovely meals. Slowly nibbling on his food, he looked up in the sky, quizzically admiring the rising sun with a sense of challenge gleaming in his dull red orbs. “... What is in store for me, exactly?” tu viru viru ra fa~ tu viru viru ra fa~ tu viru viru.. tu viru viru.. tu viru viru.. ra fa~ tu viru viru ra fa~ tu viru viru ra fa~ tu viru viru.. tu viru viru.. END OF VOLUME ONE 0 Comments  Report Post

01/21/2024 01:15 PM  Showdown!! - 決軍勝負!! 葛葉やみ対真紅魔人 SHOWDOWN! YAMI KUZUNOHA XI VS THE SCARLET DEVILMAN Keggun shōbu! ! Kuzunoha Yami tai Shinku Majin 決軍勝負!! 葛葉ヤミ対真紅魔人く From the desk of Yami Kuzunoha XI Confidential Mission given by the Kan’non Collective, approved by the Super Nationalistic Organization Yatagarasu, hence addressed as ‘Yatagasu’. Target - Enrico “Scarlet Devilman” Rossi, Dark Summoner representing ‘Compulsivity’ of ‘The Seven Deadly Sin of Modern Times’, elitè subsect of the Ring of Gaea. Current Accusation against Enrico Rossi Leading multiple smuggling operations in Japan, culminating in the theft of several cursed Muramasa Blades, including Myōhō Muramasa (not currently known to the common public, as we use a copy at the Tokyo National Museum) Presumed capture of the Yatagarasu high ranking agent codenamed ‘Thunder’ [real name - REDACTED]. High probability that Enrico himself murdered him. Sources have brought evidence of Jotnars, man-eating primordial deities, roaming around Enrico’s base of operations, something impossible due to the Aesir’s barrier erected from Ymir’s eyelashes. On the grounds of the source being Loki, renown for his unreliability, such requires further corroboration. Objective(s) - Neutralization of the target Recovery of the Muramasa blades. Optional) Intel gather regarding the Seven Deadly Sins of Modern Times. Warnings by the Kan’non Collective - Your opponent is depraved and vicious, his heart is of a ‘Jotnar’, a devourer of the weak, and his blood flows in the name of Gods of war and bloodshed. Strong is the grip of Mrtyu upon him, he shall be drawn to you, for your clan stole her duties. Yet, even from such overwhelming powers lie weakness. This savagery will be compounded by the New Moon. Prepare yourself accordingly and do not allow him to sway you: only then, your spirit will emerge triumphant Like we have preached matching defense to your opponent’s attack, we also advise stealth and swiftness: the Scarlet Devilman’s last sighting has been close to Cadiz, land protected by the ones that call their god ‘The One and Only’. Do not be found by any of these Orders, especially the Messians, for their zeal will only escalate the battle, and bring it to us This is unprompted by the Yatagarasu, yet warmly suggested: give relief to the spirit of Thunder: while our superiors expect to give ourselves fully to our righteous cause, we cannot forget others’ sacrifices. Not even you, Yami. Background Research performed with a deal a lesser emanation from the Seraph Amaros of the Fallen Grigori order, codenamed Minima from Mini(A)ma(ros). Such a deal was performed in exchange for a basket of Taiyaki - → [Enrico Rossi is a long descendant of the Norse Explorer ‘Erik the Red’ from his mother’s side, while his father’s family boasts several generations of librarians secretly working with the Ring of Gaea ever since they came to the New Continent in the early 20th century. Throughout their stay, they have been accused of stealing ancient tomes, scrolls and old books from museums and churches alike, presumably in exchange for fundings and protection. However, no incriminating evidence has been brought to the authorities thus far. The young Enrico, while sharing his family’s passion, coasted through his early life, on his family’s riches and reputation to get away with acts of delinquency, mostly shoplifting, graffiti and general harassment. However, ever since he was gifted the cursed blade Tyrfing by unknown sources(The Phantom Society being the prime suspect), likely resonating with his ancient blood, he has fully embraced the doctrine of the Cult of Gaea regarding the worship of fallen deity, no matter how depraved their rituals, as well as the belief of the strong devouring the weak, further rationalizing it with corrupted theories regarding the circle of life.] -------------- Under my Superiors’ orders, the services of the Midnight Bus had been called off for that night: the spirits would be waiting, restless. Exploiting my knowledge my bus had teleported into a cargo ship of trucks and other large vehicles off to Cadiz. While approaching the harbor, I couldn’t help but notice the anomalous weather: despite being an unusually warm fall, the atmosphere was as cold as the winter of cold Europe, each of my breaths causing condensation, with parts of the ship having a thin layer of frost upon them. Some of the truckers and sailors were anomalously tall men, easily past seven feet, spending their time drinking tequila, chewing tobacco and letting out crass laughters. All I needed to hear from them was the name of the Scarlet Devilman. They did: I was on the right track… Thus decided not to mingle with them any further, waiting silently for the docking. The sea was at first sight eerily calm, yet at times the faint moonlight reflected turmoils within the waters. I am no seaman, yet I could say that this weather seemed to be a harbinger to a storm. As we reached the docks, the surrounding men betrayed their true identity by casually carrying cargoes of several tons with but one hand, unaware, or maybe uncaring, of my gaze upon them. Further, the frigid gale that awaited me out of the ship was beyond any sea breeze could. I would go so far to confirm Loki’s claims: not only Jotnar walked among people, but they were bringing their realm upon ours, seeking to morph this world into their new hunting grounds. The shadows of the night supported my tailing: nobody suspects the bus, even amidst the fog... Only at the entrance of the Scarlet Devilman's manor I was halted by the guard's entrance, a hoary beast of a man, fat covering bulging muscles, his large face sporting big almost pointed ears and a wide nose, similar to a pig snout. Easy to recognize as either a troll or an ogre, growling at me. “Hey, you don’t work with us” I had many options to get through it, including teleporting past him, but I worked with the least troubling solutions “Yes, I do” He fell for it, even apologized for his accusation and let me past the mansion’s gates. One last moment of levity before everything would get serious. Enrico’s headquarters may have had a garish outer appearance, as you’d expect from a old house of the 17th century from spain, but as soon as you got inside, the place was considerably more barren, stripped of any riches, walls lacking even plaster, or at most being covered by metallic sheets: the area was sterile, even the smell was more akin to disinfectant and metal rather than any welcoming manor. A faculty for smuggling operations, with an underground interconnected system to allow for who knows what kind of Unsurprisingly, the headquarters were the only area where weather wasn’t altered, the warmth of fall still staying. And while the floors were guarded and routinely patrolled, the brutes wielding blunt weapons such as hammers, whetstones and what I could describe as iron slabs. Due to my short stature, the jotun would perceive weakness in me, thus I was willfully ignored as long as I didn’t get in their way. Slowly, from the silence broken only by the echo of heavy steps, I could hear raspy female voices chanting ancient norse verses: it was obviously Seidr, ancient norse witchcraft, but I’d be damned if I knew what this enchantment was aimed for. It was then I was stopped by two humans… At least, formerly humans, as while they looked normal on a closer look, on a closer look, their skin was gray-scaled: ‘Kamienny‘, men turned into stone because of their blasphemy, yet somehow still alive… it had to be the Scarlet Devilman’s doing, as they were wielding two conspicuously Japanese blades, as well as guns. There was no need to talk. The instant the three of us had crossed eyes, our hands were on our weapons. I had two choices: spare my energies to fully employ them on my target and run, at the cost of the entire area’s security rising, or take the first move. Rather than waste time with piercing damage, I spent one bullet with wind magic properties, the resulting gust knocking them against the wall, then as I rushed to the closest one, my Kartika knife, Taira, would stride against the metal of his Muramasa. Its bloodlust curse screamed, but it was weak, not having fed on enough death to affect me and, with my exorcism, destroying its influence, for the time being. My foot standing on the goon’s chest, I had the shotgun aimed at the other… what was going to tell me, however, took me by surprise. “Mister Rossi wishes to invite you to his office. Please, allow us to escort you” They were literally a welcome committee, yet just the utterance of the target’s last name gave me a glimpse of his power: my eyes played tricks of me the wall silently flashed before them the tragedy of the previous family owning the house and their personnel resisting the Scarlet Devilman’s desire to buy the place… and their fate by his very hands. From the metal, blood seeped through, the area beginning to smell of rust and blood Either the target's cruelty was so intense to have been impressed on the house itself, or the chanting was beginning to affect me. I decided not to continue fighting. While keeping my weapon in my hands, I lowered them and nodded, deciding to handle this on my own. I was brought to the very center of the building, and there was the target, surrounded by horrifying Jotun hags looking at him adoringly. The very energy I felt just at hearing his la.st name being pronounced was now overflowing the entire area, it was like being at the center of a slaughterhouse. This aura was beyond a simple killer, closer to a god that employs human sacrifice for the sake of it “My beloved witches, the Seidors, had announced your coming, Kuzunoha. I expected you ever since I dealt with ”, he said before pouring two glasses of vodka with a reddish tint “Don’t worry, it’s not blood, I tried to actually bottle up blood, but by the time i went to mix it up, it was all sticky like glue and wouldn't come down” He and the Jotun hags began heartily laughing, I refused to indulge in anything: Viking rules of hospitality be damned but I am not going to drink on duty when I drive for a living. Enrico was just staring in amusement at my behavior, sipping on both glasses. “So… which clan representative are you? I thought most Kuzunoha remained in Japan, you had to be one of the side branches tasked with clean ups”, he commented, seeking to rile me up “Is it true you descend from kitsunes? I heard kitsune livers are very good for medicine. Weird for you to be descending foxes, given you are Yatagarasu’s lapdogs… merchant of deaths… I think you only can understand the beauty of my research” Standing, he began seeking his weapons. The Jotnar witches are checking on me, one making a throat slit gesture to threaten me if I dared to shoot him, but another told her to quit and actually encouraged me to try, but none dared to talk. Only Enrico spoke, wielding a collection of blades of old, each more dreadful than the other “This is a neat blade, young Kuzunoha. You see, this was a sword that Arthur inherited from his father Uther, used in rituals such as crowning and knighting. However, Clarent is then reportedly stolen and later used by Mordred to deliver the fatal blow to Arthur. From a blade of peace, this is turned into an instrument of murder, some myths saying it was driven by hatred to the point it killed Arthur even after its wielder’s death, but this… this Clarent is not the one from our universe, belonging to a version of sir Mordreaut called …” I curtly interrupted him: “I am QUITE familiar with the myth of the Winter Servant, you can stop recounting it” His red hues had narrowed in tight serpentine slits, annoyed that someone had stopped him from listening to his own voice. “Are you, hmm?”, he questioned me challenging, a tinge of disappointment in his voice before he showed me another blade “This one… this one is a jewel of ancient times. The very first evil weapon recorded in history: Kullervo’s black blade. According to folk legends,Kullervo was a man consumed by revenge against his uncle who wiped out his family.. strong, but mad… and indeed, he could listen to his sword lusting for blood: both his enemies’… as well as his own. This blade, if fully awoken, would be capable of so many atrocities… alas, I know not its true name… just like I don’t know Thunder’s… but fear not, I am going to find out, I have a specific torture system for him to do so. As soon as I find it.. . ah, the power of true name” He was twirling his blades, seeking to see where I’d budge. I did not. As soon as I’d defeated him, I was going to get Thunder back: Jotnar are cowards if you take down their leaders. But then there was the third blade… for a second, his face twisted itself in a monstrous glee that had to reflect his own soul. I didn’t need to know from him the name of that blade. Beautiful, golden, with an edge so sharp that could cut through iron and steel like clothes… A blade cursed to kill every time it was drawn… and to cause forth great evils. Such was Tyrfing. “I am not an expert in Eastern mythology, but from what I know, it’s something about how everything flows. I think I know what is that flow: blood”, he kept pontificating “After all, old traditions did employ cannibalism to absorb the victim’s energy and corpses were used even in post medieval medicine. Apparently, according to my fellow Jotnar, the spilled blood of their fallen progenitor was what gave birth to the world, while wiping their old kind out. Speaking of olden times…” This caught my attention, as I stood from my chair. Enrico gazed at me as he would further explain: “The Ring of Gaea believes in all of the rituals from the past, especially the ones demonized by current religions, under one simple command: the weak worships the strong. But then, didn’t they already lose, which is why they became demons in the first place. I seek to carve a new god. And if the flow of life and death is blood.. This is my intention: a blade of blood, the blade worthy for the ascension of a god. Of course, it takes a lot to forge the sword out of the iron from a people’s blood. Over 400, assuming you don’t spill a drop. And while I am at it, I can grind the bones to dust to strengthen it. Further, as I am a spiritual person, I make sure the person will truly come to hate me and curse me, to earn further strength. I don’t waste anything of who I kill” He was seeking to make me hate him, but the advice of my Management was resonating within me. I was not going to fall for his provocation. However, I couldn’t stand idly either. I aimed the gun at him, my Kartika knife in my hand ready to strike the Seidors, if required. The Scarlet Devilman smirked, by now the bloodlust he was emitting akin to the overwhelming spurt of a waterfall, gleefully expecting my challenge, but an expression of disgust sullying his visage at the sight of my shotgun. “Please, put it away: one of the gods I made a contract with abhors those guns”, he remarked. In retort, I cocked it as a sign of challenge, to which he pushed it down with defiance. I shot the desk with an explosive charge, pushing away the witches… he didn’t seem to have even budge:. an enchantment had to be making him more resistant, likely Seidors’ doing. Not that it mattered as my Kartika knife can tear through witchcraft and toxic magic, thus I got ready to stab him with its side hook, but what I met were sickles… and leathery wings. A grotesque spectacle stood before my eyes as the Mayan God of Death Camazotz was spouting out of Enrico’s chest, opening his maw and seeking to drain my blood through its vampiric bite. All he got was a mouthful of my arm wrapped in my Dragon God scales: he may hurt but was unable to pierce my defense. Just as I was about to stab him, Enrico dispelled him and swung Tyrfing. Much to my own personal shock, the draconic scales actually failed to clash with the golden blade and pierced through clothes and cut flesh, drawing first blood from me. That was the first time my cape was damaged. Ever. Pain stung, but I refused to give in, using the knife’s curved blade to deflect the blade away, blood and body paint seeped into the accursed metal… but refused to drip off, as if the weapon was feeding on it. “Gold bodypaint… I had heard of a tradition from Japan”, Enrico commented, still barely letting out any emotions. He summoned a helmet, bellowing out a mighty war cry by the power of its Greek personification, the deity Alala, stunning me enough to kick my chest and off balance, then trying to plunge his blade on my chest. The blood of dragons tempered by divine flames are, thankfully, resistant enough not to cave against the accursed blade, and he pushes back. Taira strikes his calf, red mist of spiritual energy coming out of what should have been a wound, but makes him back down. “A wounded being, covered in gold to enhance his imperfection, like the gods are said to have golden ichor in Greek Mythology. A blasphemy or a coincidence?”, he was still impassable, as if he didn’t enjoy the battle. Puzzling, I met ruthless figures like him, but he seemed to act as if it were a duty rather than a pleasure. If anything, he seemed to enjoy his own speeches more than trying to kill me. As I tried to shoot him, the summon of a third arm wielding Ares’ shield blocked the bullet from injuring him. I was ready for his next attack, he stood with his defensive stance, realizing “You aren’t of many words, but at least you are of passing skills… your blood and bones might be what I need to carve my divine blade”, he said before turning to the witches: “ Call my guards, then finish the ritual” The chanting had grown more fervent while the door opened, the Muramasa wielding stone skinned bodyguards entered, the entire office was enveloped in witchcraft energy as it descended down. A snap of the Scarlet Devilman’s fingers, and the two men were fighting me back. But Enrico hadn’t paid attention to what I shot.Spiritual energy Spring Heeled Jack had taken shape from the energy and was bouncing all over the area, his knife at hand “A redhead, tarts and goons attackin' me boss? Ah, I like it, this is like the ole time in England. Time ter shank everyone! Oi!” He was quick and fast, capable of jumping from room to room, and his weapon, while not powerful, imbued with the fog and the darkness of 19th century Lon, enough to bypass their physical defenses. The only trouble was Enrico himself. If Tyrfing were to land a blow on Jack, he’d be doomed. Thus I focused on the Scarlet Devilman myself. The instant we had crossed blades, the office had reached the bowels of the faculty, ancient caves with runes carved upon them likely regarding ascension through blood. My style, based on Miyamoto Musashi's Two Swords as One, against the brutal strength of blades bolstered by hundreds of dying curses, enough hatred to kill even deities. The Scarlet Devilman was deceptively fast too: whenever I tried to dodge a blow, my blood glistened the accursed golden blade, just enough not to be a deep cut. However, that was all according to my plan! As I backed from his attack, my kodachi blocking an overhead attack, I summoned my Domovoy, the perfect Sprite to employ underground an household: appearing as a blackbear, he slammed his feet, his Earth manipulation causing stone spikes to erupt “рушится! [Crumble]” While defending himself with Ares’ shield, the Scarlet Devilman was thrown off balance and this was the moment for me to strike. My Kodachi was blocked from stabbing his chest, yet my Karika knife, thrown, dispelled his arm. Spring Heel Jack with a jump brought down a Seidor dressed in her eagle suit, making her fall in the newly created stalagmites. Red mist is all that remains of her. As I keep pushing back my enemy, Jack further bounces down, striking him on the heel, allowing me to deliver upon the final blow Camazotz ‘s bestial wings were forming the cape of the Scarlet Devilman, allowing him to dodge the blows and stay out of . Enrico’s presence was making the Domovoy as feral as I had never seen before… no… he was afraid. He told me why soon after. “Его душа - армия [His soul - an army]” “Blimey, yes, that’s one bleedin’ soul”, Jack agreed “Mediocre summons, but clever usage”, The warrior commented on my skills “Unfortunately… they are nowhere as powerful as mine” I was not surprised by how Enrico was proving the kind of person that would place power over everything… but the summoning of the zoroastrian torturer Alastor was a surprise as it began raining forth darkness and pushed my entire group back… I wished I could think of a strategy, but then I saw the greatsword Clarent in my opponent’s hand, charged with energy. I knew what I had to do next: first, I dispelled my summons and rushed to get back my Kartika…. and only then, Clarent’s trademark power would come down in a cluster of cursed energy and spiritual filth, my cape the only thing capable of blocking and my Kartika knife the only weapon capable of disrupting it.   I could feel the heat and the hatred of that energy, I’d have been wiped out without my equipment, while now all I had to do was to withstand the energy, and ignore the cuts and the burns on his cheeks… and prepare for the next attack. Tyrfing again. if I hadn’t deflected it, I’d have been bisected! More of my blood kept soaking the blade, yet it felt like it hungered for more of me. I was stumbling back. Admittedly, Enrico was much stronger than any opponents I had faced, save for top tier deities and the other Kuzunoha representatives. But I am not the kind that yields. The Scarlet Devilman, just to display some of his power, allowed his stone skinned servants, barely in condition to fight after Spring Heeled Jack roughed them up, to get close. One swing and their head was off, the spiritual energy flowing through them being now absorbed by the Dark Summoner. He was so confident he could beat me at this moment, he wordlessly revealed to me the way he summoned Devils. Out of his body, several humanoid misshapen masses horribly spouted out, looking akin to bodies of corpses dehydrated and lost in the blizzard. This was, ultimately, the Scarlet Devilman’s soul: a congregation of grudges and corpses taking the form of ancient Norse revenants, draugar. They were the summon’s catalyst: whenever he called forth someone, he was using their energy rather than his own. Despicable. Again, I was forced back as all the revenants summoned at once the Alala to stun me with their war cries each seeking to stab me with a Muramasa, but as usual, my cape saved me. I tried to summon Karkinos and even out some odds but alas, the second I did, Enrico’s blade plunged into its shell “.γιατί εγώ? Είμαι απλά ένα καβούρι… [Why me? I am just a crab…]”, was all it could say before exploding into red myst. I grabbed a fistful of it, before seeking to move back but again, the draugar sought to push me against Enrico, their mouth shaping into Camazotz and seeking to bite me in place, drain my energy and stab me… Unfortunately for them… I still had an ace up my sleeve. Normally, I wouldn’t use it for it is far too taxing on my body, but I was being pushed in a corner. Holding my cape, I tapped into its latent deific spiritual energy. It was going to aid me once more in battle. The cape would swell like an horo, its leather would turn thicker, growing scales and limbs: the power of the Everlasting Black Flame was once more mine. I had now to use it fast to destroy my enemies… lest it would destroy myself. The following Draconic roar coming into my hood-turned into dragon head shook the cave, bolstering me and my physical attributes. The closest draugr sought to stab my human chest, but draconic jaws of my hood caught him before he could do so, and their black flames consumed it. My tail slammed down the ground, shaking it further as I used my arms to control my new draconic limbs and crush each of the revenants, my touch sufficient for me to incinerate them… The Black flames… so powerful… barely a few seconds and I felt like I was boiling, but I had to push them further: for Enrico was reading again Clarent for its trademark attack. This time, however, as I breathe fire the black flames push back the energy and begin to burn through it. I could feel burning scars forming, I bit my lips, seeking to hold back the pain…a loud explosion, the flames jetted through the chute Enrico’s office descended from and set the whole manor on fire, even burning through the roof itself. I could see Clarent fly away, so now Enrico could use only his preferred blade. As long as I kept the range, I could burn down the entire arena and eventually my own opponent… or so I thought. From the inferno our combined had caused, Enrico’s voice echoed. “To be able to use devils powers without summoning them…. You are the Devil Hijacker”, he asked, recognizing me “To think I am going to kill a Yami is hilarious, given your reputation as the God of Death” I identified where he was and swung my tail at him. Much to my own surprise, Tyrfing proves strong enough to slice even through my Horo of Black flames. My dragon head is capable of biting through him, yet I am forced to toss him, lest he were to strike my brain Fire leaked through the wounds. I had to end it quickly… “Kuzunoha, do you see the sky?”, the Scarlet Devilman declared with a smirk as red energy flew into him “They are waiting for a sacrifice! Let’s paint the sky red with our blood! This… this is my other self. BY THE BLOOD SPILT, KHORNE, I SUMMON THY BLESSING” A contract with… He had been able to make a deal with a god from beyond this world’s mythology?! Sinking his finger down his face, he revealed muscle tissue and tendons, blood dripping down his face and shaping the stylized skull rule of the Blood God… I sought to throw a fireball, but his blessing made him immune to ranged combat, fire sliding away akin to water. I rushed him, my stomps causing the ground to shake, but as he is in fighting range, he jumps and slices through my back, once more getting blood. He was unable to do further damage as I struck him with the tail, although he successfully landed on his feet. What a mad warrior: he kept his calm face, but Khorne’s blessing had placed him in a berserker trance to numb his own pain, while the longer my transformation went, the more burns I was sustaining. Mid-fight I was eventually forced to dispel the Horo, my draconic skin returning into a normal cape, but the size difference allowed me to avoid the attack and ducked underneath: the Blood God hated long ranged combat, but nothing was said about a bullet point blank. The electricity surged through my opponent making him stumble, the nerve convulsing overrode the berserking rage, but the golden blade was able to slice the second bullet that would have declared my victory. However, he was only delaying the inevitable: the damage he had sustained was enough now for me to triumph. As he would seek to slash me I used Karkinos’ magical residue to conjure his pincers and was able to grab the blade mid swing. Now, my hand on the blade.. and I would whisper what I was doing. “Magical… Hijack” Tyrfing’s curse was after all, something within my powers to copy: a blade capable to slice through everything and not to miss as long as it wasn’t deflected, I could see even through his scarred face that he was nervous while gazing my scarred hand, flaring a golden aura and extending towards my Korachi… He backed away, placing his blade close to his face so I could not aim at the only exposed area I had just enough for three strikes of my blade… As I dropped the gun, I explained to him “I will defeat you at the count of three, Scarlet Devilman… let’s count together, shall we?” I can hear the curse of Tyrfing ringing screams for blood inside my ear. My first swing of my hand tore through the armor and drew blood, just like how he did to me. One. Then I blocked Tyrfing with my second swing, but I slid under and with a stab motion, I struck away the accursed blade’s handle and pierced through his wrist. Two. The powers of the blade abandon me, although I feel its voices hungering for more blood, it even refused to fall like a normal sword and remains with the point aiming skyward At last, Enrico has lost both weapons. Out of panic, he grabbed my dropped Valis to shoot a flaming bullet, forgetting Khorne's blessing forbid ranged combat to damage the opponent. Wrapping my cape around my hand, I caught the flaming projective and as my whole clothed hand was wreathed in fire, I punched.him straight in the head, Even with the Berserker trance, he is forced back… his back slumping against his favored blade. It held no mercy as it pierced his stomach, finally completely bathed in the blood it craved. Three. A Lifegem carrying healing energy was shattered to recover my injuries. I had won. The Scarlet Devilman, at last, had fallen, I immediately grabbed my Kartika knife and sank its blade down the skull rune on his chest, dispelling the curse and further sinking down. “... Mister Rossi”, I speak “You were among the strongest opponents I have ever defeated. You must be even above the Winter Servant” Coughing up some blood, Enrico muttered a thank, but I halt him by stomping on his chest “It’s not a compliment”, I reply coldly “You are a wretched being who thought that by bearing people’s hatred, you could rise to godhood, you only see yourself and your own status. You disgust me… Now, don’t misunderstand… I don’t enjoy what I am going to do, but this exorcism will be quite thorough…” My Kartika blade sank further down my defeated opponent’s chest, drawing no blood, until I finally felt a lump that was his soul, and pierced it with its hook. I wish not to describe the fleshy mass of screaming faces, eyes and tentacles that I yanked back, a cluster of trapped spirits and curses still forcefully clung to its host. With my short blade I begin to take it apart, rest myst and black filth oozing away from the Dark Summoner, acting as fast as possible. Over four hundred souls, just as many curses and grudges, lumped with the bindings with the Muramasas and the blades. At times my opponent tried to weakly fight back, but even his summons were unable to push me away, as I stabbed the lumps of magic before they could take shape. Ignoring his screams and plight, I would stop only when his original soul was left and I let it back in his body. Standing away I pulled Tyrfing away, wrapping it in my cape and exorcism seals. Its powers were strong enough even the talismans were burning. I turned away from Enrico, as he feebly crawled toward me, still seeking to fight. Annoying. “Not… going to kill me, An-?” He had to have figured out my true name from my involvement with the Winter Servant. Unfortunately for him, I wasn’t in the mood to allow him to talk further, and shot a bullet straight to his head, silencing him.... although the way his ghastly eyes were fixated on me, I knew he was still alive. “I am not a God of Death”, I replied “You have accumulated enough grudges, I am letting them handle you” I didn’t need to turn away to know how the over four hundred shadowy presences I had unsealed were grasping at Enrico, speaking in deadly whispers poisoned with rage and suffering. The Scarlet Devilman would begin ranting like a madman while dragged away, something about this not going to stop his ascension and him coming back someday to haunt me. … At least, I assume so. Honestly, I did not pay attention to anything but the sudden sound of a swirl of flames and his screams. Then he was no longer there. So long, Enrico, you were despicable until the very end, but I had more important things to do. The sealed Tyrfing was on my back, and I had just summoned the devil of the Tower of Babel, Pruflas, and Yeobul. “Enrico has been vanquished, let’s recover the Masamune Blades and agent Thunder, set everything on fire, then leave on my bus… Yeobul, if you do everything well, I am letting you raid the fridge of the mansion” “야! [Yay!]” -------------- SUMMARY AFTERMATH: Weapons and Items Employed Taira Masakado Valis Less Than Three (Wind Bullet x 1, Explosive Bullet x 1, Fire Bullet x 1, Electric Bullet x 2, Normal Bullet x 1) Tyrfing (through Devil Hijacking) Lifegem x 1 Devils Summoned: Foul - Spring Heeled Jack Sprite - Domovoy Ghost - Yeobul Sacred - Karkinos Fiend - Pruflas Dragon - Everlasting Black Flame (through Horo of the Black Flame) Undead - Draugr (By Enrico) Maneater - Jotun (By Enrico) Ogress - Seidor (By Enrico) Undead - ‘Kamienny‘ (By Enrico) Destroyer - Ares (By Enrico) Raptor - Camazotz (By Enrico) Wargod - Khorne (By Enrico) Status of the Target: Vanquished, then dragged by vengeful ghosts away into some recess of Sañjīva. Presumably deceased Status Objective: Jotnar and Seidors dispersed Muramasa blades recovered, their curses currently sealed Tyrfing contained, but sealing is currently impossible, its curse is considerably beyond my capacity as an exorcist.. May require outside help. Clarent has been recovered by the Church, I am not going to pursue my research with it. Kullervo’s black blade was not found, likely taken away by the Seidors. Thunder’s whereabouts are unknown: I haven’t found him across the faculty. Further inspection with search teams. required Additional Notes I had to take a part of Tyrfing’s curse to defeat the target, I require an exorcism as soon as possible Stamp of Approval from Yatagarasu 0 Comments  Report Post

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01/20/2024 01:54 PM  Liquid Gold - 溶融金 LIQUID GOLD Yōyū-kin 溶融金く Do you remember, Mister Jakob Dirksen? Maybe only fragmentary memories of the time you were running a lovely pub in your hometown…. The first memory that comes to your mind is darkness. You were enveloped in shadow, then your consciousness dived into nothingness…Several sounds awoke you eventually: tires striding, the tingling of bottles filled with beers and the raspy voice of an imp-like creature dressed in a trench coat, spring heels and fiery eyes, holding a bottle of beer as he was talking to other creatures. One was a curious sphere with one eye and two wings, another looked like a white and blue fireball in the vague shape of a fox, and… wow, that was one big crab, over three feet in diameter! “Back then, right, I were wiv all the bloomin' Jacks that was not popular enough ter be part o' the bloody Jack Bros: Jack 'orner, Stingy Jack, Jack in the bloody Green, Jack Tar, Jack in the bleedin' Box, Samurai Jack and, of course, Jackass…” “이야기가 반복될 때마다 어떻게 더 많은 잭이 나올까요? [How do you get more Jacks with each repeat of the story?]”, one of the weird entities asked. Somehow, despite being Korean, a language you never learnt, you are capable of understanding her, same with the Greek speaking crab “Επίσης, δεν νομίζω ότι το ‘Τζακας’ είναι δαίμονας! Αν και είμαι καβούρι, οπότε δεν ξέρω…[Also, I don't think 'Jackass' is a demon! Although, I am a crab, so I don't know...]” While they started bickering, you were observing your surroundings: you were on the back of a bus, but as you looked outside… What a headache. With every turn, the background changed. Was it a dream? Oooh, you are beginning to doubt as these memories flow in your mind, right, Jakob? You tried to make out the current location… but then you heard a weird sizzling sound… and a weird cartoony female voice “[Hello Handsome]” It was then chills ran down your back: that weird language… and that voice… yes, you know… even without looking at her… she had to be the one that kidnapped you You are starting to remember Mister Jakob Dirksen? Amidst the fog, you had heard a sound akin to a faint heartbeat, yet it turned out to be nothing but a bus, to be accurate, although it had to be ‘living’ by some faint definition of the word… Do you remember, Mister Jakob Dirksen? You remember shadows… What were those shadows? Were those spirits and ghosts? Demons? More? The voice of the conductor could faintly be heard through the glass and metal. You couldn’t help but seek to peek through the bus… You saw him making a gesture and out of nothing, new silhouettes had emerged. And now you know… the spirits you just saw are those shadows. “[Guys, the Barkeeper is awake]”, the mysterious being speaks. You turn. She looks like a sphere with one eye and bat wings. Her voice is kind of cute… herself, not so much. You try to move, but the fox immediately shapeshifts into a fiery rope and stops you. “Ah, well done, Yeobul-mate! Ah, 'ere be the bleedin' barkeeper! Wiv this lad on us side, the best beer in the world is ours! Struth!!”, the imp declares before rubbing his hands and presenting himself “Right good Mornin', sleepyhead, yor us new 'ostage, and I am Sprin' 'Eeled Jack and these are me goons”, before he could end the presentation, though, the crab pinched his behind making it jump several times his height “Woss gotten into yer, Karkinos?” “Δεν είμαι τσιράκι, αλλά καβούρι. Μην το ξεχνάς, ελατήριο τακούνι Τζακ [I'm not a minion, but a crab. Don't forget it, Spring Heeled Jack]”, he said annoyed “Υπηρετώ τους θεούς και τον επικαλεστής μας, και μόνο αυτοί! [I serve the gods and our summoner, and they alone!]” “Do yer want ter cop these 'ands, mate? Because this is 'ow yer cop me knife stuck into yer!" The two female spirits looked in amusement at the other two circling each other, the bat-like sphere even whispered to you:: “[Isn’t it impressive? So many languages and yet you understand them all! It’s all thanks to my powers, cutie!]” Even if tied by Yeobul, you tried to intervene and interrupt the fight, maybe even ask them question about how the surroundings outside the bus, only for someone afar to call out 「カルキノスさん、あなたはアムミット様がドゥアト川に沿って路公交車を運ぶのを手伝わなければなりません! ベンティフェラさん、スプリングヒールジャックさん、 乗客に気をつけて... そして、ビールの樽を持ってきてください！」 [Karkinos, you must help Ammit carry the bus along the Duat River! Ventifera Spring Heeled Jack, watch out for the passengers… and bring a keg of beer!] Do you recognize that voice? Yes, just before you got into this man. It belonged to a short man in black military clothes and a mask from the far east, showing up out of the fog. Back in your bar, you had heard his breath through the mask: the proof that whoever drove the bus had to be human and alive. “Mein Respekt, Sire! Sie müssen diejenige sein, die Herr Bombur mir empfohlen hat.. Ich hoffe, Ihr Bier ist so gut, wie mir gesagt wurde! Ich habe Kunden. Wichtige... gefährlich” [Oh, greetings, Sire! You must be the one Mr. Bombur recommended to me. I hope your beer is as good as I'm told! I have customers. Important ... dangerous] A foreigner, and he speaks with a surprising mastery of German, although with a eastern inflection. Polite, yet hinting for more. You had learnt not to question this kind any further, you don’t want trouble, especially when they pay… And he had bought several kegs and had shown immediate desire to pay. “Akzeptieren Sie Zahlungen per Kreditkarte?” [Do you accept credit card payments?] And now, here he was, commanding these spirits. Jack made a gesture to Yeobul and before you had time to react, up on the ceiling you were. “[Wait for me, cutie]”, Ventifera flirted with a wink (at least you could assume she was winking, at least, she only had one eye) before teleporting away. Karkinos left frustrated grumbling: “Είμαι κάβουρας, κάποτε πολέμησα έναν Έλληνα ήρωα και τώρα νομίζουν ότι είμαι ικανός να ρυμουλκήσω ένα γαμημένο λεωφορείο με τον τον καταβροχθίσει των νεκρών. Τι γαμημένη ζωή! [I'm a crab, I once fought a Greek hero and now they think I'm capable of towing a f***ing bus with the Devourer of the Dead. F*** my life!] “헤라클레스가 네 엉덩이를 차버린 이후로 너는 예전 같지 않았어, 카르키노스.[You haven't been the same since Hercules kicked your ass, Karkinos]", the vulpine flame remarked, getting a frustrated remark, although this made her realize she had to be careful. Slowly, she was crawling up, allowing you to witness the luscious land of Duat. What a wonderful place, a desert of sand that looked akin to the finest gold, a crystal clear sky with shades that, rather than simple blue, broke down the spectrum offering unique shades of sapphire and emerald blend together, mountains so imposing jagged away candid clouds so full and shapely they looked capable of sustaining human height, luscious vegetation that was as shiny as emeralds… But the stars… they looked different… even the moon and the sun… was this Earth? Before you could ask for anything, the fiery paw was over his mouth, Will you ever wish to forget that, Mister Jakob Dirksen? Or would you focus on the nervous mumbling of the Conductor 「ねえ、ねえ、葛葉、緊張しないでください、それはただの世界の終わりの脅威です. 古代エジプト語の話し方を覚えていますか」 [Hey, hey, Kuzunoha, don't be nervous, it's just the threat of the end of the world. Do you remember how to speak ancient Egyptian?] After he had taken a deep breath… you couldn’t believe it, he really did speak dead languages too “[Good morning Mrs. Sekhmet, can I treat you to some beer?]” Feeling proud, he opens the door, and is welcomed by a giant chimeric monster, with the head of a crocodile, the upper body of what may have been the bulkiest lion, down with the long feral mane mane, and the lower body of a hippo. This felt like another level from the other spirits you had seen earlier, and yet this conductor seems ever so confident in walking at its side… As Yeobul carried you around, you looked around, remembering when you first stepped in the bus to help carry the kegs… the passengers were curious: mostly faded shadows with the conductor. had stopped you from looking any further and escorted you away… Do you remember them, Mister Jakob Dirksen? Because after you could see them, you may have wished not to: maybe some are humanoid in vague proportions and body shape, but you were now in awe at their sight of these devils, gods and cryptids, each in an unique melody of different language capable of understanding and challenging each other through confrontations. Everyone had their own inner devils, you remember when your father told you this Jakob? Well, now you can see everyone’s devil at once? As you kept soaking in such unique spectacles, the ghostly fox began moving fast as a shadow that should have been much taller than the entire bus crawled over: smelling like a corpse, the closest thing to a face being a rotten horned skull. Empty sockets for a second seemed to pierce through your very soul “마스터 야미가 위츄를 불러야 한다면 고생이 많을 텐데. [Master Yami must have had a lot of trouble if he had to summon Wechuge]”, she commented in a whisper, slowly returning to her place. As you boh were returning to the bottom rows, you admired the masked conductor seeming to present some new guests 「エジプト神話に登場する原始の闇の神に挨拶しましょう... 現代人に愛される蛙神ケクさま」 [Say hello to the primordial god of darkness in Egyptian mythology. Kek, the frog god loved by modern people] For a second, you thought he was kidding, but his frustrated tone was soon followed by a royally dressed frog deity in the most stereotypical pharaoh garbs, greeting everyone as if they were peasants. 「三百七十五路公交車へようこそ。シートベルトをお締めください。次の停留所、ニダヴェリール！ 」 ["Welcome to the 375th Road public transport. Please fasten your seat belts. Next stop, Nidavellir!] Wait… Nidavellir? The dwarf’s realm!? You know that name, Mr. Jakob Dirksen: your dad told you about Norse mythology when you were young. So this bus truly moved across other realms… even the afterlife? “니다벨리르? 마스터는 추울 것이다. 나는 그를 주시해야 한다. 벤티페라, 이 뚱뚱이는 지킬 수 있어! 내가 간다! [Nidavellir? Master will be cold. I have to keep an eye on him. Ventifera, you can save this fat! I'm coming!]” You were tossed in the air and as Yeobul moved over to get a treat from the Conductor, while you were caught in mid hair by the bat winged sphere “[No Way I am letting this cutie go ♡]”, she chuckled, gently shushing you. Maybe out of fear, you decided to obey her and started looking around, only then realizing how variable the space of the bus seemed to warp, passengers being in different rows even though they didn’t move, corridors becoming shorter and larger at a whim. This vehicle warped space both around and inside of it, and the conductor’s voice echoed throughout… 「皆様、お困りのことがございましたら、ご連絡ください。 当分の間、私の召喚状はあなたの役に立ちます。」 [Ladies and gentlemen, please contact us if you have any problems. For the time being, my summons will serve you.] As the two of you reached the back rows, Yeobul and Wechuge were already there, same for Ammit! He spoke ominously, a dead language you cannot recognize, but can understand thanks to Ventifera’s power. “[sPrInG hEeLed jACk, wHat yOU dO wILl nOt wOrk. oUr lIvEs as DEVILS aRE dOoMed to fAIlurE. sTaGnAtIoN iS oUr fATe]”, he chided the imp barely reaching his calf. Surprisingly, Jack didn’t seem to be afraid, even though that monstrous demon knew about you… “Oh yeah, as if I'd listen ter yer: yor always this pessimistic fellow, do wot Guvnor! Bwaaah, I died o' cold wile too strong. 'Ave a look, this is gonna be not so bad. We cop the bleedin' ingredients from Nidavellir, right, then the bloody barista will make us beer. Yer didn't bovver ter give it a go, right, eh, mate?” The Wechuge slammed his hand down next to Jack, as if to threaten him. The British demon however, stood his ground, handing him over a bottle of beer. Claws carefully picked the bottle, your heart sank a little as you witnessed hoarfrost beginning to form around the bottle. A sip “[... cOlD. lIkE mY hOpE aND dReAmS, as wEll aS mY hEaRt]” “So yer like it, right, mister 'appy boat race! Wot about yer, croc?”Jack asked Ammit while triumphantly standing on Wechuge’s hand as a display of domination. The Crocodile deity replied as follows as she faded in red myst “[Don't involve me in this nonsense]” “[yOu wILl sTiLL fAIl jAcK: oUr mAStEr iS gOiNG to NiDaVelliR tO mEeT lOkI]” Loki? The norse deity of mischief and deceit? “I'm bloody well not scared o' that Aryan wannabe. I kicked Nazi ass back in Prague, right, and I will do it again, especially if I'm bloody well copping some damn good beer! Blimey!” You had to give it to Jack, he was an obnoxious twat barely reaching your knee, but he had ambition and guts. You notice how you begin floating more, Ventifera seemed to want to show you something “[They will be at it until our Summoner will call us to cater to our passengers]”, she explained “[I noticed when we first spoke, you looked at the panorama… this is so pretty, it’s where I come from]” … She wasn’t lying, it was unlike anything on earth. The geometry of the place, the floating rocks before the psychedelic sky, and weird geometric shapes in curious patterns, you were just admiring the beauty, even though it kept changing with every turn until… Was this Nidavellir? Even though the snow and the fog made what looked like a gigantic sea of clouds , you could see Mountains everywhere… only they weren’t simply mountains, but cities sculpted out of mountains. City fortresses, cities you wished to explore… but the bus stopped just before the entrance of one.. a few of the passengers left… and juuuust then, the conductor performed a reverse gear, shifting underground. There is an eerie silence, as every client seems to have disappeared. It’s just the bus driver and a new figure, dressed in long robes covering his body, save a few exposed parts marred in burn scars (likely cold-induced) and a white mask of a bearded old man with scars-like sign around the mouth, a few strands of blonde hair . Scarred lips… the symbol of Loki when he lost the wager to the Dwarven Blacksmith Brok and with his silver tongue convinced him not to behead him… The two masked people walked, each wary of the other, discussing business in Icelandic. Only Wechuge and Yeobul remain at Ankoku’s side while the other summons have disappeared “ᚦᚢ ᛖᚱᛏ ᚨᛚᛚᛏᚨᚠ ᛊᚢᛟ ᛏᚱᚢᚷᛃᚨᚱᚾ... ᛖᚷ ᛗᛖᛁᚾᚨ, ᚷᛃᚨᚠᛗᛁᛚᛞᚢᚱ, ᛁᚨᛗᛁ ᚲᚢᛉᚢᚾᛟᚺᚨ. ᚠᛁᚱᛊᛏ ᚦᚢ ᚷᛖᚠᚢᚱ ᛗᛖᚱ ᚠᚱᛖᛚᛊᛁ, ᚾᚢ ᛒᛃᛟᚱ... ᚨᚨᚨᚺ, ᛞᚨᚢᚦᛚᛖᚷᛁᚱ ᛗᛖᚾᚾ ᛖᚱᚢ ᛊᚲᛖᛗᛗᛏᛁᛚᛖᚷᛁᚱ ᚨᚦ ᛊᛖᛗᛃᚨ ᚢᛁᚦ! [You're always so gullible... I mean, generous, Yami Kuzunoha. First you give me freedom, now beer... aaah, mortals are fun to bargain with!]” “ᚠᛟᚱᚦᚨᛊᛏᚢ ᚠᛟᛚᛊᚲᚢ ᚷᛟᚦᚢᛁᛚᛞ ᚦᛁᚾᚨ ᚠᛁᚱᛁᚱ ᚺᚢᛖᚱᚾ ᚠᛖᛚᛚᚢᚱ ᚠᛁᚱᛁᚱ, ᛚᛟᚲᛁ. ᚦᚢ ᚷᚨᚠᛊᛏ ᛗᛖᚱ ᚢᛈᛈᛚᛁᛊᛁᛜᚨᚱᚾᚨᚱ, ᛖᚷ ᚺᚱᛁᛜᛁ ᛖᚲᚲᛁ Í ᛇᛊᛁᚾᚨ ᛏᛁᛚ ᚨᚦ ᚲᛟᛗᚨ ᚦᛖᚱ ᚨᚠᛏᚢᚱ ᛏᛁᛚ ᛏᚨᚱᛏᚨᚱᚢᛊ. [Avoid your false kindness with anyone, Loki. You gave me the information, I'm not calling the Æsin to bring you back to Tartarus.]”, the Summoner remarks in blunt terms, making the robed figure make an over-dramatic pose “ᛟ, ᚺᚢᛖᚱᛊᚢ ᚷᚱᛁᛗᛗᛏ ᚨᚠ ᚦᛖᚱ. ᛟᚷ ᚨᚦ ᚺᚨᛚᛞᚨ ᚨᚦ ᛖᚷ ᚺᚨᚠᛁ ᛖᛁᚾᚢ ᛊᛁᚾᚾᛁ ᛒᛃᚨᚱᚷᚨᚦ ᛚÍᚠᛁ [Oh, how cruel of you. And to think that I once saved your life]”, was the trickster’s remark, The Conductor snapped back in a previously unseen cold demeanor: “ᚦÍᚾᚢ ᛇᛏᛚᚨᚱᚦᚢ ᚨᚦ ᚷᛖᚱᚨ ᚦᚨᚦ ᛏᚢᛁᛊᚢᚨᚱ? (Will you do it twice?)” Yeobul seemed to have turned into an hungry maw resting on Ankoku’s hand, ready to jump, while the Wechuge softly growled “[tO dElAy dEAtH iS nO kInDnEss beFoRe tHe cRuElTy oF lIfE. oNlY PlEAsUrE iS fEeDiNG oN fLesH]”, the Alaskan demon remarked, but the fallen Aesir didn’t seem worried, simply floating in the air, winds beginning to circle over and from within the entire bus. “Þú ert heppinn að ég drep þig ekki.... hehehe…[You are lucky I don’t kill you… hehehe]”, the god’s voice echoed across the wind. You could hear Weird, crawling sounds from afar, but, afraid of being noticed by the god, just nudged Ventifera about it. She mistakes it for flirting, but when you pointed outside, she understood The crawling sounds become closer and Loki begins relaxing: “ᛏᚨᛚᚨᚾᛞᛁ ᚢᛗ ᚨᚦ ᛞᚱᛖᛈᚨ , ᚺᛖᚠᚢᚱᚦᚢ ᚺᛖᛁᚱᛏ ᚢᛗ ᛒᚱᛟᚲ? ᚠᚱᚨᛒᛇᚱ ᛃÁᚨᚾᛊᛗᛁᚦᚢᚱ, ᚺᚱᛇᚦᛁᛚᛖᚷᚢᚱ ᚲᚨᚱᚨᚲᛏᛖᚱ... ᛃᚨ... ᚨᚱᛁᚾ ᚺᚨᚠᚨ ᛖᚲᚲᛁ ᚢᛖᚱᛁᚦ ᚺᛟᚾᚢᛗ ᚷÓᚦ× ᚺᚨᚾᚾ ᚺᛖᚠᚢᚱ ᚢᛖᚱᛁᚦ ᚨᚦ ᚢᛖᛁᚦᚨ ᛗᛁᚷ ᛊÍᚦᚨᚾ! ᚦᚢ ᚢᛖᛁᛊᛏ ᚺᚢᚨᚦ ᛞᚢᛖᚱᚷᚨᚱ ᛒᚱᛖᛁᛏᚨᛊᛏ Í ᚦᛖᚷᚨᚱ ᚦᛖᛁᚱ ᛖᚱᚢ ᚦᚱÁᚺᛁᚷᚷᛃᚢ, ᛖᚲᚲᛁ ᛊᚨᛏᛏ? [Speaking of killing, have you heard of Brok? A great blacksmith, a terrible character... yes... the years haven't been kind to him: he's been hunting me ever since! You know what dwarves turn into when they're obsessed, right?]” You couldn’t see the Summoner’s eyes, but the more the fallen Aesir explains, the more he seems to realize how troublesome the situation is… From the outside, the monster seems bigger than the entire bus. Jagged dark brown scales akin to rock in color, four stubby limbs crowned in talons that could pierce through steel. A roar, still icelandic and guttural, but claiming as follows “ᚼ-ᚬ-ᚠ-ᚢ-ᚦ ᚦ-ᛁ-ᛏ-ᛏ-ᛁ-ᚱ-ᛘ-ᛁ-ᛏ-ᛏ-ᛚ-ᚬ-ᚴ-ᛁ!” [Y-O-U-R H-E-A-D I-S M-I-N-E L-O-K-I] “.... ᛚᛟᚲᛁ, ᚦᚢ ᛖᚱᛏ ᛊᚲᛁᚦᛇᛚᛚ[... Loki, you bastard… ]…”, the Conductor had deadpanned before calling his summons and giving them orders “それでは... ジャック、ハンドルを握って！ 狐火 、ウェチュゲ、カルキノス、このワームを相手に！ロキ、後で対処します [So... Jack、 get behind the wheel! Yeobul, Wechuge, Karkinos, against this Wyrm! We’ll deal with Loki later]” After exchanging a glare with the god, the conductor opened a hatch on top of the driver’s seat, hopping on the Wechuge, you couldn’t help but notice how the devils seemed excited at the prospect of a battle, down with the imp that had initiated your kidnapping cheering: “Hell fire yes, this is more like it: I'm bloody well gonna show this big lizard 'ow we drive in London! Honest, guv!“ As the dragon was thrashing and seeking to overturn the bus. Spring Heeled Jack hopped on the wheel and began driving like a maniac. If you believed the driving before was weird, now the space barely seemed to take a constant shape.. and this was without taking into account how the fight seems to be raging, with roars, thunder and fire raining down, thankfully the bus seems to endure. Less lucky is Karkinos who after several minutes he was tossed by the wyrm away, causing it to scream his usual rant about being a crab. Before he could conclude it, however, the Wyrm proceeds to crush it with its hand, making it explode in red myst. “... Exciting, isn’t it?” A surprised gasp escaped Ventifera as she realized Loki was next to her, floating in mid air along with a few kegs of beer. More unsettlingly, he is now speaking completely fluent English too… “Don’t worry, children, I won’t kill you, if anything, I am here to thank our dear Jakob for having played his part. cheer up, not many get praise from the great Loki the Skywalker!.”, The Aesir remarked with his mocking tone as he removed his mask … Do you remember him, Jakob Dirksen? How could you not? That peculiar man. Short, hairy… burly…a swede accent so thick it was impossible to understand anything. He had the ticket that drew him there., Do you remember the ticket? The ticket, the ticket, belonged to… Loki! Did that mean Loki drew you here? What … how? What was his plan? He was making his ancient enemy Brok and the Devil Summoner fight each other so he could… “ᛏᚨᚲᚲ ᚠᛁᚱᛁᚱ ᚨᚢᚲᚨ ᛒᛃᛟᚱᛁᚾᚾ, ᚺᚨᛚᚠᚢᛁᛏᛁ [Thanks for the extra beer, you idiot!]”, Loki saluted him while assuming his true form, beautiful but ruined by endless torture and his trademark devilish grin before disappearing… You were just too flabbergasted to realize everything seemed to have happened because a deity wanted more beer… maybe you really make the best beer in the world if you can do this! Yeobul appears as a giant hand, grabbing a keg of your beer, the last one left. The fight was continuing, with you unable to make out anything, you notice a black dog like creature looking at you and Ventifera, Conveniently, it’s only then that the monstrous Wyrm seems beaten: he may not be too injured but he had finally fallen down the bus with the keg in his mouth and a confused expression. Maybe he had noticed Loki was no longer around? “[Please, Domovoy, I know you are a good boy… don’t tell our Summoner that we kidnapped the barkeeper]”, the bat winged demon begged, but she was cut short by the majestic canine creature. “Поздно [too late]” Seemed like even demon dogs were loyal to their Master… speaking of… said Master who had just appeared at his side…, even through he still wore the mask, he looked REALLY annoyed 「ジャック、ベンティフェラ……話がある」 [Jack, Ventifera… we need to talk] Without any client, and the demons grounded to look at the corner and not to have extra beer bottles after work, the Conductor, after profusely apologizing, began speaking to you “I am not sure whether you know, Mister Dirksen, but beer is about as old as history itself, and plays a role in several cultures: celtic religion, norse, greek, even egyptian, all have roles where this beverage plays a major role… which makes sense: given the process of brewing, it was healthier than simple water. Your beer is very good, Mister Dirksen… and helped me revive a part of old mythology” Feeling proud, you thanked him, even complimenting how highly versatile he is when it comes to language: English, German, Icelandic, Egyptian, and this without counting his Japanese mother tongue “I am not Japanese” Wait then where is he from? Was he now going to say he was a spirit from another dimension? “No, nothing like that... ah, forget it… speaking of”, he uttered as he pulled out a small ampoule of water “This is Lethe River Waters… it’s for you, sir, you need to forget” Why? Why would you ever want to forget? “... Because what you saw is too beautiful and too early for your life to know. You may slowly feel detached to it, one day seek the Abyss… and if you are unlucky, the Abyss will gaze back that day” You vaguely remember you remarked he held up pretty well. He answered with a hollow chuckle before fading in the mist. You hear the heart-like engine slowly dimming down as it goes afar. Then nothing. You are alone, in front of your house… Nobody is waiting for you at home. That night… you had trouble sleeping, for you no longer knew what was dream and reality. Was the bus an hallucination? What about how deities and dragons fought over your beer? You were kidnapped and saw golden sand, mountains made out of cities, men taking on dragons… A spirit seeking to romance you and not one, but two making a great master plan for one more beer bottle. Shadows looking at you… shadows that may be in this very room… and the colored skies, that made the stars look so dull in comparison… Maybe living somewhere else will do you good? Maybe… one last drink before falling asleep… was not a bad idea. Maybe of beer… maybe of Lethe river water Do you want to remember anything, Mister Jakob Dirksen? 0 Comments  Report Post

01/20/2024 01:36 PM  The Bride in the Big City - 花嫁は大都会に行く THE BRIDE GOES TO THE BIG CITY Hanayome wa dai tokai ni iku 花嫁は大都会に行く I am baaaaack~ I missed writing to you so much, I have, like, so many stories to tell you. Actually, I feel like a new woman today, so I am going to tell you again about me! Remember all I wrote way back on the first pages, right? Well, it’s still me, but better! I am a strong and beautiful lady o v e r f l o w i n g with femininity, I am loved by everyone, and even then I am still pure. But the beautiful thing, my dear diary, is that I am waiting someone special~ I just can’t wait to write all my cool adventures in this new big city! I am going to take it by the storm, ahahahaha ^w^ You know, I am a little hungry, I am getting myself some dinner. Uuurgh, you know what I don’t like about the big city? The mornings: I swear, this summer, more than ever, it’s hot. I mean, look at me: I am so pretty and beautiful, with my flawless skin. What can a lady like me do? But of course, become a lady of the moment! When the sun sets, I put my beautiful white dress on and BAM! They never see me coming! I will totally floor them, I tell you. Sure, company at times can be a little overwhelming, so I leave after a while. Sure, at times, the city lights too are annoying, but you know what? I can handle them. I love this place. I only wonder when my special one is coming over to visit me. Maybe I should call my friends, make them know I am back…. naaah, I want to surprise them! When they will see me back… Ah! I am hearing crazy rumors about a Shinigami around. According to my knowledge of Japanese, Shinigami means… Death God? Why would a Death God be in the city? Pppft, silly rumors! Mornings and afternoons have been becoming too much even for little ol’ me, so I am staying whenever I can for some breeze. I would be around others, but every time, people are so in awe of my beauty they cannot talk. Now now, how can I buy a house if they don’t talk to me? How weird, the rumors claim the Shinigami always come at night in a mist! Given I am nocturnal myself, I am avoiding any time there is fog. So I get up and look up at the sky… I don’t know why, but I keep crying when watching the sky. It’s like, so big and empty… Why would anyone make a place that is nothing but a black void? Sorry, I got too emotional. I tried to stay at someone's house but they were too enthusiastic, talking to me at the top of their lungs, not making me meet their children for who knows what reasons and making funny jokes! Why would I hurt a baby?! I just want some food! I picked the worst city ever, I swear, I am hearing the dumbest rumors about ghosts. Thankfully at night, I don’t meet ghosts, but lots of handsome men. I cannot help but feel very proud at how I am handling myself. Yes, they are hot and cute, but I remember my special someone, so I quickly dismiss them. Oof! You know what’s bad? My manicure. These days it has been getting ruined far too often, I need to get it a better color than pink…. maybe red. Yes, red is good. Pink reminds me too much of her… who is her? Uurgh, no, I don’t feel like talking about that floozie… I don’t like foxes. They smell and they let out those dumb laughters… I don’t even like fur, who’d be so sick to wear it? No, sorry, I am in a bad mood now, I am thinking later, I do not want to bother you with negative feelings. Back to me! What about my nails? Should I cut them? I feel like they are too long these days, although they are complimenting my face! Hmm… Maybe some makeup? I am pretty, but I feel like some red would be perfect for my pale perfect face. After all, I am waiting for my special one, and I wish to look like the part. I swear, every day I look prettier and prettier. And I feel taller. Today I woke up in my place and I hit the door frame. People look like miserable insects - I mean, cute little babies, right now. Oof. Shinigami here, Shinigami there, these spirits are really annoying talking about it, they are afraid of this guy for some reason. Whatever, I am beautiful and strong. Someone I don’t like hits on me, I slam them to a wall-I mean, I politely wave them off. Plus I can’t live in fear of him! A lady like me needs to go out and eat. Actually, I don’t think I need to eat these days, I am mostly doing it for the taste. Hmmm… Police have been visiting more and more around. Oof, people in outfits are hot and all, but I hate having my meals interrupted. I thought this house was not very crowded. It must be the Shinigami, yes, it is all of his fault! He is ruining my beautiful happy life for no reason. I am so mad… ugh, I feel hungry again, I better check what’s left on the fridge, it’s such a mess right now… Maybe it serves me right. No, no, don’t push yourself too hard! You are a beautiful, happy lady. You are going to meet your special one, leave, and leave this stupid Shinigami thing behind your back. How can someone reimagine herself if she keeps acting like this?... I mean, he, the Shinigami is a he. I keep thinking of her. Maybe I should change my headdress…. no, I will still wear it! I think I saw a ghost today. It was big and round and had one eye. For some reason it reminded me of my sister…. I … uh… No I don’t mean it in a bad way, my sister is pretty… look, it’s confusing, alright? I miss her, I swear. But I am not ready to face her, especially because she would choose the other one. First my special one, then her! Yes, I have everything set. A good lady always knows how to keep priorities straight! Alright, fine. Should I really go and see if this Shinigami exists? Maybe later… I need a new hobby. What could I do… hmmm? Play an instrument? I got a shamisen. I play horribly right now, but I will improve. At times, I get on top of the rooftops and play it. I am noticing people are acting more nervous, like scared little rodents skitting around, always rushing home after the sun sets… makes me feel more lonely. It must be because of the Shinigami. Stupid Shinigami. Tonight I saw two huge eyes far in the night. I thought it was the Shinigami, but then I realized it was a bus… stupid me, I ran away for like three blocks before realizing it …. Eek! Today someone entered my house! They even checked what I had in my fridge! I hadn’t cleaned it! I am so afraid! Why did they get in the house of the poor little me? I cried in fear for hours… then the smell got too bad. I need to get rid of it. Where is the shovel? Where is my special one? Why is he taking so long? Enough, there are times a lady has to make an important decision: live in fear of this Shinigami person that is putting the city in disarray… or get herself some food! I am a little ashamed to admit I decided snacks came first. But would you believe it? And of course, would you believe it? Today is the foggiest night ever. The time I go and… ohehmgee, I finally feel it. It’s him! My someone. He must have finally come for me! AH! AHAHAHAHAHAHAH! Screw the Shinigami, I can wait right now… I can wait for him. Suddenly in the fog, I see huge two eyes again… it has to be the stupid bus again. This time I attack, only for it to… dissipate in the fog? Uh? Wait… was that the Shinigami? I scream. Where is my beloved? Where is he? Why is he never here for me? He is such a bad person… Everyone is a bad person, nobody is ever for me. They always like someone better than me. I was supposed to have a happy ending. Cruel gods took it away from me even despite my trials. I was a mistake, I wasn’t supposed to exist, because no matter what I was, she was better than me. They liked her better even though she was dead before I came. Then… in the myst, something appears…. much smaller. He has a mask, but I recognize him. He is here, my special someone. I am so happy. Finally, I, as the proper lady I am, can finally make a step to become even more lady-like! He is here. That bastard. I am going to enjoy tearing him apart! My mighty howl is so powerful it shakes the nearby buildings. I am stronger than ever Now I have claws that can render flesh. My headdress has turned into horns. And look at my face! it is OH SO PRETTY!!!!   I try to grab him so I can give him a biiig hug until his head cuuuutely pops, but... he dodges my attack? How? I mean… Why is he so shy? He should come to me, he is supposed to love me…Even though I don’t love him at all. If anything, I want him dead. I just want him because she used to have him, that’s it. He didn’t even love her. Unloving bastard. Now I can kill him. I swing my claws again. Again. AGAIN. AGAIN. I want to cut him to pieces, he is clearly struggling to dodge Look at you, I can imagine your face through you stupid fox mask. I have killed so many people to get ready for you. I have eaten so many. It’s all your fault, you know? I bet you are surprised. Eheheh. How improper of me. I am chuckling so much I am letting out not so cute guttural noises… Finally, I am capable of slashing at his cape, somehow it doesn’t seem to be torn, even though I can tear through steel… this smell… I have never tasted it, but it’s like fish but more pungent. Is that a dragon cape? A pillar of flame gets in the way, a ghost that looks like a fiery fox looks at me with insufficiency. I swear, foxes are monsters, they don’t care about anyone and anything… While I think I get shot in the head. The bullet does hurt, but I am not injured. Stupid human… Why is he fighting me back? Does he think he can kill me? ME?! Ah, I was supposed to be dead… no, maybe I shouldn’t have existed at all. But I remain, and my remnant forged a new identity. I am stronger, more beautiful and better! So what can you do to a pretty lady like ME? Crawl and die!! My arm is suddenly caught in an iron grip. Ah, yes, the ghost that looks like the familiar that my sister (or rather, her sister, but she should be mine) owns. Why did she ALWAYS get everything I wanted before I could even exist? I sought her out, finding her grave, I got her memories, I saw them all. The familiar pushes me back with some wind energy, how weird… my sister’s never did that, but I just blast them with my powers. He… is he summoning them? Is he the Shinigami? AHAHAHAAHAHAHAH! You are not a shinigami! I slash at his arm, he can’t dodge in time. Red! Like everyone else! You bleed! I grip him! I scream as I seek to pull him close to me! He tightens the grip on me. Pathetic. A human can’t beat me! A human like the others. I toss him. I scream I am strong, I am invincible! I am better than her! People were evil for not accepting me and accepting her. I can be her! I was her! I have her memories! Why did nobody accept me?! Why do the gods punish me? “Enough, Bonnie!” A lighting bolt strikes me suddenly, almost freezing me. The two spirits keep hurting poor little me, Then he pulls out a weird knife, looks like a chopper knife glowing with energy… is that mine? I twitch, seeking to protect myself. I still roar, my blast actually gets his mask off… wait… red eyes? But my special someone has hazel eyes… Is he a human? Is he a Shinigami? What… who is he? The first strike is straight on my heart with the hand, I feel like my beautiful lady-like skin is shattering like marble. He then shoves the side of the blade with a hook. I feel like it’s pulling something… It’s pulling me! No, it can’t be! It almost killed me! No…. No… Something slides off me. Is that mud? Filth? Is it really sliding off me or am I sliding away from it? Something hits me… I know what happened, but I ask him anyway. Am I… dead? … No… I haven’t been alive for so long… I dread looking back at what awaits me, I can only look at the Shinigami… I know what’s behind me. It’s evil. “... I am so sorry. You have been overtaken by so much cursed filth… your grudges, rage… and you were turned into this” It’s me. It’s me… It’s all me… all the horrible things I did. What have I done? Uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuhhhhhh! I am a ghost, a faint silhouette of feeble flames… trapped in the body of a monster. I am… I am not a good lady. I never was a lady. I was… a mistake of the cosmos. When she died, long ago… the gods made me. I was supposed to replace her. But I was me. I didn’t want to hurt anyone… And for being me… I was put away… but why me? but why me? but why me? but why me? but why me? I am not even real “... I have observed you. Thus, to me you are real” He has a hand over me. He stays with me for all the time You have never been here for me… This… this Shinigami… is he really him? If so, he changed too much.. for the better? For the worse? I don’t know…I can’t stop crying, even if I cannot really cry… Eventually, I sniffle. He is still here for me I… I don’t know if this is over. I shouldn’t exist… yet I always come back. You will never be rid of me… I am just pathetic.. “Don’t worry… I can handle you”, he says. He is smiling. I can see he is sad, but he smiles for me. Liar. Always lying. Thank you. “... we should go” I see the bus behind him. I know what it means… I am afraid… this is the time I want to really not exist B-before I go… Can I record this? I want… I want to leave proof that I exist… “Of course. Once you are done, let’s go. You will know when it’s time for your stop” The doors of the bus open. "Welcome to the Midnight Bus 375. This is Yami Kuzunoha XI, your conductor. Please, fasten your seatbelt. We are going across reality. Next stop, your rightful place... We will start with the Elysium fields!" I meekly step in… everyone is looking at me. None judges me… they are happy to see me. I turn back at the conductor. But… But I can’t. I have a last question And… and what will happen after that “And after that, we will find out together” The doors of the bus close. 0 Comments  Report Post

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