Soul Anomaly WN [Archive] - AnimeSuki Forum

hyuugalegacy

2015-08-07, 11:29

Well, guess I'll post the first chapter to give a bit more of a feeling for it.

I'll post chapter 2 in a bit. If by some great chance you can't wait that long (I won't hold my breath) click the link at the beginning or in my sig to view all current chapters.

Prologue

Do you believe in life after death?

Do you believe in Heaven and Hell?

Do you believe in reincarnation?

Have you ever asked yourselves any of these questions?

Don't worry if you haven't. Because up until now, neither have I.

But soon, for some of these questions, there will be answers.

Oh! There is one question I forgot to ask. It's also the most important one.

Do you believe that someone who has died once, can get a second chance at life?

Chapter 01: How It All Began

"Ah, I look irresistible."

Today is the opening ceremony for my second year in high school. I, the great Yuichi Shiro, am standing in front of the mirror. I can't help but admire myself, so handsome it's sinful. I now know how Narcissus must have felt. My wonderful short dark hair. My beautiful, yet manly face. My big brown eyes. I truly am a work of art, if I do say so myself.

Knock knock! - my bedroom door.

"Come in!" I call out, without diverting my eyes from the mirror.

I look at the girl who enters my shrine through the mirror's reflection. She is my younger sister by a year, Yuna Shiro. She has dark hair which is tied back, and brown eyes that are similar to my own. She is the type of girl who could be called either 'cute' or 'beautiful' depending on who looks at her. Her maturity hovers between the line of being a girl, and being a woman. But, considering she's my little sister, I never think about such things.

I guess it's to be expected of my little sister. We share the same blood after all. So naturally, like me, she too is really pretty. The type of sister that I can brag about to my friends. I'm sure she too does the same about me. Yes, she most definitely does, who wouldn't?

"Onii-chan, will you please hurry up!? At this rate we're going to be late for the opening ceremony," Yuna urges.

I can't blame her sense of urgency though, Yuna too must have realised. The girls at school will probably kill themselves if they don't get the eye candy of seeing yours truly. This will not do! I must hurry. I wouldn't be able to take full responsibility for a series of mass suicides.

"And Onii-chan, will you stop thinking such things, you aren't as popular as you think," Yuna says as she places her hand on her forehead, "No girl would go that far for you."

As expected of my little sister, you can read me so well. I have nothing further to teach you.

"You have taught me squat!"

"To come up with a retort to my thought process. You've already surpassed me, Yuna."

Wait a second. It's probably because I was so moved by the maturity of my younger sister just now. But did I just miss something Earth shatteringly important?

"Wait, Yuna! What do you mean I'm not popular?" I ask, my voice is unable to hide my mental shock.

Yuna simply remains silent as she quickly searches through her skirt pocket before pulling out a pamphlet. Its title, 'Things to watch out for on campus' and one of the sections headings has. Huh? Why is my name there? I take the pamphlet from Yuna and begin reading it out loud.

"Enemy of all women, Yuichi Shiro. Yuichi is a second year student, whom during his freshman year, became notorious for sexual harassment. Many female students and even a couple of teachers fell victim to this monster. If he ever harasses you, feel free to come to the discipline room in confidence. We shall handle his punishment. Article submitted by Akane Mizuno."

That damn Demon Mizuno again. How dare she dye the pureness that is me with this messed up article. I can feel tears running down my face. My mind becoming plagued with a mixture of anger, sadness and frustration. That bitch should just stay out of my way. What's wrong with me showing some love to all the cute girls?

"See? You aren't well liked by the female student body," Yuna says whilst wearing a smile that seems to be saying 'I told you so'.

"It's just a minor setback!" I proclaim, as I push my bangs out of my eyes like a prince. If this were an Anime, there would be a sparkling backdrop behind me right now.

"Just come downstairs for breakfast," Yuna ignores me and walks off. How cold, how cruel. Onii-chan's hurt, truly he is.

After a while, I drag my body down the stairs and into the kitchen. Mum, Dad and Yuna are already sitting at the table. I take my seat next to Yuna and start eating. Meals at breakfast and dinner are family time, our parents are pretty strict about this.

"So Yuna, today will be your first day as a high school student. Are you nervous?" Mum asks with interest.

Yuna shakes her head. "I'm only concerned that people may think that I'm like Onii-chan," she replies whilst looking at me.

Is Yuna worried that she may end up living in my shadow? This is bad, I must remove her worries so she can quickly settle in. Her high school debut is today, I must act now.

"Don't worry, Yuna, you are you. No one expects you to be like me. I have every faith that some day, you will outshine everyone, myself included," I proclaim with a passion filled voice. It's times like this, that I show my brotherly love.

Yuna, upon hearing me, looks truly surprised. Dad puts down his newspaper, and looks at me.

"Yuichi, I think you missed the point entirely. She was saying she doesn't want to be thought of as someone like you, not that she can't measure up to you," Dad's tone of voice has something in it I recognise- pity.

Wait, so she wasn't showing respect to me. But that she doesn't want to be grouped with me. How can this be? Where did the little Yuna who persistently claim that she wanted to marry me disappear to!?

"I never once said that!?" Yuna once again retorts to my inner monologue. I don't have the energy to compliment her this time however.

My heart feels like it's breaking.

BANG! - I smack my head against the table. Trying to clear my head of all the awful memories that I wish to forget. This morning has been one shock after another.

Fifteen minutes later - we finish breakfast.

Yuna and I are now walking to school together. I'm still feeling depressed, but I'm trying not to let it show. No girl wants to look at a depressed guy after all.

Suddenly, I notice a familiar girl across the road from us. She's wearing our school's uniform almost like it was made for her. She has a small build, and shoulder length brown hair that has a ribbon tied on to it.

This girl is Sakura Kirei. She's the same age as Yuna, as well as her best friend. I already heard that she was going to attend our school from her brother. So I'm not surprised to see her wearing our uniform.

Sakura is a girl who is very popular with the guys in my year. She ranked second in the girl you most want to call you 'Onii-chan' competition back in middle school.

As a little bit of trivia, the person who ranked first in that competition was Yuna. But because she always called me 'Onii-chan', I guess I kind of take it for granted. Well, those that want things like a girl calling you 'Onii-chan', are those who don't have siblings themselves already. They're unable to understand what it's really like to have a younger sister. You just get used to how they address you, and think nothing of it. The fact I don't go squealing 'cute' every time Yuna calls me 'Onii-chan' proves my point.

Anyway, to mend my hurt heart. that just keeps being trampled on. I believe some skinship with Sakura is just what the doctor ordered.

Locking onto my target's back with my eyes, I put myself in a crouching start stance.

"GOOOO!" I shout enthusiastically.

"KYAA!" Yuna screams, guess I shocked her.

I run onto the road. Faster, faster, faster. I continue to increase my pace so I can reach Sakura, even if only a fraction of a second sooner. My eyes are locked on target. Just wait my dear, I'll give you plenty of loving.

"Onii-chan, on your right!"

Reacting to Yuna's voice, I look right. A man on a bicycle comes into view. He's riding at full speed, and is on a straight collision course with me. The bike won't be able to evade me.

My reflexes instantly kick in, I jump directly backwards. Missing the bike by mere inches. My reactions are as sharp as ever. The cyclist carries on riding past me. No word of apology? The manners of some people, but I'm a nice guy, so I'll let it slide.

I brush my bangs out of my eyes again, almost like I'm striking a victory pose. To everyone present, I must look truly cool right now.

"Onii-chan!"

"Sempai!"

Yuna and Sakura shout at me simultaneously. Sakura must have noticed me when Yuna drew my attention to the cyclist. So much for the element of surprise.

"LOOK OUT!" The two girl's shouts overlap with each other. I feel heavy vibrations on the ground, I look to my left, and I see something I wish that I didn't.

Oh, you've gotta be kidding me!

"A TRUCK!" I scream in shock.

I jumped out of a collision course with a bike, only to land into one with a truck. What the hell's with that!?

I feel my face instantly turn pale.

Honk! Honk! - The truck sounds its horn. But it's meaningless. I know, I cannot escape from this one. The screeching of the tyres trying to brake reverberate inside my ears.

It feels like time has stopped. Is this what is meant by one's life flashing before their eyes?

My body feels light. I'm in the air? Why? Why am I flying through the sky? A second later, I realise.

Oh, I've been hit.

"Sempai!"

"Onii-chan!"

The two girls calling me are the last words I hear. Everything falls silent.

I was hit by a truck, I must look totally uncool right now.

I feel my conscience fading.

My mind slowly falling into darkness.

Yuna, congratulations on getting into high school. I guess, my time has come.

Goodbye, Mum, Dad, Yuna, Everyone.

hyuugalegacy

2015-08-15, 14:25

Well if anyone's bothered here's chapter 2 for Soul Anomaly.

Chapter 02: Meeting The Reaper

"Urghh!" I groan in agony.

My head, no. My entire body feels really heavy right now.

"Man, it feels like a truck hit me."

"That's because a truck did hit you," A girl's voice gives a reply to the comment I thought I said only to myself.

I feel my eyes focus and my face turn serious. "For me not to feel your presence until now, I lack training," I say in a voice so cold, that it could freeze Hell over.

"What's with the cliché line just now?" The girl just shrugs it off with a voice of disinterest.

I slowly pick my body up and look at the girl I'm talking with.

Huh, she's pretty cute. The type of girl I would try to pick up if I met her in a town or city.

She has long silver hair that shimmers slightly, the fringe is parted with two hair clips, revealing her sky blue eyes. Her entire physical profile, I would rank as 'A plus'. However, the long black robe she's wearing makes her look like a stereotypical cultist. She isn't wearing the hood allowing me to clearly see her face.

http://img14.deviantart.net/fc87/i/2014/191/9/1/comm___meeting_the_reaper_by_renealexa_diary-d7q1ynz.jpg

I slowly walk towards the pretty, yet ill dressed, girl. I push my bangs out of my eyes, showing the girl my 'Prince Charming' pose.

"Yuichi Shiro, sixteen years old, currently single. Please, will you give me the pleasure of hearing the beautiful mademoiselle's name?" I ask elegantly.

First impressions are always important, and there is no one who can give them better than me.

The girl looks at me like I'm weird. Why?

An awkward silence. What went wrong? She should be all over me by now.

"My name's Alicia," the girl finally replies.

Alicia huh, such a beautiful name, for such a beautiful girl. She must be on her way to a fancy dress party. That must be why she's dressed like that.

"I'm a Reaper of souls."

I take that back, she needs psychiatric help. I turn my back on her to hide my shocked face. Huh, wait. What is this place? I look around in confusion. It doesn't look like any place I know. Since when did I move to an island that is surrounded by a sea of lava?

Oh well, who cares? Girl first, location second. Priorities officially sorted. I turn back around to face Alicia, having now regained my beautiful award winning smile.

"So what is it that you do?" I ask in a gentlemanly manner while showing off my pure white teeth.

"It's my job to take the recently departed to the Underworld. This is probably a bit sudden, but you do realise you're dead, right?" The way she answers me sounds like it is premeditated. Like she has said it many times before now.

Wait a second, I'm dead. That can't be, can it? I was only hit by a truc...It suddenly dawns on me. There's no way I could have survived that, and that means...

"NOOO! That can't be true! I have yet to lose my virginity! How can I be dead!?" I shout at the top of my voice. This is a very serious situation. I can accept the idea of being dead, but I will not accept dying as a virgin.

Alicia looks at me with a mixture of disgust and shock. I guess she has no poker face.

"That's the most unusual response I've heard from anyone, and I've taken well over a thousand souls."

"Are you telling me that they all lost their virginity and I haven't! That's what you're trying to say isn't it!?"

My anger is rising, I can feel it. This cruel fate I'm suffering. Can anyone blame me for being angry because of it?

A sudden image enters my mind. A church filled with all my friends and relatives gathered together, they're all crying. Yes, this is my premonition of my own funeral.

"We are gathered here in the memory of Yuichi Shiro, who has sadly had his life cut short," An elderly priest addresses everyone.

Watching this is truly heartbreaking. I'm sorry everyone.

One at a time, everyone comes and says their farewells to me. One person stands before my open coffin, with tears flowing out of his eyes he speaks to me.

"Yuichi, my friend."

This person is my best friend, he's also Sakura's older brother. I met Sakura through him, like how he met Yuna through me. The two older brothers became best friends, and the younger sisters followed suit. Anyway, so to speak, he's my best friend. It's the first time I've seen him like this.

"Yuichi, you died a virgin."

HUH!? Did my ears deceive me just now? To say this at my funeral, what kind of best friend are you?

"Don't worry, I will have lots of sex to fill your quota! When we reunite, I promise to tell you all about it."

"LIKE HELL YOU WILL!" I shout out in response. No way am I letting you pour salt into my already terrible wounds.

"What's with you?" Alicia's voice snaps me back to reality. That truly was a horrible premonition, it must be avoided at all costs.

"Alicia! I must go back to my world no matter what! If you're a Reaper, then you should know of a way right!?"

"There is but one way, and indeed, I know of it. However, you will not be able to do it."

What's with that arrogant smile she's wearing?

"If you know something, then please just tell me. No way am I handing my quota over to him." That's right. That is something I will do on my own. It cannot be entrusted to someone else.

Alicia looks at me in a questioning manner, she probably doesn't know what I'm going through at this moment. Well, let's leave it at that, getting back is more important.

"The place we are currently in is called Purgatory. It is here that souls and Reapers meet. You could say it's the half way point between the living world and the Underworld," Alicia explains as she walks back and forth.

Okay, that was a nice piece of trivia, but it doesn't answer my question.

"Ali..." I begin, planning to make her get to the point.

"In other words, if you wish to return to the living world again, you need to do it while in Purgatory," Alicia cuts me off with her explanation.

But you still haven't told me how.

"How do I get back?" I ask, trying to make her get to the point.

"It is both simple, and yet, impossible."

Okay, seriously. How long does she intend on dragging this out?

"Quit speaking in riddles and tell me, please. All my future sexual pleasure is on the line here!" I shout, my pent up frustration leaks out into my voice.

Alicia shakes her head from side to side, I think she has finally taken the hint.

"You need to challenge me to a game, and win."

"Huh?" I stand there with a confused look pasted on my face.

"In order to go back you must defeat me, then I'll take you back."

"And you can't just take me back without the hassle?"

"No!" Alicia answers sternly.

I see. So basically, if I beat her then I can come back to life, okay got it.

"Can it really be anything?" I ask for reassurance.

"Yes, and we continue until there is a clear winner. You win, I take you back. I win, I take your soul to the Underworld. Oh, just to say, I have never lost."

"You've never lost?" My voice cannot hide my concern.

"That's right, I've never lost. I'm from a noble family after all. I need to keep a perfect record," Alicia reconfirms her previous declaration proudly.

I need to think carefully now. If what she says is true, then I need to choose what I challenge her to wisely. Wait a second, I've got it. This is risky, but I'll put all my eggs in one basket. If I win, I'll get so much more than just my life. Alicia, you have just met your match.

I inwardly snigger to myself, my motivation rising by the moment. I'm sure my heightened motivation will help pull me through to victory.

"Very well. Alicia, I wish to challenge you!" I shout confidently, my previous anxiety now ancient history.

"What at? Chess maybe?" Alicia asks in anticipation, like a warrior being challenged to a duel.

Chess? No way am I going to choose something so boring. I'm going to raise the stakes in a way I'm sure you've never imagined. Prepare yourself, your winning streak ends today.

"Alicia, I challenge you to a game of strip rock-paper-scissors!" I scream whilst pointing my outstretched finger at her.

"WHA...WHAT!" Alicia is visibly shocked, her face is turning red, and her voice starts to become shaky.

"Allow me to explain how it's played. Paper beats rock, rock beats scissors, and scissors beats paper, follow?" I begin my lecture of game play whilst showing hand gestures of each item you can choose.

"I know how rock-paper-scissors is played," Alicia looks at me with a face full of irritation. I was only making sure to keep it fair. So can you turn your anger down a notch?

"The additional rule that I've added in is: 'When a player loses a round, they remove an article of their clothing'. Hence why it's called 'strip rock-paper-scissors'. You win when the opponent is completely naked, understand?" I conclude my explanation. Any questions?

"What a despicable game."

Why the anger? You said any game was fine. Plus, I don't like how I'm the only one who has something to lose.

"Let's begin shall we?" I say, readying myself mentally.

It appears that Alicia is unable to refuse. Her face has 'I definitely won't lose' written all over it. Do you want to see my gorgeous body so much? I don't blame you, but what a perverted Reaper you are.

"I shall take you down, along with your disgusting mind!"

"BRING IT ON!"

Thus the game of strip rock-paper-scissors between my noble self, and Alicia begins.

A few minutes later, and the victor has been decided.

Before me, a beautiful girl is kneeling down, covering herself desperately with her hands and arms. Her eyes are moist and red from embarrassment.

"You needn't worry, I'm not planning on saying anything about what happened here. Plus, you should look on the bright side. The only one who is seeing you in this state is me, there's only the two of us here. It's not like you're in the middle of a city or something." I give my best pep talk

Tears continue to roll down her cheeks with no sign of them stopping, pep talk instantly rejected. I guess she can't see this situation in the same light as me.

"Uh, sorry. Thanks, you're really pretty. You could win any guy you wished with your beauty that is like a piece of art," I'm not saying this as flattery, it's my honest opinion.

Sniff sniff! Her tears increase in mass

Did I just add fuel to the fire just now?

"Jeez, now I feel like I actually did something wrong. You could have just refused, or given up."

I walk over and pick up her robe and hand it to her.

"It's my victory. So you don't need to stay that way any longer," I say gently. Trying to bring out my dormant kindness that is reserved for such situations.

I turn away from her. I've scarred Alicia quite enough.

"Y...You can turn around now," Alicia says in a quiet and reserved voice a few moments later.

I did as she said. Alicia is now fully clothed, and it looks like she is feeling a little better now.

"Considering I won, you have to take me back, right?" I ask, I'm worried she might refuse due to a personal grudge.

With the final tears flowing out of her eyes, Alicia gives a light nod.

I bow my head down deeply.

"I'm truly sorry, I went too far. I promise I will keep this a secret," I apologise again. How many times is this? Please cheer up.

"I have no intention of forgiving you. But, you did win. I have no choice but to follow the Reaper's code and take you back," Alicia declares as she wipes her eyes. It always hurts my heart when a beautiful girl hates me. But it appears she's the type who puts duty before personal feelings, very professional. She then looks at me with a serious face.

"But your life will be very different from how it was before," Her voice just now is the most serious it has been thus far. I feel a cold sweat go down the back of my neck.

"Different, how so?" I ask.

"You'll find out in time."

Well, if she's not telling me now, then it can't be that big a deal.

And with that, my brief stay in Purgatory came to a close. After beating Alicia, I won back my life.

Living world, Yuichi Shiro shall once again take up residence within you. No way am I dying before I lose my virginity.

waibminy

2015-08-23, 01:33

Well if anyone's bothered here's chapter 2 for Soul Anomaly.http://goo.gl/S935FY

hyuugalegacy

2015-08-23, 03:50

@waibminy Um, sorry I'm a little confused with what you're trying to say.

Anyway here's chapter 3 of Soul Anomaly for those whom are bothered.

Chapter 03A: The Revival Of Yuichi Shiro - Fun As A Spirit

"Woah! Nice view!" I shout my utmost respect at the scenery.

"Would you stop looking up the nurse's skirts already!?" Alicia looks back at me in anger "Hurry up!"

What are you saying? It's not everyday you're a spirit. This is what is known as taking advantage of a bad situation.

"Looking up a girl's skirt, when you can't be seen is a must!" I explain to Alicia, who seems to be lacking this everyday knowledge.

Alicia and I have returned to the living world. I'm currently a spirit, so normal humans can't see me. They are unable to see Alicia also.

"It's the opposite. looking up people's skirts just because you can't be seen is just despicable," Alicia states.

"Don't misunderstand, I still looked up their skirts when I was alive," I reply proudly whilst folding my arms, "Now I don't mean to brag, but there is not a girl in my school year, who's skirt I have not seen under." How is that, impressed? Ha ha ha, worship me inferior being.

"That's not bragging, that's confessing," Alicia replies with a face full of disgust.

Why? Where's the respect? Girls should be pleased that the one and only Yuichi Shiro looked up their skirts.

We continue walking through the hospital as I try to find an answer for my previous dilemma. Outside the Operating room I spot two people I recognise.

Yuna and Sakura are both wearing sorrowful faces. Seeing this is truly painful. Please cheer up both of you.

"Acquaintances?" Alicia asks.

"My sister and a friend," I reply solemnly.

We walk through the door, not opening it, literally just walk through it.

Several doctors and nurses are in the room, busily running around.

Seeing myself sleeping in the bed is, how should I put it.

"My sleeping face is also heavenly beautiful," I state in one hundred percent self admiration, "Alicia, as my apology for before, I officially give you permission to stare at my sleeping face."

How is that? Just one look at me, and all your mental wounds shall heal. Aren't I just the kindest?

"Like I'd do that, punching you in the face might work however!" Alicia coldly refuses.

"Not a chance! My absolute beauty is one of a kind. Destroying or harming it, is a huge unforgivable sin!" I declare.

Damn Reaper, I was trying to make amends, and she throws it back in my face.

"Just hurry up and lie inside your body," Alicia says whilst holding her head.

I quickly do as I'm told.

"AHHH! I'm inside! It feels good!" I scream in ecstasy.

"Knock off the sexual innuendos!" Alicia shouts in anger, "I'm doing this for your sake, so stop playing around."

"Fine, I just wanted to lighten you up," I reply in a rejected voice.

"Okay, I am going to reconnect you to your body," Alicia says whilst a green aura flows out of her right hand, "You'll awaken again soon after."

"Thanks for everything Alicia, it was a pleasure meeting you," I say sincerely.

"And it was a displeasure meeting you, Yuichi Shiro," She coldly responds.

My conscience starts to fade.

Yuna, Sakura and all the other millions of Yuichi Shiro fans. I'm back, no autographs please.

_____XXXXX_____

Chapter 03B: The Revival Of Yuichi Shiro - My Sempai (Perspective: Sakura Kirei)

Two hours have passed since that happened. Since Sempai was hit by a truck. There was no way I could go to school after witnessing that. So I accompanied Yuna and Sempai in the ambulance to the hospital.

I'm sitting outside the O.R. that Sempai is currently in. A nurse said they will do all they can, but we should prepare for the worst.

The hospital staff were not able to get in touch with Yuna and Sempai's parents, so they don't know what has happened.

I called my brother to tell him that I wouldn't be at school. I didn't tell him what happened to Sempai, I just couldn't. Nii-san and Sempai have been best friends for years, I don't know how he would take it.

I once asked Nii-san how he became friends with Sempai in middle school. All he said was they just hit it off.

Yuna is sleeping beside me, until just a few minutes ago she was crying her heart out. I still can't believe it, something like that happening to Sempai.

Yuna told me through her tears that Sempai saw me from across the road and ran across without paying attention. If that's the case, is it my fault this happened?

I suddenly feel a liquid run down my cheek. I had to hold it in, for Yuna's sake. She who witnessed her dear brother being hit by a truck, the brother she always spoke of in such a disappointed tone. I have already reached my limit. I couldn't show my tears to Yuna, but she is asleep now. Knowing this I let everything come out.

Sniff sniff. - The cool liquid cools my cheeks

"Sem...pai."

The Sempai who always attached himself to me in such a straight forward manner. I was always embarrassed by his antics. Yet, despite this, I couldn't bring myself to hate him for it.

Everyone else who tried to approach me, did so in such a round about way.

Because I can't understand people very well, he was a breath of fresh air. He always spoke his mind. He always did exactly what he wanted without reservation. I couldn't help but admire him for that.

No! Why am I speaking of Sempai like he is the past? Sempai is not gone, not yet he isn't. I won't lose hope, not until it's over. Even though I encourage myself with these thoughts. My tears, don't stop. Will they ever stop? Every second feels like an eternity.

I walk down the corridor to get a coffee to calm myself down. I suddenly hear shouts coming from the O.R. that Sempai is in.

"How could this be!"

My tears increase and my legs freeze from these words. No! What happened to Sempai? It can't be...

"It's a miracle!" More words escape the O.R.

Hearing these words, my hope is renewed a thousand fold. A nurse comes out of the O.R. She looks at me.

"He has pulled through," She says with a smile.

Those four words are all it takes. My legs give out and I find myself kneeling on the floor. The nurse approaches me and gently pats my shoulder, before she walks over to Yuna, who is still asleep.

Tears continue to flow out of my eyes, words can't describe my relief. Yuna, having just heard the news is in a similar state to myself. I get to my feet and sit myself beside Yuna and embrace her tightly.

"Sakura...Onii-chan...he's...alive!" Yuna cries, her tears distort her voice.

"Yeah," One word is all I can muster.

"But it's strange," The nurse says whilst Yuna and I are shedding tears of joy, we both quickly turn to look at her.

"What...is?" Yuna asks in a worried manner.

"The injuries he suffered were fatal when he was brought in. Yet now, it's like it never even happened," The nurse answers in wonder.

"What do you mean?" I ask whilst still holding Yuna.

"I'm saying his injuries are completely healed. Something that should have been impossible happened. It's beyond lucky, we can only call it a miracle," The nurse's voice was calm, but I can tell she is shaken by it.

"Sempai, is fully healed?" I ask rhetorically.

That can't be. I saw him get hit by the truck, we both did.

However, right now, I don't care about that. The reason doesn't matter. The happiness of Sempai's survival is much greater than the question of how he did.

"Can...I...see..hi...m?" Yuna asks the nurse in a quiet and broken voice. She's still shaken up pretty badly.

The nurse gives an angelic smile. "Of course, go ahead," She says with a nod.

We enter the room with the nurse. There are several doctors and nurses looking at Sempai in astonishment.

"Yo, Yuna, Sakura," Sempai calls to us casually whilst waving his hand with a smile on his face. We silently walk to Sempai's bedside.

SLAP!

"OWWW!"

"YOU STUPID BROTHER!"

That looked painful. Yuna slapped Sempai with all her might as her tears flow uncontrollably. That one slap most likely held all her mixed emotions within it.

Sempai, after seeing Yuna's state, looks at us with an apologetic smile. "Sorry," He says as he places a hand on each of our heads.

My tears, I've given up trying to make them stop.

Welcome back, Sempai.

______XXXXX______

Chapter 03C: The Revival Of Yuichi Shiro - For Our Family's Honour (Perspective: Alicia)

Having taken Yuichi Shiro back to the living world and returning to my family's mansion. I'm now sitting at a long table eating dinner. My father is sat at the opposite end.

I had reported what happened today. How I was defeated and humiliated by Yuichi Shiro's challenge of strip rock-paper-scissors. For me to lose in such a game, the blow to my family's honour would be huge.

The result of that match has yet to be announced publicly. I came home to report to Father hoping he had a way to keep it under control. I was expecting to be harshly punished by Father for causing such a situation in the first place - Yet.

"HA HA HA! To come up with such a method. I sure wish to meet this Yuichi Shiro-kun," My father laughs vigorously.

"Father, do you not understand the gravity of this situation!?" I shout whilst banging my hands on the table.

"Calm down, Alicia. Some man would eventually see you naked sooner or later, don't let it bother you," Father says whilst gesturing with his hand for me to sit back down.

"Father, whilst that does indeed annoy me! That's not what I'm referring to!" I shout again, Father simply takes it with a smile on his face.

"Rest assured, I've already come up with a counter measure for our family's honour." He says reassuringly.

"Really?" I'm shocked, as expected of my father. Finding a solution to what would be a grave problem.

"Yes, this is what you must do..."

After hearing my father's words, I truly fell into despair.

"I...I understand, Father," I reply in a dejected voice

I'm not in a position to oppose him, it's my own fault.

VivienSm

2015-09-17, 03:32

Thanks this was really nice story to read.

hyuugalegacy

2015-09-18, 09:23

Thanks this was really nice story to read.

Glad you enjoyed it.

Well here is chapter 4 for the sake of it.

Chapter 04: To School I Go

I was released from the hospital last night.

I'm just about to head to school. My second year debut was ruined by that truck hitting me. However, I have fully recovered within a day of it happening, I guess this is due to me beating Alicia.

Oh, not good, the image of Alicia in her birthday suit is making me excited. Calm down, Yuichi, calm down. I will soon be doing more than just seeing.

"Ha ha ha," I can't contain my laughter. All the girls at school must have been in serious pain yesterday. Don't worry my little kittens, Yuichi Shiro is back and here to stay.

"Okay, I'm off everyone, I'll see you tonight. Unless I score, then tomorrow morning," I shout out to my family members.

"AH! Wait Onii-chan, I'm going too," Yuna calls whilst running back and forth gathering her school things, seeing this I can only smile.

"No need to rush, Yuna. If you want to walk to school with your wonderful Onii-chan then I don't mind waiting a bit."

"Get over yourself, stupid brother!" Ouch! Those words hurt me much more than that truck ever could.

"Yuna," Mum calls, "Keep an eye on Yuichi, make sure you hold his hand whilst crossing the road."

"How old do you think I am, damn it!? I ain't a kid," show the respect that the wonderful me deserves.

"Be quiet, Yuichi. I'm talking about you, not to you!" Mum, you are so full of arrogance. Yuna, make sure not to grow up like her. "Did you just think something rude, stupid son!?" Mum glares at me so strongly I could turn to stone.

"No way would I do that," I put on my best smile possible, trying not to give into fear.

"Don't worry, Mum. I won't hold his hand. But I will keep a very close eye on him," Yuna and Mum reach an agreement.

I feel a sensation of self loathing. I get the feeling I have lost my family's respect. Come on, I was only hit by a truck once, just bad luck that time. It's not going to happen a second time, jeez.

"Okay, we're off," Yuna shouts enthusiastically.

"HAAAAAAAH~~!" After the front door closes I heave a sigh so long and loud it belongs in the Guinness book of records.

"Good morning, Yuna, Sempai," A cute voice calls out to us.

"You already look exhausted Yuichi, what's up?" A guy's voice that I know only too well.

"A very good morning to you too Sakura, Ren-Sempai," Yuna returns the greeting politely. What a great sister, you take after me so much.

"NO, I DON'T!" Yuna retorts, I'm seriously starting to wonder if she can read peoples' minds.

"Morning Ren, morning Sakura," I try to greet them enthusiastically, but my voice tone instantly betrays me.

Yes, Sakura and her older brother, Ren who is also my best friend and comrade. Ren, like me, although not too the same level, is also a good looking guy. He has spiky brown hair, blue eyes and a slightly taller than average stature. Ren is the type of guy who fits the appearance of shounen manga arch type. Although, I seriously don't understand why he's always carrying two sets of headphones, one is covering his ears, the other is resting around his neck.

"Wha...What's wrong, Sempai? Are you still not feeling good from yesterday?" Sakura asks looking worried.

I shake my head and smile at her.

"No Sakura, this is more a mental issue than a physical one. My family has demoted me from eldest son to toddler," I explain.

"Onii-chan, we need to go or we'll be late," Upon Yuna's urging, I gather every ounce of will power still in my body.

"Okay, let's go," I declare.

The four of us walk side by side towards school. I'm still feeling a little depressed, but better than I was. I guess it was my own fault for jumping into a truck, but still.

"Say Yuichi, were there any beautiful nurses at the hospital?" Ren asks with a lecherous smile on his face.

"Nii-san," Sakura looks at her brother with anger in her eyes. Oi, Oi Ren. As the older brother you shouldn't anger your cute little sister. You have so much more to learn.

"There was this one with blonde hair and huge breasts, I would totally have liked to have done her if I could of," I answer.

"Onii-chan!" Yuna glares at me with murderous intent in her eyes.

SCARY. My apologies for my hypocrisy, Ren.

Is it just my imagination? Sakura also looks like she is on the verge of tears. Cheer up my dear, Ren is a teenage boy as well. It's only natural for him to take an interest in women.

"Onii-chan, remember you are walking with two ladies. Show some delicacy," Yuna reminds me.

"You're right, how thoughtless of me. Sakura, my apologies for showing no restraint just now," I apologise with a gentlemanly-like voice.

Sakura rubs her eyes and nods, accepting my apology.

"What about me, Onii-chan?" Yuna asks.

"What about you?" I look at my sister questioningly, "OWWW!"

Damn it, Yuna! Don't stamp on my foot like that. I do feel pain, you know. Man, has Yuna entered her rebellious age? Don't grow up to be sadistic, my dear sister.

"Yuichi, you know. You really are stupid." Ren declares frankly.

"What was that, Ren!? You of all people should know the wonderful-beautiful-genius that is Yuichi Shiro," I retort.

"A genius who managed to think that a 'cock fight' was a sex related activity," Yuna rebukes my statement coldly.

"HOW THE HELL WAS I TO KNOW THE COCK WAS REFERING TO A CHICKEN!" I shout out at the top of my lungs. Jeez! When are you going to let that one mistake go already!?

"Leaving your looks aside for the moment. Do you mind if I give you a quick test to prove your genius?" Ren challenges.

"Bring it on, Ren!"

No matter what the challenge, I will accept it. I am someone who defeated a reaper to win back my life, don't underestimate me.

"It's very simple, Yuichi: Recite the alphabet."

That's it? At least give me a challenge, Ren.

"A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, J, I, K, L, N, M, O, P, R, S, T, U, W, V, X, Y, Z" I recite out loud

Ren stares at me in amazement, how about that!? Yuna and Sakura also look astounded.

"Okay, Yuichi. You have proven your genius. I, Ren Kirei, fully acknowledge your intellect."

As expected of my best friend, he understands my greatness by just having me recite the alphabet. I could almost cry due to the great company I keep with me.

"Umm," Sakura mutters while pulling on my sleeve.

"Huh, what's wrong Sakura?" I ask.

Sakura averts her gaze from me. No need to be shocked by my greatness, I will always be Yuichi Shiro, no matter how great I become.

"Sempai, don't feel bad. I will...always be with you," Sakura says with a slightly flushed face.

"Um, okay. Thanks Sakura, I will always be near you too," I reply.

Sakura's face reddens even more.

Hmm, what was that all about? Girls can sometimes be such mysterious creatures. Sakura more so than most. Ren, you have my utmost sympathy. Even the genius, that is me, cannot work Sakura out. You must always have a constant headache when you try to solve that mystery.

"He even missed out 'Q'," Yuna whispers something to herself, but I can't make it out.

"Sorry, I couldn't hear you then- did you say something Yuna?" I ask out of curiosity.

"Nothing," Yuna responds whilst turning her face that looks a bit miffed, This one too is also hard to figure out.

As we continue to walk. I suddenly spot someone leaning against a nearby wall, looking at us. Wait, isn't that?

"Hey, Yuichi. That girl is seriously cute, isn't she?" Ren asks.

"Uh, yeah," I give a half hearted reply.

She truly is cute, yes. The girl upon noticing our gaze begins walking towards us. When I say 'us', I'm guessing it's closer to say 'me'.

"Yuichi Shiro," The girl standing in front of me is dressed in our school's uniform.

"Alicia?" Yes. No matter how I look at the girl in front of me, she can only be the reaper I defeated before. What is she doing here?

"Y-you know her, Sempai?" Sakura stutters whilst her face is in a pre-tear like state. What's wrong, Sakura?

"A bit," I reply before turning back to Alicia, "Alicia, what are you doing here anyway?"

"I'm here because..." Alicia begins whilst looking down at the floor. She is wearing an expression that looks full of frustration. Why can't you tell me? Is it a secret?

Alicia then looks up after a few moments and stares straight into my eyes.

"I'm here because; I AM TO BE YOUR BRIDE!" Alicia shouts the last words, she must be really embarrassed, her face is the same colour as a tomato.

"EH~~~" Everyone exclaims together.

Wait, I have to marry Alicia? The girl I'm meeting for only the second time in my life. Being suddenly told that I have to marry someone I barely know. My thoughts on this, anyone can guess. There is only one answer I can give to this statement. The answer is obvious. I am sure that anyone in my current position would say exactly what I'm about to.

"Right, Yuna call up every member of our family and tell them the good news. Sakura, please arrange a date by getting in contact with the nearby church, make sure to get a price quote. Ren, you are in charge of the stag night. My only request is that there must be a stripper. NO- strippers!"

Yes, the obvious reaction. A one hundred percent enthusiastic acceptance. I'm only in high school and I've already got myself a wife. I truly am a sinfully-brilliant example of a man.

"Onii-chan,"

"Sempai..."

Yuna looks angry and Sakura upset. How many times is that today? Alicia looks at me in disbelief and shock. Why? I gave the obvious answer, why is she so surprised?

"Can I be the best man, Yuichi?" Ren asks me.

"Of course! Who else is better suited for that role than you, my best friend," I answer.

"Congratulations, Yuichi," Ren says with a smile whilst moving his hand up high.

*Pacha!* - We give each other a high five. You should hurry up and find yourself a girl too, Ren. As my best friend, you must obtain true happiness as well.

"Um, Yuichi Shiro," Alicia calls.

"Please, just call me 'Yuichi', honey~~" I reply back with my gorgeous smile.

"Then, Yuichi. Are you seriously okay with it?" She asks.

"I have no problem with it," I reply happily.

Alicia is looking at me. Her shock gradually increasing at a constant rate. What's wrong, having second thoughts?

"We barely know each other."

"That's no problem for me."

"We don't love each other,"

"That's no problem for me," I declare, "My theory is sex before marriage, love after."

Now everyone is looking at me in shock. Well, geniuses are never understood by common folk. But don't worry, I won't shun you for your shortcomings.

"My interest only lies in girls," Alicia confesses.

"THAT'S FABULOUS!" I cannot contain my voice from hearing Alicia's last comment. Both your rating and value in my book just keeps increasing. I've got myself one wonderful fiancé.

"My dream of having a threesome is within my grasp. Alicia, I shall support you every way I humanly can. But first, take this."

I hand Alicia a sheet of paper. Written on it, is a list of girls I would like to have in a threesome. All of them attend our school.

Alicia looks down at the floor again. The confession of being a lesbian must have been a heavy burden on her. Don't worry, Alicia. You and I will be able to experience a world that I thought would occur only in my wildest dreams. Thanks to you, and your sexual preferences, that is no longer the case. You have my eternal gratitude.

"I give up on trying to talk you out of it. Your 'talent' is on a whole other level," Alicia declares. It appears that it's not only Ren who recognises my greatness, thanks for the compliment. However, I cannot let Alicia drag herself down, immediate action is required.

"Don't sell yourself short, you're a very beautiful girl, Alicia. Although I'm a stallion among stallions, you don't have to feel inferior," I speak out my most kindest words to the crestfallen Alicia.

"Um, Yuichi," My best friend beckons whilst patting me on the shoulder.

"What is it, Ren?" I ask.

"I think the two of you are talking about two separate matters," He replies.

"Onii-chan!" Yuna glares at me angrily. Sorry Yuna, I didn't mean to ignore you whilst I was in my own blissful world. "I'm going to ask again, this time answer me. Who is this girl? And what is your relationship with her?"

"Yes, Sempai! I too want to know! Just who is she!?" Sakura chimes in, for some reason on odd occasions she can be really assertive.

"Sorry, I'll introduce you. Everyone, this is Alicia. Alicia, that is Ren Kirei, my best friend."

"Nice to meet you, Alicia-san," Ren gives a quick greeting.

"Yes, same here," Alicia replies whilst still looking glum.

"This is Sakura Kirei. Ren's little sister, and rank number two in the girl you want to call you 'Onii-chan' competition."

"Nice...to...meet...you," Sakura greets Alicia with a face full of contrasting emotions. The ones I can make out: shyness, determination, and is that hostility and jealousy, I see? No, must be my imagination.

"Um, yes. Please be kind to me, Sakura." Such a graceful greeting. Alicia, you can call yourself my wife with pride.

"And last but not least, this is my little sister, Yuna Shiro."

"Nice to meet you, Alicia-san, and my condolences."

"As his younger sister, you too must have it tough."

"You can say that again."

It looks like Yuna and Alicia hit it off well. I guess those who can relate to each other can become fast friends. But I have no idea what they're talking about, probably something only girls would understand.

"Okay Onii-chan, introductions over. Answer me my last question. What is your relationship?" Yuna questions once again.

"We're engaged. That should explain it all," I reply, Yuna looks at me like she wants to kill me. Why? I answered your question.

"Although, against my wishes," Alicia adds.

"Huh, what Alicia?" I ask in worry.

"It was my father that told me to do this, to keep my family's prestige," Alicia explains.

"Prestige?" I question.

Say what? Why does she need to marry me for her family's prestige?

"I told you before, that I'm from a prestigious family, right?"

"True, I remember you saying that."

"I also said I needed to keep a perfect record, didn't I?"

"Yes, I remember that as well."

Okay, I think I can see where this is going.

"And who was it that broke my perfect record? Plus the despicable method you chose makes it all the more humiliating. My humiliation, becomes my family's humiliation. So my father found a loop hole. A loop hole that will prevent it from spreading to my family."

"And that method, is for the two of us to get married, right?"

"That's right, there is no humiliation in a person of the Pandemonium family losing. If the person they lost to, is also part of the Pandemonium family."

Pandemonium, I guess that's her family name. So by having me marry into her family. It changes from her losing to Yuichi Shiro, a regular (yet beautiful) human. To losing to Yuichi Pandemonium, a member of the same household. Something like that I guess.

"Onii-chan, what is this about you humiliating Alicia-san!?"

"Sempai! Please give me an explanation!"

Wow! These two are at boiling point. All the bystanders are staring at us. Damn, don't draw so much negative attention to me will you.

"Yuichi, I'm truly jealous of you right now," Ren states whilst looking at me with a smile on his face.

"Jealous? Of this? Are you a masochist Ren?" I ask my friend.

"Yuichi, you truly are stupi... a genius," I appreciate the compliments, Ren. But even a genius sometimes requires assistance. So rather than praise me on the obvious, do you mind holding these two back before I'm killed.

"I'm going on ahead, Yuichi. We're classmates this year again, so I'll see you there!" Ren shouts as he runs towards the school as fast as his legs can carry him.

"REN YOU TRAITOR!"

"Tell me everything, Onii-chan. I'm all ears," Yuna is about to explode.

"Sempai..." Sakura says reservedly, but her eyes are serious.

Damn, I need another truck to drive past. I'm sure the Underworld is a lot less scarier than these two joining forces against me.

hyuugalegacy

2015-10-11, 07:19

Well here is chapter 5 then

Chapter 05A: First Day Back – Home Room

Home room is just about to begin, I am sitting in a seat that appears to be vacant. Because I wasn't at school for the first day I do not know the seating arrangements.

"I'm glad to see you are healthy, Shiro-kun" Said the boy sitting in the neighbouring seat. He's a boy with whom I am acquainted.

"Yeah, thanks. So we're in the same class this year Ryu-san," I reply.

The boy's name is Ryu Ikena. He is someone who if you look at only his face you would call him a pretty boy. But if you look below the neck, how should I put it? He is someone who casts a very wide shadow. However, despite this he's actually very popular because of his kind personality and sense of responsibility. In the eyes of a girl he's the type of guy who they would want as a close friend but nothing more than that. Someone who is the polar opposite of me, who only has his beautiful loo... NO! Wait, I too am more than just a pretty face.

"Right, I'm looking forward to this year, Shiro-kun. If you have any problems feel free to consult me, I am the class rep for this class after all," Ryu-san continues with a pleasant smile.

"I see, thanks."

Last year we were both in different classes, and both of us were class reps, that's how I got to know him. As a little bit of trivia, I was nominated class rep with one hundred percent of the votes, it goes to show how much people trust me. The fact that I was the only candidate means nothing.

Well, I wasn't fond of those long boring meetings so I'll gladly let Ryu-san do it, I'll just enjoy life to the max.

"I will keep you on a tight leash this year, Yuichi Shiro," Proclaims a intimidating voice. I know this voice well, its owner is my mortal enemy.

"Demon Mizuno," I respond with disdain filling my voice.

This girl is a true bitch. She constantly got in the way of me showing my love to cute girls last year. I sure wish I could shake her off.

Demon, Akane Mizuno, is a girl who has a cute face. If she wasn't violent, I would so have made a move on her last year. But I have long since washed my hands of her, she is a demon woman after all.

"Don't call me a demon!" Yells the incarnate of evil, AKA Akane Mizuno.

"There's no better word to describe you though. And I must really thank you for that pamphlet you made about me. Enemy of all women? What the hell was with that?"

"IT'S THE TRUTH!"

"I never did squat to you did I? Why do you get in my way?" I interrogate.

"That is exactly the problem idiot," The demon whispers something.

"Did you say something?" I question in anger. She definitely insulted me under her breath.

"Nothing AT ALL!" Demon Mizuno turns her head away from me. Ignoring me now huh, truly a spiteful cow.

"Ha! Ha! Don't tease Mizuno-san too much, Yuichi," My best friend says whilst walk to where I'm sitting.

"I don't tease her, Ren. I just full on despise her!" I correct my friend's error, "OWWW!" THAT BITCH! Dictionaries are for looking up words; not for throwing at people's heads.

"She may act that way, Yuichi. But she was really restless yester...GAH!" Ren suddenly freezes up mid sentence, like he's terrified. The demon is glaring at him. Should I now refer to her as 'Medusa Mizuno' instead?

A few minutes pass with nothing much happening, other than me getting assaulted by a demon that is. But that's nothing new.

"Good morning, class," A beautiful voice greets.

A lady in her early twenties walks over to the teacher's podium. Despite being a teacher, if she wore a school uniform, she could pose as a student without any trouble.

"So, Rina-chan is our home room teacher, no complaints here," I voice my inner thoughts out loud.

"Gah, Yuichi-san," Rina-chan stares at me, is she recalling the time I displayed my affection to her? No need to be embarrassed, love is something that makes the age gap trivial.

Everyone in class is glaring at me with anger in their eyes, don't get jealous now.

"Well...that...is..." Rina-chan starts to stutter, no need to be shy speak freely. "WE HAVE A NEW TRANSFER STUDENT!" She shouts at the top of her voice, probably to clear her stuttering.

"Please come in," Rina-chan said having regained her calm.

The girl who came in is...Well, I kind of expected it. It's my fiancé, Alicia.

"I am Alicia Pandemonium. Because of certain circumstances I shall be studying with you all from today forward," Alicia introduces herself whilst writing her name on the board.

"Such a brilliant introduction, as expected of my fiancé," I shout out in front of the entire class.

"Huh, fiancé? Is Shiro sane?"

"It's a normal level for him."

The class starts muttering among themselves.

"AHEM" - A loud clearing of the throat draws the attention of the class onto the demon.

"I think we best clear this accusation now shall we?" Demon Mizuno stands up to address Alicia, "Are you really his fiancé? Or is he just talking rubbish like he usually does?"

Alicia stares at the ground.

"Pandemonium-san, if you don't answer clearly, people will just misinterpret."

Alicia looks on ahead in resignation, why? You're engaged to the world's best guy. You should be jumping up and down at the very thought of it.

"It's...true..." Alicia answers in a small voice.

"EHHHHHHHHHHHH!" The class shout in total sync. Well done ladies and gentleman, you couldn't pull that off so well even if you practised.

I then stand up, all eyes are focused on me right now. That's right, engrave my beautiful physique into your retinas.

"So with that, I don't want any of you making any passes at her. Oh, I'm just referring to guys here, if you're a cute girl go right ahead and do it, I'm all for that," I state.

"YUICHI!" Alicia shouts as she stares at me.

What is it, honey? Why are you shouting my name and running up to me? Do you want a hug? Well, who am I to disagree?

I open my arms wide and run towards Alicia.

"BAHHHHHH!" She kicks me right in the jaw. That truly smarts damn it.

"My...body...won't...move..." After saying those four words my conscience fades again into darkness. My first day back began with a visit to the infirmary.

Chapter 05B: First Day Back – The Two Girls, Friends Or Rivals? (Perspective: Alicia)

That idiot embarrassed me within two seconds of me transferring in. Does he not realise anything? There should be a limit to stupidity. Just because I lost some perverse game I have to become his bride. My life truly is going down the pits.

Well, Yuichi will probably be out until around lunch time. So I guess I can have some peace for now.

"Pandemonium-san," A voice draws my attention. It's the girl from before?

"Are you really engaged to that Yuichi Shiro?" The girl asks again.

Please don't keep asking me, it truly does rub the salt into the wound when you do.

"Once again, yes. Unfortunately, it's true," I reply.

"Do...you..." The girl began.

I can take a good guess what she is about to ask me.

"Love him?" I finish her sentence.

The girl nods at my question several times.

"I barely even know him, so to speak it's an arranged marriage. We met only recently."

"You're avoiding the question," The girl said sternly.

"Love at first sight is nothing but an illusion. My first impressions of Yuichi are as follows: Dumb, narcissistic, perverse, but yet somewhat interesting. To answer your question, right now, no, I don't. In the near future, who knows," I answer.

But why did I give such an answer? Why didn't I simply say 'No, I hate him'?

Ever since I met Yuichi, I have been acting differently from my norm.

My father told me I should marry him. If a girl was usually told to marry someone, then wouldn't they rebel against the decision? Yet, I never did that, why didn't I? Was it my sense of responsibility from putting my family's honour in jeopardy? Or was it something much more personal to me?

The girl stares at me blankly for a second.

"Of course you don't like him right! That damn perverted womaniser!" The girl shouts whilst having a determined look on her face, "Don't worry Pandemonium-san. I, Akane Mizuno, promise you, I will help you destroy your forced engagement to that bastard!"

"Uhh umm," I am taken aback by the girl's declaration.

"Let's both work hard for your future's sake." States the girl who just named herself Akane Mizuno, before running out the door energetically.

For my sake, huh?

How transparent, it's clearly for your own sake, Mizuno-san.

Well, what do you know. Yuichi truly is popular with girls.

Although, I am willing to bet he has never realised that girl's feelings.

Chapter 05C: First Day Back – Demon Or Just A Maiden (Perspective: Akane Mizuno)

She said that she didn't love him, that means I still have a chance. But Yuichi is quite taken with her, is this my punishment for not acting sooner?

I am currently in the girl's toilet looking at myself in the mirror.

I always knew how I truly felt, so why do I act that way? Behind the perverted and foolish exterior was always a kind and gentle boy.

He shows it in unusual ways, but it's there.

I remember in our first year, a Sempai lost a close relative, yet she always smiled. Everyone could tell it was forced, yet they went with it. Except one person, Yuichi Shiro. One day he approached that girl and started to bad mouth her deceased relative until she eventually broke. The girl who was always forcing herself to smile finally cried. All her pent up emotions got released in the form of anger towards Yuichi. In order to make her not hold her emotions in, Yuichi turned himself into her verbal martyr. Of course no one realised what he was doing, so as a result he got suspended for two weeks. The only reason I know is because I overheard Yuichi and Ren-kun's conversation.

"Yuichi, why did you do that? Now you're public enemy number one."

"Her smile, was painful to look at. But with this, in a weeks time, her smile will be the real deal."

Yuichi was right, our Sempai recovered from her grief soon after. But for a while Yuichi was intensely hated. Nobody realised his intentions, they only took what they saw and heard at face value.

It was around that time that I started to become conscious of Yuichi Shiro and everything he did. Sometimes he was just perverted, other times he would show hidden kindness. Although very few people could understand its meaning.

I began to question, just who was the real Yuichi Shiro? Eventually, all my thoughts became plagued solely on him.

'Ah, I've fallen for him' I realised this long ago. Yet still, I act like I do, why?

Its all Yuichi Shiro's fault. He goes acting all friendly with so many girls. If he just acted like a normal guy, I would be able to talk to him normally. The two of us then could have started out as friends instead of bashing heads.

'I never did squat to you did I?' Yuichi's words replay in my mind. To him, am I not even considered a girl?

I'm not violent this way because I want to be. You just leave me little option.

After I heard what happened to Yuichi before, the only feeling I had was regret. I couldn't tell him how I truly felt, I prayed all night long that he would be okay. I promised myself that if he recovered I would be honest. The relief of seeing him at school took a huge burden off my shoulders.

Yet, I still cannot be honest with him.

Breaking up Pandemonium-san's marriage for her sake? What a laugh. I just wish to be the one in her shoes, and in his eyes.

But it's not too late, I shall be reborn, a new Akane Mizuno.

Chapter 05D: First Day Back – Human Anomalies

I finally regained my conscience from Alicia's previous assault. Jeez what a messed up day, spending half of the school day sleeping, life is full of strange events.

No sooner had I awoken. Alicia came in and dragged me to the roof.

Wait, does she want for the two of us to be alone?

I think this is it ladies and gentleman, Yuichi Shiro is about to become a man. Doing it outside is very daring, although I have no objections.

"Yuichi, I want you to come with me to the Underworld to meet my parents." Alicia destroys my hopes.

Damn, so she just wants to talk.

"I told you before, right? That when you come back to life, your life will be very different from before, right?" Alicia asks.

"I remember you saying that, but you didn't say how it would be different."

"It looks like now is the perfect time to tell you." Alicia stares into my eyes with a serious look.

"Yuichi, when you died before, your soul entered Purgatory, a part of the Underworld."

"What has that got to do with anything?" I ask curiously.

"Souls that are not within a vessel, in this case your body, are easily affected by the world's environment. They mutate, or maybe evolve is a better word. Anyway, they change in a way that allows them to create physical phenomenons." Alicia explains.

"You lost me."

Alicia sighs and shakes her head. Sorry, but if you speak gibberish, even the genius me won't be able to keep up.

"You have gained supernatural powers."

Oh, those five words I did understand. In other words I can like use magic or something, right?

"Your new evolved soul is what I placed back into your body, thus reviving you. We call all humans like you a 'Human Anomaly'." Alicia continues.

Spare me the physics, tell me what I want to know.

"So can I use magic!?" I ask excitedly.

"You should be able to use something similar but it is not magic per se"

"Cool. I gotta try this out."

"DON'T! you won't be able to control it yet!"

"EHHHH. But I really want to try it out." I say whilst giving Alicia the puppy dog eyes.

"We'll train you how when we get to the Underworld, okay. Forget about all that until then." Alicia orders. She isn't fazed by my puppy dog eyes attack, you're something else, Alicia.

But if my cute fiancé asks me, I can't refuse can I? I'll forget about magic for now.

"The reason your life will change is..."

"GRRRRAHHHHH!"

What the!? Almost as if answering Alicia, a creature that's emitting a black aura is glaring at us. Appearance wise it looks like a panther, its evil glare is directed at me, like it's trying to pierce through me.

One look and I can tell it's hostile.

"The reason your life will change, is this."

"What the hell is this thing!?" I yell in disbelief.

"It's a 'Soul Anomaly', a soul exposed and mutated by the world's environment that didn't return to it's vessel. Basically, just a monster that has lost its reason. One Anomaly, naturally attracts other Anomaly, in other words it was enticed here by you, a Human Anomaly."

"By me? That can't be right, only cute girls should be entranced by me. My beauty should filter out dangerous creatures!" I shout in refusal.

"It's your soul it wants, not you. This is the fate of Human Anomalies, they draw in other types of Anomalies to them non stop. You're no exception to this, Yuichi. This beast is only going to be the first of many more to come. In order to overcome this, you must learn to protect yourself. But for now, you can let me handle it."

The Panther rushes towards me.

I can't move. Why? Why can't I move? Is this fear?

Alicia steps in front of me, like she intends to become my shield.

"ALICIA!" I shout in concern.

"Relax, this is a small fry. I won't even break a sweat." Alicia states confidently.

The Panther continues towards us at high velocity. Wait, where did that come from? Seemingly from nowhere a scythe appears in Alicia's hand. The Panther tries to claw at Alicia, however she skilfully swings her scythe.

"URRRAAAGHHH" The Panther roars in agony as its leg is severed from its body. However, no blood came out of the open wound.

"Disappear." With these cold words Alicia's scythe swiftly slices through the Panther's neck. It's severed head falls to the floor. A moment later the entire Panther disappears into nothingness. There isn't even a shred of evidence to prove it ever existed, complete nothingness.

"I've destroyed its soul. Unfortunately, when its mutated to a degree of that level this is all we can do."

"Alicia, you said I was an Anomaly. Am I like that monster?" I ask in worry. Just what am I?

"No, Yuichi. Whilst similarities exist, you are very different. Your soul was mutated due to the environment of Purgatory, that monster was altered by the living world. Unlike you it no longer was in its body that protects the soul from the mutation. You, however, have your body back, so your soul is no longer mutating and will remain in its current state." Alicia then shows me a beautiful and reassuring smile "That thing was a monster, you however are human."

The last words Alicia said are something that I will definitely remember for my entire life.

Alicia, you truly are a wonderful person. I swear as your fiancé, I will make you happy.

"However Yuichi, Anomalies are not the only natural threat. Due to the nature of Human Anomalies, the only way to kill them is by destroying their souls. Regular physical wounds that would be life threatening like being shot in the heart for example, although they will still hurt you, you will not die from them. Only things that can harm your soul can kill you, one such thing is other Anomalies, whether it be regular Anomalies like before, or other Human Anomalies."

"Then I'm not the only Human Anomaly?" I ask in interest.

"I know there are other Human Anomalies, but I don't know much more than that."

"I see."

"Your other natural enemy are 'Soul Slayers'"

"Soul Slayers? What are they?" I ask, they sound scary.

"They are weapons wielded by regular humans. Each one, as the name may suggest, causes damage to the soul. That is the only way you can be severally harmed. Soul Slayers are your natural weakness." Alicia explains in a serious down to earth voice.

"So I should avoid them right?"

"That will be difficult," Alicia shows a solemn face "All the Soul Slayers and their wielders are under the church. Hunting Anomalies is their duty. Human Anomalies are no exception."

"HUH! WHAT! WHY!?"

"Human Anomalies are still Anomalies to them. As well as the fact Human Anomalies naturally draw in other Anomalies. In their eyes you are an absolute evil that they must eradicate. People like that won't leave any room for any type of compromise. They just see themselves as being righteous." Alicia explains. Is it just me, or does she seem to know a bit too much about them?

"I...see...so they see me as the same as a monster, if not more so than that Panther."

"The life you will live from now on will be filled with conflict. That's why you need to come with me to the Underworld for a while. You should prepare yourself, both physically, and mentally, for this will be your fate."

Well if this is my fate, then I shall take it into my own hands and change it.

"Ah knock it off stop pushing AHHHH!" A voice I recognise came from the door to the roof, was she spying on us just now?

Chapter 05E: First Day Back – Learning the truth (Perspective: Yuna Shiro)

It's lunch time and I am walking side by side with Sakura. We are walking towards the second year classrooms, we both wanted to have lunch with Onii-chan.

"Ah Sakura, Yuna-chan," Ren-Sempai greets us.

"Ren-Sempai, have you seen Onii-chan" I ask politely

I can't see him anywhere in the classroom. Has he run off skirt chasing or something, I certainly wouldn't put it past him.

"I saw Alicia-san drag him to the roof a while back," Sempai answers

"The roof right, thanks Sempai."

"Wait a sec you two, if you're going to have lunch then let me tag along will you."

I guess Sempai doesn't have any plans to eat with anyone. "Sure thing," I have no reason to refuse, Sakura also nods her head.

After we agreed to let Ren-Sempai tag along, a girl approaches us.

"You three are meeting with Yuichi Shiro? Then I think it's in your best interest to let me keep that wolf from harming you unknowing young girls. It's my duty as part of the disciplinary committee." The girl announces. Does she have a grudge against Onii-chan?

"Mizuno-san, not even Yuichi would molest his own sister. Nor would he touch my sister If I am there." Ren-Sempai explains. True, if Sempai is there he won't lay a finger on Sakura.

"Huh, sister?"

The girl looked at us shocked. Wait, Ren-Sempai called her Mizuno just now. Is she the one who wrote that warning about Onii-chan?

"I'm Yuna Shiro, nice to meet you Sempai," I introduce myself to the girl who looks embarrassed.

"Um, Sakura...Kirei...it's a...pleasure." Sakura is as shy as ever. Well, this is one of her charms.

"UH AH UM! Akane Mizuno, a classmate of both your brothers," she introduces herself whilst muddling her words.

Her shock is making her erratic.

After a few simple introductions the four of us head towards the roof.

"Ah, I want a cute little sister too," Mizuno-Sempai claims.

"Isn't it closer to say you want to be the older sister in la...OUCH!"

Ren-Sempai has his foot stomped by Mizuno-Sempai.

Oh, so that's it, this girl likes Onii-chan. I thought he was delusional, but Onii-chan wasn't wrong. He truly is popular with girls. But the way this girl acts, Onii-chan will never figure it out by himself. The self proclaimed genius who failed to recite the alphabet, won't understand the complexity of a maiden's heart.

"Yuna, does this Sempai like..." Sakura begins.

"Yeah, she likes my brother by the looks of it."

"Another rival..." Sakura shows a determined look. Sorry Sakura, but I think Onii-chan sees you as a child. In the run to become his girlfriend, I don't think you're even on the starting line yet.

We eventually make it to the roof. I take a quick peek through the door. The atmosphere feels tense and serious. Not the kind of situation one can simply intrude upon. The four of us simply stick our heads out watching and listening to Onii-chan and Alicia's conversation.

"Yuichi, when you died before, your soul entered Purgatory, a part of the Underworld."

"What has that got to do with anything?" Onii-chan asks.

"Souls that are not within a vessel, in this case your body, are easily affected by the world's environment. They mutate, or maybe evolve is a better word. Anyway, they change in a way that allows them to create physical phenomenons."

Onii-chan and Alicia-san are having a serious discussion. But what Alicia-san said rings through my head, 'when Onii-chan died'? Is she referring to that traffic accident?

"Your new evolved soul is what I placed back into your body, thus reviving you. We call all humans like you a 'Human Anomaly'."

Revived? Alicia-san revived Onii-chan?

Onii-chan isn't disagreeing with what she said. Does that mean she is telling the truth?

It's just a hunch, I don't think she is crazy. I don't know why but, I believe every word she says.

"So can I use magic!?"

That's what your interested in!? Just how much of a foolish brother are you!?

"We'll train you how when we get to the Underworld, okay. Forget about all that until then."

Underworld? Just who or what is Alicia-san? She is capable of resurrecting the dead. She claims to be from the Underworld. There is definitely something different about her.

"GRRRRAHHHHH!"

HUH!? That's...just what is that? The four of us all look on in fear at some sort of huge black cat that suddenly appeared in front of Onii-chan and Alicia-san.

Alicia-san steps in front of Onii-chan as if to protect him.

"ALICIA!" Onii-chan shouts in concern.

I can't watch. I close my eyes in fear. Trying to shield my mind from the image of Alicia-san being slashed at.

"URRRAAAGHHH" A horrible noise enters my ear drums. Without my sight, naturally my other senses will grow sharper.

"I've destroyed its soul. Unfortunately, when its mutated to a degree of that level this is all we can do."

Alicia-san? She's okay? And that cat...I can't see it. What just happened?

"Alicia, you said I was an Anomaly. Am I like that monster?"

"Sempai, is like...that...thing?" Sakura looks on at Onii-chan. Almost in tears.

Onii-chan? Like that monster? That can't be? He is an idiotic pervert, but he is nothing like that thing. Onii-chan if you compare yourself to that thing, then I will get truly angry.

"That thing was a monster, you however are human."

Hearing that, my heart calms down. Onii-chan too looks much better after hearing Alicia-san's last statement.

"Everyone, I don't think we should listen to any more of this." Ren-Sempai suggests.

I agree, there's no need to do this any longer.

"No! this is about school discipline. I have many questions to ask Yuichi Shiro," Mizuno-Sempai said angrily.

"Ah, knock it off, stop pushing AHHHH!"

I fall through the door along with Sakura, Ren-Sempai and Mizuno-Sempai.

Heavy. Having the weight of three people on top of me is very painful.

"Yuna, Ren, Sakura, Medusa!" Onii-chan shouts in shock

"WHO'RE YOU CALLING MEDUSA!?" Mizuno-Sempai retorts.

Busted.

Chapter 05F: First Day Back – A Secret That Is No Longer A Secret

Honestly, to think that my sister and friends were eaves dropping on us. The demon aside, I expected better from the other three.

How much did they hear? I need to find a way to deceive them. Wait! I just thought of a cunning plan. It's perfect.

"So you had a dream like that last night, Alicia?" I ask calmly. Oh I'm good, worship me now. Coming up with such a great idea in despair. My genius truly shines when trouble arises.

Everyone stares at me open mouthed. I nudge Alicia with my elbow. Come on play along, my full proof godly plan will go to waste if you don't play your part Alicia.

"Yuichi, as your best friend, I'm just going to tell you. We aren't buying that excuse one bit," Explains Ren with eyes filled with pity.

Damn it, Alicia! If you played your part we would have been able to fool them. Why couldn't you play your role!?

"Well since it's come to this. Onii-chan, I have many questions I want answering."

"Me too, Sempai."

"I too have many things I wish to ask, for the sake of the school's morals."

My cute sister, my cute kouhai and the demon all say whilst looking at me. I step back

"Uh, Alicia, what do we do?" I whisper.

"No point hiding it at this point, might as well tell them. There's no rule saying you have to keep it a secret. Although I wouldn't go round shouting about it. Unless you wish to end up in a mental asylum," Alicia explains whilst shrugging her shoulders.

Well, I guess life would be easier if I shared this secret with the others. Although, I would rather not tell the demon who I know will use this information against me at a later date.

So I tell them everything that happened after my death by the truck. Although I left out the nature of the game I challenged Alicia to. I don't want to hurt her pride any more than I already have.

"Hmm, so that's what happened," Ren says whilst in deep thought.

All four of them are looking at me. Their eyes don't hold a single shred of doubt. I can't believe they actually took my story as the truth.

"Well, now that we've sorted that out..." Yuna looks at everyone "Shall we eat?"

With this Ren, Sakura, Yuna and Demon Mizuno learnt the truth, and I feel that life will be a bit more easier because of it.

These guys are truly strange.

hyuugalegacy

2015-11-07, 03:15

Here is chapter 6 and the glorious mascot character makes an appearance.

Chapter 06A: How To Win A Pet - Declaration Of War

"You have been a very worthy opponent," I compliment.

"You too, boy. My body is itching in excitement," My opponent replies.

"However!" I shout for all I am worth (which is a hell of a lot).

""I SHALL BE VICTORIOUS!"" We both yell at the same time.

'How did this situation come about?' You ask. Then let me tell you all about it. The gallant adventure of every man's envy, and the object of every woman's desire. It all began during lunch.

****

"So, you're planning to go to the Underworld this weekend then, Yuichi." Ren asks.

"Yeah, I'm looking forward to meeting my in laws," I answer honestly, "Plus, I really want to take my new powers for a test run."

I can't hold back my excitement. It's everyone's dream to get super powers or magic when they are young. I've been told that I can now use them, I wish time would speed up.

"It won't be all fun and games, Yuichi," Alicia cut in, "Mastering your power will take hard work and dedication."

"Yuichi, if you could choose any one power, what power would you choose?" Ren asks, "Let me guess, the power to make all girls fall for you?"

"Don't be stupid, Ren. That power would be meaningless. My charm and irresistible smile already does that for me," I reply sternly. That's right, my looks can attract girls stronger than any magic ever could. As my best friend you should know this already.

"Uh, yeah. R,ight sorry," Ren apologises. I forgive you, let us not talk of this matter any more.

"Um...so...it will...be..just the...two of...you?" Sakura asks softly.

"The Underworld is too dangerous for regular humans to just waltz in there." Alicia states.

"Dangerous?" I ask.

"There are many vicious creatures and monsters that live there," Alicia looks at me with a sinister smile on her face, "Chances are, you will be fighting wild monsters as part of your training."

Wait a second. Is Alicia hoping that I get injured in the Underworld? This can mean one thing and only one thing.

Alicia must want to see my body, when it is all battered. I guess she's the type who likes guys when they look a bit more on the wild side. I quickly try to imagine myself covered in mud and my clothes in rags. My god I look manly, my beauty comes out brighter than the sun no matter what. Alicia, I don't think words can describe just how lucky you are to be engaged to the very definition of the word 'beautiful'. You should truly prostrate yourself before your father for all he has done for you.

"Oh, that reminds me," Demon Mizuno chimes in, completely changing the subject, "I've been hearing a strange rumour of a talking dog appearing at the park, the student council asked me to investigate it."

Oh crap, I forgot this cow was here. Maybe I should try and sneak off.

"Oh, my classmates told me about that as well." Yuna adds.

Hm, this dog does interest me. I think I'll go see it for myself.

Even animals understand the greatness of my beauty. So they always approach me on the streets. But a lot of their affection is a bit extreme, sinking their teeth into me at first sight. But I'm the kind of guy who likes it when others shower me with love. That's why, even when it hurts like hell, I still smile and continue to stroke them.

At the end of the day I walk with Ren and Alicia to the park. Demon Mizuno suddenly had other more important work she had to do, so she couldn't come. What a shame, it truly is.

I soon notice the dog in question. It's about the size of a Retriever, with thick snow white fur, and ears that point towards the sky. It's lying down on the grass.

"Found him," I shout as I run up to it.

"Yuichi wait, animals hate you, remember!" Ren shouts. What are you talking about? They adore me, just like everything else.

"Hey boy," I say in a gentle voice whilst extending my hand out to the dog.

*BITE*

OWWW! this one's love is stronger than most.

"Don't touch me, boy." The dog says coldly.

It can really speak, that's amazing. I want this dog, I'm so taking him home.

"This dog, it's a Soul Anomaly." Alicia states, "But it looks like it returned back to its body."

"Wait Alicia, what do you mean?" I ask with interest.

"This dog is like you, it died, and its soul left its body," Alicia stares at the dog intensely, "But it must have somehow managed to return back to its body before it mutated too much."

"So what you're saying is, between that panther from before and me. This dog, in terms of its nature, is closer to me?" I ask.

So rather than a Soul Anomaly it is more like a Human Anomaly. Except it's a dog so it would be a 'Dog Anomaly' right?

"Is the reason it can talk because of this, Alicia-san?" Ren asks.

"Most likely."

"Stop talking about me, when I'm standing right here!" the dog shouts in anger. Don't be like that, just burn my beauty into your retinas and let the anger fly away.

But seriously, this dog is truly one of a kind. For the wonderful me, this must be fate.

Okay, I've decided.

"Become my dog." I jump straight to the point. The dog must be truly honoured to have the opportunity to become the noble pet of the one and only Yuichi Shiro. No need to thank me however. Being able to talk has earned you this great privilege.

"You, a little boy, who is wet behind the ears, and a manhood the size of a newborn, wish to become my master? Know your place, little man." The dog replies in distaste.

You damn mutt! That was way below the belt.

"I'll have you know, that mine is so big and strong I can weight lift with it." I shout out in my defence.

"Yuichi, I heard that sometimes a vacuum cleaner can solve your current predicament." Ren says in a understanding voice.

Just what would I clean up? I am not aware of any vacuum cleaner capable of shutting up a talking dog's mouth. So pray tell. how does that help me? I appreciate the fact you're trying to help me out, but if you say such random things, not even I, a modern day Einstein, will be able to keep up.

"I'm engaged to a guy, who is being belittled by a dog." Alicia says to herself.

Okay, that does it. I'm putting this dog in his place now.

"All right mutt! you dared to look down on the great Yuichi Shiro!" I shout at the dog as I take off one of my shoes.

*Slap*

"I challenge you to a duel!" I shout as I slap the dog with one of my socks.

"Yuichi, you do know it's a glove you're meant to use right." Ren says as he shakes his head.

"GRRR! Fine, I accept. But I'm not going to take being slapped with a sock sitting down!"

All right, the dog accepted my challenge. Now I can teach him a lesson personally.

"Hey! What are you doing!?" I shout at the dog, "Don't piss inside my shoe!"

This is how the duel between me and the talking dog began. I declared war with a sock, he did it by pissing on one of my shoes. I'll make him regret that.

***

Chapter 06B: How To Win A Pet - The Duel

After I got a change of footwear; we quickly decided the rules for the duel.

The rules are simple. Three separate competitions, best two out of three. If I win, then the dog will accept me as his master. If I lose? Like hell I'll lose. The first competition I already have in the bag.

Competition #1 - Flirting.

The rules are as follow – time limit of thirty minutes. You gain one point for every minute you talk to a girl. For example, if you talk to one girl for one minute that is one point. If you talk to multiple girls at once then the 'points = no. of girls x no. of minutes'. The one with most points at the end wins the first competition.

We came down to the centre of town as it's flooded with people at this time of day. In order to make the competition interesting, there needs to be a lot of people.

"Then good luck both of you." Ren (The referee) says. Alicia had some business to do back home, for that reason she's no longer here. Just as well, I don't want her getting jealous over this little contest. You're the only one for me Alicia. But a man has to do; what a man has to do.

The contest begins.

"Hey there cutie pie, want to spend some time with me?" I ask a mid teen girl whilst pulling out my prince charming pose.

"Uh sorry. But I...I'm in a hurry." The girl replies.

Indeed you are, you're running at such a fast pace you'd think it was the end of the world.

Well, there is nothing I can do if you're in a hurry.

But seriously, that's the eleventh girl who was in a hurry. I guess we youngsters are always extremely busy.

I take a quick glance to look at the dog, what's this?

"Ha ha ha so cute,"

"So furry."

The dog is surrounded by little girls. Damn, we didn't set any parameters for how old or young the girl needs to be. Shit! at this rate I'm going to lose.

Nothing for it, I best play my trump card.

I take off my shirt to increase the amount of beautiful skin everyone can see.

Now even if the girls have somewhere to be, they will forget all about it.

Five minutes later.

Damn! My stimulation must be too strong. My beauty is far too radiant.

Because my illuminating beauty is radiating so strongly, everyone is shielding their eyes with their hands. This is bad! Everyone is keeping at least a three metre distance, the strong shining radiance of my beauty must truly be blinding for them. I can't balance my beauty in a way that it won't be blinding. Damn it! To think I'd lose the first contest because I am too beautiful, I completely overlooked this.

"Hey mum, that Onii-chan," A little girl said to her mother.

"Hush, don't look at him," the mother replies. She's right young lady, your undeveloped eyes are not used to such beauty. You don't want to go blind young do you?

Okay enough. This is my last resort. I begin to reach and unfasten my belt.

"Young man," a sudden voice calls out to me, I quickly turn around. "Why are you not wearing a top?"

Standing there is a woman in her early twenties, she is wearing a police woman's uniform.

Did she come here attracted to my beauty?

She even went the extra mile by dressing up. How did she know that I like women in uniform? Well, never mind that. I'm not out of this contest yet doggy.

"Come with me. I'll listen to your story at the station." The woman said in a stoic voice.

WOAH! This is advancing in a way I didn't expect. What a very bold woman. Screw this competition, Yuichi Shiro shall soon become an adult. But what is this 'station' she mentioned? Some posh word for a love hotel?

The woman put her arm around me and lead me out of town.

***
Competition #1 - Flirting results:

Dog wins, Yuichi disqualified for getting arrested.
***

Competition #2 - Whack a mole.

"Okay, we're going to do the next two competitions in the arcade. We can't have Yuichi causing any more trouble." Ren states.

Damn it all to hell! that woman wasn't hitting on me. She was a legit police officer, and I got myself arrested. Why!? What did I do wrong? Luckily however they let me go with just a warning.

"You're a disgrace, boy." The dog looks down on me.

"I'm going to even the score this round mutt, prepare yourself!"

"I sure hope so. Although I expected it to go as such, if I win one-sidedly it wouldn't be interesting."

"This mutt! I'll put you in your place yet." I swear to myself.

We move over to the whack a mole machine. The machine has four rows, with four moles in each, for a total of sixteen moles. Due to not being able to hold the hammer supplied, the dog is using it's paws instead.

"START!"

Watching the dog hitting moles popping out of their holes with his paw is actually quite an amusing sight. But he's good, he hasn't missed too many of them. But I know I can do better.

"Very good! You hit ninety six moles." The machine announces.

"Best that, boy." The dog challenges.

"I will." I reply, as I stretch my limbs, "Now, watch the master at work!"

I walk over to the machine and pick up the hammer.

"START!"

As the moles raise up out of their holes I hit them with the hammer accurately. My reflexes are razor sharp, which gives me a major advantage in this kind of game. Each time the moles get hit they make an 'Ow' kind of voice, confirming the blow. Soon the game ends, and the result.

"Very good, you hit 97 moles."

"How's that!?" I said with a victory smile and pose.

"Well done boy, congratulations. I've got a better opinion of you now." The dog announces.

Finally, some respect.

***
Competition #2 – Whack a mole results:

Yuichi wins by a narrow margin.
***

Now we're tied. The next match is the decider.

Competition #3 – Dance Fever.

"You have been a very worthy opponent," I compliment.

"You too, boy. My body is itching in excitement," My opponent replies.

"However!" I shout for all I am worth (which is a hell of a lot).

""I SHALL BE VICTORIOUS!"" We both yell at the same time.

Dance Fever is a arcade game where music is played and you have to step on the four directional arrows in sync with the screen's display.

The music begins to play, we chose a song from a anime. The difficulty is set to the max. No mercy.

I begin moving my feet quickly to follow the instructions. Up,left,left,up-down, left-right, right. The directions come scrolling up the screen rapidly. One mistake will break the rhythm and lead to many more mistakes. The dog is hastily walking along the dance board whilst keeping his eyes on the screen. Damn! He's really good. Many onlookers are now watching our match.

They must be entranced by the greatness of my beauty, and the swiftness of my steps.

"Hey, that dog is amazing!"

"Yeah, I've never seen anything like it."

The dog!? What about me!? I cry within myself.

"You two are astounding!" The arcade machine shouts, "Beautiful, Dancer one."

This arcade machine is very well made. It can even see my beauty. I inwardly take my hat off to the designer.

"Keep it up dancers!" The arcade machine encourages.

I best stop letting my thoughts wander. I am aiming to win.

Up-left, down-left, left-right, up-right, down-right. There are a lot of instances when two directions need to be hit simultaneously mixing in. I thought the dog wouldn't be able to do them. But strangely, somehow, he is.

"You dancers are astounding!" The machine shouts, "This is going to go down to the wire!"

The song is nearing it's end.

I keep my legs moving furiously, this is really taking its toll on me. However, I will endure. I shall be victorious, I declare to myself again.

"And that is a rap!" The machine shouts.

The moment of truth. Who shall emerge the victor!?

"Dancer one, wins. Congratulations," the arcade machine announces.

I jump and punch both fists into the air.

"HELL YEAH!" I shout. I feel like there is a million camera flashes directed on me.

"Wow, this dog is amazing," A woman says. I instantly fall back down to reality. There is indeed camera flashes (from phones), but they're not directed at me, the victor.

Why are they not taking the picture of the very embodiment of beauty!?

***
Competition #3 – Dance Fever results:

Yuichi wins the match, and the duel.

Victor's comment: It was a very empty victory.

Loser's comment: I humbly accept my loss.

Referee's comment: It was a close contest that could have gone either way.
***

"You're my dog from now on then," I declare to the dog.

"Yes, you have proven yourself worthy to be my master," the dog replies, "I sincerely apologise for my rudeness upon our first meeting, Master."

The dog's attitude has done a complete one hundred and eighty. He now reveres me, which is how it should be.

"That's in the past, let us move on." I say with a voice showing my maturity. Only a child holds a grudge forever.

The dog lays down, almost like a sign of his loyalty.

"But Yuichi, how are you planning on keeping him? Yuna-chan aside, do you think your parents will allow it?" Ren asks.

"No need to worry," I reply, "I will need to make a few preparations first, but it'll work out. So Ren, until tonight, can we stay at your house?"

"I suppose, but why?" Ren questions.

I don't answer his question, I simply touch my nose twice.

"First things, first. I need to make a quick pit stop at the library." I declare.

"Hey, Yuichi," Ren beckons, "We can't go round referring to him as 'the dog' forever."

Ren has a good point.

"Okay, I've decided. The dog's name shall be, Ren drum role please."

*DA DA DA DA TA* - Ren did as I asked by banging on a nearby machine. Nice assist.

"Wolfy." I knight with pride and confidence.

"As you wish, Master." The dog, no. Wolfy confirms.

"You have zero naming sense, Yuichi." Ren says as he shrugs his shoulders.

Once again my friend is unable to understand my genius. Oh well, silence is golden, and ignorance is bliss. Ren is my friend, so I don't want to hurt him by shouting about the differences that separate us in the hierarchy of intellect. My kindness truly is limitless.

***

Chapter 06C: How To Win A Pet – Aftermath

"Would you like some more steak, Wolfy?" My mum asks with a smile.

"Yes please, Mother." Wolfy replies.

We're sitting at the table eating breakfast as a family, Mum is already doting on Wolfy.

Thanks to my master plan, he was accepted without a hitch. I truly am great.

"Onii-chan, we need to go now, or we'll be late," Yuna announces.

"Okay, let's go." I reply back.

"I shall accompany you, Master, Yuna-sama." Wolfy states. I nod back to him.

We begin walking to school in a brisk pace. We run into Alicia on the way.

"Onii-chan, how did you get Mum and Dad to accept Wolfy?" Yuna asks in interest.

Oh, that. I recall back to that scene in the middle of the night.

I stood before my parents bed, they are asleep.

"We have a dog called Wolfy, we have a dog called Wolfy, we have a dog called Wolfy." I repeat in a hypnotic way in front of my sleeping parents. The book I borrowed from the library entitled 'Hypnosis for beginners' truly came in handy.

My mind returns back to the present.

"It's a genius' secret. My skill of convincing is top notch." I answer.

"Even if you managed to convince them, why is it that they don't find it strange that he speaks?" This time Alicia asks.

I recall last night once again.

"It's normal for Wolfy to speak, it's normal for Wolfy to speak, it's normal for Wolfy to speak."

My mind returns to the present once more.

"That, also, is a genius' secret." I reply with a smile on my face.

"Suspicious." Yuna states coldly.

"Have some faith in your Onii-chan why don't you," I say as I turn my brisk walk into a run.

Alicia, Yuna and Wolfy begin to chase after me.

"Wait, Onii-chan!"

"Master! Don't separate yourself from your escort. What if something happens?"

"Hold it, Yuichi! You did something to your parents, I know you did!"

And so, this is how I got my talking pet dog, Wolfy.

hyuugalegacy

2015-11-21, 08:19

Here is chapter 7 for those interested.

Chapter 07: The Underworld

Today is the day I meet my in laws in the Underworld. The great Yuichi Shiro shall soon be gracing the Underworld with his beautiful presence.

I walk along with Alicia and Wolfy to Alicia's apartment in the living world. Wolfy insisted on coming when I mentioned I was going to go the Underworld. You're worried about your master, Wolfy? I truly am blessed, and not just in beauty. So after agreeing it with Alicia, the three of us decided to head to the Underworld together.

"What is Father-in-law like, Alicia?" I ask out of curiosity.

"You'll see him soon enough, so why ask me now?" Alicia replies.

No..um...this isn't like me. For me to worry whether we would get along. But this is a man who is handing his daughter over to me. Why wouldn't we get along?

"Don't get cold feet, Master." Wolfy encourages. You're right, I'll just be myself, no one can resist my charm.

"Anyway, we're going to transfer from here," Alicia states as she slaps her hands together. Suddenly, a huge circular diagram appears on the ground "Our destination is my Underworld residence, connect."

The diagram, that I'm guessing is a magic circle, begins to glow brightly.

I feel my conscience slowly drift away; and my mind enters the world of dreams.

"Hey, Yuichi." A voice shouts.

Suddenly, I come back to my senses. It looks like we've arrived in some kind of mansion.

"This is my home," Alicia explains "Travelling between the living, and the Underworld can sometimes make you dream."

"Oh, I see."

So that's what happened. That truly was weird.

"Let us not discuss it again, Master." Wolfy says, I give a swift nod back.

"Huh? What?" Alicia asks whilst tilting her neck. That pose is cute, but I'm still not telling you.

I begin to look around at my surroundings, what an extravagant interior. It is littered with things like paintings and ornaments that normal people couldn't afford even in their wildest dreams.

"You really are an ojou-sama, aren't you, Alicia?" I ask.

"Well yeah. My family is one of the top three, that serve under Hades-sama." Alicia replies with pride.

'Hades-sama?' So, he really exists. The god of the dead, and the ruler of the Underworld. I wonder what he's like.

"So you have returned, Alicia-sama." An elderly gentleman greets as he approaches us along with a group of maids. I guess he's a butler.

"Yes, I've just returned, Sebastian," Alicia replies.

Yep, he's definitely a butler, only butlers are called Sebastian. I wonder if it's written in their job descriptions? 'Your first name must be Sebastian'. No, I should stop this train of thought, looking down on the profession of others is very low class. Not a fit hobby for the incarnation of greatness.

"It is a pleasure to meet you, Yuichi-sama, Wolfy-sama. I am Sebastian, the head butler of the honourable Pandemonium family." Sebastian gracefully introduces himself with a bow.

"I am Yuichi Shiro, it's a pleasure to meet you."

"I am known as Wolfy, nice to make your acquaintance."

Sebastian smiles back on our greetings.

"Right this way please, my master and mistress await," Sebastian urges.

The three of us follow behind Sebastian, I make a mental note to myself not to lose sight of him, or forever be lost.

After about ten minutes of walking around this labyrinth of a mansion, we arrive at a huge door that is about five times as tall as me.

*Knock knock*

"Master, Mistress, our guests have just arrived." The butler said through the door.

Sebastian gives us a quick bow, before walking off with the maids.

*Creak* - The door slowly begins to open.

Inside, there is a man who looks to be in his early forties. He is quite the handsome gentleman. Standing with him is a woman who appears to be in her early twenties, she looks like a slightly older version of Alicia. Finally, there is a young girl of about fourteen, with silver braided hair, a cute smile, and a innocent face.

"Ah, you have arrived. I've been looking forward to meeting you, Yuichi Shiro-kun." The man announces, "I am Alicia's father, and the head of the Pandemonium family. Alexander Pandemonium."

"I am Yuichi Shiro. It's a pleasure to meet you, Father." I announce up front. Damn, I think I've come on a bit too quickly, calling him 'Father' on our first meeting.

"I am Wolfy." Wolfy quickly introduces himself.

"The pleasure is all mine, Wolfy-kun." Alicia's father bows before turning his eyes back to me, "Yuichi-kun, you needn't concern yourself with that," he says with a smile, like he has read right through me. "I would only be too pleased if you were to continue calling me 'Father'."

"Yes, Father." I reply back enthusiastically.

"Next, this is my wife, Annetta Pandemonium."

"It's a pleasure meeting you for the first time, Yuichi-kun. I heard many things about you." Alicia's mother greets elegantly. I now know where Alicia got her beauty from. With such grand parents, it would be weird if she wasn't beautiful.

"The pleasure is all mine, Mother." I return the gesture.

"And last, but not least, this is my youngest Daughter, Lilicia."

The young girl takes a step forward towards me.

"It's wonderful to meet you, Yuichi-niisama." Lilicia says with an angelic smile. So cute. She could give both Yuna, and Sakura, a run for their money in the contest of who you would want to call you 'Onii-chan'.

"It's nice to meet you too, Lilicia-chan." I say as I place my hand on top of her cute head. Her smile grows wider.

"Yuichi!" Alicia screams, "Don't defile my sister!"

"AHHHH~~~! Give! Give!" I scream as Alicia twists my wrist around. Seriously! It hurts like hell. Let go before it breaks.

"Are you jealous, Onee-sama?" Lilicia-chan asks with her cute smile.

"Jealous!? As if! Who would get jealous due to this guy!?" Alicia retorts loudly whilst tightening her grip. Stop it already! I can take a hint, so let go!

"Ha ha ha!" Father walks over and separates me from Alicia's arm lock. "It looks like both of my girls have taken a huge liking to you, Yuichi-kun."

"I HATE HIM!" Alicia shouts in denial.

"No need to act like a tsundere, Alicia," I reply back with a smile. "All girls cannot help but love the one and only Yuichi Shiro."

Alicia stares at me in anger. Everyone else just looks on in amusement. Father then turns towards me with a wonderful smile on his face.

"I'll tell you what, Yuichi-kun. How about you take Alicia as your wife, and Lilicia as your mistress." Father suggests, seriously! I can have both of his daughters. Having a threesome with two sisters was something I didn't expect to come knocking on even my door.

I felt it the first time I saw him, but this man, is truly great. I, the all beautiful and godly Yuichi Shiro, prostrate myself before you. No man can stand before him in terms of greatness, not even me.

His last suggestion proves it. Comparing the two of us, is like comparing a candle to a light bulb.

"I humbly accept your gracious offer." I say without delay.

"OWWWWWW!" I yelp after Alicia's foot, makes swift contact with my jaw.

"NO YOU DON'T!" Alicia shouts.

"I don't mind," Lilicia-chan chimes in innocently.

"You should!" Alicia cries back with tears in her eyes.

"My, my. Congratulations, Alicia, and Lilicia." Mother says with a smile.

"MOTHER!" Alicia shouts in anger.

"As expected of my master." Wolfy nods in satisfaction.

This was the last scene I saw before my mind drifted out of the current world. So tired.

Why do I always find myself on the receiving end of Alicia's anger? Even my genius can't answer this question.

And some more LN Illustrations, credit goes to renealexa for them.
http://img02.deviantart.net/c534/i/2015/290/c/7/commission___scene_14b_by_renealexa_diary-d9ddx9z.jpg

http://img09.deviantart.net/dd13/i/2015/299/2/7/commission___chapter_21_by_renealexa_diary-d9eg6u5.jpg

hyuugalegacy

2015-12-07, 13:42

Well here is chapter 8 for those interested

Chapter 08: Training In The Underworld

"Ah! Shit!" I shout whilst dodging for my life.

right now I'm in a place called 'Blueberry woods'. As the name might suggest, it's a huge forest area. I am currently running and dodging attacks like my life depends on it.

My mind flashes back to my conversation with Father.

XXXX

"Yuichi-kun, I am sorry, but as you will become part of the Pandemonium family, I am afraid you will need training," Father explains, "As part of our family, great responsibilities shall be placed onto your shoulders, and you must become a role model example for the residents in the Underworld."

"I understand, Father. I shall do as you say, and meet your great expectations." I reply fearlessly.

"I know you will my boy." Father says with a smile.

XXXXX

Back to the present. I am training to increase my powers. I've been running around endlessly whilst avoiding attacks from Kuro-san, the man who is my instructor. Kuro-san is a servant of the Pandemonium family and a expert in 'Reaper Spells'. He has a huge body filled with scars, each scar I'm sure has its own story.

Wolfy wanted to come with me. However, I left him behind because I know I need to become stronger. I appreciate his concern, but this is something I have to do.

Alicia, Wolfy, when I come back, I shall be an even greater Yuichi Shiro. Well, that's if my greatness can increase even more than its already godly level. Well, I know it can, but the human eye cannot see greatness above a certain level, so I doubt the increase will be noticeable to my friends.

"Here's another one, Yuichi-sama!" Kuro-san announces as a huge ball of ice expands in front of his open palm. Shit! Attacking whilst I'm in self thought is dirty.

The ice ball shoots towards me like a bullet. I dive to my right to dodge the attack. I reflexively use my hands to break my fall and push off the ground to land on my feet.

After safely landing, I hold out my left palm and point it towards Kuro-san. Ice forms in front of my hand. This is the same technique Kuro-san just used against me. My ice ball shoots towards him with perfect accuracy. The size of my ice ball isn't as big as Kuro-san's, but it is faster.

Kuro-san was truly surprised by how quickly I picked it up. well I am a genius, so what can I say?

Kuro-san's explanation of 'Reaper Spells' was also very easy to understand. Use your mind to envision your skill, and your soul will follow through. Apparently, my soul isn't too different to that of a reapers because it evolved in Purgatory. That's why I'm capable of using Reaper Spells. I was also told about special techniques that are unique to Human Anomalies. However, these cannot be taught, I have to learn them myself.

The only spell I have learned thus far is this single ice spell. This spell uses my soul as a catalyst and power source to freeze the moisture in the atmosphere and shoots it as a projectile.

Kuro-san, who has my ice ball approaching him, materialises his scythe and deflects it.

"Not bad, Yuichi-sama. Time for a change of tactics!" Kuro-san compliments proudly as he spins his scythe around in a circle.

Kuro-san stomps his feet hard across the ground. Wielding his scythe in one hand he charges towards me. I draw the sword Father lent to me. We have moved away from spell casting and into a melee fight.

*Ching! Ching!* - My sword clashes loudly with Kuro-san's scythe. If that thing hits me, my beautiful body will be damaged, that is the one thing I refuse to let happen. But seriously, he's moving something as big as that, so quickly.

However, I am no slouch either, the reflexes of the great Yuichi Shiro is second to none. When I was a child I used to do play sword fights with my friends, back then I never once lost. I never thought that such childish games of the long past could become vital experience in such a place.

*Ching! Ching!* - But even though I am keeping up with him; I am on the complete defensive.

Time to try a little experiment.

I begin to release my soul's aura outside of my body and move it behind Kuro-san. I learned how to release my soul aura and control it earlier. Kuro-san complimented my exceedingly great control of it.

*Ching! Ching!* - Our weapons continue to collide as I continue to release my aura. Like this his movements are sealed. I begin to make my soul freeze the moisture in the atmosphere. However, differently from before, using my expert control of my soul aura I freeze it into a different shape than a ball, a spike.

Kuro-san opens his eyes wide. He must have realised my plan.

"Well done, Yuichi-sama. To think you could do this in such a short amount of time. Give it a few months and I would be no match for you." Kuro-san compliments with a wide smile. You understand my greatness already? You're a wise man, Kuro-san.

*Ching! Ching!* - I shoot the ice spike that I quickly formed into Kuro-san's blind spot. Now what will you do? If you concentrate on me, the spike will hit you. Concentrate on the spike, and my sword will get you. Choose the way to your defeat.

"However, right now, I'm stronger!" Kuro-san shouts confidently. Kuro-san swipes swiftly with his scythe, my blade gets pushed into the ground. In that case my ice spike will get you. Or so I thought. Kuro-san shows me what was in his left hand that was held behind his back. In his hand is the ice spike I just shot. He caught my attack from his blind spot with his bare hand. I can't hide my shock.

"I win!" He proclaims whilst holding his scythe's blade to my neck.

My body relaxes and I drop my sword to the ground.

"I thought I had you then," I say as I sit on the ground.

Kuro-san puts his scythe away and sits down opposite me.

"Your idea was good. I never explained that you could use your soul aura like that, yet you figured it out by yourself." Kuro-san begins explaining, "The only reason you lost, was due to your lack of experience. You were too confident in your plan, and didn't think about what to do if it failed."

Lack of experience huh. Nothing I can say against that, he's right. If I thought about what I would do next if my plan had failed, I could have lasted longer. My self confidence became my downfall.

"Well, considering that your lack of experience is your main weakness. Let's take care of that." Kuro-san says whilst getting to his feet, "Blueberry woods is filled with lots of dangerous monsters, lets go hunting, shall we?"

"Yeah, I will become as strong as hell and raise my already insanely high coolness points." I declare whilst picking up my sword and getting to my feet.

Even more girls will get ensnared in my greatness. Don't be jealous though Alicia, you will always be my first lady. Lilicia-chan or Sakura can be my second. But which one?

For it to be Lilicia-chan; or for it to be Sakura, that is the question.

Whilst ranking the girls in my mind. I run with Kuro-san deep into Blueberry Woods.

XXXXXX

A couple of hours later, we left Blueberry Woods and returned to the mansion. Father was really persistent in what time I needed to be back for some reason.

I'm really exhausted and covered in mud. For girls who like guys with a wild like look I would be even more irresistible.

Alicia, Lilicia-chan, Wolfy and Father are waiting for us in the Pandemonium family's huge garden.

"Welcome back, Yuichi-niisama," Lilicia-chan greets, as she latches her arms around me. She truly is an adorable girl.

"Ah, I'm back." I reply while patting her head. Alicia is glaring at me coldly. I think she is trying to send me a telepathic message through her eyes, let's see if I can decode it.

Okay, I think I got it. 'Yuichi, you are so beautiful. Your coolness and intelligence is unrivalled. I know I am not worthy but please make me your bride.' Alicia, your love message has been conveyed to me in full. I must respond to this immediately, or else my name isn't Yuichi Shiro.

"You too, are also beautiful, Alicia my love." I say gently to my fiancé.

Alicia turns her head away, her face beet red. Was I too forward?

"You have a magical way of misunderstanding, don't you, Yuichi-sama?" Kuro-san says with a bitter smile. What are you talking about?

Wolfy then approaches me whilst looking me over from head to toe. "You look like a real man, Master." He states. What are you saying? You can just look between my legs and see that.

"How many times did you come close to losing your head?" Alicia asks with a sinister smile, having already regained her cool. Are you a sadist, Alicia? Please let go of it if you are. I don't like pain.

"More times than I wish to recall." I reply whilst averting my gaze. If Alicia is a sadist my future is going to be very hard on me. Scarring this beautiful body is a deadly sin.

"How was he, Kuro-kun?" Father asks in interest.

"Exceptional, he learns fast, he has quick reflexes, expert aura control and a sharp intuition." Kuro-san responds to Father. He then turns to face me "Yuichi-sama, before you return to the living world come see me. I'll give you data for other Reaper Spells so you can self study. Your aura control is top class, so your powers won't go out of control, even in the living world."

I give Kuro-san a thumbs up in response. I currently only know one spell, so I'll gladly accept that data. Kuro-san also confirmed the other matter, the matter of me using magic in the living world. Alicia was worried before because I might not have been able to control my powers. That argument is now mute.

Life is getting even more exciting.

hyuugalegacy

2016-01-12, 05:57

Well here is chapter 9. This is arguably one of my favourite chapters.

Chapter 09A: Underworld Party - En route

After I had finished my basic training and cleaned myself up, I was told the reason Father wanted me back on time.

"We are all going to a formal party, I want you to come with us, Yuichi-kun." Father stated.

I had no reason to refuse, so I agreed. It will be my first time at a high class party. I bet all the women will surround me like a swarm of bees. My beauty is coming out in full force in this Tuxedo.

We're all currently heading towards the venue of the party in a huge limo. For someone of my greatness, anything less than a limo, would be an insult. Alicia, Lilicia-chan and Mother are all dressed in top of the range dresses and Father is looking as dandy as usual. In addition to the five of us, Sebastian and Kuro-san are also accompanying us as escorts. You can never be too careful, it seems the Underworld has its own troubles.

"Yuichi, this party is being hosted by another one of the top three families, don't make a spectacle of yourself." Alicia warns.

"I can't promise that. Just by being there, I will shine brightly. So how can I not become a spectacle?" I ask.

"By toning down your narcissism for starters." She replies.

"Onee-sama, Yuichi-niisama is a honest person. It's not narcissism," Lilicia-chan explains, "He's only telling the truth."

Thank you, Lilicia-chan, you're a good girl, I pat her cute head and she snuggles up to me like a cat.

"ANYWAY! Just don't embarrass me." Alicia is fuming in anger. What's with you?

"There's nothing about me to be embarrassed about. I'm beautiful, smart, cool, and beautiful, and super beautiful." I highlight my good points with pride.

"How many times did you say the word beautiful?" Alicia asks.

I'll say it as many times as I need to for you to remember. But you shouldn't need me to remind you.

"Anyway, another of the top three families? Who are they?" I ask as I turn towards Father, intending to change the subject.

"The host is the Cerberus family. Hades-sama will also be at the party. So it is getting a lot of attention." Father replies.

Hades? The leader of the Underworld? Is he going to be a robed moving skeleton I wonder? That would be frightening.

"Wait, Cerberus? Are they a family of three headed dogs?" I ask.

"No, that is just a myth from the living world. The Cerberus family is the family that governs the river Styx and prevents souls from escaping. They are a family that has one of the most highest responsibilities given to them by Hades-sama." Father explains.

I see. So they keep souls from escaping into the living world. Well, if souls of the Underworld did escape into the living world, it would probably become a Soul Anomaly. Can't have those things running amok.

"So the top three families are Pandemonium, Cerberus and?" I ask.

"Thanatos." Alicia answers "The Thanatos family is considered the best among the top three families. They are the immediate second most influential after Hades-sama."

Alicia puts on a complicated expression as she talks about the Thanatos family. Did something happen?

"Anyway, enough with the serious talk." Father declares before looking me in the eye. "Yuichi-kun, Alicia told me that you are a virgin back when you entered Purgatory. I also heard how mortified you were about it."

Alicia, just what have you been saying about me to Father!? I turn my head away in embarrassment.

"Don't worry, I'm not making fun of you, I just have a suggestion. Why don't you have Annetta take your virginity? I can vouch for for her skilful technique." Father states. He just nonchalantly suggest that I have sex with his wife. Father, your greatness is shining so much tears are flowing out of my eyes.

"I'll be in your care, Mother." I say bowing my head as tears flow out of my eyes.

"Oh my, oh my. I won't let you regret it." Mother replies with a mischievous smile on her face.

*SMACK* - A high momentum fist collides with my handsome face.

"Ow! Alicia, that was uncalled for!" I shout whilst holding where I was hit.

"Yuichi, be quiet for a minute!" Alicia orders.

"Yes, Ma'am." I reply timidly. When she's like this, disobeying her isn't an option.

"Father, what are you trying to do making an offer like that!?" Alicia asks in anger.

"No...um...you know the feeling right? When you do something fun and exciting, you want to share the feeling with your friends." Father explains as sweat rolls down his face.

Father, sharing your wife shouldn't be included in that. I truly am grateful for the thought though, thank you.

"Then make sure you do it with him soon, or I might steal him from you, Alicia." Mother announces.

Seriously!? I best not let my guard down. No, having a older woman is good as well. I'm not the discriminating type.

"Mother, would you please stop saying such things!?" Alicia screams with a beet red face that looks ready to explode.

"Don't steal nii-sama, Mother." Lilicia-chan says whilst holding onto my arm.

"You truly are popular, Yuichi-kun." Mother states.

You're right, but it can sometimes be a disadvantage. I don't want girls killing each other over my beauty.

About an hour later and we arrive at our destination.

XXXXX

Chapter 09B: Underworld Party – Grand Entrance

"Wow, it's huge," I state as I look on the huge venue

"The Cerberus family like to do things thoroughly," Father states before turning to Kuro-san and Sebastian, "Good work, you can both just take it easy at the party."

"But Master, what about your guards?" Kuro-san asks in objection.

"We don't need them. The two of you deserve to relax every so often." Father doesn't allow any objections. He is also kind to his servants and subordinates.

Kuro-san and Sebastian simply bow and walk off.

"Now then, shall we go?" Father asks with a smile. He must be looking forward to this party. Socialising with others at these kinds of events is probably a favourite pass time for the higher class.

"Yuichi, I'm going to ask you again. Please don't do anything foolish." Alicia reminds, how many times is that now? She is such a worry wart.

"Don't worry, Honey, this Yuichi Shiro is a true gentleman." I reassure in a dignified voice and pose. My beauty is radiating strongly, come Alicia, let my beauty heal you of your anxiety.

"Hah," She simply sighs. Oh well, a great person such as myself isn't one to let trivial things bother him.

Father, Mother and Lilicia-chan just look at us with their smiles.

We walk through into the spacious room that the party is taking place in. There is well over a hundred people in here. They're a mixed bag, young, old, man, woman.

"Ah, Lord Pandemonium!" One of the guests calls out as we enter. All the other guests look on in our direction.

*Clap clap clap*

"Ladies and gentleman, the Pandemonium family has entered." A man shouts into his microphone from the stage.

*Clap clap clap*

Ah, this much attention is embarrassing. Father and Mother are both dignified as they wave to the crowd with their respective free hands. They have their other arms locked together. I believe this is called escorting the lady.

Lilicia-chan latches herself onto one of my arms. Does she want to imitate her parents? Well, I don't mind. Alicia latches onto my other arm.

"Don't get full of yourself, Yuichi, this is just for appearance." She whispers in my ear. However, I can see right through your words, Alicia. I'm not your fiancé for nothing.

Alicia and Lilicia-chan begin to wave to the clapping crowd like Father and Mother.

"Ah! Lady Alicia looks dashing as usual!" The crowd begin shouting out their praise in the middle of the standing ovation we're receiving. Alicia always looks dashing in my eyes though.

"Lady Lilicia, please marry me!" Both Father and I glare at the prick who just proposed to Lilicia-chan whilst letting out a scary aura. The man quickly shrivels up. Father then returns to his great normal self, waving to the crowd.

"Ah, who is that young man? He's so handsome!" A young lady spots me from the crowd. You have brilliant eyes, I take my hat off to you.

Wait a second. I can't just be standing here looking pretty. All these people are giving me such a warm welcome. I'm not a man if I don't reply to it.

I'm suddenly hit with a nasty dilemma. I am escorting both Alicia and Lilicia-chan. I don't have a free arm to wave to the crowd. NO HOW CAN THIS HAPPEN!? Waving to the onlooking fans is a must for a man of my greatness. But I can't move either of my arms, how can I get out of this bind?

Then it hits me. I don't need to necessarily wave, I just need to acknowledge the crowd. I turn to a random lady in the crowd and then suddenly. I close one of my eye lids whilst wearing a huge smile on my face.

The lady is suddenly taken aback by my illuminating greatness. She must be feeling what is known as love at first sight. Don't feel bad, no woman can take this technique without falling for me. My beauty is my greatest weapon. To come up with such a technique during such a dilemma, my genius has manifested itself again. Like all good techniques and skills it needs a grand name worthy of it's almighty greatness. Therefore, I, as of today, as of this moment, dub my new skill. I feel like there is suddenly a drum role playing inside my head. 'Prince Wink' I declare to myself.

I continue to use Prince Wink on the ladies in the crowd. They all have similar reactions. To make this many people fall for me, I'm such a sinner. I snigger inwardly.

"Yuichi, you best tell me that you have a fly in your eye!" Alicia whispers into my ear. She must be jealous that I'm making so many people fall for me. You're the only one for me Alicia, so relax.

"I have a fly in my eye." I lie. Men are always at the mercy of their girls.

"Oh, I see." Alicia replies. I suddenly feel the grip on my arm tighten so much that it hurts. Oh shit! Alicia is really pissed.

XXXXX

Chapter 09C: Underworld Party – Main Event (Perspective Alicia)

At long last the applause died down and we all began mingling with the other high classes at the party. I can't believe it. I was holding Yuichi's arm because I realised he would start trying to draw attention to himself. Even though I took precautions to prevent him from doing it. He still managed to find a loophole for himself to use. Words cannot describe my embarrassment.

"OH HO HO HO!" I hear a voice that I instantly dread. Only one idiot really does that awful annoying laugh.

Like I thought. Dressed in an expensive one piece dress stands the daughter of the Cerberus family, Elizabeth Cerberus. I really hate this stuck up woman. I knew I would run into her at this party. It's being hosted by the Cerberus family after all.

As a family, I have no grudge against the Cerberus, I just despise this one girl.

"Good evening, Elizabeth." I greet as kindly as I can, given who the person is.

"Good evening, Alicia. OH HO HO HO!" She replies haughtily. Does she have to add that laugh in every sentence? "Your escort this evening, that gentleman, was first class, Alicia, OH HO HO HO."

As usual, straight to the point. I knew this was coming.

"Didn't like the idea he stole the spot light from you?" I retort. Elizabeth's smile quickly turns crooked, her pride is unable to accept insults.

"So tell me, Alicia, who was that gentleman?" She asks with a forced smile.

I realise that I won't be able to hide it. Even if I lie, she will find out eventually, and be even more annoying about the subject.

"He is my fiancé." I declare with (fake) pride.

Elizabeth is shocked by my response.

"Ladies and gentleman. Can I please have a few moments of your time." The head of the Cerberus family is standing on top of the stage. I turn away from Elizabeth, and towards the stage. "Our guest of honour, HADES-SAMA!"

*CLAP CLAP CLAP!* We all clap loudly upon hearing the announcement.

Hades-sama enters in the middle of the applause, he is dressed very roughly. The tie from his suit found its way onto his head. Wearing shades to hide his eyes. His hair is a mixture of stripes of all the colours in the rainbow. He'll never change.

Hades-sama takes the microphone from the Cerberus head.

"HEY HEY! How's it hanging people. DR Des is in the house!" Hades-sama screams into the microphone. Once again he has given himself another stupid stage name. I could almost swear he stole it somewhere.

"HADES-SAMA! HADES-SAMA!" The crowd doesn't mind and just screams back to him. So much for a formal party.

"Now, DR Des is a man of few words, so I'll keep this short. GO WILD!" Hades-sama shouts.

"OHHHHHHHHHH!" The crowd screams back again. I can only shake my head at the scene. Our leader is such a flamboyant man. I get the feeling he and Yuichi would hit it off right from the start.

After the address finishes. Elizabeth continues from where she left off.

"For a lowly man like that, to become your fiancé. No, I guess you are well suited for each other!" Elizabeth insults.

"For a woman like you. Who cannot even get a man, even with your huge financial assets as bait. You have no right to insult me." I don't hide the irritation in my voice. I just dig straight to where it hurts.

"OH HO HO HO!" Her laugh is clearly forced. "There is simply no gentleman whom is my equal."

"If you go searching for a homeless old timer, I'm sure you'll meet your Mr Right, Elizabeth." I add fuel to the fire of Elizabeth's humiliation. Her face is turning red in anger, my heart bleeds for you, not. Let this be a lesson to you, you stuck up bitch. I smile at my victory.

I then suddenly see a figure through the crowd walking towards us. Oh no, please don't come up to me now.

"Girls, girls, there's no reason to fight over me. Yuichi Shiro is so great that there is enough of him to go around." My fiancé states proudly in oblivious bliss. Damn it, Yuichi! Not now. Not in front of this bitch of all people.

"OH HO HO HO! You are quite the unique gentleman. Yes, you are very, unique!"

Yuichi stands there thinking for a few moments, looking confused at Elizabeth's last comment.

"Oh, I get it." He declares. My instincts tell me that he most definitely didn't. Who knows how his warped mind will translate Elizabeth's insult.

"You're hitting on me, man this is a problem. I'm already engaged and yet so many people have been flirting with me at this party." As I thought, he misunderstood it completely. I'm willing to bet the notion of other people flirting with him is also his own misunderstanding.

The magical ability Yuichi possesses of changing an insult into a compliment within his brain is truly frightening.

"OH HO HO HO! Don't be foolish." Elizabeth is scared, I can tell. This girl has no experience with guys. What a shame you ran into Yuichi of all people.

"Okay, I'm a man, I have to answer your feelings." Yuichi declares. Ah, the misunderstanding deepens.

Yuichi suddenly grabs both of our hands. I have a really bad feeling about what is coming next. He drags us with him and to a man with rainbow coloured hair. Hades-sama.

"Excuse me, Dr Des." Yuichi calls out to Hades-sama nonchalantly.

"What can I do for you, my man?" Hades-sama replies with a smile. He really is too easy going.

"You're the leader of the Underworld, right? That means you're a great man. Therefore, as a great man, you should be able to recommend a decent love hotel." Yuichi says with determination. Wait Yuichi, what the hell are you talking about? How the hell did you arrive to that conclusion? How the hell can you ask the leader of the Underworld something like that? Are you trying to get yourself executed!?

"Lo...Love...Ho...tel!" Elizabeth stutters. She isn't even doing her annoying laugh. That's how grave this situation is.

Before I can speak my objections to Yuichi, Hades-sama smiles brightly.

"Indeed I do, young man. However, this is a very delicate matter, you shouldn't be satisfied with the recommendation from just one person. Therefore..." Hades-sama states before running on top of the stage again.

"People, People!" Hades-sama addresses everyone present. What is he doing?

"My man down there suddenly asked me a very important question. A question that I can't answer by myself." Hades-sama explains. Suddenly a bright spot light appears over me, Yuichi and Elizabeth. "My man asked me to recommend him to a love hotel!"

OH GOD! Everyone is looking at us. I feel my face turn beet red. Elizabeth is the same, her voice won't even come out. Yuichi is just standing there waving to the crowd. This guy really doesn't have any sense of shame.

"So that these three can have a truly great experience. I call upon you, the crowd, to offer these youngsters your recommendations. Say my man, what's your name?" Hades-sama shouts out through the mic.

"I'm Yuichi Shiro. I'll be in all of your care. Please direct me to a great place where we can all have a memorable first experience!" Yuichi shouts back.

*CLAP CLAP* - Why the hell is the crowd applauding him!? Someone stop him already.

"I recommend going to Pure Heart. The rotating beds there are spectacular." A man from the crowd recommends. Are they seriously going to do this?

"No, Pink Flower is much better." Another man declares.

The formal party has suddenly been turned into a debate of the hierarchy of love hotels.

"Yuichi-kun," my father approaches us, please stop him. "To take the virginity of both my daughter, and the Cerberus' daughter together. I am truly moved to tears. Here take this."

"Stop him, Father, don't hand him condoms!" I scream at my useless old man.

"Thank you, Father," Yuichi says as he grabs both of Father's hands. He then turns to address the crowd, he adopts a grand pose and takes a deep breath. "I promise to all of you present, I will change this girl's 'OH HO HO HO' to 'OH OH OOH-'" What kind of dirty outrageous claim are you making in front of all these people!?

"GO FOR IT!" Why the hell is the crowd encouraging him? Someone help me.

This is the most danger I have ever faced in my life. Elizabeth is shaking, her voice still stuttering. I think this night is going to leave a huge mental scar on her.

The party soon ended. Yuichi became an overnight celebrity in the Underworld. Thankfully, my chastity is still safe. After Yuichi dragged us out of the hall whilst the crowd showered us in confetti, I knocked him out cold. Elizabeth and I then took sanctuary in a hidden area under the venue. Elizabeth was shaking the whole time, welcome to my world.

XXXXX

Chapter 09D: Underworld Party – Epilogue

After the exciting party concluded it's time to head back to the living world. It's a shame, I was laid out cold for the rest of the party. But it was still fun. Apparently I was even featured on the front page of a national Underworld newspaper. Alicia was mad at me for several hours afterwards though. Was a threesome too embarrassing for her first time? But when it is all said and done, the opinions the upper class men at the party gave me were all very educational.

Hades was also a very interesting guy. You don't have to be Albert Einstein to see why he's the ruler of the Underworld.

I also grabbed the data for some Reaper Spells from Kuro-san earlier. I'm looking forward to learning some more spells.

"It sounds like you had fun, Master." Wolfy says. Unfortunately we had to leave him behind for the party.

"Yeah, it was great. Life here is truly interesting." I reply.

"It was a pure nightmare." Alicia states. Is she holding a grudge against me?

"Come visit us again soon." Father requests.

"I most definitely will." I reply.

"Don't forget about me, Yuichi-niisama. I won't lose to Onee-sama," Lilicia-chan declares.

"I won't." I answer back, although I don't understand what she means. I feel an ill intent gaze on my back. Alicia please, you're scaring me.

"I'm expecting lots of grandchildren." Mother announces.

"Well ahead of you, Mother. I promise to meet your expectations." I declare confidently.

"OWWWW!" Something hit me hard on the back of the head, a swift sharp pain runs through me.

"NO YOU DON'T!" Alicia's angry voice is the last thing I hear before my mind goes blank.

This turn of events is seriously getting old.

hyuugalegacy

2016-02-15, 15:06

Well this is where action starts to come into play a bit.

Chapter 10A: The Soul Slayers – Situation Report

There has been a drastic increase in the number of Anomalies appearing at town#21460, Japan.

The Anomalies however are being slain by a force outside of our own. We believe this is due to the birth of a new Human Anomaly.

In response to the above concerns, Vincent Redfern has been dispatched. His orders are to investigate the possibility of a Human Anomaly in the area and immediately slay it should one exist.

For the sake of the world, we shall remove all impurities.

XXXXXX

Chapter 10B: The Soul Slayers – Date Invitation

A few days has passed since the great Yuichi Shiro returned from the Underworld. I've been going around fighting the Soul Anomalies that have been appearing before me over the last couple of days. There have been an awful lot of them. Apparently Alicia was dealing with them behind the scenes before. But now that I'm capable of fighting, I've been handling them myself.

However, due to the fatigue, I am currently lying down in the infirmary. Luckily no injury has come to my glorious body from fighting the Anomalies.

"Sempai," A quiet voice calls me.

"Sakura? What's wrong?" I ask. When did she arrive?

"Sempai, If it's okay with you..." Sakura fidgets awkwardly, "Will you please come with me after school!?"

After school, with Sakura? Is she asking me out on a date!?

"Um, Nii-san's birthday is coming up soon, so..." Sakura begins to explain.

"Oh. You want the genius that is I, to help you choose an appropriate gift for Ren?"

Sakura nods in confirmation.

"Okay, sure." I have no reason to refuse.

"Thank you, Sempai." Sakura says with a smile before running out the door.

XXXXXX

Chapter 10C: The Soul Slayers – True Intent (Perspective Sakura)

Yes, I did it.

I was unable to see him over the weekend, but with this, I get to go on a date with Sempai.

I feel bad that I had to use Nii-san as an excuse. But it's true that I don't know what to get him.

A lot of rivals have been appearing out of nowhere recently. Alicia-Sempai and Mizuno-Sempai are both after Yuichi-Sempai.

Alicia-Sempai even took him to her home over the weekend.

Whenever Sempai comes over to my house, it's only ever as a friend of Nii-san's. During this time it's hard for me to be alone with him. Nii-san and Sempai stick to each other like glue, and I'm hardly the assertive type. So I don't know what to do even when we are alone. However, I've been preparing myself over the last couple of days for this.

To the two Sempai who suddenly appeared out of nowhere, don't think I'll give up without a fight. I've known Sempai the longest out of the three of us.

Fiancé? It's just an arranged marriage. I won't let it stop me.

I didn't know I could act this way. 'A maiden in love is scary' I guess that's actually true.

XXXXXX

Chapter 10D: The Soul Slayers – Protect My Kouhai (Perspective Akane)

I came to check up on Yuichi Shiro. But...what is this situation?

The door is open slightly, so I can hear their voices. Yuichi is talking with Sakura-san.

"Sempai, If it's okay with you...Will you please come with me after school!?" Sakura-san is asking Yuichi out!? Does she like Yuichi as well!? Just how many girls does this guy have going for him!?

"Um, Nii-san's birthday is coming up soon, so..."

I don't know whether his birthday is coming up or not. But I can clearly tell that you're using it as an excuse, Sakura-san.

"Oh. You want the genius that is I, to help you choose an appropriate gift for Ren?" Yuichi asks Sakura whilst covering himself in his coat of pride.

"Okay, sure." He agrees without delay.

Does he really not see her true intention? Or is he agreeing having figured it out? I can never tell when it comes to Yuichi. He's a one of a kind idiot.

"Thank you, Sempai."

Crap, she's coming this way, gotta run.

"Eh." I let out a voice of surprise as someone suddenly grabs my hand. I begin to run as I am forcefully pulled. The person who pulled me and I both hide behind a corner in the corridor.

"Pandemonium-san?" I say whilst feeling a little confused.

Was she listening in as well? She's wearing a slightly angry frown on her face.

"Yuichi truly is an idiot!" Pandemonium-san scoffs before walking away.

"Pandemonium-san? I thought it was an arranged marriage against your will. But do you...?" I ask myself out loud.

Wait a second. Sakura-san is in danger. Being alone with Yuichi is asking for trouble. I quickly change my tone of thought.

As a discipline committee member I must not allow any harm to befall Sakura-san.

It can't be helped then. I will have to tag along to protect her from danger.

Yes, it's my duty to protect her. There's no other reason why I would do this.

XXXXXXX

Chapter 10E: The Soul Slayers – Last Lesson

The teacher isn't here so we're having a self study session to finish off the day.

Alicia has been in a bad mood for a while now. I don't know what's wrong with her, but the solution is simple. At times like this the great and glorious, Yuichi Shiro, will make small talk with her and gradually improve her mood.

"Say...Alicia.." I begin.

"HMPH!" She turns in her chair. Playing hard to get are you? Time for a change in tactics.

"Alicia, I don't understand this problem, it's not like I'm asking you because I want to talk to you or anything like that." I decide to go with tsundere style.

"Be quiet, Yuichi!" Alicia angrily replies.

"..." It's not like I'm being quiet because you told me to or anything like that.

"What have you done, Yuichi?" Ren asks me.

"I haven't done anything. I don't get what's wrong with her." I reply.

I thought Alicia was just in a bad mood. But it's more like she's just annoyed at me.

"No matter what it is, please try to make up with her, okay. We're classmates, so lets get along together." Ryu-san states with a smile. You truly are a good person, Ryu-san. I will do my best so as not to make you worry.

All relationships have a few bumps along the way. However, once you get over them, then you will become even closer.

XXXXXXX

Chapter 10F: The Soul Slayers – Innocent Outing

I wanted to act immediately and find out why Alicia was mad at me. However, during the last period she had ignored me completely. Seriously, how can she stay angry at someone with a face as beautiful as my own!?

I've already made plans to go shopping with Sakura, so I can't ask her what's wrong right now. I don't want to become the kind of man who breaks his word, so I decided to put the issue with Alicia to the back of my mind for now.

"Thank you for coming to help me out, Sempai." Sakura says with a smile.

"My pleasure. A younger sister working so hard to get her brother a present. Yuna could learn a thing or two from you." I reply whilst remembering how Yuna bought me a small box of chocolates from the local shop for my birthday. She even left the price sticker on it when she gave it to me. In her eyes, am I only worth that much?

I'm walking side by side with Sakura. There's a huge crowd of people coming and going from every direction.

"Anyway, I think that a CD would be a good present for Ren. He really likes his music." I give my opinion as we walk through the crowd. He's always wearing two sets of headphones.

"I see...what would be a good one I wonder?" Sakura replies.

"Let's go to a music shop and I'll help you pick something he'll like." I suggest.

"Okay." Sakura smiles and nods. "Kyyyaa!"

Sakura falls backwards after colliding with a guy.

"I'm sorry, I wasn't paying attention." Sakura apologises.

"Me too. Are you okay?" The man replies politely. Damn, he's a good looking guy with short dark hair. He's carrying a shinai bag over his shoulder, guess he is into kendo.

"Yes, I'm fine." Sakura answers curtly. I offer my hand to Sakura and pull her back onto her feet. Sakura blushes slightly, is she embarrassed about falling over?

"Take care, now." The man says as he takes his leave. I got the feeling he was glaring at me intensely just now, does he swing that way? Well, I'm not one to judge people by their sexual preferences.

XXXXXXX

Chapter 10G: The Soul Slayers – The Two Jealous Maidens (Perspective: Alicia)

"Damn! We lost sight of them!" I shout in anger.

"We have to find them. Sakura-san will be in danger if we leave her alone with Yuichi Shiro!" Mizuno-san panics, although I think she is panicking for something different from what she's talking about.

I overheard Yuichi talking with Sakura from outside the infirmary and decided to trail them. Sakura was obviously using the 'get her brother a present' as an excuse to go on a date with Yuichi. I thought she was just a shy girl. But strangely, she's actually very daring. I didn't think she would pull this off. Yuichi agreed to go with her without any second thoughts, even though he's engaged to me.

I seriously doubt Yuichi was able to see what Sakura was really after. But, I couldn't help but be angry at him. Even after I realised he didn't have any bad intentions.

I wonder when I started acting this way? I originally had nothing but contempt for Yuichi because of what he did. I agreed to marry him before because I had no choice. When did my obligation turn into my own will? Is it because I started to enjoy life a lot more since I met him?

"Damn it, Yuichi, you fool!"

But I'm an even bigger fool for falling for him. DAMN IT!

Together with Mizuno-san, I begin searching the crowd blindly. Where did you escape to, Yuichi!?

XXXXXXX

Chapter 10H: The Soul Slayers – Vincent Redfern

"Thanks for your help, Sempai. I'm sure Nii-san will be happy with this." Sakura says earnestly, her innocent smile still on her face.

I reply by patting her on her head. You're really a good girl, Sakura.

"Oh, Sempai, here. A little present for coming with me." Sakura hands me a CD. It's the new album by 'Yami Within', which I haven't had time to buy for myself. Needless to say, I'm a really big fan of this band.

"Thank you, Sakura!" I shout to her as I hug the CD she just bought me. I can only just stop myself from crying in joy. You truly are kind, Sakura. Whoever becomes your husband will be a very lucky man.

But suddenly something snaps me out of my fit of happiness.

"Huh! This is!?" I know this sensation. A Soul Anomaly has appeared nearby. I guess it's being drawn to me, a Human Anomaly.

"What's wrong, Sempai?" Sakura asks with a look of worry.

"Sakura, stay here. I'll be back in a minute." I reply as I stroke her head. I can't let Sakura be put into any danger.

I run down an alleyway, which is luckily for me, deserted.

"RAORR!" Deserted except for me and this ugly thing I mean.

The Anomaly looks something like a bear. As with all other Anomalies, it's glaring at me with malice. Getting ready to attack upon the tiniest of sparks.

"I'll end this quickly." I proclaim to the Anomaly as I summon my sword.

This sword was given to me by my father-in-law. It has been fine tuned to be summoned to me whenever I need it, it's usually kept in another dimension though. I can't be walking around everywhere waving a sword around after all.

After seeing my sword the bear starts to charge towards me. I too begin to run towards it. Our distance between one another closes quickly.

The bear raises it's claw and takes a swipe at me. I skilfully jump back and dodge the attack. This damn thing was aiming for my beautiful face. I'll make you regret that decision.

Placing both hands on the handle of my sword I lunge forward. My sword pierces right through the bear's neck.

"Grahhh" The bear lets out a painful groan as it begins to fade. That's your punishment for aiming for my face.

"Hoooh~~! So you killed one of your own!" A man's voice says from behind me. I swiftly turn around.

Standing there is the man Sakura bumped into in town.

"Who the hell are you!?" I ask intensely. He said I was the same as the bear. He knows about Anomalies, he must know I am a Human Anomaly as well.

"I am Vincent Redfern. I was ordered by the church to investigate the unusual increase of Anomalies in this town. Looks like I found my reason right here." The man naming himself Vincent smiles at me in glee. My survival instincts are telling me 'this guy is dangerous'.

"The church?" I ask whilst recalling what I was told.

"That's right my dear Human Anomaly. I came all this way to cure this world of the impurity that is you. Aren't you honoured!?" He says haughtily.

Forgive me, Vincent, but I can't say that I am. I'm more repulsed by your high and mighty attitude.

"So without further adieu," Vincent grabs at the shinai bag he is carrying. However, what he draws out of it isn't a wooden sword. It's a real one. I can instinctively tell that it's bad news as he draws the blade out of the sheath.

I recall back to what Alicia once told me. One of the few weapons that is capable of killing me now that I am a Human Anomaly.

"A Soul Slayer!?" I ask, my body feeling cold from gazing upon the jet black blade.

"Correct. This is my Soul Slayer 'Muramasa-Masamune'." Vincent replies with a snigger on his face.

"Muramasa-Masamune." I repeat quietly to myself.

A dark aura is spreading from it like a fog. I don't know how to explain it, but I get the feeling that the sword is alive, and it's pure evil.

"Here I come, sinful existence!" Vincent announces insultingly as he starts to run towards me.

I quickly create a ball of ice and launch it towards him. However, he deflects it with his Soul Slayer, without even slowing down his pace. He's already in striking distance.

Vincent swings his Soul Slayer horizontally; I lower my body down and avoid it before swiping at him with my own sword, although using the blunt side of it. Vincent simply sidesteps to dodge it.

"URGHH!" Using his free hand Vincent lands a heavy blow into my face.

My body slides along the floor from the heavy momentum, my sword falls out of my hand and skids away from me. Damn! This guy is truly strong.

"Sempai!" A voice shouts. No! What is she doing here!?

"Ah, you're that girl from before. Your girlfriend?" Vincent asks in a manner which shows he actually has no interest in the answer.

Sakura's eyes instantly swell up as she looks my way.

"Please, leave Sempai alone!" She shouts in a shaky, yet strong voice.

"Ahh~~! This is a shame. You've been corrupted by this impurity. Nothing else for it." Vincent tries to speak in a sad voice, but it's clearly fake. "Who do you think you're ordering!?"

Wait! Vincent turns his attention from me and towards Sakura. NOOO!

I quickly get myself back onto my feet. I know that I don't have time to grab my sword, so I just run with all my might. Vincent dashes towards Sakura whilst readying his Soul Slayer. Please let me make it in time.

"DISAPPEAR!"

"LIKE I'LL LET YOU!"

Our voices overlap.

I quickly position myself between Vincent and Sakura.

http://img04.deviantart.net/1182/i/2014/218/9/c/comm___the_soul_slayers_by_renealexa_diary-d7txav7.jpg

"GAAAAAHHH!" The pain I suddenly feel is indescribable. I look down at the blade that has pierced my body.

"Sempai..." Sakura lets out a quiet voice behind me, just hearing her I can tell her body is shaking.

I turn my head as I endure the pain. I try to give Sakura my best possible smile. But she just stares on in horror.

"URGGH!" The Soul Slayer is quickly withdrawn from my body. But the pain still remains.

My shaking legs soon give out. I fall to my knees and then a moment later I fall face down onto the hard cold ground.

My conscience continuously flickers between my surroundings and nothingness. My wandering eyes notice the CD Sakura had given me just today. The case is covered in cracks and blood.

Sorry Sakura, I've ruined your heartfelt gift already.

"Al...ic...ia..." I muster just enough strength to quietly whisper the name of my fiancé in a voice no one else could possibly hear.

"NOOOOOOOO!" Sakura's scream is the last thing I hear as my heavy eyelids slowly close.

XXXXXX

Chapter 10I: The Soul Slayers – I'll Kill You (Perspective: Alicia)

I had separated from Mizuno-san a few minutes ago and am now running to where I had felt a certain presence.

I had felt a Soul Anomaly appear in town. However, it quickly disappeared. Yuichi most likely killed it. But I can't help but have a really bad feeling. Something much more ominous than a small fry Anomaly. Please let it be just my imagination.

"NOOOOOOOO!" I hear a scream. That's Sakura's voice. I increase my pace even more as I run to the source, my anxiety increasing every second. I turn around the corner and finally made it. What I see.

Yuichi laying down in a puddle of blood as Sakura cradles him in her arms. My attention's quickly drawn to the other man who is holding something I recognise.

"Muramasa-Masamune!" I mutter the sword's name to myself. That man is holding a Soul Slayer.

"An impurity has no right to act like a hero. I didn't think he would turn himself into your shield." The Soul Slayer's wielder sniggers, like he found it amusing.

I could instantly figure out what happened from hearing those words. He targeted Sakura and Yuichi protected her with his own body. I feel my boiling emotions surfacing.

I'LL KILL HIM!

My Scythe materialises into my hand and I charge at the man who is laughing to himself.

"WHAT!" He quickly notices my killing intent. The man who was laughing just a moment ago is now wearing a serious look on his face.

I swipe at him with my scythe. He jumps back dodging my attack by no more than an inch.

"Who're you!?" He maliciously asks.

However, I don't feel like answering him verbally. I quickly create and compress lightning into a small ball and throw it at the man. This spell is similar to the one Yuichi is adept at using. However, I prefer lightning as opposed to ice.

The man, using Muramasa-Masamune cuts my lightning ball. As expected of the Soul Slayer that is said to be capable of severing anything. It can even cut through something without a tangible form like lightning.

"You're not an Anomaly are you? But you aren't human either." The man states. I don't care what you think I am. As long as I get to separate your head from your body, it's all good!

"Alicia-Sempai," Sakura finally notices me, her eyes are red and covered in tears.

"Stay with Yuichi, I'll deal with this scum." I reply.

"I'm sorry. It's...all my fault." Sakura apologises.

"No, the fault lies only with the bastard in front of us." I answer as my hostility towards the man intensifies.

"Ahhh~~ He was quite the popular monster, wasn't he? I'm almost jealous." The man says sarcastically.

Sakura glares angrily at the man through her tears due to the comment he just made.

"You are much more a monster than Yuichi could ever be." I coldly state while spinning my scythe around in a circle.

"Well going at it against you might not be a bad idea. But the little girl's scream before probably attracted the attention of people who are passing by. So I'm out of here. The impurity has been dealt with, no need for overtime." The man explains nonchalantly as he shrugs his shoulders.

"You won't get away!" I shout in anger as I run towards him.

The man stabs his Soul Slayer into the ground. A huge cloud of dust appears, obstructing my sight.

When the dust cloud clears; the man's gone.

"CURSE YOU!" I shout at the man who is no longer present while tears run down my face.

I turn around and walk over to where Yuichi lay next to Sakura, who is still shaking.

"Wait a second." I couldn't notice it before due to my rage clouding my judgement. But, although faint, Yuichi's still alive. His soul still exists.. I quickly wipe my eyes dry and run to him.

"I have a lot to complain to you about. So if you die now I'll never forgive you." I declare to my unconscious fiancé.

Sakura looks at me in confusion. But time is of the essence, so no time to explain.

If that guy realises Yuichi is alive, he'll come attack us again.

I quickly take out my special phone and input several requests to my father. Next we need a place to hide out. I can think of no place better than that.

"Our destination is the school, connect." I activate the transport magic to take the three of us to our school.

"I won't let you die." I say once again in confirmation as we transfer.

hyuugalegacy

2016-03-05, 06:29

Well here is chapter 11 for those whom are interested, things start to heat up a bit from after this point.

Chapter 11A: Rejuvenate Yuichi – I Trust You (Perspective: Alicia)

Sakura and I have teleported to the school. The special item I requested of my father had arrived almost immediately. I also got a personal call from him. Father was fully enraged from hearing what had happened to Yuichi. He was shouting 'how he would take vengeance'. It was really difficult to convince him to not come to the living world. He has only known him for a short time, but Father is already doting on Yuichi.

Yuichi is lying unconscious inside of the item that I had transported from the Underworld. The item in question is a special capsule that is designed to heal those who have taken damage to their souls. Yuichi took an attack from Muramasa-Masamune, hence his soul has taken great damage and needs to be healed.

Due to Yuichi's Human Anomaly soul, normal life threatening wounds will heal themselves fairly quickly. Therefore we only need to heal his soul, the rest can be left to his Human Anomaly nature.

"Sempai..." Sakura calls to Yuichi through the glass of the capsule. She must really be feeling responsible for what happened to Yuichi.

"Don't worry, he'll be fine." I reassure Sakura as I place my hand on her shoulder. Sakura turns her head to look at me, her eyes are still red from the tears. She gives me a light nod before returning her eyes to Yuichi.

I leave the room Yuichi is in. After closing the door, I lean my back against the wall, trying to take even a little of the weight off of my legs.

Yuichi's recovery is still under way and we can't move him until it's over. If the man who wields Muramasa-Masamune figures out that Yuichi is alive and attacks us. We'll be at a complete disadvantage.

Thinking about it from the danger perspective, I probably shouldn't have stopped my father from coming to the living world. But as he is the head of the Pandemonium family I can't just let him come here on a whim. Therefore, if something does happen, I can only take care of it myself.

"Onee-sama..." A voice I recognise calls out to me. Why is she here?

"Lilicia!?" I'm unable to hide my shock from seeing my little sister standing before me. "What are you doing here!?"

"I was worried about Nii-sama." Lilicia replies in a sad voice. I knew she took an instant liking to Yuichi, but I didn't expect her to come to the living world.

"Does Father and Mother know!?" I ask anxiously, she didn't just run away without a word did she?

"They know." Lilicia nods in confirmation.

Thank goodness, she has more common sense than what Father does.

"How is Nii-sama?" Lilicia asks in worry.

"The capsule is healing him as we speak. As long as nothing interferes, he'll be back to normal in no time." I reply with a confident smile.

Truth be told however, there isn't a 100% guarantee that Yuichi will recover. The wound to his soul is severe, even if it didn't kill him instantly. But I can't bring myself to tell Lilicia this.

"Alicia-san! Where is Sakura and Yuichi!?" A voice instantly questions me. I turn to its owner, Yuichi's best friend and Sakura's older brother, Ren Kirei. Running alongside him is Yuichi's little sister, Yuna, and his Anomaly turned pet, Wolfy.

"Onii-chan, how is he!?"

"Is Master okay!?"

Yuna, Ren and Wolfy look at me anxiously. I called the three of them here because of what happened. I'm hoping Ren and Yuna can cheer up Sakura. I called Wolfy here should an emergency situation arise with the Soul Slayer wielder. I didn't call Mizuno-san here because of the possibility of danger. If the wielder comes here I will have everyone here except Wolfy evacuate. However, Mizuno-san strikes me as one with a great deal of responsibility. In other words, I didn't call her here because I felt she would ignore an order to retreat should it come to it.

"He's fine, rest assured." I answer as calmly as I can.

"Um, Onee-sama. These people are?" Lilicia asks whilst motioning at Ren and Yuna.

"They're Yuichi's best friend, Ren Kirei, and little sister, Yuna." I introduce Lilicia to the two faces she doesn't know. "And this is my little sister, Lilicia. She came here because she was worried about Yuichi."

"I am Lilicia Pandemonium." Lilicia gives a quick curt introduction.

Ren and Yuna nod in acceptance.

"Can we see Onii-chan?" Yuna asks.

I open the door that holds Yuichi in the capsule. Sakura is still looking at Yuichi through the glass of the capsule.

"Sakura!" Ren calls to his little sister whilst running up to her.

"Nii-san." Sakura reacts to her brother's voice and turns to Ren. Tears are still flowing down her face. Ren wraps his arms around her.

"Wahhh~~" Sakura let all her emotions flow through her brothers embrace, "Nii-san, it's my fault...Sempai...He protected me...And...He..."

"It's okay, Sakura. Yuichi is as tenacious as a cockroach. He'll be on his feet and skirt chasing in no time." Ren's words hold much power within them. He even added a subtle insult in there. Well, not that I disagree with him.

"Onii-chan."

"Master."

Yuna and Wolfy are looking at Yuichi sleeping peacefully in the capsule. A smile then surfaces on to their faces.

"Yes, Onii-chan. Like Ren-Sempai said. I know you will pull through this. Just like last time." Yuna states confidently.

"That's right. He would not be my master if he could not pull through something like this." Wolfy agrees with Yuna's words.

"Onee-sama, why can they be so confident?" Lilicia asks whilst pulling on my sleeve.

"It's trust." I reply.

It's not only them. I too trust that you will pull through Yuichi.

So don't betray your friend's trust.

Don't betray your family's trust.

And don't betray my trust.

XXXX

Chapter 11B: Rejuvenate Yuichi – Uncleansed Impurity (Perspective: Vincent)

"How many is that!?" I ask myself rhetorically. I just purified yet another Soul Anomaly.

I purified that Human Anomaly. Yet the number of Soul Anomalies appearing hasn't decreased in frequency.

Is there another Human Anomaly in the area? No, Human Anomalies are extremely rare. I can't imagine two existing so close together.

So if it's not a separate Human Anomaly then...Is it the same one!?

Come to think of it; I didn't confirm whether it died. But I cannot imagine it surviving Muramasa-Masamune. But if it did!?

I will hunt it down!

It had two girls with it. Did they rescue it from the brink of purification?

I recall the girl who attacked me before. She was neither human nor Anomaly.

"A Reaper!" I shout upon realisation. She wielded a scythe and she seemed close to the Human Anomaly.

I have heard stories that sometimes Reapers will observe Human Anomalies.

It all makes sense now. What I must do is also obvious.

As a hero who protects the world from Anomalies.

"I WILL PURIFY ALL IMPURITIES!"

hyuugalegacy

2016-03-23, 16:22

Well here is chapter 12 for Soul Anomaly

Chapter 12A: Ren Versus Vincent - I'll Deal With Him (Perspective: Ren)

"Yuichi's out of the danger zone. He'll be fully recovered in twenty minutes." Alicia-san announces.

That's good. I didn't want to say anything with Sakura and Yuna-chan around, but I was actually really worried.

"Sempai..." Sakura is still standing by Yuichi's capsule. She felt responsible for what happened, hearing that he will be fully recovered soon, must be a big relief for her.

"Thank goodness, Nii-sama." Lilicia-san was also relieved. The anxiety in the room is starting to disappear. I knew my friend could do it.

"As expected of Master, he's recovering so quickly." Wolfy states with pride. His attitude towards Yuichi has done a complete one hundred and eighty, from when they first met.

"Huh!?" Alicia-san suddenly looks worried.

"What is it!?" I ask. If you show such a shocked expression, you'll worry everyone here.

"The Soul Slayer's wielder is heading towards us. He will be on the school grounds within the next ten minutes." Alicia-san answers in frustration.

"The bastard who tried to kill Yuichi and Sakura!?" I can't contain my anger. Just the very mention of that bastard is making my blood boil.

"I set up a location spell when we arrived so that I could detect any possible threats. He must know that Yuichi's still alive. At this rate, he'll find us before Yuichi recovers. The rejuvenation process is very delicate, so we can't move Yuichi whilst he is still recovering. This is the worst case scenario, that I feared." Alicia-san explains.

"What should we do!?" Yuna asks.

"Yuna, Sakura, and Ren you three should hurry and run. That man is truly dangerous." Alicia-san states.

"I refuse." I immediately object.

"There's no way I'm abandoning Onii-chan." Yuna declares.

"It was my fault this happened to Sempai. This time, I will protect him." Sakura said with determination. I haven't seen her like this before. Your Nii-san is crying in happiness at your growth, my dear little sister.

"Onee-sama, they are serious. Yuichi-niisama has got such good friends." Lilicia-san said happily.

"I know, they're all idiots beyond repair." Alicia-san sighs in resignation. I guess to some people I would be an idiot, but that works for me. My best friend is the king of the idiots, I guess he rubbed off on me. And because I am an idiot, I can declare what I'm about to say.

"Alicia-san, I'll deal with the bastard who did this to Yuichi." I say confidently. Alicia-san is visibly shocked by my declaration.

"Don't be a fool, Ren." She answers angrily "That man is the worse type of person there is. If you approach him carelessly, you will just be killed."

"Don't Nii-san." Sakura clings onto my shirt as she begs. Even if you give me that look, my mind is made up.

"Sorry, but I can't forgive that bastard, as both a friend, and a brother." I say strongly to everyone present. "My pride will not let me sit on the sidelines. Alicia-san, you said I would be killed, if I approached him carelessly. However, if I have a plan, then it's a completely different story."

"That isn't what I meant. Against such an unpredictable enemy, having a plan doesn't guarantee anything." Alicia-san is getting angrier and angrier. "The Soul Slayer that man wields, Muramasa-Masamune has the ability to sever anything, even things that don't have a physical form. It may not sound like much, but you have no idea just how dangerous it is to fight against something like that."

"No matter what you say, Alicia-san. I will still go. My anger is not something that can be expressed in mere words. Considering I'm going to go either way, you may as well cooperate with me, so that my plan has a larger chance of success." I feel bad having to use coercion, but this is something I must do.

Alicia-san bites her lips so hard blood comes out. Seeing her like that, is increasing my guilt even more, but I won't back down.

"All right, fine!" She agrees. "What do you want me to do!?"

"The first, can you give me any information on that Soul Slayer, does it have a weakness? Secondly, can you make me look like Yuichi." I requested of Alicia-san.

"All right, but I don't think you can exploit Muramasa-Masamune's weakness." Alicia-san drops her head, she's completely given up on trying to stop me.

I quickly departed after I had her give me a bit of information. Time was of the essence, I needed to make some preparations before that bastard arrives.

XXXXXX

Chapter 12B: Ren Versus Vincent – Vincent's Arrival (Perspective: Vincent)

That Human Anomaly, as well as those two girls, were all wearing school uniforms. After doing a quick investigation, I learnt which school they were from. There are very few places that they can hide in within this area. But, that school is one of them. Now, lets see if my suspicions are true.

"Come out, come out. I know you're somewhere around here" I bluff.

Huh!? Was that!? I just saw that Anomaly run into one of the buildings. My suspicions were right on the money.

So, do you want to play a game of death-tag then?

I chase after him. It's the hero versus the monster. Let the fun commence.

XXXXXX

Chapter 12C: Ren Versus Vincent – Visual Trick (Perspective: Ren)

He is running after me. I am now in Yuichi's form. In order to draw his attention towards me and away from the real Yuichi, I had no choice but to do this.

The bastard is just a bit behind me. I'm running up the stairs as fast as I can. It's all over if he catches me. Luckily, I'm very athletic. I continue to run up the stairs, until I reach a door. I throw the door open so hard that it bangs against the wall. However, I don't go through it. Instead, I quickly run to a blind spot within the wall. I hide by pressing myself against it, I hold my breath. Knowing that if he finds me, I'm dead.

*Bang Bang Bang* I can hear the stomping on the stairs. The bastard is getting closer.

I hide myself desperately. The bastard runs on past me, and through the door. My plan to throw him off my track worked. The bastard saw the door closing itself. So, he naturally thought that I went through it. Using that visual trick to my advantage, I lured him upstairs, whilst I hid out of sight.

This is where it begins.

XXXXX

Chapter 12D: Ren Versus Vincent – The Trap (Perspective: Vincent)

I'm running up the several flights of stairs. I haven't seen that monster yet. Damn, he's quick, I'm getting fed up of this.

I finally reach the top of the stairs. The slide door to what appears to be a classroom, is wide open. What a fool, you're leaving a trail behind, did you think you could hide from me?

I go through the door and close it. Now I've got you.

Huh? There's no one here. Is he hiding? What a coward. In that case, I'll just have to smoke you out.

When I thought this, my attention is drawn to several sets of apparatus. There are multiple sets of Bunsen burners being tilted at an angle. Next to each one, is a glass beaker, with some sort of liquid inside, and some kind of splint sticking out. The way this is set up,could it be? Shit! it's a trap.

XXXXXX

Chapter 12E: Ren Versus Vincent – Conclusion (Perspective: Ren)

My plan's going perfectly. After that bastard ran past me on the stairs. I shadowed him whilst keeping a constant distance so he doesn't notice me. I've been going to this school for a year already. I won't lose to an outsider on my own turf, and this turf advantage, is what will seal my victory.

The bastard, enters into the science lab, and shuts the door behind him, perfect. I had already set up some Bunsen burners, as well as a load of flammable, and explosive chemicals in advance. As soon as I give the signal, the trap will activate. I run to the switch that turns on the gas for the science lab. I quickly turn it on with the key I stole from the office.

Now that gas is being supplied, the Bunsen burners will ignite the chemicals within the beakers.

However, I don't have time to sit and watch this happen. I run down the stairs as fast I can. As soon as I reach the window I had opened during my preparations, I dive straight out.

"URGHHH~~" I roll hard against the ground, the scraping pain is aggravating.

A moment later. *BOOOOOMM!* - The building explodes, the sound and the shock wave assault my body, and I roll even further along the ground.

The science block is a completely separate complex from where Yuichi and the others are. So, I can safely blow it up without it having any effect on them.

No human inside could have survived that. I feel a bit of lament within myself. I have done something I will never be able to take back. No matter how much of a scum bag he was, I still took a human life. I'm surprised just how relaxed I am, considering what I've just done.

I let my body stay laid out on the ground, I'm both physically, and mentally exhausted.

"GAHHHHHHH!" I scream in pain. What the hell just happened!?Something cut deeply into my body. I look around and see the likely culprit of my pain. Damn it, how did he escape?

"It appears that you're not the Human Anomaly from before, just a regular human." The bastard notices I'm not Yuichi. The spell giving me his appearance, must have worn off.

"How did you survive that blast!?" I ask the bastard. His body is dripping with blood and I can see burn marks. So, he was definitely caught in the explosion.

"I used Muramasa-Masamune to cut through the explosion. Although, I did still get caught in it. I did just enough to survive. Now, where is the Anomaly!?" He interrogates whilst pointing his evil sword at me. Just looking at that thing is giving me goosebumps.

"Go to hell!" I answer, does he honestly think I would tell him? If there's one thing I'm not, then it's a back stabber.

"I'll let you go there ahead of me." The bastard says as he raises his sword. So, this is it, huh.

The sword comes down sharply. But it doesn't impale me. He isn't going to stab me with his Soul Slayer?

"GAHHHH!" A shock wave comes out of his sword, and crashes into me. I can feel blood pouring out of every part of my body.

My mind feels blank. My sight is getting hazy. Yuichi, I'm sorry. I couldn't defeat him. I could only wound him. I hope this helps everyone, if only just a little.

"Killing you with Muramasa-Masamune would be too much of a privilege for you. So I'll just let you bleed to death there." The bastard staggers off and leaves me in a puddle of my own blood.

"Sakura...every...one...forgive...me. I let...you all...down." I can feel my tears coming out of my eyes. Tears of my own powerlessness.

I'm going to die, I already know this. I muster up the rest of my strength. These will be the final words of Ren Kirei.

"Please...let...everyone...else...be...safe." After saying this, I let a smile come to my face, even though my tears are still falling.

A few moments later, I can no longer fight my drowsiness. I give myself up, to the eternal sleep.

hyuugalegacy

2016-04-11, 07:52

Here is chapter 13, please enjoy.

Chapter 13A: Team Yuichi Versus Vincent – Alicia Versus Vincent (Perspective: Alicia)

*BOOOOM!* - An explosion?

I quickly open up the blind and look out the window. The science block is on fire. What on earth happened? Did Ren do that? Or was it...

I have to investigate.

"Nii-san!" Sakura quickly runs to the window, this is the first time she left Yuichi's side. She's looking out of the window with a concerned face, not that I can blame her. Yuna walks up to Sakura and wraps her arms around her trembling friend. Wolfy and Lilicia are looking at the girls with gloomy expressions.

"Wolfy, Lilicia, look after Yuna and Sakura." I order, "I'm going to go see what happened. Take the girls and flee if it comes to it."

"But Onee-sa..." Lilicia begins.

"NO BUTS! DO AS YOU'RE TOLD!" My frustration surfaces at the worst possible time. "I'm sorry, please, just do as I say."

They're all looking at me with shocked expressions, Lilicia gives me a weak nod, then hangs her head down.

I break into a sprint the instant I step outside the room. I'm heading towards the burning science block. Ren...I should have stopped him. I knew he was no match for the opponent. Yet, I let him go and face him so easily. As soon as I reach the science block, I notice a silhouette of a man staggering towards me. Eventually the moon light beams him into full view.

It's Muramasa-Masamune's wielder. Blood is flowing out of him, and his flesh and clothes are burnt and dirty. He must have been caught in the explosion. So that means Ren caused it.

"Where's Ren!?" I ask, I fear that I already know the answer. Yet, I can only pray that I'm wrong.

"You mean that imposter boy? I killed him. Serves him right for causing that inferno." He coldly answers, my wish didn't come true. I cannot apologise enough to Sakura for what's happened.

"Where is the Anomaly!?" The man asks me with a glare. Muramasa-Masamune is already drawn.

"How long have you had that sword out for?" I answer his question with another question, I have no intention of telling him anything after all.

"Oh~ so, you know about Muramasa-Masamune's weakness. But I ain't telling, why don't you guess, Miss Reaper?" He answers with a haughty voice. It looks like he managed to figure out my identity, not that it matters.

"The Muramasa-Masamune is a cursed Soul Slayer. It has the ability to sever through anything. However, once Muramasa-Masamune is drawn out of its sheath, it cannot be placed back in it, until it severs at least one soul. And, if it doesn't sever a soul within a certain amount of time, it devours the soul of its wielder, in this case, you." I explain the weakness of the Soul Slayer to its wielder. Considering he still has it drawn, it means he didn't sever Ren's soul with it.

"You truly are well informed, I guess it's to be expected of a Reaper. Well shall we get started then. Muramasa-Masamune is demanding me to sever you." The man pulls a sadistic grin and starts weaving Muramasa-Masamune in random motions.

"Just one thing before we begin, why do you all refuse to see Human Anomalies and Reapers as people?" I ask.

"Hoh~ have you had dealings with us in the past, Miss Reaper!?" I feel my anger rising from his deduction.

"Human Anomalies, are still Anomalies, they are things that should not exist in this world. We're just putting everything right. And as for Reapers, it's because you can almost say they are the mother of Human Anomalies. They return certain individuals to life, turning them into Human Anomalies in the process. If all Anomalies are my enemy, isn't it obvious that Reapers would be as well." He answers me in a matter of fact way. This resentment, it's the same as back then. No, this one doesn't even have a cause. It's simply prejudice.

A certain girl's face flashes into my mind. No, now is not the time. I must focus on the enemy in front of me.

"It appears that talking any more would just be a waste of time." He says as he points his Soul Slayer at me.

"I suppose so. I could try and keep you talking so you reach your time limit. However. My anger will not be quelled unless I slice you up personally!" I declare as I materialise my scythe. It's payback time.

""HAAAAA~""

We both charge head on towards each other. Even though he has already taken damage from that explosion, it doesn't even hinder him.

As our distance shortens, I create several balls of lightning and launch them at the Slayer.

"That won't even slow me down!" He shouts as he brandishes his sword at my lightning balls. He cuts through them all, even as he continues towards me. He takes a vertical slice at me. I quickly dodge to one side, and jump backwards to create some distance.

I shoot out a lightning bolt from my left hand. The man uses Muramasa-Masamune as a shield, and continues running towards me.

"What's wrong? Is that it, Reaper!?" He mocks.

I continue using the lightning bolt with my left hand. I then stab my scythe into the floor. I gather a ball of water using my now free right hand and launch it. The ball of water goes through my lightning bolt, conducting some of the electricity before it breaks apart and splashes onto the man.

"ARGGGGGGGHHHHHHH!" He screams in agony.

There's no way he could sever such a wide area with just his sword. It may be capable of severing anything it hits, but if it doesn't hit it he obviously can't sever it. Your weakness is multiple attacks that cover a wide range. The fact you weren't able to escape that explosion, gave me this hypothesis. Ren, your actions, although careless, has given me the vital information that will lead to this guy's defeat.

"DAMN YOU!" He shouts as he staggers to his feet. He's tenacious.

I grab my scythe and charge at him, I'm not going to give him chance to recover.

The man jumps into the air and weaves his sword below his feet. I continue to rush at him, I swing my scythe horizontally, planning to cleave him in half. However, I feel no resistance, I missed. Just before my scythe reached him, he flew into the air. So that's what he did just now. He severed the gravity acting on him, and flew into the sky. Muramasa-Masamune is living up to its name. Wait, why on earth am I admiring him?

"DIE!" He shouts as he slashes randomly with his sword.

"ARGGHHH!" A heavy blow hits my body. The recoil pushes me onto the floor and rolling backwards several metres. A shock wave?

"Gahh~!" I feel blood trickle down my face as I get back onto my feet.

"HA HA HA! Let me hear you scream more. Or else my sweet taste of revenge will turn sour." He screams at me. The look on his face, has he gone completely mad? Wanting to hear me scream? What a sick fetish.

"Here's some more!" He slashes his sword randomly again. My body can't do any nimble movement in this state. I can't dodge it. Knowing this, I use my arms as a shield, and brace myself.

"URGHH!" I try to keep my voice in. I refuse to give this sick bastard what he wants. Because I braced myself this time, even though I was pushed back I was able to remain on my feet. If I fall to the ground in this state, I won't be able to stand up again.

"This glorious pain you gave to me, let me return it to you several times over!" He screams. Yes, he's definitely lost his mind. Or is this his true colours?

"How about an encore!? I'll give you an even bigger serving than the last two! So feel free to get torn to shreds, please I insist!" He weaves his sword along with his sarcastic remark.

Even if I try to guard against this one. I will still lose. Is my desire to kill this bastard so little!?

Droplets of water escape my eyes. I see the air pressure of the shock wave disturbing the surroundings. It's heading straight for me.

The face of the boy who became my fiancé comes to my mind. It's only at a time like this that I can say it. Even if he doesn't hear it. I know, if I don't say it, I will only have regrets. I force a smile, as I speak to the boy who isn't even here.

"Yuichi...I...lo..."

XXXXX

Chapter 13B: Team Yuichi Versus Vincent – Soul Searching

"One who acknowledges their soul gains power."

"Huh?"

"What is your nature?"

"My nature?"

"How do you see yourself?"

"Do you have to ask? I'm the most beautiful person alive."

"Acknowledge your identity, and your soul will answer you."

"Just who are you anyway?"

"I am a fragment of yourself."

"Of me?"

"Remember, let your words acknowledge your soul."

"Okay, I've got it."

"Then awaken."

"Urgh..." I slowly open my eyes.

"Sempai!" Sakura yells, her body is shaking.

"Onii-chan, you've finally woke up." Yuna looks at me with tears in her eyes, sorry to worry you.

I slowly recall what happened. Oh, right. That guy, Vincent, stabbed me with his sword.

"Why am I still alive?" I ask, Vincent stabbed me with his Soul Slayer, I thought I was a goner. My injury has also disappeared without a trace. That's good, leaving a scar on this beautiful body would be a tragedy on the scale of genocide.

"You barely survived, Master. You were brought here to recover within that capsule by Alicia-sama."

Capsule? This thing I'm lying in?

"Wait, Alicia, where is she!?" I ask whilst looking left and right, if she brought me here, shouldn't she be nearby?

"Onee-sama is..." Huh? Lilicia-chan, you're also here? "Fighting the man with the Soul Slayer. I've been feeling her Reaper spells for a while now."

What did you say!?

"Also Onii-chan, Ren-sempai hasn't returned. He went to face that guy by himself." Yuna explains with a gloomy expression.

I get out of the capsule and onto my feet at lightning speed.

"What do you mean? What happened to Ren!?" I shout. Everyone averts their gaze, their eyes look like they could burst into tears any second.

No, it can't be. Ren, he can't be.

No, I won't believe that. He won't be done in so easily.

With my newly found resolve, I face my friends.

"I'm going to help Alicia. You all find somewhere to hide until this is all over."

"Onii-chan..." Yuna tries to raise an objection.

"Rest assured, Yuna. I'm not the same Yuichi Shiro I once was. I promise you all, I will get Alicia and come back safely." I strongly declare.

"Okay, Onii-chan, go." Yuna agrees.

"Yuna..." Sakura looks questioningly at Yuna.

"There's no way to stop Onii-chan when he's like this. The only thing we can do is pray for his safety." Yuna explains solemnly.

"Okay...I...got it." Sakura also agrees.

"Please help Onee-sama, Yuichi-niisama." Lilicia-chan pleads.

I pat her head and give her a thumbs up.

"Wolfy, protect these girls." I order.

"Yes, Master, even if it costs me my life. I swear on my pride, I will keep them safe." Wolfy replies with determined eyes. Such a great pet, you take after your master so much.

"That's not a compliment, Onii-chan." Yuna states with a sigh, as usual she can read me like an open book. She's gotta teach me that technique someday.

"I'm off." I state as I leave the room waving to my friends with the back of my hand. I've always wanted to do such a cool exit scene.

And now, the beautiful hero Yuichi Shiro, shall re-enter the battle.

XXXXX

Chapter 13C: Team Yuichi Versus Vincent – Yuichi Shiro Present (Perspective: Alicia)

"Yuichi...I...lo..." I begin to confess my feelings.

"Alicia!" A nostalgic voice calls my name. Its owner runs in between me and the incoming shock wave.

"GHHH!" He turns himself into a shield and defends me from the shock wave.

"Yuichi?" I question my eyes.

He turns around and smiles at me, blood is rolling down his face.

"Yep, the one and only. The beautiful Yuichi Shiro, who has unparalleled beauty and is so beautiful even the gods are jealous." Yuichi announces. How many times do you have to emphasise your self proclaimed beauty in one sentence? He'll never change.

My legs finally give out. The sense of relief seeing Yuichi causes my exhaustion to catch up with me.

"Say, Alicia."

"Hm? What is it?" I ask.

"What was it you were trying to say just a second ago? You know, the Yuichi I lo..." My face instantly feels hot. He heard me just now.

Yuichi stares at me curiously.

"I was about to say Yuichi I loath you!" I scream at the top of my lungs.

"EHH!? What's with that? How can anyone loath someone as beautiful as me?" Yuichi asks in shock. You'll be surprised just how easy it actually is Yuichi. He bought my lie though, I'm glad he's an idiot.

"Oi oiiii~Anomaly boy and Miss Reaper! Have you forgotten about me!?" The Muramasa-Masamune wielder asks with a sadistic smile still plastered on his face.

Actually, truth be told, just for a second, I did.

XXXXX

Chapter 13D: Team Yuichi Versus Vincent – Yuichi Versus Vincent

"Don't worry, I haven't forgotten." I answer the git floating in the sky. Your new make over suits your sparkling personality.

"The main dish has finally come onto the plate! This time I'll slay you properly! Miracles don't happen twice!" Vincent screams at me.

"I have many debts to repay you. For myself, for Ren, and for Alicia."

"Ha! What can you do? You stupid Human Anomaly. Just let Muramasa-Masamune cleave you in half."

"Words that identify my nature." I whisper to myself.

I feel something welling up inside of me. It's a strange feeling. The words naturally leave my mouth. I say them, almost as if by intuition.

"My soul is one that is of self confidence." I recite the words almost like a song. My mind enters a trance like state almost like I'm meditating.

"Beautiful, intelligent and kind."

"Absolute belief in myself and those that surround me."

"And a will that never dulls, bends or breaks."

After I finish the words, I feel light illuminating from the depths of my soul, and eventually to my body.

"Soul ID lyrics." I barely catch Alicia's voice.

"What the hell did you just do!?" Vincent asks me with a shocked face.

"I acknowledged myself." I reply.

I can feel my new power. Not only feel, I also understand it. Like it has always been a part of me.

"Silver Manifestation!" I call. In response a certain metal materialises out of nowhere. The power I gained, allows me to create silver at will.

I make the silver condense into the shape of a sword and take it into my hand.

"It doesn't matter! Muramasa-Masamune can sever anything, including your sword!" Vincent declares as he swiftly charges at me through the air.

*Ching!* - I stop his Soul Slayer dead with my silver sword. I can't explain it, I just had a feeling, that my sword could block his Soul Slayer.

"This can't be real!?" He shouts in shock.

"Oh, it's real, as is this!" I shout as I push his Soul Slayer to one side and slash him.

"GAHHHHH!" Vincent screams in agony. Did it hurt? Good, it was meant to.

As soon as I'm confident of my victory I Suddenly feel another presence. This is? A Soul Anomaly.

Vincent staggers backwards as he holds the wound I gave him with his free hand.

"I'll definitely kill you someday!" He declares as he slashes his sword at the ground.

A cloud of dirt blocks my view. As soon as it clears. Vincent is no longer there.

Damn it! He escaped.

XXXXX

Chapter 13E: Team Yuichi Versus Vincent – The End (Perspective: Vincent)

Damn that was close. If I had delayed any longer Muramasa-Masamune would have consumed me.

I just killed a regular Soul Anomaly that coincidentally appeared. So I've met the requirements to sheath Muramasa-Masamune.

"That damn Anomaly! I swear I'll get him for this." I declare.

"You should give up on the idea of beating him." A voice calls to me.

I turn around to find someone wearing a mask and a crimson robe standing there. The robe has an embroidery of blue flames rising up to its centre from the hem and sleeves, and another embroidery of six crosses forming the shape of a cross.

I never felt his presence, just when did he get there? The man slowly paces towards me. This feeling?

"You're a Human Anomaly, aren't you!?" I question.

"That is correct." He answers in a monotone voice.

I resist the urge to kill him, something he said is bothering me.

"What do you mean I should give up on the idea of beating him!?" I ask, are you making fun of me!?

"Muramasa-Masamune is capable of severing everything, yet you failed to sever through Yuichi Shiro's sword. And before, even though you impaled right through him, he survived. Do you know why that is?" The masked man asks, still in a monotonous voice.

"Are you saying Muramasa-Masamune is weakening?" I reply.

"In a sense, but the fault does not lie with Muramasa-Masamune."

"What do you mean!?" I'm starting to lose my patience with this guy.

"Muramasa-Masamune's potential power output has always remained constant. However, the variable that affects the actual outcome of power is the wielder, you. That is why what happened, happened."

"Are you implying that I'm an inferior wielder, that lowered the specs of my Soul Slayer!?" Don't kid with me you damn monster.

"That is correct." The same monotone voice. "During your last battle, why did you not use Muramasa-Masamune's Soul Corroding Rain?"

He knows of Muramasa-Masamune's other ability!? Of course I didn't use it. The rain covers a wide area. In close quarter combat, it would corrode my soul as well as my enemies.

"I believe the answer would be fear. It's not something I understand from an emotional point of view, I have never experienced anything that could be called an emotion after all." The masked man explains.

"What are you talking about!?" I shout.

"You fear your own Soul Slayer, that is what weakened Muramasa-Masamune's power output." He concludes.

I draw Muramasa-Masamune out of its sheath. I've had enough of this Anomaly speaking like it knows everything. Even if I'm already wounded, I can still cut him up.

"Never experienced fear? I'll let you do so right now." I rush at him. I'll kill you, damn it!

"Unfortunately, my emotions cannot be drawn out so easily." Can I take those as your last words?

I swing Muramasa-Masamune, aiming to cut off his head.

"What!?" How can this be!? He blocks Muramasa-Masamune, with his bare hand.

http://img13.deviantart.net/730d/i/2015/098/e/0/commission___scene_13e_by_renealexa_diary-d8ox9vw.jpg

"With this output, your chances of victory is zero." That unemotional voice is pissing me off!

"I'll kill you! I'll kill you! I'll kill you!" I can't contain my anger, so I let it out. I force Muramasa-Masamune out of his grip.

"I have no real use for Muramasa-Masamune. However, if I kill you, and take it into my possession, then the chances of Voynich-Caduceus coming into this town increases."

This bastard! He wants to kill me to lure a different Soul Slayer out. In his eyes, I'm little more than the bait to catch the fish! Why the hell is he interested in Voynich-Caduceus anyway!? Oh well, I'll just kill him here and it'll no longer matter. I tighten my grip on Muramasa-Masamune.

"Why do you not flee? You can't win." The monotonous voice asks.

"Like hell my pride will allow me to run after all your insults!" I shout back.

"Pride? Another emotion. I guess in order for someone to be called complete, they need to have a balance made up of both emotions and logic. For me who currently only has logic, I will continue to be incomplete. However, I want to see what I become when I am complete. So I will draw them out."

"What the hell are you talking to yourself about!?" I yell as I swing my Soul Slayer at the disgusting creature before me. Damn, he blocked it bare handed again.

"Sacrifices have to be made for the sake of completeness."

"What on earth are you talking about!?" This is one creepy bastard.

"Letting you time out and being devoured by Muramasa-Masamune would work. But I will grant you a more honourable death for your pride's sake. Even though I cannot understand the feeling or the difference behind one way or the other."

My anger increases further at his last comment. I increase the strength I'm putting into Muramasa-Masamune but it doesn't budge an inch.

"My soul is one that is of the unknown." Wait, the words are different. But, is he doing the same thing as that other Anomaly? I feel a heavy sweat come down my face.

"NOOOOO!"

XXXXX

Chapter 13F: Team Yuichi Versus Vincent – Happy Ending

We're all gathered around the person who was my best friend, Ren Kirei. His face looks peaceful.

"Nii-san..." Sakura cries, Yuna hugs her whilst trying to hold in her own tears.

Everyone looks on with grief ridden faces.

"Ren...I'm sorry." It's my fault you ended up like this.

"What for?" What? A voice I thought I'd never hear again, just entered into my ear.

"Re...n." You're alive.

"Nii-san~~!" Sakura runs up to and hugs Ren, whom simply strokes her head with a brotherly smile. What's going on?

"Ren, you've become a Human Anomaly." Alicia states with a shocked expression.

"I beat this Reaper girl, who had this annoying laugh, at a game of strip heads or tails." Ren confesses as he gets back onto his feet.

"A game of strip heads or tails? Ren, what kind of pervert are you?" I ask in disgust, a gentleman should learn to keep their perverted desires under control. You should learn a thing or two from me.

"This coming from a guy who chose strip rock-paper-scissors." Alicia harshly retorts.

Oh right, I did, didn't I?

"Onii-chan!"

"Sempai!"

I get a double glare attack from my sister and kouhai.

"Ren Kirei-sama." Another voice enters the conversation. Wait, isn't she?

"Elizabeth!?" Alicia exclaims.

"Girl who wanted a threesome with me and Alicia." I call out.

"I never wanted any such thing!" She declares.

"What are you doing here, Elizabeth?" Alicia asks. Yes, I want to know too. She didn't even do her signature laugh, this must be serious.

"I am...here...to..." Elizabeth stutters, "I'm here as I am to be engaged to Ren Kirei-sama!" She declares the latter half loudly. For some reason, I'm getting a feeling of deja vu. Ren barely knows this girl and yet she's talking about marriage. If I was in Ren's shoes, there is only one possible answer I could give.

"I'm counting on you to be my best man, Yuichi." Ren says at the drop of a hat. As expected of my best friend, you chose the only correct possible answer. I give Ren a thumbs up in agreement.

I then hold my hand above my head.

*Pacha!* - We give each other a high five.

"Wait, you're okay with it?" Elizabeth asks. Ren simply gives a nod.

"Those two are so much alike it's scary." Alicia states. Really? I don't think we're all that similar.

"I guess we both cheated death in more ways than one, huh?" I say to Ren.

"So you did as well?" Ren replies.

"Yeah, I used my quick reflexes to change between scissors and paper. That way the best Alicia could get was a draw against me. I'm guessing you used a trick coin right."

"That's right, I'm surprised she never noticed." Ren confesses.

"Wait, Yuichi, are you saying?" Alicia looks at me with a bewildered face.

"Ren-sama, does that mean?" Elizabeth has a similar expression.

Ren and myself turn to our respective significant other.

""We cheated."" We say together in sync along with cheesy smiles.

Wait, you two. Why are you bringing your scythes out!?

""DIE!"" The two Reapers say together.

"Leg it!" I scream as I run as fast as my legs can carry me.

XXXXX

Chapter 13G: Team Yuichi Versus Vincent – Situation Report

Vincent Redfern's body has been discovered. The whereabouts of Muramasa-Masamune are currently unknown. We will prepare a team to locate the missing Soul Slayer. The recovery of Muramasa-Masamune will be given priority, in comparison to investigating the increase of Soul Anomalies.

hyuugalegacy

2016-05-01, 06:27

And here is chapter 14 and the start of the second arc.

Chapter 14A: Return To Peace

A few days have passed since Vincent's assault. We are now adjusting back to our regular lives.

The building that Ren destroyed in a attempt to kill Vincent has been completely rebuilt within a day by a bunch of Reapers Alicia called in. I have to say that I'm thoroughly impressed at their work. The clean up was done so well, that there's no sign that the battle ever occurred.

Alicia and I escorted Lilicia back to the Underworld. Father, upon seeing me, started rubbing his cheek against me with tears in his eyes, I must have really worried him. It took a lot of effort on Alicia's part to persuade him to give up on his vengeance plan, I still have no idea what he was planning on doing.

Elizabeth has also transferred into our class. It was really amusing hearing the class cheer upon seeing her, only to boo Ren when it was announced they were engaged. You must increase your handsomeness level my friend, that way people would be more accepting of you dating such a cute girl, strive to be like me.

Our usual group of people, plus Elizabeth, who know my, and now Ren's secret are sitting on the rooftop in a circle. It's lunch time.

"I can't believe you all." Demon Mizuno is looking at us with an angry glare. "Why didn't you tell me that happened!?"

"I didn't want to needlessly worry you." Alicia answers with an apologetic look. Your decision to not tell Demon Mizuno was the correct one. She's one of the few people who doesn't understand my beauty and grace. I wouldn't put it past her to try and kill me while I was in a weakened state.

"All's well that ends well. I learned how to create silver, it's a really useful ability," I announce, trying to change the subject to help my fiancé.

"Your Soul ID's ability, the ability to create silver at will." Alicia summarises.

"What, Soul ID ability? He has only just become a Human Anomaly, yet he's already learned it." Elizabeth looks shocked.

"What is this Soul ID ability?" Yuna asks, but I think everyone wishes to know the answer.

"A 'Soul ID ability' or 'Soul Technique' as it's better known, is a power that is unique for every Human Anomaly. They are activated when the Human Anomaly acknowledges and states the nature of their being. The ability granted is always different, in Yuichi's case, it's the ability to create silver." Alicia explains.

"Ren-sama, don't lose to Alicia's Human Anomaly. Make sure to hurry up and awaken your Soul ID's ability. I cannot allow you to be lower than Alicia's man, oh ho ho ho." Elizabeth says in a competitive manner.

"Yeah, yeah," and Ren just shrugs it off.

"You're amazing, Sempai." Sakura chimes in. Tell me something I don't know.

"Yeah, my greatness is only inferior to my beauty." I declare confidently. If I start the Yuichi Shiro cult, I get the feeling I could unite the world under one religion.

"And your beauty is inferior to your arrogance." Demon Mizuno states coldly. This girl is beyond saving. I give her a look of disdain, she simply turns her head away from me. What an unredeemable bitch.

"But creating silver truly must come in handy." Ren says in awe.

"Don't admire him, Ren-sama, I'm positive your ability will be better." Elizabeth is still being competitive, what a child, I'll just ignore her.

"It makes me a pretty penny as well," I announce.

"Huh? What do you mean?" Alicia asks.

"Silver is a very valuable metal, by weighing it in, I made quite a lot of money." I explain. Yes, by creating an endless amount of silver, I never have to worry about how to earn some spending money.

Everyone is looking at me with shocked faces. This is the level of the genius of the one and only Yuichi Shiro, ha ha ha, shiver in fear commoners.

"Um, Yuichi. I don't think that's something you should do with your new power." Ren explains.

"Well that is the difference between you and me then, Ren." I reply in a cool voice.

"Onii-chan, will you stop acting all high and mighty? It is partly your fault that Ren-sempai became a Human Anomaly." Yuna angrily states. Yes, I do feel somewhat responsible for that. Ren will not return to being a regular human, he will have to go through the same changes I did.

"What's with the glum expression, Yuichi?" Ren asks in a almost bored tone, "I'm not someone so pathetic that I'll blame you for my own screw up. Besides, I think I'm going to enjoy my new life." Ren, you really are a great guy worthy of being the great Yuichi Shiro's best friend.

"Onii-chan, will you stop using every opportunity to boast about yourself!" Yuna, your ability to read me. Could it be that you too have ceased to be human?

"I'm a regular human!" Yuna retorts to my inner monologue.

"Anyway, I think that we're forgetting the main reason for our gathering today," Ren says.

*AHEM*

"So to our new friend and my fiancé, cheers." Ren toasts to everyone present.

"""CHEERS!""" We all shout together as we clang our glasses together.

I have finally returned to my peaceful days.

XXXXXX

Chapter 14B: Return To Peace (Perspective: Currently Unknown)

"It's been a long time since I've come back here. Nothing's changed." I say to myself as I admire the scenery that I haven't seen for a while. "I wish that I could have come here on a more casual note though."

The Muramasa-Masamune's whereabouts are currently unknown. I, along with one other person, have been ordered to find it. My partner is currently scoping out the town, but I doubt she'll find anything. She has zero sensing skills after all.

Even though I'm here on official business, at the very least, I'm going to see that person. The boy who has invaded my dreams on a nightly basis. I've been wanting to see him ever since I left. The boy who helped me get out of my depression, when I was at my lowest.

I raise my staff that has several parchments of paper attached to it into the sky, I do have work to do after all. This staff is my Soul Slayer, Voynich-Caduceus. As I activate it the attached papers begin to shine.

As soon as the brightness fades, I continue to reminiscence my thoughts back to the boy I wish to meet again.

"I'm looking forward to our reunion, Yuichi-kun," I say to myself in anticipation.

http://img02.deviantart.net/c534/i/2015/290/c/7/commission___scene_14b_by_renealexa_diary-d9ddx9z.jpg

hyuugalegacy

2016-05-08, 13:53

Well here is chapter 15 for Soul Anomaly

Chapter 15A: Peace Is Always Short – Punishment For Perversion

"Why the hell do I have to help you out!?" I ask the demon in the form of a girl in front of me.

"It's your punishment for trying to peek on the girls changing!" Demon Mizuno replies.

I wanted to give my kouhai some affection, Yuichi Shiro style. However, this demon somehow thwarted my good intentions. And now she thinks that she has the right to order me around.

"Just hurry it up!"

After being urged I continue to place the boxes on the shelves. I can't win an argument with a demon. As punishment I am rearranging all this crap in the storage. I've been doing it for an hour already. School ended long ago.

"Well it's really a life saver that you're helping me out," Demon Mizuno states. "Sensei asked me to do this, but it would have taken forever on my own."

"You should have just refused then," I reply in a tone advertising my annoyance. Helping you out? Aren't I the only one doing anything?

"There's no way I can do that! I refuse to ignore someone who has asked for my help."

"Then will you help me out by cleaning this place by yourself so I can go home?"

"No! Now keep your arms moving," She coldly demands.

"You liar! You said you couldn't ignore someone who asked for your help!"

"This is punishment. It's a different matter altogether." This demon has an answer for everything. "Do you hate being with me that much?" I hear the demon whisper something. Is she trying to lay a curse on me!?

"Did you say something, Demon Mizuno?" I ask in fear.

"Don't call me Demon Mizuno!" She shouts as she shakes the stool I'm standing on.

"Oi stop it!" I shout as the contents of the box jiggles about. "Woah! Crap!" I lose my footing, drop the box and fall backwards, towards Demon Mizuno.

*Bang*

"Ow, damn it hurts. Huh?" What's this soft sensation I feel in my hand? I slowly look where my hand is. Oh shit! Lying under me is Demon Mizuno, her face is dyed red. My hand somehow managed to find its way to her bosom. She is so going to kill me.

I prepare myself for my impending death. Ren, I leave you my porno collection. Alicia, I leave to you my pride and joy, my photo album, that contains pictures of my almighty beautiful self in its rawest form. Use it to cleanse your tears of losing the beautiful man you love the most. I start to write my last will inside my head.

Wait a second. Whilst I was immersed in my thoughts many seconds passed. Why am I still alive?

I look down at Demon Mizuno who is still under me. Her face is even redder than it was before. She isn't going to attack me? Does that mean that there's a method to resolve this in a way that doesn't leave Alicia a widow?

I slowly get up and distance myself from her.

"Sorry." I give a single word apology to Demon Mizuno who is acting uncharacteristically shy.

"You touched my breast." That single sentence was full of emotion. It looks like I won't get away from this situation unscathed. The demon's mercy is non-existent.

"I'm sorry! But you were the one who started shaking the stool, Demon Mizuno!" There's no way I'm taking all the blame, when she was the cause in the first place.

"Call me Akane."

"Huh?"

"Didn't you hear me, Yuichi!? I hate it when you call me Demon Mizuno. So call me "Akane"." Her eyes start to moist. This is the first time in a long time that I actually took notice of a very simple fact, Akane Mizuno is indeed a girl. No wait, don't be fooled Yuichi Shiro. This is the demon's deceit.

"Demon Mizuno is Demon Mizuno," I state with pride, my chest held out high. There is no way I'm calling you in such an intimate way, know your place. A demon has no right to be close to someone as great and beautiful as me. This is one point I refuse to change.

"Call me "Akane", otherwise your so called beautiful face will be needing intensive plastic surgery."

"As you wish, Akane." I quickly change my view under Dem...No, Akane's threat. My previous pride shatters like glass. My face must remain intact, my pride is nowhere near as valuable as my glorious face. Damn, for Dem...Akane to pick up on this and use it against me.

"Now Yuichi, we need to tidy up all this mess now don't we?" Akane says as she smiles at me. Her smile looks angelic, but sweat is running down my neck just by looking at it.

Taking her words as a command, I hurriedly collect the things that fell out of the box back together.

I decided to not ask why she was also now referring to me as Yuichi, as they say let sleeping demons lie.

Chapter 15B: Peace Is Always Short – Father's Request (Perspective: Alicia)

"So can you and Yuichi-kun participate then?" My father asks over the phone.

"I'll ask him, I doubt Yuichi would refuse though," I reply. Yes, Yuichi's the type of person who would jump up and down on the prospect of being able to take part.

"That's great, I know the three of you together will win easily," My father says cheerfully.

"The most serious opponent in the competition is still missing after all," I state solemnly.

"Alicia, there's nothing we can do about that. The Thanatos family is still searching for her. She was their heir after all."

"Are there still absolutely no clues to her whereabouts?" I ask, hoping for a positive reply.

"No more news has come to light since you asked last," Father shoots down my hopes instantly.

That one, as Reapers go, she was a prodigy among prodigies. The oldest daughter among the family of Thanatos. Among my generation of Reapers, she stood at the very top. She was my ideal self. However, she disappeared without a trace a few years ago. The Underworld has searched high and low for her to no avail.

"Anyway, can I count on you, Alicia?" Father asks.

"Yes, we will definitely win."

"That's the spirit. I'll see you then. Give Yuichi-kun my regards."

*Click, beep beep* - The phone hangs up.

I slowly take the phone away from my ear. If she was still around, the best we could hope for in that competition, would be second place.

"Where are you?" I ask rhetorically as I gaze out the window.

Chapter 15C: Peace Is Always Short – Meeting An Old Acquaintance

We finally finished cleaning up that store room. I'm walking home with Akane. Every joint in my body is aching.

"I'm sweating like a jock, although a very handsome one. I want to get home and have a shower," I voice my thoughts out loud.

"If you stopped your perverted ways, you wouldn't have been held back in the first place."

"If you didn't force me, I wouldn't have had to do it full stop," I complain. Today has been a roller coaster of a ride.

"Say Yuichi, isn't that?" I look where Akane is pointing her finger. I recognise her right away. That long crimson hair, her dark eyes, her stylish proportions, there's no doubt. But she moved away, did she come back? The girl in question walks over to us with a swift walk.

"It's been a while, Yuichi-kun, Akane-chan," She says with a smile on her face.

"Shiori-sempai?" Akane asks in disbelief. Yes, no doubt about it, it's Shiori Azusa. She was a second year during my freshman year. She suddenly moved away in the middle of the school term. She was previously a member of the disciplinary committee, that's why she knows Akane.

She's also the only girl who I believe has ever had a logical reason for bearing a grudge against me. When she lost a relative, she bottled up all her tears. So I released her bottled up emotions in the form of anger, by insulting her deceased relative.

However, we patched things up before she left town. Today has been one surprise after another. I didn't think I would see Shiori-sempai again.

"Yuichi-kun, you've become a Human Anomaly haven't you?" Hearing this, my body instantly tenses. Akane also looks on in shock.

How does Shiori-sempai know about that?

hyuugalegacy

2016-05-17, 10:07

Well here is chapter 16

Chapter 16A: Conference Between Slayer And Anomaly – Shiori Azusa

The three of us, Shiori-sempai, Akane, and I, decided to change the location to a local fast food restaurant so that we could talk. The burger in my hand looks like a classic example of all traditional fast food restaurants' promotion of food poisoning, not that this is stopping me from putting it into my glorious mouth. I get the feeling I'm going to regret this later, but I like burgers, so I can't help myself.

"Shiori-sempai, how is it that you know about Yuichi?" Akane questions our former Sempai.

"As I thought you know about it too, Akane-chan," Shiori-sempai replies whilst nodding her head to herself. "Regardless, Yuichi-kun I approached you to ask you about something." She skilfully avoids the question.

"What is it? It's my humble duty to answer my fans' questions," I say in a ten percent joking and ninety percent serious tone.

Shiori-sempai smiles at my comment. "The same as always." Sempai's smile suddenly changes into a more serious expression. "Vincent Redfern, does this name ring any bells?"

That bastard who wields the Soul Slayer, Muramasa-Masamune? Wait, if Shiori-sempai is asking about him, then does that mean!?

"Your face is telling me you've met him." Damn, Sempai is sharp.

"Shiori-sempai are you..." I begin.

"The owner of a Soul Slayer? Yes, I am," She readily replies.

Akane and I both stand up in shock. So Shiori-sempai is here to carry on what Vincent started!

"Sit down you two, I'm not here to pick unnecessary fights, but I do want answers." Shiori-sempai gestures for us to sit back down, we do as we're told. She then tells us, "Vincent is dead."

"Say what!?" I can't hide my shock, that bastard died. I can hardly say I'll miss the scum bag, but just how did it happen?

"So tell me what happened between the two of you." Shiori-sempai interrogates. This brings up memories of the past. She would often question me back when she was part of the disciplinary committee. I know from past experience I won't be able to fool her. I explain everything about my encounter with Vincent.

How he attempted to kill me, how he tried to kill Sakura, and about how I defeated him. I hid the fact that Ren became a Human Anomaly, someone as great as me cannot put his friend in danger by revealing his identity to a Slayer.

"So essentially, you defeated him, but you didn't kill him yourself?" Shiori-sempai summarises. I nod in confirmation.

"I thought that bastard was just licking his wounds, preparing another assault, I never knew he actually died," I explain.

"Well, truth is Yuichi-kun, Vincent's death is a trivial point to the church, it is what isn't accountable that's the problem." Shiori-sempai states. A person's death is trivial? I certainly hate Vincent, but even the very organisation he was a part of thinks little of him.

I'm hating these people more and more.

"So what are you going to do, Shiori-sempai? Are you going to try and kill me like Vincent did?" I make my voice sound tough. But it's nothing more than a front. I don't want to fight Sempai, but if she's the same as Vincent, will I have a choice? Alicia once told me that the church just sees Human Anomalies like any other Anomaly. There may have been a time when the two of us were friends, but is that time still now? Anomalies and Soul Slayers are natural enemies after all.

"Yuichi, Shiori-sempai." Akane looks at each of us in turn. I guess she's worried that a fight is going to break out.

"Haaaaah~" Shiori-sempai sighs, "Didn't I say that I wasn't here to pick a fight with you? I'm not an extremist like Vincent, nor am I so loyal to the church that I would kill one of my kouhai." I breathe a sigh of relief, I can tell that Shiori-sempai is telling me the truth. Come to think of it, if she truly did intend on killing me, she wouldn't have let me suspect her in the first place.

"Then what are you after?" Akane asks.

"I, along with one other person were dispatched to locate and retrieve Muramasa-Masamune. Officially speaking, that's our sole objective, dealing with Anomalies is secondary compared to this."

Muramasa-Masamune, that eerie blade Vincent carried that could supposedly sever anything, although it was unable to cut through my silver for some reason.

"But Yuichi-kun, the fact that you became a Human Anomaly was a huge shock, what happened?" Shiori-sempai asks.

"I was killed in a road accident when a truck hit me. I won back my life by cheating in my match against Alicia." I explain.

Just recalling that game is making me feel really hot. For some reason there's something appealing to me about the fact that I cheated in a game that decided whether I lived or died. As well as being able to watch Alicia stripping off clothes in agony and shock as I won every single round. Ren also did the same and cheated against Elizabeth, I sure wish that I was there when he took her on.

"Yuichi! A creepy smile is plastered all over your face." Akane points out in a spiteful voice.

"Hmm~" Sempai is showing a mischievous looking smile. "Don't run off Yuichi-kun, Akane-chan, I'm going to the toilet so come with me." Sempai orders as she gets out of her seat, Akane follows suit with a questioning look on her face.

Why is it that women have to go to the toilet in groups? I've always wondered this, but I still can't figure it out. You won't see me or Ren saying 'come on lets go take a piss together' to one another.

Well, now that they're both out of sight I feel like doing something childish. Sempai and I ordered the exact same drink, so whilst she's gone, I quickly pick up Sempai's drink and switch it's place with my own. You should feel honoured Sempai, this is the first time that the great Yuichi Shiro has initiated an indirect kiss with someone. Consider it your reward for putting your friends before your duty.

XXXXXXXX

Chapter 16B: Conference Between Slayer And Anomaly – Sempai/Rival (Perspective: Akane)

"So you've fallen for Yuichi-kun too have you, Akane-chan?" Sempai immediately asks me once we close the door.

*Cough cough!* She took me by complete surprise with that question. "What are you saying, Sempai!?"

"Your reaction just now was louder than any confession, Akane-chan," Sempai states as she wears a teasing smile on her face. "To think that you would fall for the very person you told me was the type you hated. I guess it's true that there is a thin line between love and hate."

"It's just that I found out that there's more to him than his narcissism and perversion." I can't lie to Sempai, she is too perceptive. If I try to tell her a lie she will see through it and I will only look more pitiful. Although it's embarrassing, my best choice of action against her is the truth.

"So, Akane-chan is my rival now is she?" Sempai confirms to herself. Wait, rival? Then that means that Sempai...

"You like Yuichi as well."

"Yep, which means I won't hand him over, not even to you Akane-chan." Sempai admits instantly with a smile.

"Sempai, just to let you know there are at least two others who like him. Including someone who he's engaged to." I explain, I doubt Sempai is aware of this.

"He has got at least four girls to fall for him? Way to go, Yuichi-kun," Sempai says in honest admiration. Her carefree nature is still with her.

"Um, Sempai, doesn't the fact that he's engaged sway you even a little?" I ask, how can she be so optimistic? The boy she's after is essentially unobtainable.

"Why? In the worst case scenario there is always NTR." Sempai says nonchalantly. I can feel my face burning up from her saying NTR.

"Aren't you Yuichi's natural enemy, how can you possibly be together?" That's right she's a Soul Slayer wielder, Yuichi is a Human Anomaly, the two are as incompatible as can be.

"Our romance can be like Romeo and Juliet!" Sempai retorts. Sempai, are you aware that Romeo and Juliet ended as a tragedy?

"Besides which," Sempai continues, "I'm only part of the church for my own agenda, I can quit any time I want." Sempai's last comment sounds like something that you would stereotypically hear from a chain smoker. But I feel that her words aren't empty, she's telling me the truth.

For what reason did Sempai take up a Soul Slayer?

"Well let's get back to Yuichi-kun, he's probably wondering what is taking us so long."

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Chapter 16C: Conference Between Slayer And Anomaly – Shiori's Warning

The three of us have just finished our meal. Sempai drank her drink lovingly, I hope you liked every sip of it. I smile to myself in self respect.

"Yuichi-kun, I'm going to make this advice very simple. With another Slayer in this town other than me, you should lay low. Don't go hunting Anomalies or make yourself stand out," Sempai advises. But that's easier said than done, I sparkle brighter than the sun just by walking down the street, beauty cannot be hidden, hence neither can I.

"Unlike me, Gungnir-Mjölnir's wielder will not hesitate to kill you, and she's no pushover when it comes to combat. Hence, the best thing you can do is steer clear of her, she isn't able to recognise Human Anomalies on sight like I can. So as long as I keep quiet, and you don't do anything stupid, she won't notice you," Sempai explains.

"Gungnir-Mjölnir?" I whisper to myself, I best ask Alicia about this later. "Say Sempai, what is the name of your Soul Slayer? I'm really curious." I try to gather more intel.

"My Soul Slayer is called Voynich-Caduceus. It's different from pure power Soul Slayers like Muramasa-Masamune. The church mainly uses me for scouting rather than to fight Anomalies." Sempai takes out some sort of staff that is littered with paper. I thought she would hesitate to answer, but she told me so readily. I gaze deeply at Sempai's Soul Slayer it's nowhere near as intimidating as Muramasa-Masamune. Is this due to the difference between Soul Slayers? Or is it to do with their wielders?

"Anyway, I need to be off. So I'll see you later." Sempai gets out of her seat and begins making her way to the exit, before she reaches the door she turns around and faces me again.

"Yuichi-kun, relay everything I told you to Ren-kun. I'm already well aware that he too has become a Human Anomaly." Sempai already knew about that? "I may not want the two of you dead, but my partner definitely would, so please just do as I said. Oh, and one other thing, it's not that I didn't enjoy it, but you shouldn't be switching people's drinks with your own." She even realised that!? After telling me what she wanted to say, Sempai left as she waves at us with the back of her hand. She's not one to be underestimated.

"Yuichi, what is she talking about?" Akane asks whilst glaring at me like I'm some sort of criminal. I simply ignore her as I watch Sempai's back slowly disappear from my sight.

I get the feeling that a flag has just been raised for some sort of serious upcoming event. But no matter what happens, my beauty will always stand as gallant as always. The number one single 'All You Need Is Beauty' by the 'Stag Beatles' says it better than I ever could. Wait? Was that the name of the song? Oh, who cares?

"Na~, na~, na~, na na na, na na na, I'm beautiful." I sing a lyric of my personal theme tune to myself as I walk out of the restaurant with Akane.

hyuugalegacy

2016-06-06, 00:40

Well a short chapter 17

Chapter 17A: Trivia Before Storm – Yesterdays Summary

"And so that's what happened." I explain what happened when I met Shiori-sempai to Alicia, Ren and Elizabeth. I omitted the fact that I switched the drinks so as to not needlessly dirty my glorious name.

"Gungnir-Mjölnir and Voynich-Caduceus, two Soul Slayers." Alicia murmurs to herself, she has a somewhat sad and lonely look.

"Do you know about these Soul Slayers, Elizabeth?" Ren asks his spouse.

"I know that Voynich-Caduceus is capable of summoning and manipulating souls from the Underworld. For us, the Cerberus family that is charged with preventing souls from escaping, it's the most blasphemous thing imaginable," Elizabeth shows a look of displeasure before continuing, "I have only heard the name Gungnir-Mjölnir, I don't have any idea what it's capable of."

As a little bit of trivia, on the request of Ren, Elizabeth has taken serious training to stop her habit of laughing after every sentence. It has quickly bared fruit, she's much easier to tolerate now.

"Gungnir-Mjölnir is a Soul Slayer that generates lightning that's capable of shattering the soul." Alicia picks up where Elizabeth left off. "It's a golden weapon that has a spearhead on one end, and a hammerhead on the other."

"You seem awfully knowledgeable about it, Alicia." Elizabeth states whilst giving Alicia an accusing look.

"I just looked into things that could be a potential threat." Alicia shrugs it off. However Alicia, you cannot fool my beautiful eyes, there's something more you're hiding. Not that I plan on digging into it though, at least not right now.

"Well, I don't think we need to worry about Shiori-sempai. So let's just be careful of Gungnir-Mjölnir and its wielder." I change the subject to cover for Alicia. Aren't I just the best guy you could have fallen for? Feel free to express your gratitude physically Alicia, I promise to be gentle. I picture Alicia lying down on a bed, 'It's embarrassing can you turn off the light' she asks, I smile to myself at the cute (imaginary) Alicia.

"Yuichi, what's with that grin? Did something happen with you and this Shiori-sempai?" Alicia accuses.

"No, you got the wrong idea. I was just thinking that our bedroom scene may come sooner than I thought." Shit, I didn't mean to say that out loud.

"Bed...room..." Elizabeth whispers as her fingers shake. I think she's excited. Ren, make sure you fulfil your role then.

"Your 'genius' strikes again, Yuichi." Ren states with a bitter smile. No need to be jealous Ren, they say hard work surpasses a genius, so hang in there. Wait, why did he bring that up now?

"Y-U-I-C-H-I-!" Alicia slowly approaches me as she emphasises every syllable of my name. I can sense a dark aura coming out of her.

Another school day, another drop kick, another trip to the infirmary.

XXXXX

Chapter 17B: Trivia Before Storm – Exhaustion From Anxiety (Perspective: Akane)

School is finished. I'm dealing with a load of paperwork that one of my teachers forced onto me, I couldn't refuse. I'm glad that the teachers feel they can trust me, but I'm seriously tired. The meeting with Shiori-sempai yesterday, another Soul Slayer. Another person is after Yuichi's life, I can't focus on this work when I'm worrying about this.

"HAHH-" I let out a sigh.

"Hm, Mizuno-san." A gentle voice beckons me.

Standing there with a smile is the class rep, Ryu Ikena-kun.

"You look exhausted, what are you doing here at this time?" He asks.

"I have to finish all this work, what about you, Ikena-kun?"

"I had a meeting I had to attend. But anyway Mizuno-san, I think it would be best if you go home, you don't want to overwork yourself."

"But all this..." I begin to protest, Ikena-kun simply holds his hand out for me to stop.

"I'll finish it up for you, so go home and get some rest."

"I couldn't possibly..."

"It's my duty to look after my classmates, don't worry." Ikena-kun says gently with a smile. I don't think I'll be able to talk him out of it.

"Okay, thank you very much. I'll take my leave." I give my gratitude to Ikena-kun before leaving.

He really is a understanding and caring person, I sure wish Yuichi would take a lesson from him. Why can't the person I like show me concern from time to time?

XXXXX

Chapter 17C: Trivia Before Storm – Flag For Future Event

I'm walking home with Alicia. This is one of the sacred times when it's just the two of us. It must be difficult on Alicia during these times, she has to hold herself back from making a move on someone as glorious as myself, even though I wouldn't mind if she just let all her feelings out.

Alicia seems to have cheered up somewhat from lunchtime, it must be due to the magical remedy of being beside her lover.

"Oh yeah, Yuichi, I forgot to ask you this before." Alicia breaks the silence.

"What is it, my love?" I ask affectionately, "GAHH!" and get an elbow to my face for my trouble.

"Father asked me to invite you to this..." Alicia begins.

"I'll do it." I exclaim without delay. There is no way I can turn down a request from Father now, is there?

"I haven't finished explaining yet."

"Fair enough, even I the incar..." I begin.

"He wants you to participate in a type of race alongside me and Lilicia in the Underworld." Alicia butts in.

"Like I said, I'll do it. It sounds exciting. But can you not interrupt me when I'm speaking."

"You were only going to say something that highlights your narcissism, and you should really practice what you preach Yuichi."

"Preach? Do I look like a priest to you?"

Alicia sighs and shakes her head. "Anyway, you've agreed, like I thought you would. Participants representing the houses of Cerberus and Thanatos will also be competing, so there's a lot of hype about it. Father wants us to get first place for the sake of bragging rights."

"I'll do my very best so he can do just that." It's the son-in-law's job to grant his father-in-law's every wish, and I, Yuichi Shiro, intend to do just that. Or else I am not beautiful, no I take that back, whether I win or lose, I will always be beautiful.

Whilst I'm psyching myself up we reach the split path where I separate from Alicia.

XXXXX

Chapter 17D: Trivia Before Storm – Slayer/Lost (Perspective: Currently Unknown)

"Where am I?"

"Where is Shiori?"

"Which way is it to the hotel?"

"Where is Muramasa-Masamune?"

"And where is the Human Anomaly that I need to exterminate!?"

I'll kill every single one of those things. They are things that shouldn't exist in the first place. They only bring forth tragedy and destruction.

"Isn't that right, Nee-sama?" I ask rhetorically as I gaze into the sky that is starting to darken.

XXXXX

Chapter 17E: Trivia Before Storm – The Reapers Thoughts (Perspective: Alicia)

I've gone my separate way from Yuichi so I'm now walking home alone.

Gungnir-Mjölnir, I had a feeling I would run into it sooner or later. It's current wielder, is most likely 'her'. I recall the face of a girl who is looking at me like I'm a monster. No matter how many years go by, I can't forget that day.

That Shiori girl told Yuichi he should just lay low. But in the first place can we even trust in her words? Yuichi may want to believe in them because she's an old friend. But can that friendship outrank the fact that they're natural enemies? That girl's face resurfaces again, It can't. My own past experience has already told me this.

Plus, avoiding the problem doesn't make the problem go away. Yuichi nearly died simply because he met Muramasa-Masamune's wielder by coincidence.

Should I encourage Yuichi to take the initiative? No, there's no guarantee he can win. The feeling of losing Yuichi again, I don't want to ever feel it again. But he can't just hide from her forever.

Which leaves only one option left, an option that will keep Yuichi out of harm's way, without running away forever.

hyuugalegacy

2016-06-13, 09:42

Here is chapter 18

Chapter 18A: Date With Anomaly And Slayer – Reminiscence (Perspective: Shiori)

That day was the first time I cried since my brother's death. Even though I promised myself I would be strong.

That day, the boy who I thought was nothing more than a narcissist, forced the tears out of my eyes along with my anger and frustration.

That day, I didn't realise the meaning of his actions, not until the boy's best friend explained it to me.

That day, I saw the boy in a whole new light, and a warm soft feeling grew within me.

I wake up on my bed, I guess I must have zoned out.

"Yuichi-kun..." I whisper the name of the boy from back then. "All right, I've decided."

I reach for my phone and dial a certain person's number.

XXXXX

Chapter 18B: Date With Anomaly And Slayer – Yuichi Being Yuichi

It's the weekend, I'm currently making some updates to the Yuichi Shiro Fansite that I uploaded a month ago. I can remember the tears I shed as I proclaimed about how my beauty has now gone digital. I'm uploading new photos of my beautiful self so that girls all the way across the world can appreciate me. My beauty's way too strong to be restricted to the local district.

Whilst the uploads are going on in the background I check some of my fan's comments.

"Yuichi, would you please take this embarrassing site off the web? By Ren672." I read the comment out loud. Wow, he has the same name as my best friend. He must be jealous of my idol level popularity, I get a lot of comments like this. Whilst women fawn, men get jealous.

"I apologise Ren672, to girls I'm like a drug. Once you have one dose of Yuichi, you can't stop. You're addicted. I wouldn't be able to live with myself if women across the world go through withdrawal symptoms because of me." I reply, and send.

On to the next comment.

"Yuichi, you little shit you're f&%$£%$ pissing me off in ways words can't describe! By Alicia275." Woah, a pure hater, this man even has the nerve to use my fiancé's name.

How is it that I know it's a guy? The answer's simple. There's no way it could be a girl, no girl can resist my charm after all.

This guy's trying to inflict psychological damage on me. Well, I don't have to take any of it. "Delete."

Moving on to the final unread message.

"Onii-chan, please stop deluding yourself even further. By Yuna001." A comment that looks like it's by someone younger than me, they call me Onii-chan and they even have the same name as my little sister. I guess this girl is too young to understand the quality of my beauty. "Come back when you're older, Ojou-chan." I reply.

"Have you not figured it out, Master?" A voice addresses me from behind.

"Woah! Wolfy you scared me there." When did he get there? "But figured what out?" I ask.

"Look at the names on those comments and think, Master." Wolfy urges.

Hm, first there was Ren672, after that was Alicia275, then finally Yuna001. Wait, Ren, Alicia, Yuna, The names of my best friend, fiancé, and little sister. This can mean one thing, and only one thing.

"Wolfy, you don't mean..." I say with a trembling voice.

"It looks like you've realised, Master." Wolfy nods in satisfaction.

"All these comments are written by stalkers!?" I scream, this is bad. They've researched me so thoroughly that they know the names of the people who are closest to me. Being the idol that I am, stalkers are bound to appear, but I didn't think it would be at this level.

Wolfy stares on at me in wonder as I panic, but I have no time to pay it any heed.

"Because of my supreme beauty and popularity I've endangered my friends and family." I lament to myself "Anyway I need to contact everyone, they could be in danger." I reason with myself on whether to call the police but I decide against it after recalling the past trauma of being questioned by them before.

I quickly send private messages to each of my friends via 'Facetome' within a few minutes I get their replies.

I wipe the sweat from my forehead. "Phew, it was a false alarm." It turns out that the messages didn't come from stalkers, but the legit articles. I'm a bit annoyed about their comments, but the relief that my friends aren't in danger far outweighs my anger.

"Master, you truly are one of a kind." Wolfy compliments from out of the blue.

"Thank you, Wolfy. You're already starting to take after me." I reply. Wolfy wears a complicated expression after hearing it. I guess the happiness of being accepted by the person he respects most is too overbearing.

*Ring ring* - My phone goes off. I don't recognise the number.

"Hello, you've reached Yuichi Shiro, if you wish to make a love confession, please do so in person." I answer the phone in the way I answer every unknown call.

"Ha ha ha! I'll bear that in mind from now on, Yuichi-kun." A voice answers, it's one I recognise.

"Shiori-sempai, what's wrong? Calling me all of a sudden." I ask.

"My partner contacted me earlier saying she was going to search every square inch of the area. That girl has no sense of direction, but it's best to play it safe. So Yuichi-kun, in order to escape from her surveillance, I want you to hang around with me today. If you're with an expert tracker like me, she'll never find you." Shiori-sempai explains, I see.

"Sure thing." I don't have anything else on today.

"Great, then meet me in an hour out in front of the statue in the square, okay. See ya then." She hangs up.

"Wolfy, I'm going out for the day." I state.

"Master, wait just one moment." Wolfy pleads before running out the room, he comes back a minute later with something in his mouth, it's a whistle attached to a chain. I take it out of his mouth.

"If you blow on this whistle I'll come rushing to your side, Master, use it if something happens." He explains.

"Thank you, Wolfy, I'll be sure to do that." I put the whistle's chain around my neck and stroke Wolfy's head. "All right I'm off. I'll see you later."

XXXXX

Chapter 18C: Date With Anomaly And Slayer – The Lost Girl (Perspective: Akane)

I'm walking through town. I needed some supplies so I went shopping. The numerous pedestrian footsteps drown the silence. Seeing the town's liveliness brings a smile to my face.

I suddenly notice a girl pacing aimlessly with a confused look on her face. She's around my age with tanned skin and short dark hair.

"Are you lost?" I ask. "I can give you directions if you like."

"Oh, thank you very much, I was really starting to get concerned." The girl replies politely, from her accent she's clearly a foreigner, but her words are fluent. The girl shows me a map and points at a location. "I want to get here." she states.

Wow, I don't know whether it's from wandering round lost, but she's a long way from her destination. I quickly point to where she is on the map as I describe how to get there.

"Thanks for your help, I truly appreciate it." She says as she begins to run off. But, wait.

"You're already going the wrong way!" I shout after her. The girl stops then walks back to me with a slight blush. "Come on, I'll walk you there." My instincts are telling me she won't be able to get there on her own.

"Uh ha ha ha, sorry for the trouble." The girl laughs at herself in embarrassment.

XXXX

Chapter 18D: Date With Anomaly And Slayer – Main Event

I'm waiting at the meeting point. Shiori-sempai hasn't turned up yet, I take a quick glance at my watch when I hear approaching footsteps.

"I'm sorry, did you wait long?" Shiori-sempai asks with a smile. She's wearing a beautiful white one piece dress that increases both her charm and maturity.

"About twenty five minutes I think." I reply honestly.

"Jeez, Yuichi-kun. You're supposed to say 'I only just got here'" Shiori-sempai cutely pouts. Sorry, I completely misread the situation, how rude of someone as noble and beautiful as myself.

"I only just got here myself." I correct myself.

"It's already too late for it now." She droops her shoulders.

"So, where do you want to go, Sempai?" I ask, if only to change the subject.

"To the movies, to an arcade, to a coffee shop, everywhere." She replies with a smile.

"Well, why don't we start with the arcade then?" I suggest, Sempai nods.

As we walk I feel something soft latch onto my hand. "Shiori-sempai?"

"It's crowded on the weekend. This way we won't be separated." She explains.

Thank you pedestrians. You've given me a legitimate excuse to hold Sempai's hand. I've wanted to do this with Alicia for so long with no such luck.

Wait, Alicia? Could this count as cheating? Nah, this is just a one off. Alicia will always be the love of my life. Yes, I'm definitely not cheating.

We arrive at the arcade and play a variety of different games, ranging from crane games, to shoot 'em ups, to racing. I often come here with Ren, so I'm pretty adapt at them.

"Oh, I lost again." Shiori-sempai says gloomily.

"My beautiful technique is unconquerable." I declare proudly.

"I'm starting to get a bit hungry." Shiori-sempai says, don't want to talk about your losing streak I see.

"Shall we go then?" I pay it no mind and just smile.

Barely a few steps outside the arcade and I feel a weird sensation, it's one I recognise. We're no longer inside of our own world. I look around, nothing but dark plains. As I thought, this is the same technique Alicia taught me so I don't involve bystanders when I fight Anomalies. It creates a disposable dimension to fight in that's separate from the living world. If I remember right its called...

"Reaper Technique: Coliseum." A monotonous voice states, almost as if it read my mind. I look to its owner.

Standing there is a man wearing a mask and a crimson robe. The robe has two unique designs on it. One is of several smaller crosses aligned together in a formation that forms a bigger cross. The other is of a blue flame pattern rising from the hem and the sleeves. But what shocks me is what he has attached to his waist.

"Muramasa-Masamune!" Shiori-sempai shouts. Yes, the same eerie black blade that Vincent wielded. So this is the guy who killed Vincent, well not that I care about that bastard.

"Just who the hell is he?" I ask.

"I don't know, but he's definitely a Human Anomaly, and a very powerful one at that." Shiori-sempai explains. He's a Human Anomaly? So he's just like me? "Even I, an expert in tracking people, couldn't sense him until now." Shiori-sempai adds.

The masked man focuses his red eyes on Shiori-sempai "I will have you hand over Voynich-Caduceus, Shiori Azusa." He declares. His emotionless voice causes sweat to run down my neck.

xxxx

Chapter 18E: Date With Anomaly And Slayer – Reacquaintance Of Reaper And Slayer (Perspective: Alicia)

I've already located my target. It's been eight years since I've seen her, but I recognise her right away. I didn't expect Mizuno-san to be with her though, judging by the way they're interacting, I'm guessing they've only just met. I'd have preferred not to get her involved, but I don't have the luxury of choice.

"Reaper Technique: Coliseum." When they enter a deserted area I activate my technique and send us all into a separate dimension.

"Wha!? What's going on!?" Mizuno-san's in deep shock, I'm sorry to get you involved in this.

My eyes finally meet with that girls, when they do, her expression instantly turns dark. Her immense hatred has only grown since that time. It's painful being looked upon by eyes filled with hatred.

"What's the meaning of appearing before me again, Alicia!?" She asks in a hostile voice.

"Wait, Pandemonium-san?" Mizuno-san looks alternatively between us with a confused face.

"That girl wields a Soul Slayer." I explain.

Mizuno-san's shock increases. She understands what this means. This woman is out to kill both Yuichi and Ren.

Mizuno-san quickly distances herself from her and stands behind me. Fortunately, she's not like Vincent who wouldn't bat an eye at killing an innocent bystander, her hatred lies solely with Anomalies and those related to them. This of course includes Reapers. Then again, her grudges started with me.

"I'll ask you again, what're you doing here?" She asks menacingly as she draws her Soul Slayer, Gungnir-Mjölnir. The static from the electricity running through it is clearly visible. I turn my eyes away from the Soul Slayer and on to its wielder.

I recall my previous thoughts from before, how can the problem be settled without running away or putting Yuichi in danger? The answer I came up with was simple.

"To eliminate the threat with my own hands." I reply in a way that answers both my question and the girl in front of me. I materialise my scythe and point the blade at my opponent. "It's been eight long years. So how about we get reacquainted, wielder of Gungnir-Mjölnir, Alma Ivana."

"Very well, Alicia," Alma points the spearhead side of her Soul Slayer at me, "Today will be the anniversary your accursed existence came to an end." The anger in her eyes and face grows even more menacing.

""HAAAAH!"" Our voice mix as we both charge head on. I won't let her lay a finger on Yuichi.

hyuugalegacy

2016-06-19, 05:01

Okay then here is chapter 19 and with some action at last.

Chapter 19A: United Front Against A Common Enemy – The Mysterious Masked Man

"Voynich-Caduceus, or your lives, which will it be?" The masked man's emotionless voice asks. He's more eerie than the sword on his waist.

"This guy's dangerous. Shiori-sempai, you can't let him have what he wants." I explain in a obvious voice.

"I know, Yuichi-kun," Shiori-sempai says with a smile before turning to the masked man with a serious face "My answer is obviously 'no'."

"Pride before life is something I cannot understand. Is this the difference between those with emotions, and those without them? Your decision is opposite to the logical one. So be it. the outcome will be the same regardless." The masked man explains in a matter of fact voice.

He's certain of victory. His emotionless voice is really getting under my skin.

This isn't an opponent I can take lightly, therefore. I take the whistle Wolfy gave me and blow into it, no sound comes out of it however, is it broken? Tch, we'll have to do this by ourselves.

"Shiori-sempai, I'll try and force an opening, when you see your chance, strike." I whisper my make shift battle plan, Sempai nods in agreement. As we're talking, the masked man creates several transparent spheres, each one has a small flame in the centre.

"Those orbs have a high density of fire and air compressed into them. In other words, they're explosive." Shiori-sempai explains, "To create so many mixed element orbs at once. Like I thought, this man is truly bad news."

"Don't worry, Sempai." If those orbs are explosive then there's an easy way to get around them. I run as fast as I can towards the masked man.

"Yuichi-kun!" Shiori-sempai calls out in concern.

"He won't be able to use them in close quarter combat!" I shout back.

"You're underestimating me." Says the masked man.

No, I'm not. I'm going to go all out from the word go.

"My soul is one that is of self confidence." I chant as I continue to charge towards the masked man. Several of the orbs fly towards me. "Beautiful, intelligent and kind. Absolute belief in myself and those that surround me."

*Boom!* - One of the orbs explodes, luckily I jumped to the side just in time. I continue to close the distance between us after regaining my footing.

"And a will that never dulls, bends or breaks." I finish my chant and create my silver sword.

Several more orbs fly towards me, I skilfully skid to the side anticipating an explosion. But that doesn't occur they just continue moving. Shit, they're not aiming for me.

"Sempai!" I scream to warn her.

The orbs quickly surround her and *BOOM* *BOOM* *BOOM*.

"SHIORI-SEMPAI!" I shout into the smoke when something flies out.

"A Soul Anomaly?" I question. It looks like a huge eagle, and standing on its back, unharmed, is Shiori-sempai. Thank goodness.

"Concentrate on the enemy, Yuichi-kun, I can handle myself just fine." Sempai scolds.

I refocus on the masked man, who quickly creates more orbs and sends them at both me and Shiori-sempai. Shiori-sempai is flying in the sky and dodging the explosions, that from where I'm standing, look like fireworks. I also continue to avoid the explosions whilst edging closer towards him.

When he's finally in range. I swing my silver sword at him, I'll have your head on a platter.

He blocks my attack using Muramasa-Masamune's sheath. I quickly duck and avoid the sudden horizontal slash. "URGHH!" The masked man kicks me and forces me through the air. I manifest and throw several silver knives whilst in mid fall. The masked man arches his back and they all fly over him.

"Damn, I can't get a single hit in!" I painfully pull myself up. Shit! I'm surrounded by orbs. I don't have time to escape, I instinctively close my eyes.

*BOOM* *BOOM* *BOOM* I hear the orbs explode, why am I unharmed? I slowly open my eyes to see a Soul Anomaly disintegrating into the atmosphere. The masked man is also preoccupied fighting against several lion type Soul Anomalies.

"Are you all right, Yuichi-kun!?" Sempai calls, I see, she summoned several Anomalies to shield me from the blast. I give Sempai a quick nod. As I return my eyes to the masked man I notice the final Soul Anomaly disintegrating in an explosion. The masked man sheaths Muramasa-Masamune. Wait a second.

"You didn't sever any souls. How can you sheath Muramasa-Masamune!?" I interrogate.

"Muramasa-Masamune's so called curse is closer to the Soul Slayer's will." The masked man answers whilst shrugging his shoulders.

"What're you saying?" Sempai asks.

"Muramasa-Masamune's wish is to sever souls, and if the wielder doesn't give it what it wants, it consumes their soul instead. However, I took a different approach. If the curse is its will, then I simply dominate it. Force it to submit to me, rather than the other way around." The masked man explains.

"You're making no sense!" I scream as I charge towards him with my sword. Several orbs fly towards me.

"Master, get back!" A voice I recognise shouts, I follow its advice and jump backwards.

*BOOM BOOM BOOM BOOM* - Several fireballs shoot out and collide with the orbs, that explode on collision.

Suddenly a lightning bolt rains down on to the masked man, but he guards using Muramasa-Masamune. Then Alicia appears charges in from behind him. "Die!" She shouts whilst slashing her scythe towards the masked man's neck.

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Chapter 19B: United Front Against A Common Enemy – The Prodigy Appears (Perspective: Alicia)

"DIE!" I scream as I swing my scythe down on the masked man, who is still preoccupied from Gungnir-Mjölnir's lightning.

My scythe edges closer inch by inch towards the man's neck. It's over, there's no way he can avoid this.

*CHING!* What! My scythe is stopped dead by another scythe.

Standing there is a woman in her late teens with long cyan coloured hair, the fringe of which covers one of her eyes. She's wearing a dark robe with three embroideries, one is of an icicle pattern reaching up from her waist to her bust. The other two are the same cross shape pattern as the masked man, and are positioned on opposite sides just above the hem.

"It has been far too long, Alicia." Her voice greets coldly, I feel my face extort in anxiety. This girl is the prodigious Reaper who disappeared a few years back, the oldest daughter, and heir to the family of Thanatos.

"A Reaper!?" I hear Yuichi's voice from the sidelines. But this girl's no ordinary Reaper.

"What the hell are you doing here, Carrisa!?" I ask angrily, I never dreamed I would see her again in such a situation.

"Carrisa, if you wish to fight her, take it away from here." The masked man orders, as he continues to hold off Alma's lightning with Muramasa-Masamune.

"Understood." She agrees, as she grabs my wrist, "Connect." NO! She's forcefully teleporting us away from here. A bright light surrounds our bodies.

The next moment, I find myself in another part of the dimension, I can't see Yuichi and the others, only Carrisa is standing in front of me. She intends to fight me one on one.

"Why are you with that man, Carrisa?" I interrogate.

"A lot of things happened, but long story short, he defeated me in a game of chess when he originally died." Carrisa explains, "He's completely different from your boy who chose a luck based game and even cheated." What!? That man defeated a prodigy like Carrisa in a game of chess!?

"You abandoned the Underworld because of your loss!?"

"No, that man wanted me, so I became his." Carrisa admits without a hint of shame, to change her this much, just who is that man!? "Before I'm a Reaper, before I'm from Thanatos, before my loyalty to the Underworld, I'm that man's tool!" I can't believe the words I'm hearing. Is this really the same Carrisa I used to know?

Regardless, one thing is certain, she's an enemy.

"Which means I have no choice, let us battle, Carrisa Thanatos!" I point my scythe as I challenge the girl who I once admired.

"That's what I wanted to hear, Alicia. Show me your growth." She agrees as she spins her scythe in a circular motion.

I quickly create and shoot a fireball, Carrisa uses her scythe to slice it right down the centre and split it into two halves, that fly either side of her body, and off into the distance.

I quickly close the distance and swing my scythe horizontally. *Ching* Carrisa blocks with her own scythe.

*Ching! Ching!* We each wield our weapons, trying to get past the other's guard. Carrisa smiles as our blades fall into a deadlock, "You still have a lot to learn, Alicia."

"ARGGGHH!" I scream in agony as a jolt enters my body. "URGH!" Carrisa kicks me in the stomach, which sends me rolling backwards from the sheer force.

As I stagger to my feet I notice sparks of electricity running through Carrisa's scythe. "So that's where that shock came from. You ran your electricity through our scythes and into me." I analyse.

"Running your Reaper techniques through the air isn't always the most effective way, Alicia." She lectures with a smile, so rather than shooting it, she ran it through her weapon.

Which means even if I block her scythe, I'll still get electrocuted. I have to play this smartly. I charge at her again and swing my scythe, but before Carrisa can guard I shoot a water technique at her scythe. I'll have my water conduct her scythe's electricity and give her a shocking!

Carrisa nimbly dodges to the side, she read my attack.

"Nice idea, Alicia, but you'll have to try a bit better than that if you wish to hurt me." She mocks. I gnaw my teeth in frustration.

I throw my scythe into the air to free my hands, I then gather a ball of wind in one hand, and a fireball in the other. I throw the two elemental balls at Carrisa in a arc so that they will collide and combust when they reach her. However, Carrisa also gathers balls of fire and wind and throws them.

*BOOM BOOM!* Her fireball collides with my wind ball and her wind ball collides with my fireball. She neutralised my elemental combination before they could even reach her. She then charges straight at me. My scythe is still in the air, so I'm unarmed.

"You shouldn't have let go of your weapon, Alicia!" She shouts as she readies her scythe.

I quickly conjure another ball of wind and shoot it at her, she dodges it, but it did delay her.

As her scythe edges towards me, I grab my own falling scythe and swing it in one motion, *Ching!* parrying her attack, but "URGHH!" Another electric shock. Blood seeps out of my mouth. It's no good, she's too strong.

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Chapter 19C: United Front Against A Common Enemy – Versus The Masked Man

The masked man pushes the lightning bolt aside and then stares at the girl who was behind it, the weapon she's holding is the one Alicia talked about before, Gungnir-Mjölnir. He then turns to Wolfy, who is standing beside me, his fur is on end.

"Two Slayers, one Human Anomaly, and one mysterious Soul Anomaly. I believe it is time that I went all out." The masked man says to himself.

"Alma, how did you get here!?" Shiori-sempai asks.

"I followed, Alicia. She said she noticed Muramasa-Masamune in the distance, so we made a temporary ceasefire." She then turns towards me and Wolfy, her eyes are filled with killing intent "To be honest, I wish to extinguish you two right now. But I don't have time for that right now. So just this once, I'll work with you."

This girl's scary, in a way, probably more so than Vincent.

"Master, we need to keep our eyes in the game." Wolfy states.

"I wish I could, but I'm worried about Alicia, my instincts tell me she can't beat that other girl." I explain.

"All the more reason we defeat this guy now." Good call, Wolfy, as expected of my pet dog.

Wolfy suddenly launches a huge fireball. At the same time the girl known as Alma shoots a stream of electricity from her Soul Slayer. The masked man grabs the fireball with his bare hand and hurls it at the incoming electric attack. The two attacks cancel each other out.

Another lion Soul Anomaly attacks the masked man from behind, I create and launch several silver knives. The masked man quickly draws Muramasa-Masamune and swings the blade in a arc. A shock-wave deflects my silver knives and continues towards me.

"Urgh!" Despite diving to one side the edge of the shock-wave still caught my shoulder. Fresh blood flows out through my torn clothes.

At the same time, one of the masked man's orbs flies inside the lion's mouth and *BOOM!* Explodes. The lion's head is split in two, and comes clean off its body. The masked man once again sheaths Muramasa-Masamune.

"Logically speaking, no matter what, I will win. However, the longer the battle is drawn out, the higher the chance of uncertain variables appearing. Therefore." Most of the masked man's words make no sense to me. But the part about him winning regardless pisses me off.

I charge at him, I'm going to cleave his head off. The masked man doesn't move, he slowly closes his eyes.

"My soul is one that is of the unknown." Soul ID lyrics? His voice's tone hasn't changed, but his words makes me tremble in fear.

"Nothingness, empty and void." He continues.

"Wolfy this is going to get complicated, we'll handle him, go back up Alicia." I order. Wolfy quickly looks at me and nods before running off.

"I'm counting on you." I whisper to myself as I refocus on the masked man.

"Anger, love, happiness, fear and joy are mere words." Alma launches another lightning bolt. The masked man dodges effortlessly whilst still continuing his chant with his eyes closed.

"Take in pieces of others, and gain my illusionary completeness." A dark aura emanates from the masked man's body with his chant's closure.

From hearing his lyrics I start to understand his essence, but it's completely contradictory to how I thought Soul ID lyrics originally worked.

The first line 'His soul is of the unknown' means he doesn't understand himself. 'Nothingness, empty and void' he's like a hollow shell that has nothing within. 'Anger, love, happiness, fear and joy are mere words.' it means to him they bear no weight, they're words that have no emotion within them. 'Take in pieces of others, and gain illusionary completeness' This is the only line I don't understand.

The soul is the very nature of one's being, and yet his is 'unknown'. I remember an old saying 'people fear that of the unknown'. In that case, isn't this man's very existence an embodiment of fear?

Soul ID lyrics are meant to be the words used to acknowledge oneself to gain power. But he hasn't acknowledged himself, he doesn't understand himself at all. Putting aside that he's a Human Anomaly, it's like his very existence is a living contradiction.

"And now, I shall end this." The masked man declares, I quickly snap back to reality.

Alma launches another electric attack at the masked man. But in that instant, I suddenly feel a weird sensation, like my bearings have changed.

"ARGHHHHHHH!" I scream in agony, as I'm struck by Alma's attack.

"YUICHI-KUN!" Shiori-sempai shouts from atop of the eagle. Alma has a blank look, wondering what just happened.

I notice the masked man is standing where I previously was. Did he switch our positions? Some sort of teleportation? Is that his Soul Technique? Because it happened all of a sudden, I couldn't react quick enough to block the attack.

"LOOK OUT!" I shout to Alma. The masked man is standing where I previously was, in Alma's blind spot. Wind gathers around the masked man's hand and forms a blade that is several metres long. Reacting to my voice, Alma dodges the blade, that was inches from piercing her heart.

I punch my shaking legs to will them, that lightning really laid a number on me. Blood seeps out between my lips and some sort of blue steam is leaking out from my body. The masked man takes out some kind of vial,

"Your soul fragments may prove useful at a later date." He says as the blue steam is drawn into the vial, that he quickly seals. What's he planning on doing with that stuff!? Soul fragments?

"How dare you do that to Yuichi-kun!" Shiori-sempai shouts. Several Soul Anomalies suddenly appear, each one shoots out numerous fireballs.

The masked man creates more orbs, each one collides with a fireball, blocking every attack. Several more orbs fly at the Soul Anomalies and explode in their faces, disintegrating them.

Alma launches another lightning attack against the masked man. But he suddenly switches positions with Alma. Her attack hits nothing but air,

Wait, those are, "Get away from there!" I scream,

*BOOM BOOM!* The orbs that the masked man planted before switching their positions explode on Alma at point blank. Alma, who didn't even have time to scream, falls bloodily to the ground.

"ALMA!" Shiori-sempai shouts in horror from the horrific sight.

The masked man without letting up, suddenly creates a huge dark sphere.

That sphere isn't a Reaper technique. Does he have another Soul Technique other than teleporting? I was told each Human Anomaly only has one. What's going on here? And what's he planning on doing with that thing!?

As if to answer my question, the dark sphere expands to about three metres in diameter, the masked man then throws it into the air.

"WHA!? I'm being pulled in!" Shiori-sempai shouts in shock. That sphere have some sort of gravitational pull!

"NOOO!" Shiori-sempai falls off her eagle and is dragged into the dark sphere. The masked man releases several of his explosive orbs that like Shiori-sempai, are attracted into the centre of the dark sphere.

"Shit, from within he's going to!?" I quickly send as much of my silver into the sphere as I can, please make it in time.

*BOOOOOOM!* One huge explosion forcefully expands the sphere which dissipates. Shiori-sempai's limp body falls towards the ground head first. Ignoring the intensive pain coursing though my body, I dive with my arms stretched out, catching her. I cushion her fall with my body. Pulling this stunt should hurt badly, but I can't feel any more pain. I check Sempai's vitals. Good, she's alive, barely.

"You forced your silver into my gravity ball, and made her wear it like a suit of armour." The masked man analyses, "Well done keeping her alive."

"YOU! HOW COULD YO..." As I begin to release my frustrations, I notice a similar sensation as before, my body losing its bearings.

I quickly look around and see that we've switched positions again. He's holding Shiori-sempai in his arms. Not only that, he's left me with a deadly gift. I quickly manifest my silver as a suit of armour. *BOOM!* More of his orbs explode. My armour takes most of the shock, but I am still badly shaken. I fall to my knees, my legs have reached their limit. I stare powerlessly at the masked man, my vision distorts and blurs.

"Who are you? What are you after? Why can you use multiple Soul Techniques." I weakly ask.

The masked man takes Shiori-sempai's Soul Slayer and drops her unconscious body onto the floor, before turning to me. "Who I am is of no importance. I'm also unable to use multiple Soul Techniques, my ability is to imitate the Soul Techniques of others. Thanks to this, I have amassed a number of unique powers."

The power to use the power of others, so that's why.

"Theoretically speaking, during this battle, I also gained your ability of Silver Manifestation, there was just little reason for me to use it." The masked man explains in his usual tone "As for what I'm after. I want to find my emotions and become whole. Everything I do is to stimulate a way to draw out my own emotions. If I see something horrific will I be scared? if I find someone dear will I feel love? The current me that has only logic, cannot be called complete."

"Then why did you attack us?"

"I require Voynich-Caduceus for a future experiment that I believe will give me what I want. My work here is done, so I'll be taking me leave."

The masked man turns away and walks off, I can't stay awake any longer.

The floor cools my face as my mind falls into the depths of darkness.

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Chapter 19D: United Front Against A Common Enemy – On Masters Orders (Perspective: Wolfy)

I run as fast as my legs can carry me. Master ordered me to assist Alicia-sama and I intend to do just that. My anxiety increases every second, please be safe.

I finally reach the two, Alicia-sama is on the floor, defeated. The other woman doesn't even have a scratch, was the difference in level this large? Master's intuition was right on the money.

"Farewell, Alicia." The woman says with a faint smile. Many dozens of flaming boulders begin to rain down towards her. I quickly shoot my fireballs and cover Alicia-sama with my body. The many fragments scratch my legs and body, but I won't let even a pebble hit my Master's fiancé.

"Wolfy!" Alicia-sama says in shock.

"Master ordered me to aid you. He was worried about you." I explain.

"Yuichi was?" Alicia-sama's face turns red. The two of you are truly meant for each other.

Someone else then suddenly walk onto the battlefield, it's the man wearing the mask, he's holding the staff Master's Sempai had, in his hand. The fact that he's here, did something happen to Master and the others!?

"Carrisa, we've achieved our objective, we're leaving." He orders.

"Understood." She nods then turns to us. "Pray that our paths don't cross again, Alicia." She smiles gently as her body slowly fades along with the masked man.

Alicia-sama forces herself to stand whilst using my body as support, "Let's get back to Yuichi." She says weakly.

XXXXXX

Chapter 19E: United Front Against A Common Enemy – Epilogue And The Girl Left Behind (Perspective: Akane)

I was left outside the dimension, Alicia-san said that it was too dangerous for me, so I had to wait here. I eventually notice several familiar faces.

But they're all heavily injured. I run to them as fast as I can "Yuichi, Shiori-sempai!" They're both unconscious and are being carried on the backs of Wolfy and the other slayer. Alicia-san is also walking unsteadily. "Are you all okay?" I ask.

"Well, we're all alive at least." Alicia-san answers with a frustrated voice.

"Shiori needs medical attention so I'll be withdrawing for now." You look as if you need it as well, "But mark my words, Alicia. I shall settle the score with all of you soon." She states before running off, she might have looked cool if she wasn't running in the opposite direction from the hospital.

"We should leave too." Alicia-san says in a quiet voice. Just what on earth happened inside there?

hyuugalegacy

2016-06-27, 11:11

And here is chapter 20 only one more till the end of the arc

Chapter 20A: Alicia and Alma's Past - Confrontation

A few days have passed since the battle with that masked man. My wounds for the most part are fully healed. There was something I wanted to hear from my fiancé, so I asked if I could come see her. She agreed without any problem, but she did seem somewhat depressed over the phone.

"So what is it that you wanted to talk about so badly?" She asks as I sit myself on her sofa and take the tea she offers me.

"That girl who has Gungnir-Mjölnir, you know her don't you, Alicia?" I cut straight to the point. "And not just her, that Reaper who was with that masked bastard."

"So it's about that? I figured as much." Alicia says with a sullen sigh. "All right Yuichi, I don't feel like talking for too long today, so which one do you want to hear about more? Alma or Carrisa?"

So she's only willing to tell me about one of them, I guess it's less about not wanting to talk, than it is being too painful for her to talk.

"Then tell me about Alma, the Reaper isn't the immediate threat right now. Plus, that Alma girl sent me this letter of challenge." I answer, the time stated is tonight, so I have very little time.

"You got one as well then?" Alicia responds. As well'? Meaning Alicia also got one. Does Alma plan on taking both of us on at once?

"Carrisa only fought against us because it turned out that way, but Alma bears a deep grudge." I supplement.

"Yeah, you're right. Alma hates Anomalies and Reapers with a passion." Alicia answers with a sad smile, I can tell this isn't going to be a pleasant story.

After a few moments of silence Alicia places her tea down onto the table, like she has made up her mind.

"Alma is a girl of Spanish descent, but I met her in Rome eight years ago. That day, I had an argument with my dad about something trivial. But I ran away from home in tears, and I found myself lost in the human world."

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Chapter 20B: Alicia and Alma's Past – Flashback (Perspective: Alicia) (Eight Years Ago)

"Where am I?" I ask, but no one answers. Everyone just keeps moving, like I'm invisible.

My body's shaking, but I won't cry. I'm a big girl now, I won't cry.

"Mum, Dad, Lilicia." I walk aimlessly, as water drops from my eyes.

"Are you crying?" A girl's voice asks. I turn to look at her, she's about the same age as me and is wearing a mischievous smile.

"I'm not crying!" I shout back "I'm an adult, adults don't cry!"

"You so are!"

"Am NOT!" The water gathering in my eyes flows out even more as I scream at the girl.

The girl walks up to me and grabs my hand, "Lets go play." She says with an innocent smile.

"Huh?" Before I can say no, she leads and drags me off down the streets and to a park.

She forces me onto one side of a sea-saw and takes the other end herself. As I go up and down, the water in my eyes slowly starts to clear, and is replaced with a smile.

We continue to play together in the park until the sun goes down.

"Ah, it's getting dark." She says in a disappointed voice as she stares up into the night sky.

"Alma~~!" A voice calls. We both look on Running up to Alma is a girl about sixteen years old with tanned skin just like Almas and long dark hair that's tied back.

"Nee-sama!" Alma shouts back happily with a smile, but it quickly turns to a pout upon her eyes laying on someone else.

"We've been looking everywhere for you." Says a teenage boy running by the older girl's side. He has long crimson hair styled into dreadlocks and is dressed very roughly.

"Booo~~ Shuren isn't good enough to be Nee-sama's partner." Alma says with a defiant voice. But what does she mean 'partner'?

"You damn brat!" Shuren's face distorts in anger.

"ALMA! The fact of Shuren not being a suitable partner for me aside. I believe I taught you better than to insult people where it hurts." Alma's Nee-sama scolds.

"Uh, Nadia. You're not making me feel any better." Shuren says with an almost crying expression.

Seeing this scene I feel left out, I turn away as I prepare to walk out the park. But a familiar feeling enters my hand, and Alma drags me over.

"Nee-sama, Alicia's lost, can we take her home with us?" Alma asks pleadingly. What, am I suppose to be a stray dog!? I look onto the older girl who looks at me for a moment before saying.

"You're Alma's friend?" She asks, I give a light nod in response. "Then it's okay with me." She says decisively whilst giving me a thumbs up, she's really easy going.

"Taking a girl home you don't even know, you really are strange, Nadia." Shuren states with a sigh. "OWWW!" Alma kicks him in the shin.

"Alicia is my friend, butt out Shuren!" She says with an angry glare.

"You fucking brat! If you weren't Nadia's little sister then I would!" Shuren curses.

Alma's sister ignores them and turns to me.

"I'm Nadia Ivana, Alma's older sister. The guy over there with red hair is Shuren Azusa." She introduces with an innocent smile.

"I'm Alicia Pandemonium." I reply. Nadia-san's smile widens after my introduction.

"Then Alma, Alicia-chan, Let's go home." Nadia-san says as she takes our hands and leads us down the street.

"Your house is in the opposite direction, Nadia." Shuren says as he shakes his head from side to side.

"Ah, of course I knew that." She says as her face turns bright red. "I was just testing you, Shuren. Well done, you got an 'A plus'"

"Just testing me, of course." Shuren says sarcastically.

"Nee-sama complimented you, show some gratitude Shuren!" Alma shouts as she runs up to Shuren and...

"OWWWW!" Kicks him in the shin again.

"That does it!" Shuren chases after Alma, but he can't catch her. Watching him relentlessly chase after a girl half his size with little success only increases his pitifulness.

"Come on Alma knock it off, Shuren I'll cook us up a feast, so please calm down will you?" Nadia-san compromises, probably to save what little remained of Shuren's pride.

"Nadia's home made cooking?" Shuren says, his face is almost too happy. Is Nadia-san's cooking that good?

After making several more wrong turns, that Shuren pointed out. We finally arrived at a small but clean house.

"Here we are." Nadia-san says with a smile. "I think I've never made it back as quick as I have done today." Just how bad is her sense of direction?

"It means we're improving, Nee-sama." Alma says in a congratulating tone. Shuren wears a face that seems to be saying 'it's because I led you here'.

We enter the house together. The interior is clean as well, but the size is nowhere near the size of my house.

"Alma, you're both all sweaty, go take a bath with Alicia-chan. It's going to take a while to prepare dinner." Nadia-san suggests.

"Yes, Nee-sama." Alma agrees as she grabs my hand and leads me upstairs. Do these siblings have some fetish for dragging people about?

We both undress and enter the bath together, the warm water eases my tired body.

"Take that!" Alma screams as she splashes me.

"I'll get you for that!" I splash back.

We cheerfully continue to play in the bath, rather than cleansing ourselves. Eventually, I get out before Alma, and walk downstairs, I overhear a voice.

"Nadia, you know that Alicia girl isn't human right?" Shuren asks. Do they know my true identity?

I press my ear against the wall, trying to catch what they say.

"She's a being similar to that of a Human Anomaly, this is different from Ark's case. If you keep her here, she will attract Anomalies to herself that will place you and Alma in danger. You should get rid of her before that happens, Nadia." The only voice that's coming through the walls is Shurens. Nadia is remaining silent. 'Get rid of'? Are they planning on killing me!? My body tenses in fear, I want to go home.

"Why isn't Nee-sama saying anything back!?" An angry voice asks rhetorically, I turn to face its owner. Standing there, also listening in is Alma. "Alicia's my friend, get rid of her? I won't let them." Alma grabs my hand and we run out the house together.

The sky is pitch black and full of clouds, we continue running until we eventually find the park where the two of us played together.

We sit underneath the slide, the blistering cold air cuts through me like a knife.

"I can't believe them!? Even Nee-sama!" Alma screams out her feelings of anger. Her shoulders are shaking, I can't tell whether this is from anger or the cold.

"Alma..." I say as I place my hand on her.

"Alicia is my friend." Alma reconfirms, I nod back with a smile, that Alma returns.

It's at that moment, I feel something terrifying. Suddenly a black void appears and out walks a certain existence, that is...

"An Anomaly!" I shout, and it's not an ordinary one either. Looking at it's huge body that has body parts that don't match together, almost like several jigsaw puzzles have been mixed with each other and pieced together randomly. "A Chimera Anomaly?" A Soul Anomaly made up of several other Anomalies fused together. What is a monster that is rarer than rare even in the Underworld doing in the human world!? Alma shakes in fear, as she looks on in horror at the grotesque being that words cannot describe.

""""So...It was you who were calling me...Silver haired girl..."""" It says as it turns it's many heads and eyes towards me, all the heads speak creepily in sync. """"Your souls, are mine.""""

"It's after you?" Alma says in a horrified voice as she looks at me.

""""ITADAKIMASU!"""" The Chimera Anomaly screams as it opens it's many wide jaws.

"AHHHHHHH!" I scream in terror as I shield my eyes with my arms.

A flash of lightning lights up the night sky and suddenly hits the Chimera Anomaly's huge body """"GRAAAHHH!"""" It yelps painfully.

"Alma, Alicia-chan, are you okay?" Nadia-san's voice shouts out.

"Nee-sama!" Alma calls back as she sheds a magnitude of tears.

I then notice a golden weapon that has the head of a spear and a hammer on opposite ends.

Noticing my gaze, Nadia-san smiles. "This is Gungnir-Mjölnir, it's my Soul Slayer. Well, I guess you might not understand. Anyway, both of you get back, I'll handle this."

Obeying Nadia-san's orders Alma and I run away from the Chimera Anomaly and watch on from behind Nadia-san.

""""A Soul Slayer, such a problematic thing."""" The Chimera Anomaly states.

"It's my first time seeing a Anomaly capable of speaking." Nadia-san says as she spins her weapon around.

""""GRAHH!"""" Another lightning bolt strikes the Chimera Anomaly.

"You're one tough cookie." Nadia-san says as she grinds her teeth together.

""""I am made up of several million souls. It does not matter if you destroy one or two of them."""" The Chimera Anomaly replies confidently. Nadia-san's attacks, although they hurt it, they aren't causing it any major damage.

""""Now it's our turn!"""" The Chimera Anomaly announces.

Nadia-san tightens her grip on Gungnir-Mjölnir, bracing herself for an incoming attack. The Chimera Anomaly lunges forth using its tail that looks like a scorpions. Nadia-san quickly dodges to the side and it pierces the ground instead.

Just when I thought Nadia-san was safe, more scorpion tails start sprouting out of the first one, and even more came out of them, similar to a tree branch of scorpion tails.

"TCH!" Nadia-san grunts as she dodges the attacks with acrobatic movements. But the scorpion tails continue homing in on her with nimble movements.

Nadia-san spins her Soul Slayer around one hundred and eighty degrees to the spearhead. Lightning gathers around the spearhead and forms an extension to it. Creating a spearhead about five metres long made out of pure lightning.

""""GRAGHHH!"""" The Chimera growls in pain as Nadia-san severs its tails.

"Here I come," Nadia-san states as she runs towards the Chimera.

The Chimera Anomaly opens several of its mouths.

""""BRAHHH!"""" All the heads make a awful vomiting like sound as a immense number of creatures crawl out of its mouths. They all land and start slithering along the floor. Snakes? And there's got to be close to a thousand of them.

Nadia-san sweeps and cleaves up all the snakes within range of her lightning spear. The snakes when they get close enough pounce towards Nadia-san with unhinged jaws, trying to latch onto her neck, but none are able to do so. Just as I am able to feel that Nadia-san will be all right against the snakes...

"KYAAA!" I suddenly hear Alma's scream, I turn around to find that several snakes are attacking us instead. I was concentrating so much on Nadia-san's predicament I didn't pay any attention to any of my surroundings.

"ALMA! ALICIA-CHAN!" Nadia-san also noticing our danger is quick to react the spear's lightning blade disappears and she turns it round to the hammerhead segment, *BANG!* She slams it against the ground and lightning falls from the sky.

""""GRAHHH!"""" The snakes attacking us are instantly incinerated. We're safe, I relax my breathing from the relief, but then.

"GUHHH!" Nadia-san grunts. When I turn round I notice several threads wrapped around Nadia-san's limbs. And whilst she's unable to move. "ARGGGGHHHHH!" She screams as a snake bites her.

"NEE-SAMA!" Alma shouts in horror. I on the other hand cannot even open my mouth, the fear halts my voice.

As the snake falls off Nadia-san's arm, I notice something wrong with it. The upper half of her arm where she was bitten has petrified, it's turned to stone.

""""You let your guard down whilst you were protecting the brats."""" The Chimera mocks. """"You won't be able to fight the way you want in that state.""""

"Yeah, I Guess I can't beat you with ordinary moves." Nadia-san says with a face of regret as she looks at her petrified arm. She then turns to me and Alma, smiling as tears flow from her eyes. "Alma, grow up into the great woman that I wasn't able to, and tell Shuren...that I love him."

"Nee-sama? What are you saying?" Alma asks in a quivering voice.

""""Become part of me!"""" The Chimera Anomaly screams as it throws Nadia's body limply into the air via the threads, it then closes it's jaws around Nadia-san, swallowing her whole.

"NADIA-SAN!", "NEE-SAMA!" Alma and I scream at the scene.

Then, from within the Chimera Anomaly.

"BUT EVEN IN THIS STATE! I CAN STILL USE THIS! SOUL MARTYR!" Nadia-san's voice leaks out from within the Chimera. Several flashes of light shine through the gaps in the Chimera Anomaly's jaws.

""""DAMN! YOU!"""" The Anomaly curses as it spits out Nadia-san's limp unconscious body. """"You shattered your own soul into pieces and had them fuse with my own! You're planning on destroying me like a cancer!""""

*COUGH COUGH!* All the heads spit out immense amounts of black blood.

""""CURSE YOU!"""" It yells one more time before it disappears into a dark void, I can no longer feel it's presence.

"NEE-SAMA!" Alma tearfully runs and cradles her older sister's body. "Nee-sama, you defeated that huge monster, please open your eyes. I can't thank you if you're sleeping." Alma's shock causes her to defy reality. Tears flow down my cheeks as I watch Alma continuously try to wake up her sister in vain. I know, Nadia-san will never open her eyes again, I'm sure Alma also realises this.

"Alma..." I quietly call to my friend. As I try to place my hand on her shoulder Alma slaps it away and looks at me with anger filled eyes.

"That thing, was after you! How could you do this to us!? To Nee-sama!?" She screams at me, my body stiffens, her previously pure eyes are now nothing but a haven of anger.

"I'm...sorry..." My eyes tear, "I didn..."

"Nee-sama's DEAD! Do you think a sorry can undo what you've done!? GET LOST YOU MONSTER!" Alma shouts, as she picks up a stone and throws it at me.

It hits me in the face, blood flows from the cut. But I feel no physical pain, my heart hurts too much to care. The eyes Alma is looking at me with right now, I'll never forget them.

"I'm sorry..." I say one more time as I walk away in tears, rain droplets shower onto my skin and roll down my face, almost as if my own tears are not enough to convey my feelings.

I turn one last time towards Alma, who has returned to cradling Nadia-san's body in tears. I turn my back again and walk out the park.

Eventually Sebastian found me crying and took me back home to the Underworld.

XXXXXX

Chapter 20C: Alicia and Alma's Past – Yuichi's Unheard Promise

"And that's what happened." Alicia says in a voice that seems to be trying to keep her negative emotions in check. "In order to save us, Nadia-san used a technique that transmigrates her soul into an eternal conductor for Gungnir-Mjölnir's lightning and fused her soul fragments with the Chimera."

"Alicia, I maybe a bit late in saying this, but none of that was your fault." I say, trying to comfort my fiancé, even just a little.

"It doesn't change the result, Yuichi." She replies solemnly. Before putting on a strong front that is very transparent. "Anyway, Yuichi. This is my problem, I must clear up my own mess, so leave Alma to me, she means busin...URGH!"

"Forgive me." I apologise as I withdraw my fist that I used to knock out Alicia. I catch her body in my arms before she falls to the floor and carry her to her bed.

"Protecting the feelings of the bride, is the grooms job." I state as I pull the blanket over Alicia's body.

There's no way someone as beautiful as I would let you carry such a burden alone.

"I promise you, Alicia. I shall end this in a way so that everyone cries tears of happiness."

hyuugalegacy

2016-07-09, 05:33

And here is the final chapter of this arc

Chapter 21: Yuichi Vs Alma

The time for the duel is close, I slowly walk into the park that Alma designated as the venue. The park is vacant of people, apart from one, who is swinging gently back and forth on the swing. The challenge letter mentioned that there would be no interruptions, so I'm guessing she erected some sort of barrier to keep civilians away.

"Just you?" The tanned skin girl asks as she continues to swing back and forth on the swing.

"I'm not so cruel as to have my fiancé fight an old friend," I say with a bitter smile before changing the subject, "Is Shiori-sempai going to be okay?"

"Thanks to you, her life is not in danger. However, her injuries will take a long time to heal." Alma explains, "For saving my friend's life, you have my sincere gratitude, Yuichi Shiro." Alma jumps off of the swing and walks over to me, Gungnir-Mjölnir is in her hand. "However, this and that, are two very different matters. For as long as you exist, Anomalies will continue being drawn into the living world. I cannot allow any more tragedies to occur."

"Alicia told me what happened between the two of you." I admit, "Surely you must realise she didn't want that to happen any more than you did. Why must you treat her like this? Even I can tell that Alicia still considers you her friend. How can you continue to hate someone like that!?"

"When I was a child, I did indeed bear a grudge against Alicia. However, that has long since passed, what I hate now isn't Alicia, but her type of existence. Reapers create Human Anomalies, and throw them back into the living world. Reapers and Anomalies are the enemies of the church. At the end of the day, this is a war, we Slayers versus them. For as long as I hold this Gungnir-Mjölnir, I shall purify all impurities!" Alma explains.

"What a stupid reason." I state coldly as I manifest my silver sword. I had activated Silver Manifestation before entering the park. "I shall pull that stupid reason right from under you!"

Alma spins her Soul Slayer in a circle and points the hammer segment at me. "It's a shame, Yuichi Shiro. If you were a regular human, I feel we could've been friends." Alma states before charging towards me with her Soul Slayer, I can see the electricity discharging through it. I also run towards her, swiftly closing the distance between us.

Alma swings the hammer horizontally towards me. I swiftly jump back and avoid it. Alma, in mid swing with Gungnir-Mjölnir, spins her Soul Slayer around in her hand to the spear segment. Lightning quickly surrounds Gungnir-Mjölnir's spearhead, creating a extended spearhead made of lightning several metres long.

Crap! The hammer was just a feint. I quickly create a wall of silver to intercept the lightning spear.

*BZZTTT!* I see the intense lightning run through the silver wall. I'd have been in serious trouble if that lightning did hit me. Alma's Soul Slayer is truly scary. I breakdown and reshape the silver wall. I make the silver take the forms of several javelins.

"GOOO!" I scream as I launch the javelins at Alma, who simply swings her lightning spear. Suddenly my javelins are forced back and pierce the ground before disappearing.

"What the hell did she do just now!?" I ask myself, she never hit the javelins, nor was it a shock wave. Alma dashes towards me once more whilst I'm in a state of shock. "Damn! I have no time to think about this!" First things first, I need to counter her long reach.

I quickly manifest more silver and have it surround my sword. Now in my hands, is a silver sword that rivals the length of Alma's Gungnir-Mjölnir with the lightning spear included. Thanks to my Silver manifestation ability, I can manipulate the silver I create. By using this aspect, I take the weight off of the silver by levitating it slightly with my mind. I'm just going to use my hands to help direct the trajectory of my colossal silver blade.

"It's meaningless!" Alma states as she charges with her lightning spear, Gungnir-Mjölnir. I swing my huge silver sword down overhead, Alma positions her lightning spear ready to stop my attack. Just before my sword collides with her electricity, knowing full well she's planning on running the electricity through my silver sword into me, I have my silver sword shatter off at the hilt.

"WHAT!?" Alma shouts in shock. The silver heading towards her is no longer in contact with me, so running electricity through it will accomplish nothing. Plus, lightning isn't tangible, you won't be able to block my silver with it.

I quickly have the broken blade of silver that is falling towards Alma reshape itself just like the wall from before. She would just dodge the falling blade in its current state, so I need to manipulate this chance whilst her guard's down.

"Silver Rain!" I call out the attack name that I make up on the spot, as the huge shrapnel's of silver shoot down at Alma.

Alma jumps around acrobatically, dodging all of my random attacks at a hairs breathe. I quickly manipulate the hilt I'm still holding into the shape of a knife. I throw it at Alma, who is too busy dodging my 'Silver Rain' to notice.

"ARGHHHH!" She screams as my silver knife pierces through her unsuspecting arm. I must admit, that was a bit dirty of me, but she's not the kind of opponent I can take lightly.

*Bang! Bang! Bang!* My 'Silver Rain' continues raining down onto Alma. My view's obstructed by a huge cloud of dust covering the area from the many impacts with the ground. I hope Alma didn't die in that last attack. I look on in worry as the dust slowly clears, silently praying that Alma is safe.

*BOOOM*

"URGGHHHHHH!" I scream in agony and fall onto my knees. The sky just suddenly flashed, and the next thing I know, I'm in severe pain.

*Cough! Cough!* Blood and blue steam pour out of my mouth and body respectively. The dust clears in the distance revealing Alma with the hammer segment of her Soul Slayer wedged into the ground. Blood is pouring out of her arm where my knife stabbed her, and her clothes are ripped in several places. So, she called down a lightning bolt whilst she was dodging my Silver Rain. Both her skills and tenaciousness are impressive.

*Cough Cough!* Damn, of course. That lightning is a soul slaying technique, making it highly effective against me. I slowly struggle myself back onto my staggering feet as I wipe the blood from my mouth.

"You're a pretty tough guy aren't you?" Alma says in surprise.

"Right back at you." I answer defiantly.

"HM!" She grunts, "However, since my lightning hit you, I'm at the complete advantage." She proudly proclaims.

"Stop acting like you're fine, my last attack still left one hell of a mark on you!" I shout back.

Alma, ignores her wounded arm, and walks to a tree. She stabs the spear segment into it before turning back around to face me. What's she planning? "I wasn't referring to the damage aspect, although, even there, I think I'm still in the lead." She states. I hate to admit it, but she's right. Her attack is affecting me a lot worse than mine is against her.

"Tell me Yuichi Shiro, do you know about the poles on a magnet?" Alma randomly asks. Poles? Is she referring to the north and south poles? "My last attack with the Mjölnir part of my Soul Slayer did more than give your soul intensive damage through it's lightning. It gave your body a huge south pole charge." She states, "Now, if I were to give this tree a north pole charge with the Gungnir part of my Soul Slayer. What do you think would happen?" Alma asks, a smile leaking out onto her face.

Oh god, no! I recall back to my physics lessons, and the relationship between the north and south poles on a magnet.

"FUCK!" I scream, as Alma runs a current into the tree.

My body begins to be pulled forward like there's an invisible rope attached to my waist that is being pulled. I quickly manifest my silver and have it wrap around my ankles before anchoring the silver deep into the ground.

"URGHH!" The pulling force on my body is so painful it feels like I'm being ripped in two.

"The north and south poles are unable to be kept apart, Yuichi Shiro." Oh, please, don't tell me. "If you refuse to go to the tree, then the tree will..." The huge tree begins to uproot itself from the ground, freeing itself. "Go to you."

"CRAPPP!" I scream, as the huge bark of wood flies towards me at high velocity. I quickly unanchor myself from the ground, but keep the silver wrapped around my ankles. I manipulate the silver to levitate upwards along with me, dodging the high speed incoming tree.

"Shit! It's coming after me!" I did consider this happening, but it's scary to actually see. Hm. Wait, if this tree follows me, then...

I jump high into the air over Alma's head, placing her between me and the tree.

"Do you take for a fool!?" She asks coldly. Just as the tree is about to hit Alma she somersaults over it, spinning her Soul Slayer she swings the spear segment towards the tree, mid-jump. Almost like the tree was a golf ball being hit by a club.

"WHAT! Isn't it going faster than before!?" Just what on earth did she do?

I once again dodge the incoming tree.

"Don't you know, Yuichi Shiro? When the two same poles on a magnet touch, what happens?"

"They repel!" I reply back in realisation. This new information solves several mysteries. The reason my silver lances were deflected was because she gave them a pole charge, she then used the same pole to deflect them. The reason behind the tree speeding up is because she used the same pole with her Soul Slayer repelling it towards me, making there not one, but two forces acting on it.

Her Soul Slayer's ability is even more terrifying than I first thought. I dodge the tree for the umpteenth time.

"You're really annoying ME!" I scream as I manifest and manipulate my silver I send a innumerable amount of silver stakes into the bark of the tree. The silver conducts the lightning out of the tree, making it lose its magnetic charge and fall to the ground.

"Very clever," Alma praises, "However, if your silver conducts the charge in the tree..." Before Alma can finish all the silver within the tree flies towards me, the same pole charge running through them. However, this is my silver, not a tree. Before any of the silver can hit me, it dissipates.

"I created that silver, having it disappear is all too easy." I explain proudly.

"But your body still has a south pole charge." Alma states as she spins Gungnir-Mjölnir around in a circle. Swinging the Spear end in a arc, a stream of lightning discharges out of her Soul Slayer and heads towards me. Using the silver attached to my ankles to help speed me up, I dive to one side, dodging the lightning, but then...The lightning swiftly changes direction, I quickly figure out the reason, and create a wall of silver to protect myself from the lightning

*BRRR!* The sparks from the wall screech. I quickly have the wall disappear before it starts homing in on me from the pole charge in the lightning.

"So, you can have your lightning home in on me thanks to the south pole charge!?" I analyse.

"That's correct." Alma admits.

I quickly get onto my feet and hold out my hand, I create a ice ball and shoot it at Alma, who quickly dodges and swings her spear again, creating more lightning from the tip. "Distance combat isn't going to help me out against this girl." I say quietly to myself as I erect another silver wall to protect me from the lightning whilst continuing to run and close the distance. I create a silver sword in my hand in preparation to slash at Alma, who simply spins around her Soul Slayer to the hammer segment. Before I can get in striking distance she swings the hammer horizontally and my body is forced backwards by some invisible force.

"She repelled me by using the same pole." I analyse to myself. However, I've now confirmed my suspicions. Alma spins her Soul Slayer back to the spear segment and launches a stream of lightning. I jump into the air, the lightning follows, I create another silver wall to defend me and then have it disappear. Whilst in mid-air, I quickly create two blocks of ice at my feet, now I have some foot holes I can use. I kick off with all my remaining strength, the lightning strike I took before, and all the running around, is starting to take its toll on me. I need to finish this now!

Alma spins Gungnir-Mjölnir around to the hammer segment. Like before, she seems intent on repelling me. "DON'T YOU LEARN!? YOU CAN'T GET NEAR ME!" She shouts, her voice is full of exhaustion, the blood loss and constant manoeuvres must have tired her out as well. A drawn out battle isn't good for either of us.

Alma swings her hammer, I create a silver wall behind me to brace myself against the repulsion force.

"WHAT!?" Alma shouts in shock. The reason isn't because of the wall. A huge silver projectile is flying towards her at high speed. The same silver I kept using to guard from her lightning strikes.

"You didn't release your manifestation!?" Alma realises as my attack approaches. I noticed the weakness to her Soul Slayer. It truly is very similar to a magnet. When she repels attacks, she always uses the same end of her Soul Slayer she used to give it a pole charge. That's why every time she repelled me, she used the hammer end rather than the spear. The hammer segment has a south pole charge, meaning it will repel other things that have a south pole charge, in this case me. However, the silver walls I used to defend myself, were hit with lightning from the spear end, giving them a north pole charge. Because she's using the hammerhead to try and repel me, who is the same south pole. I released and recombined all the silver fragments that were stuck to my body due to the north pole charge they received. It is now being attracted to Alma's south pole side, the hammer end of her Soul Slayer. Her weakness is that she can only use one of her Soul Slayers poles at once.

Alma quickly turns Gungnir-Mjölnir around to the spearhead segment, she intends to reflect the silver back at me. However, you've now switched to the north pole side of your Soul Slayer, and considering I'm still south pole charged. I kick off the silver wall with all my might to increase the momentum and the pull of the attraction. As the silver mass I launched at Alma is pushed back at me, before it collides with me, this time, I truly do dissipate the silver. The silver that previously attached to my body still had soul destroying electricity running through it, due to my immense pain I barely noticed it though. But there's no point in causing myself needless harm.

"WHAT!" Alma shouts in shock as the silver she thought would most likely have finished me off disappears. I told you, having it disappear is all too easy.

The momentum of the attracting force plus my own pushing force makes me fly down like a bullet. Suddenly, just before I'm pulled into being impaled by the spearhead, I rotate my body at high speed with help from the silver on my ankles, narrowly missing the spear by inches. Before Alma can spin her Soul Slayer back around.

"KAPOWWW!" I shout as I swing my fist directly into her face using the attracting force as an additional power up. Aren't you honoured Alma? To 'attract' the one and only Yuichi Shiro.

"URGGGGGGHHHH~~~!" The huge sudden force smashes her body into the ground, and sends it skidding along the floor.

Alma attempts to try and get back up to her feet but, "URGH...My body...won't move." She states whilst gritting her teeth. Well, isn't that one of the most typical cliché lines?

I slowly walk over and pick up her fallen Soul Slayer from the ground.

http://img09.deviantart.net/dd13/i/2015/299/2/7/commission___chapter_21_by_renealexa_diary-d9eg6u5.jpg

"Finish me off." She says in resignation whilst closing her eyes.

Finish you? Quit joking around. I promised Alicia I'd finish this in a way that would make everyone happy.

"Before, you stated that the church is at war with the Reapers and Anomalies, right?" I ask in confirmation.

"What of it?" Alma asks weakly. I guess I'll take that as a confirmation.

"Alma Ivana! Today, as of this moment, you are hereby my prisoner of war! You have no right to refuse!" I proclaim.

This girl, ever since I met her, I've had my suspicions, and just before this fight, I was able to confirm them. Her hatred towards Reapers and Anomalies, I get the feeling it's more of an obligatory hatred with her being a Slayer. She said so herself, she had long since forgiven Alicia, she just hated her type of existence.

If her hatred is rooted in a 'obligation', I just have to remove the said 'obligation'.

"What!?" Alma questions with what little strength she has left.

I then recall something else she said, "For as long as I hold this Gungnir-Mjölnir I shall purify all impurities!"

"Until further notice, I'll be confiscating this." I declare as I wave her Soul Slayer around. I then walk over and place my hand on her neck, I believe this is the right pressure point. "For now, sleep." I order.

"Urgh!" With a good squeeze, Alma slowly closes her eyes.

"Jeez, whether it be you, or Alicia, you just can't be honest, can you?" I say to the unconscious girl as I take out my phone and call a certain someone. "Hello, Father. I was wondering if you could do me a big favour." I quickly give my request to my father-in-law and hang up.

"Well, no point staying here. I get the feeling I'm going to have a lot to answer for. Time to face the music." I say in half resignation as I gently pick Alma off the ground and place her carefully over my shoulder.

I clap my hands together as I chant, "Our destination is Alicia's human world residence, connect." A magic circle appears beneath my feet. This is one of the Reaper spells I've learned from Kuro-san's blueprints, it's really useful.

My mind starts to feel a familiar sensation, I slowly close my eyes to embrace the following loss of conscientiousness. This feeling confirms to me that the battle is indeed over.

hyuugalegacy

2016-07-23, 06:50

Well here is the beginning of the next arc.

Chapter 22: The Underworld T.C. Grand Prix Prelude

A few days have passed since my fight against Alma. My physical wounds have all been healed. Although the number of complaints Alicia had when she woke up after the climax was numerous. Luckily thanks to my secret weapon aka dogeza I was able to gain her forgiveness. I get the feeling she rather enjoyed looking down on me from above, I know that thanks to her short skirt I enjoyed looking from below.

Now Alicia, Wolfy, Alma and I have come down to the Underworld, Father asked me to participate in a special kind of race that happens in the Underworld once a year, as part of 'Team Pandemonium'.

"Are you excited, Yuichi-niisama?" Lilicia-chan asks, she also is participating with us.

"Yeah, you could say that," I pat Lilicia-chan's head, "I also cannot ignore a request from Father."

"Why did I have to come!?" Alma asks with a voice full of displeasure.

"You are our prisoner of war, you must be kept under surveillance, so we couldn't leave you behind," I explain, "Just sit back and watch my beautiful..."

"ARGGGHHH!" Alma suddenly screams as the collar we fastened onto her neck turns red.

Oh, whoops, I did it again. Alma's body stiffens to the point she can't move a single muscle.

"Why on earth did you make 'beautiful', a word you use on a daily basis, your keyword, Yuichi?" Alicia asks, "Ixion."

"Hahhh." Alma breathes a sigh of relief after Alicia says her personal keyword 'Ixion'. The collar returns to it's green colour. In order to prevent Alma from causing any unnecessary conflict with us, we forcefully attached a collar onto her neck that when certain individuals state their personal keyword's it turns itself on, and forces Alma into a state of paralysis, until another keyword is spoken to deactivate it. Unfortunately, I keep on activating it by accident. Truth be told me and Father-in-law had to settle for just the collar, we wanted to go for the complete bondage set, but we were out voted.

I created this scenario to try and make Alicia and Alma make up, but unfortunately there hasn't been much progress.

"For me, the word 'beautiful'..." I answer - "ARGGHH!" - "Is very easy to remember."

"You did it again, Master." Wolfy says with a sigh, "Shazam."

Alma again is free from the restraint. "Will YOU KNOCK IT OFF, YUICHI SHIRO!?" She screams as her fist rips through the air, oh crap. "URGGGHHH!" I lose my footing from the sudden attack and fall backwards, but not before trying to grab the nearest thing to try and self right myself.

"Kyaaa!" Lilicia-chan screams as my arm instinctively grabs her and we both fall down in a rough heap.

"Oww, oww. Sorry, are you okay, Lilicia-chan?" I ask as I turn to the girl under me.

Hm? What is this soft sensation?

"Nii...sama?" Lilicia-chan says with a weak voice, my hand, as you may have guessed, is on her chest. This feeling is sensational, I could never get tired of it.

"Lilicia-chan, can we stay like this for a while?" I ask.

Lilicia-chan's face turns red, "If...you...want..." She begins.

"GET OFF HER DAMN IT!"

"OWWWWWWW!" That hurt like hell, "Alicia! I don't have a foot fetish, so can you stop shoving yours into my face!?"

My face is my greatest pride and a treasure on the level of the crown jewels.

"Ha ha, you still have a long way too go, Yuichi-kun." A elegant voice says, we each turn to its owner.

"Father!" Alicia, Lilicia-chan, and I say in sync.

"Listen Yuichi-kun, you should have grabbed Alicia as well when you fell. The best defence is a strong offence, as soon as you have them both on the ground you just need to make them feel good, then any possible resistance they have will disappear like the wind. It is at that point that you..."

"FATHER!" Alicia disturbs Father-in-law's words of wisdom. But I think I get the gist of it.

"I'll make you proud, Father." I state with a thumbs up, which Father returns.

"What kind of Father encourages someone to molest his daughters?" Alma asks in disgust.

Hey, watch your mouth, he's the great Yuichi Shiro's role model.

"I'm someone who wants only the best for my daughters." Father answers in a isn't it obvious tone, "Anyway are you three ready? It's almost time."

We all nod with looks of determination.

"Watch over Alma, Wolfy." I instruct.

"Yes, Master." He instantly replies.

Good boy, I'll give you a scooby snack later.

"Show them the greatness of Pandemonium you three!" Father cheers. We all wave in response.

"Let's go you two." Alicia orders, as we walk to our ride.

After a few minutes we arrive in what looks like a maintenance area. My eyes are instantly drawn to the huge object in the centre, so that's a Tri-Capsule. The huge vehicle has three egg shaped parts to it, all of which are joint together and have the Pandemonium insignia painted on them. The bottom half of each capsule is metallic whilst the top half is transparent, but that material isn't glass. There are many ropes which look like safety measures in each capsule, but there aren't any seats inside. I did hear that you stand inside these vehicles. I guess they weren't aiming for comfort when they designed them.

"Everything is ready, Alicia-sama, Lilicia-sama, Yuichi-sama." A man who looks like an engineer says.

"Thanks for the hard work." Alicia replies. "Yuichi, you take that support." She orders whilst pointing at one of the capsules.

"All right, I'll let you have the glory of being the Linchpin." I say with a shrug.

"This is your first time, Nii-sama. Controlling the Tri-Capsule isn't that easy I'm afraid." Lilicia-chan explains as she walks through the transparent material and into the other support capsule. Alicia and I follow suit and enter our respective capsules. Several mechanics enter with me and place some sort of vest around me, and then they attach all the safety cables to the vest.

"Take this, Yuichi-sama." One of the mechanics hands me some sort of headset. I quickly put it on.

"Testing 1, 2 ,3." Alicia's voice comes through. "During the race we will be using these to keep in constant contact with each other. Check your mic's."

"Lilicia here, no problems."

"Yuichi, the greatest person in existence, likewise, no problems."

"Have a mechanic check your headset Yuichi, it's spewing lies." Alicia retorts.

"Come on now, Onee-sama." Lilicia-chan's angelic voice is music to my ears.

Suddenly, an image of a wild looking guy holding a microphone to his mouth appears in mid air, this is all due to Underworld technology, something I dub 'Air TV'.

"It's finally that time of year again folks! THE T.C. GRAND PRIX!" The wild looking MC announces.

"OHHHHHHHH!" Many cheers scream together.

"I 'the man who needs no introduction' shall be your master of ceremonies!" He continues, what kind of title is that?

CLAP CLAP CLAP! - A loud applause resounds.

"Now, for those who don't know the rules, allow me to explain." He says whilst pulling a holier than thou pose, I'll ignore it for now, I need to pay close attention to this part after all. "Each team has three members, one Linchpin and two Supports. During the race the two Supports are permitted to use any method of attack on opposing racers, whether this is reaper techniques or whatever, it's all allowed. If a Support takes so much damage then their capsule will be forcefully disconnected from the pivotal capsule, the Linchpin. As long as the Linchpin is safe the team is still in the race, but if the Linchpin takes enough damage the Tri-Capsule will cease to function and will be forcefully teleported out of the race. So protect your Linchpins for all you're worth Supports, if they go down, you're out. Oh, and one last thing, the Linchpins are forbidden from using any techniques, so they have to rely on their Supports for both offence and defence. Any attempt on the Linchpins part to use any techniques, is instant disqualification."

So basically put, if Alicia is defeated, we lose.

"Now let me introduce you to some of the notable teams," The image changes from the MC, to me, Alicia, and Lilicia-chan, "First off is Team Pandemonium made up of the two Pandemonium sisters and Alicia-sama's fiancé, Yuichi Shiro-san. The man who became a celebrity in just one visit to the Underworld! He even has his own cheering section in the crowd!" The MC announces.

What, really?

The image changes from us, to a large group of people, I can just make out the back profile of Kuro-san, the man who trained me, he is waving around a stick similar to a conductor at an orchestrator.

"YUICHI! YUICHI! OH! OH! OHHHH-!" The cheerleaders (which are all guys) scream together.

"Why do they have to thrust their pelvises back and forth together in sync with the 'Oh's?" Alicia asks through the headset.

"Apparently this cheer, the 'Yuichi Shout' was inspired by a comment made by Yuichi Shiro-san to change Elizabeth Cerberus-sama's 'Oh ho ho' to 'Oh oh ohhh-'" The MC explains, almost as if he heard Alicia's question.

Oh yeah, I did say that, didn't I?

"YUICHI! OH! YUICHI! OHHH!" The screams become disorientated.

Huh? That's!?

The cheerleaders pelvis thrusts are slightly delayed from left to right, this is!

"A Mexican wave version of the 'Yuichi Shout'!" I scream in shock. Kuro-san, to come up with, and direct such a complicated move so well, you are truly a frightening individual.

"The next is one of the crowd's favourites, the triplets of Team Thanatos." The image changes to three people who look identical to each other, "These three are the younger siblings of the genius Tri-Capsule Linchpin Carrisa Thanatos-sama who is, unfortunately, still missing." The MC announces, the truth about Carrisa is still being kept a secret from the general public. Only the three main families and Hades knows the truth about Carrisa and the masked man. "That is one hell of a huge legacy to live up to, Carrisa-sama won every race she participated in. But how will the siblings do in action! I look forward to it."

The three cyan haired triplets who look around the same age as Lilicia-chan, are each wearing determined expressions, such spirit, I get the feeling they are going to be difficult to deal with.

"And next is Team Cerberus!" The image changes to the profiles of a couple of familiar faces, wait is that just my imagination? "Made up of Elizabeth Cerberus-sama and her younger brother Reno-sama, as well as her fiancé, Ren Kirei-san!" The MC announces.

"What!? Ren's participating! He never told me this!" I shout at the top of my voice.

"He said he wanted to surprise you." Alicia explains, "He also said he won't go easy on you even if you are his best friend."

"So Ren too wants a piece of me as well? Well most people do." I smile in anticipation.

Bring it on Ren! I harden my resolve. Team Pandemonium will definitely be victorious!

hyuugalegacy

2016-08-23, 23:31

Well here is next chapter

Chapter 23: The Underworld T.C. Grand Prix Main Event

"We are moments away from the start folks, all the teams are lined up and ready to go!" The MC who refers to himself as 'the man who needs no introduction' shouts whilst holding his microphone so close to his mouth it looks like he is eating it.

We, the members of Team Pandemonium along with all the other participants are hovering several metres off the ground in two straight lines. I can see Ren in one of the Cerberus team's support capsules, I smile in determination as our eyes meet.

"..." There is no need for words, our eyes do all the talking.

(I never thought we would ever have to face each other like this, Ren.)

(Ohhh- Yuichi, I am no match for your strength, nor your beauty, please please, have mercy.)

"COME ON REN! EVEN THOUGH I DON'T DISAGREE WITH YOUR STATEMENT THAT IS JUST TOO PATHETIC!" I scream as our conversation with our eyes took a turn for the pitiful.

"Onee-sama, what is wrong with Yuichi-niisama?" Lilicia-chan's angelic voice asks through the headset.

"Nothing is, that random outburst maybe weird for regular people; but for Yuichi, it's the norm," Alicia explains, as expected of my fiancé, you know full well that my magnificent self has far surpassed the level of a regular person.

"Then, as I thought Yuichi-niisama is a truly amazing person," Lilicia-chan chimes happily, well said, I'll give you a 'Yuichi head pat' coupon after the race, Lilicia-chan.

"What am I going to do with the two of you?" Alicia asks as she droops her head from within her capsule. What's wrong, dear? I'll give you a 'Yuichi head pat' coupon as well, so don't feel down.

"And now, let me introduce you all to our guest commentator for this race," The man who needs no introduction's voice resounds throughout the entire area, "It's our headhoncho in person folks, HADES-SAMA!" The image instantly changes to the familiar figure of the flamboyant leader of the underworld.

"OOOOOOOOOOHHHHHHHHHHH!" The entire area screams in applaud, I thought the sky was shaking for a second there.

"How goes it ya'll!? Doctor Des is here to rap ass and chew bubblegum; but I'm all out of gum," Hades pulls a very cool pose as his godly words exit his mouth, what a guy, no wonder he rules the underworld. "Now, I am a man of few words, so I'll keep this brief; participants, LOSE YOURSELVES!"

"OOOOOOHHHHHHHHHHHHH!" Everyone including me screams in response.

"Thank you, Hades-sama," Man who needs no introduction nods in satisfaction, "All racers prepare to start, the race begins in T minus thirty seconds."

"Yuichi, don't say anything for a while, you'll bite your tongue," Alicia warns through the headset as she looks at me, I nod in confirmation.

Several hovering traffic light like things float around the area, currently only the first one of the four lights is on.

*beep, beep, BEEP!*

*VOOOOOOOMMMMM!* All the capsules including our own take off like rockets, the landscape quickly changes into a rocky ravine like terrain, we are just moving so fast we can't even see the stadium any more. Thankfully, the many cables are keeping me from being thrown around too much.

"AND THEY'RE OFF!" Man who needs no introduction proclaims, "Bringing up the front of the pack is Team Thanatos, they have always been known for their quick acceleration, but it's still early days."

Alicia skilfully navigates us either above or below the many rocky pillars that connect the two sides of the ravine together. Slowly, the heavy vibrations from the Tri-Capsule become thinner, until I can barely feel a thing. We, Team Pandemonium are somewhere in the centre off all the racers, so we've got some catching up to do.

"Yuichi, Lilicia, we're going on the offensive," Alicia announces, "Pivot round to the front, but don't block my view."

"Right!" We reply together, as we make our support capsules orbit round in front of Alicia.

"Yuichi-niisama, I'll handle the ones in the distance, you take the ones close by. This terrain is perfect for me," Lilicia-chan explains the battle plan with huge confidence.

"Can do," I reply fearlessly, but I still don't entirely know what she means. I quickly create and launch several ice balls, however the supports on the defending capsule quickly react and block my attack with their own.

"Reaper Technique: Rock Geyser." Lilicia-chan's voice comes through the headset, as I look on ahead I can see in the distance a huge flux of boulders are barraging the Tri-Capsules of some of our many opponents, is this Lilicia-chan's technique? It's really powerful, more than just a couple of our rivals were teleported out of the race in that one move. However, the one at the very front magnificently dodged the attack without a scratch.

"Team Pandemonium is on the attack! But as expected of Team Thanatos, they were able to dodge Lilicia-sama's attack like it was nothing!" Man who needs no introduction announces the play by play.

"Lilicia has always had an affinity for Earth based reaper techniques, but for her to conjure up one as big as that at her age is a remarkable feat. My homie Alexander must be as proud as can be," Hades supplements, yes Lilicia-chan is to become the mistress of this Yuichi Shiro, so this level of skill is only natural. You are our pride and joy, Lilicia-chan.

"Yuichi! They're attacking from the rear, leave the front to Lilicia and do something about them!" Alicia orders, breaking me free from my state of admiration.

"The incarnate of beauty is on it!" I scream back as I pivot to Alicia's rear.

Several fireballs are approaching fast.

"It's just like shooting clay pigeons," I said as I create several balls of ice, "PULL!" I shout as I shoot my ice balls at the incoming fireballs.

*BOOM BOOM BOOM BOOM BOOM BOOM* Huge explosions engulf the sky like fireworks where my ice collides with their fire.

"As expected of my man, such an attack is worthless against him," Hades compliments, you really do understand me, don't you? Anyway, time for me to counter-attack.

"My soul is one that is of self confidence. Beautiful, intelligent and kind. Absolute belief in myself and those that surround me. And a will that never dulls, bends or breaks." I chant the lyrics of my soul's nature, playtime is over.

"Silver Manifestation!" I quickly create and manipulate my huge masses of silver into various shapes and forms.

"IT'S HERE FOLKS! THE RUMOURED SOUL TECHNIQUE OF YUICHI SHIRO!" Man who needs no introduction yells, he's really the excitable type isn't he? "THIS IS SOMETHING I HAVE BEEN HOPING TO SEE EVER SINCE I HEARD HE WAS GOING TO BE IN THE RACE. THE POWER OF THE HUMAN ANOMALY WHO IS TO BE MARRIED INTO THE PANDEMONIUM FAMILY!" Really? Then get your eyeful of my elegant power.

I quickly style several chunks of my silver into the shapes of a javelin, "Eat this." I launch the silver javelins at the many Tri-Capsules behind us, the supports try desperately to block my attacks, but it's meaningless, my silver pieces through the magical shields they erect like they're made of paper.

"It's no good! Yuichi Shiro-san's silver cannot be blocked. The only thing the supports can do to protect their linchpins is use themselves as shields," Man who needs no introduction declares, just as he said many supports resorted to sacrificing themselves to save the linchpins. Such determination, you may have been my enemies, but I, Yuichi Shiro, salute your resolution. I see off the supports who are being forcefully teleported out the race with eyes full of respect.

"Yuichi, get out of your happy mood, the hard part begins from now!" Alicia shouts.

"The racers are starting to move out of the ravine and into the magma cave. That place can really warm up some cold bodies." Hades announces, "I'm guessing this is where Team Cerberus will make their move."

The rocky terrain quickly changes into one of some kind of cavern with a huge sea of fire below us, streams of lava and molten rocks jump out of the fire sea like a snake after it's prey, Alicia dodges all the foreign objects with minimal movement, her concentration is second to none. Lilicia-chan and myself are constantly pivoting around the Linchpin yet not a single pebble or ember has scratched us. I quickly snap myself back out of my admiration towards my fiancé, there is something I don't get.

"Huh? Why would Cerberus attack now?" I ask.

"The last terrain was one best suited for Lilicia who specialises in Earth type Reaper Techniques, that's why we didn't see hide nor tail of them, because we had the advantage there." Alicia, despite being busy navigating the Tri-Capsule, explains.

"The Cerberus family are renown for their affinity for fire based reaper techniques, and in this terrain, their power can be brought out to the maximum." Lilicia-chan supplements.

Just a moment later, "WHAT THE!?" A huge pillar of fire engulfs several teams, whom are quickly teleported out of the race, thankfully the barriers around the capsules are exceedingly strong, so there is no threat of loss of life during the race.

I spot the likely culprits in the last attack, Ren, Elizabeth and the younger brother, I think they called him 'Reno' if memory serves. Their capsule starts to pick up speed and is gaining on us at a fast rate.

"JUST AS HADES-SAMA PREDICTED! TEAM CERBERUS IS ON THE ATTACK!" Man who needs no introduction yells out, I sure wish he would shut up already.

"Lilicia, Yuichi, never mind the front, just concentrate on Cerberus. I know it is asking a lot, but if possible try and keep Reno at bay!"

"Asking a lot?" I ask in confusion, why just that Reno boy?

"Yuichi, Elizabeth maybe an embarrassment to Cerberus; but Reno is anything but,"Alicia harshly explains, I can only remain silent from hearing this. Elizabeth is an embarrassment? You've really got a mean streak in you, Alicia.

I create more silver javelins and launch them at the capsules of Team Cerberus, however before they reach them, "Holy shit! Is this happening naturally!?" Several pillars of fire shoot out from below us, one of which engulfs my silver, I can tell there is no way my silver would get through that inferno. "Of course not! It's Reno's doing! Even if it's only within this terrain, his power level could very well be on par with Carrisa's." Alicia answers, what seriously!? He's that strong!? "Now, hang on tight and cut the needless banter!" Alicia orders as she navigates left and right to avoid the fire pillars that would otherwise be on a collision course with us.

"YUICHI-NIISAMA!" Lilicia-chan shouts. What the!? When did they get there! *Bang Bang Bang* "URGHHH!" Several small fireballs smash into my capsule, "Shield life down to fifty percent," A automated voice warns. I glare at the one behind the last attack, "Ren..." I create a huge quantity of small masses of silver and shoot them in retaliation at my best friend, I doubt Reno can conjure those fire pillars quickly enough to block this attack, Just when I thought I was on the verge of forcing Ren out the race, he pivots around the linchpin to the back, dodging my attack, before returning to his original position. "Tch, as expected of my best friend," I compliment, Ren isn't going to go down without a fight.

"Now isn't the time for that, Yuichi!" Alicia shouts, "Reno is up to something."

I redirect my attention back onto Elizabeth's younger sibling. A small fireball is forming in front of his outstretched hand. "That small thing is no need for conc..." I stop mid sentence, why? "Okay, I take it back, that thing could be problematic," I deduce, the small fireball had quickly expanded to about half the width of the cavern. "No amount of sun lotion will be able to turn the disintegration into a fashionable tan with that thing," I state.

"Spare me the jokes and brace yourselves," Alicia orders as she steers us towards the ceiling of the cavern, "I'm glad the sponsors set up barriers around the terrain, otherwise that fireball would destroy the entire cavern. Anyway, get ready! Reno maybe a powerful support, but the driver and linchpin of Team Cerberus is still Elizabeth!"

Before I can even ask what she is planning Reno shoots his huge fireball at us, is this the end!? "Hang on!" Alicia shouts as she quickly turns the Tri-Capsule down ninety degrees, the fireball misses us, but wait, if you do that we'll fly into the sea of lava! However, before I can voice my concern, she adjusts the direction of the capsule another ninety degrees so we are flying parallel with the sea of lava, but in the opposite direction to the finish line, this flying upside down is making me queasy. Next, Alicia turns us one hundred and eighty degrees so we are upright and heading in the right direction again. I then notice something else, we're directly underneath Team Cerberus.

"The weak point of the Tri-Capsule is the bottom! The supports can only rotate left and right they cannot defend directly below themselves. Quickly, attack Elizabeth and knock them out of the race!" Alicia orders.

"RIGHT!" Lilicia-chan and myself respond in sync as I shoot my silver and Lilicia-chan unleashes a barrage of rocks on the defenceless Cerberus Tri-Capsule.

With a huge flash of light, the three of them have been forfeited from the race. Nice try Ren, but I'm not ready to retire from my position of being the greatest guy who walked on planet earth just yet.

"UNBELIEVABLE! Team Pandemonium has defeated Team Cerberus in their forte territory! Alicia-sama's expert piloting saved the day in what looked like a hopeless situation," Man who needs no introduction announces in excitement. But yeah, no kidding, those sharp reflexes and quick wit, you're the only woman suitable to be called my bride, Alicia.

"But that Reno sure is strong." I remark as I rub my hand across my brow, that last manoeuvre really made me sweat with worry.

"Yes, but thankfully Tri-Capsule racing is a team sport. Elizabeth isn't able to bring out the most in him, the supports are limited by there Linchpins after all." Alicia explains happily, she must be pleased that she has got a legitimate reason to look down on Elizabeth, a girl's wraith is truly a bottomless pit.

"Lilicia-chan, is Elizabeth really as pathetic as Alicia makes her out to be?" I decide to ask a third party about something that has been bothering me for a while.

"No, Onee-sama just doesn't like her. But I think it is true that Reno-kun far surpasses his sister." Lilicia-chan answers honestly.

"I'm going to pick up the pace. There is still the Thanatos triplets." Alicia warns as we speed on through the cavern, at long last we finally manage to get out of that huge oven.

"Most of the teams have now left the Magma Cave. The next area is the last before the home spurt, the Lightning Desert, thunder constantly rains down in this barren area of the underworld. It will really leave a mark if one of dem bolts hits ya." Hades explains, "I wonder how many teams will even manage to make it to the finish line." Sounds like a really dangerous place.

A flash of light suddenly illuminates the area followed by a loud, *BRING!* A huge lightning bolt.

"Yuichi, this is our big chance, all the teams are being cautious due to the thunder. Create and maintain a wall of silver above us, that way we won't have to fear the random thunderbolts."

"To come up with such an idea, you really do know me inside and out don't you, Alicia?" I say in amazement.

"Don't be a fool! There is still lots I don't know!" Alicia retorts.

"In that case, ha ha, how about we get to know each other even better tonight then? My bed can easily support another person." I joke as I create a wall of silver to protect us from the lightning.

"It'll be your deathbed if you say any more bullshit!"

"Please forgive me," My body shrills up in fright, I think she's serious.

"I too...wish to know more...about Yuichi-niisama...on the...be...," Lilicia-chan states in a stuttering voice.

"Lilicia, don't even get me started," Alicia says calmly but I can feel the invisible pressure.

"Forgive me, Onee-sama." And so can Lilicia-chan it seems.

*BRING BRING BRING BRING!* The lightning echoes throughout the desert. Even with my silver shield protecting us, for some reason I still can't help but find this lightning scary.

XXXXXX

After a few minutes after we entered the Lightning Desert, we finally spotted our last big rival in this race, Team Thanatos.

The two supports pivot around to the back, acknowledging us as a threat. One of the supports starts to create several balls of wind, whilst the other creates several balls of fire. Wait, this is ringing some bells...Shit they're going to combine their elements like the masked man did! "Alicia they're going for the combustion!" I warn my fiancé. "I know that. Yuichi, you can remove the wall blocking the thunder now, our priority is to defeat the triplets!"

Doing as Alicia orders I remove the wall of silver I kept manifested to protect us from the lightning. The two Thanatos supports shoot out their respective elemental balls.

*BOOM BOOM BOOM BOOM BOOM* Alicia quickly manoeuvres the Tri-Capsule in complicated yet calculated trajectories, dodging all the explosions created from the combination of fire and wind.

In response I create a huge ball of silver and Lilicia-chan creates several boulders "TAKE THIS!" I shout as we launch our techniques towards Team Thanatos' Tri-Capsule, however "Tch, they dodged them, and they made it look easy." I can't help but grunt in frustration, even though I half expected this outcome. "Yuichi-niisama, the second wave is coming." Just as Lilicia-chan said, the two supports fire their elemental balls. Huh, wait a second, the support who previously used balls of wind is now creating balls of water instead. "Fire and water? Have they given up on their combination attacks?" I ask in confusion. "No, they're going for..." Alicia begins, but the fire and water balls intersect before she can finish. "GUH! I can't see! Mist?" Is this their goal? They're trying to blind us!

"Get ready you two! There is only one reason why they wanted to obstruct our vision! We'll use this chance," Alicia warns, care to enlighten me regarding that one reason, I maybe a genius with an unparalleled level of beauty; but when it comes to Tri-Capsule racing I'm still a newbie.

We quickly escape the fog, well given the speed we're going at it's only to be expected, however. "Where did Team Thanatos go!?" I ask in shock.

"Is this the end of Team Pandemonium!? Team Thanatos have managed to blind spot them!" Man who needs no introduction's voice echoes louder in my ears than even the lightning. Blind spot? Underneath us!?

"Shit we're finished!" I scream in resignation.

"Not yet! Yuichi, Lilicia ready your attacks to shoot through the top of your capsules!" Alicia orders once again.

I can't say I understand what she is planning but Alicia has never let me down, so naturally I do as she orders, and then suddenly, falling into my view from the ceiling of my capsule is none other than the Tri-Capsule of Team Thanatos, the reason I can see something that should have been below us through the ceiling of my capsule? It's simple, Alicia suddenly rotated our capsule one hundred and eighty degrees, so that we are flying parallel with Team Thanatos whilst upside down. Meaning they are no longer in our blind spot.

Lilicia-chan and myself unleash our attacks quickly onto their exposed linchpin. And with another flash that is even brighter than the flashes from the lightning, Team Thanatos has been defeated!

"Amazing! Once again Team Pandemonium escaped from another seemingly hopeless situation. I think this race is now as good as over!" Man who needs no introduction announces.

XXXXXX

It was just as he said, with Team Cerberus and Thanatos out of the race, we breezed through the rest of it, and likewise took first place.

"The winners this year are Team Pandemonium!" Man who needs no introduction declares as Alicia, Lilicia-chan and myself wave on to the cheering crowd. We did it father-in-law.

"Yuichi! Yuichi! OH! OH! OHHHH-!" The Yuichi shout continues, I can only say I feel privileged that I have my very own special cheer. With this feeling of happiness and sense of achievement I can go home with my head held high.

The great Yuichi Shiro shines once again.

hyuugalegacy

2016-09-10, 01:17

And the next chapter

Chapter 24A: Event's After Party – Meet The Triplets

After our stunning victory which in no small part was thanks to me, well I guess it was mainly Alicia. We moved into a huge room filled with all kinds of food and tons of well dressed people conversing with each other, I too have changed into a fitting Tuxedo to increase my already high level of beauty. This is the second time I've been to a party in the Underworld, however this one is a lot more casual than the last.

"You look breathtaking, Yuichi-niisama," Lilicia-chan compliments, well that's a given though.

"Thanks, you too are even more beautiful than usual, Lilicia-chan," I say as I pat her adorable head, Lilicia-chan's face turns slightly red from our contact. She really is cute, her pure white one piece dress covers her down to her thighs and is decorated with an abundance of different coloured ribbons. "But boy am I glad that I'm such a great man, if I was anything less I would have taken you to my room no questions asked."

"Um, there is no need for you to actually be such a great man, Yuichi-niisama," Lilicia-chan exclaims as her face dyes an even greater red.

"Huh? Um, What?" I have no idea what she's saying, my genius still does have some difficulty deciphering a maidens heart. As my mind agonises on this matter, I catch a glimpse of another girl dressed in another one piece dress, although this one is more of a crimson colour and is full of thrills. Her beautiful silver hair is glossily flowing behind her. I can only swallow my breath at the wonderful sight in front of me, and remind myself of one of the many reasons I fell in love with this girl.

"I won't let you lay your hands on Lilicia, Yuichi," Alicia states as she walks up to us with a complexed expression on her face, which naturally snaps me out of my love struck daze. What's wrong my love? The great Yuichi Shiro would never leave behind his fiancé, if I did take Lilicia-chan, I'd be sure to take you at the exact same time. "Anyway these three wanted me to introduce you to them, Yuichi."

Three girls with cyan coloured hair and youthful faces line up in front of me, they are each wearing dresses that match their hair colours. Wait a second, these three? I thought they were boys at first, but in such clothes there is no way that can be true.

"They are all the daughters of Tartarus Thanatos-sama," Alicia explains, yes, these girls were our major competition during the race. "From left to right then, this is Rose," The triplet that is addressed gives a elegant curtsy "It's a pleasure to meet you, Yuichi-sama," she says in a soft yet clear voice. "Yes, same here," I respond with a polite bow. "This is Lily," Alicia continues. "Nya ha ha, you really beat us good before," She says with an amused smile. "It was a really close race," I respond. "And finally, this is Tsubaki," Alicia finishes. "HMPH! You just got lucky this time. And its not like I wanted to introduce myself to you or anything! But Rose insisted" She states as she folds her arms and turns her back on me. Oh great, don't tell me this girl is another Akane, one is bad enough.

"Don't be rude, Tsubaki," Rose chastises before turning back to me, "I apologise Yuichi-sama, she means no harm."

"Ha ha ha, a great man such as myself will never be daunted by something so trivial." I shrug off the earlier insult, if only for Rose's sake.

"Nya ha ha, Onii-chan is interesting," Lily says in a joyful voice as she rests her hands behind her head. I can tell I'll be able to get along with these two without a hitch, the problem is...

"He's just conceited." Tsubaki instantly knocks me down from my high.

"Yuichi-niisama is anything but, Tsubaki-chan," Lilicia-chan argues back, "I told you before how great he is."

"Yes, lately you never talk about anything else, Lilicia-chan," Tsubaki says with a crestfallen expression.

Alicia casually walks up to me and whispers, "Those two have been best friends for a long time,"

"I see. By the way, Alicia, if you whisper into my ear like that, then I can't help but being turned on." Oh crap, I accidentally voiced my thoughts out loud.

"YUICHI YOU DAMN FOOL!" Alicia screams, as her fist soars through the air, ARGH! Not the face. Recognising the incoming trajectory with my eyes I have my quick mind identify the threat.

Subject of threat: Alicia's fist.

Reason for threat: On collision course with my beautiful face.

Predicted level of loss and threat level: Damage to my beauty, Maximum.

Method of aversion: Run around like a headless chicken whilst screaming like a little girl.

I quickly put my aversion plan into action.

XXXXXXXX

Chapter 24B: Event's After Party – Be A Good Friend (Perspective Alma)

Why on earth do I have to be here!? I cannot stand crowds, so I'm standing in the corner of the party hall. Being the only regular human here, I cannot help but feel out of place.

"Why don't you go out and find yourself a man, Alma-chan?" A grand man I recognise approaches me with a wine glass in hand, its Alicia's father, Alexander Pandemonium. "Do you want to become another of Yuichi-kun's mistresses? I'm sure he would be happy to oblige, harems are every man's dream after all."

"Are you drunk?" I coldly ask.

"Drunk or sober, I am always the same," He replies, can I take that as a 'yes' then.

"KYYYYYYYAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!" A loud scream pierces deeply into my eardrums.

"What was that!?" I ask still in half shock from the sudden high pitched squeal.

"It sounds like someone screaming like a little girl whilst running around like a headless chicken." Alexander analyses, that was awfully descriptive, but whatever. I quickly decide it is best to put the scream from before to the back of my mind.

"What do you want from me?" I cut straight to the chase. The silly expression on the man's face changes it's tone to one much more serious.

"Alicia has always felt responsible for what happened on that day," He explains, "Happiness and sadness can very quickly change between one another at the same proportions. The amount of sadness Alicia held and still holds just goes to show how much happiness she had from being friends with you." Alexander moves to lean his body against the wall next to me, "As a father I truly want the best for my girls. Even if they themselves cannot see what is best for them. The reason I'm here is to ask you a favour."

"A favour?" I ask, intrigued what this upper class man could want with me.

"Alicia, very much earnestly wants to make up with you. Whilst asking you to forgive her is probably pushing it a little, but at the very least, I want you to listen to her till the very end. And if you can find it in yourself, I wish for you to support her like you did many years ago." Alexander explains. This is the first time I think I can see this man as a 'father'.

"I'll think about it," I give a curt reply.

"Yes, please do," He says with a smile as he moves away from the wall, "Oh yes, the spots to be one of Yuichi-kun's mistresses are quickly filling, you may want to act fast or you'll miss your chance."

"GO TO HELL!" I yell at the retarded Pandemonium family head.

XXXXXXX

Chapter 24C: Event's After Party – The Stain On Cerberus (Perspective Ren)

"KYYYYYYYAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!" A extremely high pitch squeal reverberates throughout the room.

"What the hell was that?" I ask, although for some reason I vaguely recall that voice.

"Who knows." Elizabeth answers with a shrug of her shoulders.

"Ah, Elizabeth, Ren-kun," A tall man who looks to be in his early forties calls out. He has long blond hair that is tied into a well kept ponytail, a grand face and an elegant beard.

"Father," Elizabeth greets with a bow and I follow suit, yes this man is none other than Elizabeth's Father, and my future Father-in-law, Philip Cerberus.

"I apologise for not being of any use during the race," I begin, but Father-in-law simply holds his hand out gesturing for me to stop.

"Don't worry about that, Ren-kun. Alexander's daughters are very talented as is his new son-in-law, I can see just why he boasted about him so much." Father-in-law reassures with a pleasant smile. "I actually wanted to talk to you both about a different matter. It's a little private so do you mind if we talk outside?"

Elizabeth and I give each other a quick look before nodding in response to Father-in-law. As we walk out the party venue I can't help but wonder just what it is he wants to talk about. The three of us happen upon a deserted park where we take up one of the many benches.

"What is it you wanted to talk about, Father?" Elizabeth asks with a serious face, she must be just as concerned as I am.

"I want to tell you that there has been a recent development regarding 'them'. The group whose very existence is a tarnish to the Cerberus name."

Elizabeth's eyes instantly sharpen upon hearing this, just who are they referring to?

"What have you learned about 'them', Father?" Elizabeth asks intrigued.

"Before, they concealed their actions, however their movements have been rather showy as of late. From this we have deduced that they are up to something, we're just not sure what," Father-in-law explains, "In addition, we now have a theory as to how they actually came to be."

"Really!?" Elizabeth exclaims in utter disbelief.

"Umm, I'm sorry to interrupt but just who are you referring to?" I ask, I don't want to be left on the sidelines of this conversation any longer.

"Oh, forgive us, Ren-kun," Father-in-law apologises, "Do you recall what the sacred duty of the Cerberus family is?"

"You mean to keep the souls that come to the Underworld within the Underworld." I respond.

"Yes, this has been the Cerberus family's duty for generations. However, a few souls of recently passing humans managed to bypass our security somehow and make it back into the living world. Normally the only way for a human soul to return to the living world is by defeating a reaper in a game." Father-in-law explains. Yes, this is how I won back my life as well as Yuichi. "However, before a Reaper could even make contact with any of them, these souls found their way back into the living world, and returned to their human bodies."

"Wait, if a human soul leaves it body and then returns then..." I begin.

"They become Human Anomalies," Elizabeth finishes with a angry expression clouding her face.

"Because all of these people who did this are gathering into one place, we concluded that becoming Human Anomalies was their very objective. The problem is how they did it," Father-in-law explains.

"How did they do it?" I ask, these people somehow managed to cheat death in a different way from Yuichi and myself. So many souls escaped the Underworld, so this is why their existence tarnishes the Cerberus family's name.

"Until recently we didn't have a clue. However, that all changed when Yuichi Shiro and Alicia Pandemonium confronted that masked man," Father-in-law announces. I heard about this guy from Yuichi, and how he easily overpowered him along with Alma-san and Shiori-sempai. "The problem lies in that man's accomplice."

The reaper who was with him?

"Carrisa!?" Elizabeth shouts in shock.

"Carrisa Thanatos would be easily capable of sneaking a few human souls out of the Underworld. Now that she has gone rogue we cannot help but suspect her."

"Then that Masked man is involved with the appearance of those 'Faux Human Anomalies!?'" Elizabeth concludes.

"Yes, we think that man is the mastermind behind the formation of those people. But to think that Carrisa could fall so low, Tartarus must be devastated." Father-in-law states solemnly. "Elizabeth, Ren-kun, we still do not know that groups ultimate objective, so be wary, all right."

"Understood." My fiancé and I respond in sync.

"Okay, just one last thing. Ren-kun, remember whether faux or otherwise, one anomaly naturally draws another, please always bear this in mind." Father-in-law says as he lifts himself up from the bench.

"I shall make every effort to bear this in mind," I reply.

"Good, now let's get back to that party and get ourselves pissed!" Father-in-law suddenly states in light tone, Elizabeth and I can only sigh at the quick change in attitude.

This world is just littered with 'anomalies' isn't it?

XXXXXXX

Chapter 24D: Event's After Party – Enigma (Perspective Currently Unknown)

"Our goal is fast approaching us, Stella. Make sure you and the others follow through on the plan."

"Understood, everything shall go according to your will."

"Good, this will be our last communication until the appointed time, show them our strength."

"Yes, those fools will soon witness the true power of the human anomalies of 'Enigma'."

hyuugalegacy

2016-09-27, 14:27

Well here is the next chapter then

Chapter 25A: Mission Possible – Prologue (Perspective: 00-Beautiful)

It happened as I was walking down the corridor. A male student, who was wearing a hoodie that was pulled low down over his face, places something into my pocket and moves his face closer to my ear and says.

"She sells sea turtles that are having sex by the sea shore," the password for that group. This means a new mission had come through. So without further delay I headed to a place void of any people aka, the men's bathroom.

I could feel my excitement from the feeling of heading on another perilous mission well up from inside of me.

XXXXXX

Chapter 25B: Mission Possible – Mission log (Perspective: 00-Beautiful)

Whilst sitting on the toilet seat, I take out the item that was placed into my pocket and turn it on.

A shadowy silhouette of a high school boy appears, his face is blurred by a mosaic. "Good morning agent 00 (Double 0) Beautiful. We have a huge task that should you choose to accept, will have a major impact on the entire school. According to our PAC's (Pornography appreciation club) intelligence, we have determined that today the first years will be having their measurements taken." What, seriously!? This is big news, "00-Beautiful, as you may have guessed, we wish for you to take pictures of the first year girls. Many men have already paid PAC in advance for photos of the bare skin of their idols, and it is your duty as our greatest PAC-Dude (Agent) to help us deliver the goods to their hands."

PAC-Leader pauses briefly as he takes a sip of what I think is Coke in a wine glass.

"We have determined that there will be many 'Ghosties' that will obstruct you in your mission, 00-Beautiful." The screen that was up until now showing PAC-Leader, switches to the view of a certain girl's profile. "Akane Mizuno, the former head of the disciplinary committee, who has now handed the seat back over Shiori Azusa, who has recently transferred back into our school. This 'Ghostie' is extremely dangerous, so avoid it with extreme caution." The screen switches to another woman. This one however despite her youthful appearance, isn't a student "Rina-chan-sensei, this one is a Ghostie of minimal threat with your abilities, 00-Beautiful, but just don't be careless." The screen switches back to PAC-Leader, "Now, due to help with an increase of the missions success rate you will be assigned to work with PAC-Dude 00-BFF. I have full confidence that the two of you shall deliver the dreams of the male student body," PAC-Leader salutes me, "God speed to you, 00-Beautiful. By the way, this message will..." Oh god, please don't tell me, I don't want my beautiful face to be burned to a crisp, "not self destruct, so please discard of it in your nearest courtesy bin. We of PAC are against littering after all." Thank goodness, my beauty has been spared.

XXXXXX

Chapter 25C: Mission Possible – Mission Plan (Perspective: 00-BFF)

A man who is wearing a mask with a male symbol on it approaches me. I myself am also wearing a mask, the two of us have overcome many trialling missions together, our success rate together still stands at one hundred percent.

"You're late, 00-Beautiful," I state to my partner.

"Forgive me, 00-BFF, I had to take the long way so that my beauty wouldn't draw any attention." With the mask or without, you're still the same, aren't you? "Anyway, enough with the pleasantries, how do you propose we handle this mission, 00-BFF?" 00-Beautiful asks in interest. I open up my laptop and run a certain program. A three dimensional plan of the school opens up. "The first year girls will be having their measurements taken here, on the second floor." The room in question turns red. "Obviously the curtains will be closed during the period of time when the girls will be topless. I assume that the two Ghosties will be patrolling the corridor just outside the room. Anyway, although it won't be easy, I do have a cunning plan." I can't help but let a smile slip as I speak.

"Do tell."

XXXXXX

Chapter 25D: Mission Possible – Mission Begin (Perspective: 00-Beautiful)

Classes are currently in session, luckily my class is in a break period, so no one will notice that I am not there. I run down the empty hallways whilst opening up all of the windows on route as well as a single door to a empty classroom, preparations complete. I put my back up against the corner and poke my beautiful head out. Just as 00-BFF predicted, the two Ghosties are patrolling the corridor.

It's time for me to pull my awesome decoy strategy then. I quickly get into a running position stance and "GOOO!" I shout as I run at the top speed my legs can go!

"OI! You stop!" Akane shouts as I run past her, "Sensei, I'm going to go after him, stay here."

Rina-chan gives a quick nod before, Akane Mizuno starts to tail me.

"Good, with this everything is going according to plan," we already knew that they wouldn't be stupid enough for them both to chase us, and the obvious one who would give chase was the one who was the greater athlete, Akane Mizuno.

I quickly turn a corner, this school building goes around in a square so if I continue on I would eventually return back to where I was previously.

"You can't escape me!" The demon's voice echoes throughout the hallway, oh just you watch me.

As I turn the second corner, during the brief moment Akane Mizuno loses sight of me, I jump out of one of the windows I opened previously. Clinging onto the window sill, I hear footsteps pass me by and then the shutting of a door. She fell for it, I quickly pull myself back up and run to the door that I previously opened that was now shut.

And with a satisfying click, I lock the door, with Akane Mizuno still in it. Pac-Dude one – Ghosties zero.

*BANG BANG! * - It's useless, I have no intention of opening it any time soon.

Now that the main problem is out of the way, time to deal with the second and last Ghostie.

Rina-chan is continuing to pace up and down the corridor without losing sight of the door that leads to where the first years are having their measurements taken. As soon as she turns her back on me I immediately jump out into action.

"Hmph, hmph!" Smothering her mouth so she doesn't draw any unwanted attention.

"There there, be a good girl now won't you?" I say as I run my beautiful fingers across her nape and onto her cheek then slowly down her neck. Rina-chan loses her ability to stand from my grand stimulation, that only one, so beautiful as I, could pull off.

"Hah hah hah," Rina-chan's breathing is a little out due to the pleasure. I take her into my arms and place her propped up against the wall; where, although her eyes are slightly vacant, her mouth is showing a true smile. "Rest now," I said as I place my palm against her cheek, Rina-chan places her hand on top of my own, as she slowly closes her eyes.

That deals with the second Ghostie.

"Good work, 00-Beautiful," The voice of my partner says through the earpiece I am wearing, "Move on to stage two."

"Roger," I reply as I open the door to the locker room that is void of anyone, I can hear the many voices of the energetic first years from the next door over. Don't take any of this personally dears, we men just wish to view your beauty.

I quickly set up many miniature camera's on the girl's lockers. To the naked eye no one would be able to tell what these things truly are. They are all wirelessly connected to 00-BFF's laptop. So we will get all their great data uploaded there live.

After finishing I close the door to the locker room and go back out into the corridor, but not before locking the door to the locker room. You have no idea just how hard it was to pillage the keys for this room and make a duplicate.

I then quickly run into the classroom next door, open the window and grab hold of the windowsill as I jump out. I quickly scale toward the window of the room where the first year girls are, although the curtains are closed the window is open, so like before I can hear the background chatting of girls comparing breast sizes etc. As soon as I am directly underneath the window.

"00-BFF, I'm in position, do it!" I order.

"Roger that," He replies, and then...

*BEEP BEEP BEEP * - The fire alarm goes off.

"Girls Girls!" The teacher shouts for order. "There should be no drill today, so this is legit. Go back and get changed and evacuate as soon as possible."

Good, they took the bait. The students and teachers quickly leave the examination room and go into the changing rooms.

"NOW!" I shout to myself as I jump up into the examination room and run straight for the door that leads to the changing room. Without further delay I put a key into the keyhole, and turn it.

With this the students are all locked inside the changing rooms with a load of miniature cameras secretly taking their photos.

"Mission accomplished, 00-Beautiful," 00-BFF says to me through the earpiece, "I've got lots of the data, let's hurry up and join the other students at the fire assembly point before they suspect anything."

"Roger that." I reply as I quickly turn back the way I came, ditch my disguise and rejoin the people of my class.

The next day PAC-Leader gave the both of us his congratulations. Some of the boys were a little disappointed that there was no data on neither Yuna nor Sakura. For reasons that will never reach the dawn of day that data was deleted. Why, you ask? Who knows.

XXXXXX

Chapter 25E: Mission Possible – Another Regular Day

"Yuichi, were you the one behind that peeping tom incident!? I went looking for you yesterday but you were no where to be found until after that fire drill!" My beautiful fiancé yells at me.

"Alicia, when girls would take off their clothes when I just ask them to, for what reason would I need to peep on them?" I ask, yeah no girl can resist me. I could make myself into a billionaire by starting my own host club, and I'm the only host there need be.

"So you're saying you had no part whatsoever!?" Alicia questions, her anger distorting her beautiful looks.

I stare Alicia straight into the eye and place my hand over my heart before reciting, "I swear by my almighty beautiful self, that I am telling the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth." Boy am I glad that my almighty beautiful self is very forgiving when it comes to white lies.

Alicia looks at me like she still doesn't believe me, but she shrugs her shoulders and walks off with a simple "Fine."

Another glorious day in the life of Yuichi Shiro.

XXXXX

Chapter 25F: Mission Possible – Wielders On The Move (Perspective Unknown)

"We're here huh, I still can't get used to travelling like that. I sure wish you could have made the ride more comfortable, Ley."

"It is how it is comma if you are just going to complain comma then next time I will have you walk period"

"Ley-chan is as harsh as ever."

"For what reason are your hands on my chest for question mark"

"Just skinship, Ley-chan.

"OWWWWW! You're cruel."

"Knock it off! We've got work to do."

"But seriously, to send all the remaining Soul Slayer Wielders. I wonder if that was the correct decision."

"That is just how dangerous the threat is period Vincent is dead comma Shiori has lost her soul slayer comma and Alma has been taken captive by a human anomaly within this very town period So the only remaining members comma are just us four period"

"With the threat as grave as it is, at the very least I don't want any more enemies to deal with if we can avoid it."

"So are we going to negotiate then question mark"

"Well now, I wonder if it will go that smoothly."

hyuugalegacy

2016-09-29, 14:54

And another

Chapter 26A: Prelude Of Things To Come – Father And Daughter (Perspective: Alicia)

"So that's how it is," My father said from the other end of the communication, his face is in a frown.

Apparently the church has arranged a meeting through my Father with Yuichi and all of us around him. I can't blame Father for being anxious, they are Yuichi and Ren's natural enemies after all. The chance of this being a trap is not small at the very least.

"I understand, don't worry, Father, we'll be careful. I don't think we need to be concerned about Yuichi any more, he's already stronger than me." I'm not just flattering, he has grown in leaps and bounds since he became a Human Anomaly.

"I still cannot help but worry about the two of you. If I could I would come down there myself, then they wouldn't dream of trying anything!" Father curses, although I'm really concerned that he really would actually come here if given half the chance, "Unfortunately I must accompany Hades-sama. Just be on your guard around them."

"Yes, Father." The communication ends.

"Haah! Just what could they want I wonder?" I ask myself rhetorically.

XXXXXXX

Chapter 26B: Prelude Of Things To Come – Beautiful Day Of A Beautiful Life

It a brand new day with a clear blue sky. Myself, Ren, Yuna and Sakura are walking to school. I could just sing at the beauty of the sky that is placed only second towards my own beauty.

"On the first day of Christmas, Alicia gave to me," I guess it is best to vocalise my good mood, with cheerful music, "Herself wearing nothing but whipped cream." Man, just the image of that could cure impotency stronger than any Viagra.

"I would NEVER DO THAT!" A voice responds to me from behind before I can turn around.

"OWWWWW!" A foot somehow collides with the back of my head and knocks me face first towards the gravel, I quickly guard my beautiful face with my arms, I can't let it get damaged. "Jesus Alicia, you have no idea just how dangerous that was!"

"Nowhere near as dangerous as your delusions!" She retorts.

"You were sort of asking for that, Yuichi," My best friend abandons me. What gives!? Does the bond of brotherhood via coke mean nothing to you!?

"um...sempai...I...can...do...it...if you want," Sakura says in a quiet voice.

"Huh? Do what?" I ask back, Sakura turns her beet red face a hundred and eighty degrees around whilst holding her hands to her cheeks. What gives?

"You still have no delicacy when it comes to girls, onii-chan," Yuna rebukes.

"How rude! I'm so delicate with girls that when I acquire panty shots of them, I hide all the images in a very secret directory on my computer; any other guy would try and sell them!" I retort back, hell no would I sell my collection. Their beauty is for my eyes only.

"Nice, Yuichi. I really got to hand it to your genius there," Thanks for the nice words Ren, although I have no idea what you're talking about.

"The minute I get home, I'm reformatting your computer," Yuna states with a look of disdain.

"SAY WHAT! You gotta be kidding me!?" Why would Yuna make such a threat? It's not like I've got any of her on it.

"You should keep things like that to yourself, Yuichi-kun." A red hair beauty says to me as she approaches with the help of crutches on either side of her.

"Good morning, Shiori-sempai." I greet my elder with utmost courtesy. After she lost her soul slayer she readmitted herself back into our school. The girl with tanned skin whose soul slayer I have given custody of to Alicia is walking by her side.

"Good morning, Alma," Alicia greets, she is trying hard to mend her broken relationship with her friend.

"Morning..." She replies whilst turning her head to the side, come on put in a bit of effort would you. For several moments there is an awkward silence between the two.

"Say Alicia-san, have you told Yuichi-kun yet?" Shiori-sempai at last breaks the awkwardness.

"Tell me what?" I ask, if you want to tell me your three sizes then I'm all ears.

"Onii-chan, can you stop thinking stupid things just for two minutes!" Yuna retorts to my thoughts as usual.

"No, not yet. Yuichi, Ren, a few people wish to speak with us after school so make sure you have time. I've already told Elizabeth."

"Who would want to see all of us? If it was just me I'd say it was a love confession, but now I'm just confused."

"All the remaining Soul Slayer Wielders have assembled in this town," Alma states, I can instantly feel a cold sweat trickle down my beautiful face, "However, the reason they gathered hasn't got anything to do with either you, nor Ren Kirei."

"Then why?" Ren asks the question before me.

"We'll find out later, just wait until then. But be on guard. To send this many wielders to one place until now has been unheard of. Something big must be happening." Alicia replies.

Just what could be so big that a huge force has started to close in. I've got a really bad feeling about this.

Oh well no point thinking about it, I guess I'll just continue my happy song. "On the fifth day of Christmas Alicia gave to me. FIVEEE-BLOWJ-

"URGGHHH!" A familiar feeling once again assaults my head.

XXXXXXX

Chapter 26C: Prelude Of Things To Come – Meeting Of The Three Gods (Perspective: Alexander)

Sitting at a round table are three individuals, Hades-sama, another man who appears to be in his mid twenties and one lady who looks like she hasn't escaped her teens. They are having a meeting that had been called together by the young man.

"Hades I want you to put a firmer lid on the system surrounding Human Anomalies." The youth with blond hair sitting opposite from Hades-sama states haughtily, "Your Human Anomalies are causing huge distortions in the living world. And for what? The sake of your personal whims!"

"The Underworld and the realm of the dead is my domain, Zeus." Hades-sama responds, his usual flamboyant behaviour is nowhere to be seen, "The distortions haven't reached a level where I need to take any action."

"The current system is fine, Zeus-niisama. And you already no full well that Hades-niisama won't listen to you. So why did you bother calling us? I wanted to go swimming with the dolphins today." The young woman said in a voice full of frustration as she stretches her limbs in annoyance.

"It is equally all of our duties to keep stability in all the realms, Hades, Poseidon." Zeus states.

"Zeus, your realm is the sky, Poseidon's is the sea, and mine is the Underworld. We have each agreed not to meddle in the affairs of one another. And Zeus when it comes to distortions in the living world, haven't you more than contributed towards them yourself?" Zeus begins to glare daggers at Hades-sama who seems to be enjoying the fact that he is putting Zeus in his place. "The one who provided humans with the weapons that causes the biggest distortions, the Soul Slayers, was none other than you after all, Zeus!"

Zeus grits his teeth at Hades-sama's accusations. Hades-sama simply gets up out of his seat and turns his back on Zeus like he has had enough. "Zeus, all your talk of stability is a lie. What you actually want is domination. Well, here is a friendly warning from me to you, the day you stick your nose out of place, will be the day you shall cease to be. Consider the fact that I am even warning you a sign of my love for you, dear brother."

Zeus' face turns completely stern at Hades-sama's threat his eyes are filled with malice. If the god of the sky and the Underworld were to battle the results can only be catastrophic.

"You've just been served, Zeus-niisama." Poseidon-sama jokes. Which warrants a harsh glare towards her, although she didn't seem to pay it any mind.

Hades-sama continues walking out the room, "Lets go Alexander." He addresses me, I quickly follow behind him.

"Well, that was a nice family reunion." Hades-sama says sarcastically after we left the meeting.

"Hades-sama, do you think that Zeus would really..." I begin.

"He has always been the ambitious type. The reason he gave humans soul slayers was probably because he thought I was trying to get the human world through the use of human anomalies. He doesn't realise that I am already satisfied with just the Underworld, he thinks that everyone is like him and wants to increase the boundary of their domains." Hades-sama sighs before continuing, "I wish he would retire and give the sky to his daughter already. All the domains would be a lot better off that way."

"The world is starting to evolve at a very quick rate." I say as I glance out the window, so much has happened recently.

"Yes, lets just make sure the evolution takes the form of something that would benefit us all."

hyuugalegacy

2016-10-15, 17:14

Here is the next one:

Chapter 27A: Enigma's Warning - In Trouble Again

Shortly after arriving at school I was swiftly called over to the Principal's office and so here I am, sitting cross legged, in front of the balding prick who calls himself the leader of this school.

"This is completely unacceptable, Shiro!" He begins, "I guess you think you were really funny leaving that note on my desk weren't you!?"

Let me rewind a bit. The other day I had a refreshingly beautiful idea of a prank that would add an additional feather to my hat. Hence, I left a note on the Principal's desk, advising him to ring back a certain number, and to ask for a 'Mr Jack Russell', the certain number in question was the number for a dog house. I guess the talk between them didn't go too well. He hasn't been this mad since those men in black came to question me at school about why I was looking up the ingredients for a bomb; as well as the reason that I proclaimed to be working for the CIA on my twitter.

"Okay sir, just calm down, just look at my beautiful face, and take deep breaths. Envision the youth I have, and what you have lost." I say as I try to calm the huge meatball down. You could create a swimming pool with the sweat he is perspiring, not that I would swim in it personally. The Principal's face suddenly turns a even deeper red, is he not taking his calcium?

"GET OUT SHIRO I'LL ANNOUNCE YOUR PUNISHMENT LATER!"

I quickly oblige the Principal who looks like he has been locked in a sauna for six years, and leave the office.

"Wow that was a very sticky situation." I remark to myself after I close the door.

"It's because you do things that pushes his buttons, Yuichi-kun," My approaching classmate, Ryu-san states.

"I just want to express myself, there was no need for him to get so pissy over a trivial joke. Although, how on earth did he know it was me to begin with?"

"Who knows, just try to keep yourself in check so I don't end up getting a headache myself, Yuichi-kun," Ryu-san says as he walks on ahead.

"Yeah, I got it." I can't cause any trouble when he asks as politely as that.

XXXXXXXXX

Chapter 27B: Enigma's Warning – The Cannibalistic Ripper Kiri Sasu (Perspective: Alicia)

Yuichi has been ordered to clean out the boys toilet as part of his punishment for his juvenile prank. Ren also got dragged along with him as Yuichi gave him the whole best friends suffer together speech. Shiori and Mizuno-san are watching over them to make sure they do it properly. The rest of us are quietly enjoying our lunch break on the roof of the school, there is no one else here but us, just the way I like it.

"Alicia! Why did your boar of a man have to drag Ren-sama into his nonsense!?" Elizabeth questions in a harsh tone, "I wanted Ren-sama to try my home made cooking."

Ren, Yuichi's friendship has just saved your life. Not even a anomaly would be able to survive that poison.

"You and Nii-san are getting along so well, sempai," Sakura says with a smile.

"Well Sakura-san, I must whip him into a gentleman worthy of one such as I, Elizabeth Cerberus, oh ho ho ho." Elizabeth haughtily replies.

"Alicia, is it common for reapers to laugh in such an annoying way?" Alma asks, lately for some reason she seems a lot more willing to talk with me, although it is still a little awkward.

"No, this girl is one of a kind," I reply with a shrug.

"Alic..." Elizabeth looks at me with anger written in her eyes, but she is cut off. A familiar sensation hits the combatants amongst us as we all get to our feet.

"Reaper technique: Coliseum." I analyse. The area quickly becomes void as we are thrown into another dimension.

"What...the?" Yuna looks around in confusion. Sakura cringes Elizabeth's sleeve, who places a arm around her.

"Well, well, well, well." A man approaches us from out of the shadows a unnerving smile is present on his face as his gaze wanders from each person within our group. "It looks like the two anomalies ain't here, huh?"

Is his goal Yuichi and Ren?

"You're a human anomaly? No, something about you is different."

"He's a faux human anomaly," Elizabeth states, "He must be one of the souls that was somehow able to come back to the living world."

"Enigma..." Alma says, her voice is full of anger, "Alicia give me my soul slayer!" Alma for some reason was very quick to be riled up.

"As expected of a Slayer, you know about us. Well then, allow me to introduce myself," The man in his mid twenties takes a deep bow, "My name is Kiri Sasu. And as you said, I'm part of Enigma."

"Kiri...Sasu...?" Sakura lets out a shocked face upon hearing the name. "I knew I recognised his face somewhere."

"What is it, Sakura?" Yuna asks her friend.

"You know how my dad is a policeman, right? Well two years ago there was a string of random serial killings over in the next prefecture. All the bodies were stabbed numerous times and the organs...were eaten..." Sakura explains, I've only recently come to the living world, so this is all new to me.

"The Cannibalistic Ripper." Yuna states in shock, "But wasn't he caught and executed!?" Then she immediately realises the truth, the man before us isn't a regular human so it does add up.

"I am honoured that you two pretty ladies know about me. Well I did all of that back when I was still human. I can still remember the feeling of blood dripping down my mouth as I bit into my victim's heart. The sheer fear in their eyes as all their hopes of survival slowly faded away. Their screams as my knife carved into their flesh! HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA!" Sakura and Yuna both take a huge step back from hearing the insane laugh that is so loud it could shatter the heavens. This man is more insane than Vincent.

"ALICIA!" Alma further urges. I quickly open up the dimensional space take out, and throw Gungnir-Mjölnir to her. I quickly materialise my own scythe as does Elizabeth.

"Sakura, Yuna, stay back." I order, realising the dilemma they are currently in, they quickly obey.

"Well, truth be told, I didn't come here to fight you lasses." He says with a shrug, "But I guess it can't be helped..."

*Bring! * - Alma slams the hammerhead of her soul slayer into the ground, and a huge lightning bolt rains down. However the sinister man named Kiri simply avoids it, then out of thin air several knives appear in his hand. I and Elizabeth charge towards him, ready to cleave him up with our scythes. But just before the blade can reach him he jumps back several steps.

"Here ya go." He says with a smile as he throws his knives at me. I quickly calculate the trajectory and swing my scythe in a arc to parry the attack. However, before my blade can hit them..."They vanished!?" But then "ARGGGHHH!" I quickly turned around to the screech. Several knives have wedged themselves into Elizabeth's arm and shoulder crimson blood trickles down from the open wounds "Elizabeth!" I shout in shock. Just what the hell happened.

"Elizabeth-san!" Yuna and Sakura begin to run towards her.

"STAY BACK!" Elizabeth shouts to the two bystanders as she forcefully pulls a knife out of her arm and drops it to the floor.

Yuna and Sakura gaze on with tears running down their faces. Even if it is just these two, we must keep them safe!

"Your fear, your screams, your shock. This is what I live for! HA HA HA HA!" The psychopath applauds with his arms wide open.

"DIE!" Alma shouts as lightning gathers around the spearhead of her soul slayer extending it's reach. Kiri dodges to the side as Alma swings down her spear in one wide but fast motion. Aiming to catch him off guard I quickly conjure up a ball of lightning and throw it at him. Kiri conjures up several more of his knives and throws them right through the lightning. "That won't work, lightning has no form a knife won't stop it!" I shout.

"Oh, I never intended to stop it," He says with a smile.

"URGHHHHHHH!"

"ARGGGGHHHHH!"

"GYAAAAAAAHHHH!"

"KYAAAAAAAAHHH!"

Kiri, Alma, Elizabeth and myself scream at the same time. Kiri had taken the brunt of my lightning ball. But what just happened? Why are we hurt as well!?

I gaze at where the shocking pain is coming from, several knives somehow found themselves lodged into me.

"Ga ha ha! I decided to conduct some of your electricity through my knives and into the three of you." He says with a smile on his face that is both a mixture of agony and pleasure.

"Damn it..." Alma falls onto her knees, then her side. A knife is lodged into her abdomen.

"ALMA!" I scream.

"For me...of the proud...Cerberus family..." Elizabeth falls face down onto the ground several knives are stuck into her back.

"Elizabeth!" I scream. Just how on Earth did he do that. There is no way he would have been able to hit Elizabeth's back from that angle. Just what kind of trick is he using!? How could he defeat all three of us just like that?

"It's over!" Kiri shouts as he throws another knife, it's heading straight for me, I can't move, the lightning has numbed my body. I can't defend myself.

"GUH!" A grunt escapes as I see a bloodied hand holding tight onto the blade of the knife. I stare up to my saviour, and as I suspected, it was Yuichi. His timing when it comes to heroics never ceases to amaze me.

"URGHHHH!" Kiri screams as a huge fireball smashes into his body. Standing there, with a look of pure anger engraved on his face, is Ren.

Kiri scrambles himself back onto his feet as his smile resurfaces onto his face.

"You have guts, I'll give you that." Ren says as he holds another ball of fire in his hand. "Neither I nor Yuichi take kindly to trash attacking our friends or family."

"Nii-san!" Sakura shouts in relief to the sight of her brother. The power he is emitting certainly makes one feel at ease. He has become strong in such a short time.

"Yuichi..." I let out, my voice is shaking, I can't help it.

"Are you okay?" He asks as he supports my body in his gentle arms, his voice however is ice cold, I can tell he is trying to keep his anger in check, I give him a faint nod, "Leave the rest to us. We'll make him regret this a million fold." Yuichi, you can really say some cool things from time to time. Is this why every passing day you become more endearing to me? As I am trying to understand my own emotions Yuichi lays me down before turning back to Kiri. Then almost as if they are creating a protective boundary, Yuichi and Ren stand in front of us. A flame in Ren's hand, a silver sword in Yuichi's.

"The ones who I wanted to see have finally appeared." He says with a look of satisfaction.

"Is that all you have to say?" Yuichi asks in his cold voice, "Silver Rain!" Millions of sharp silver fragments speed towards Kiri, who holds but a single knife. He gives a single horizontal slash into thin air, however all the silver falls down to the ground, like it lost it's momentum.

"Burn!" Ren throws his fireball at Kiri, who this time dodges the attack by diving to one side.

"Gah, taking you both on at the same time is going to be impossible I guess." Kiri curses as he wipes the blood away from his mouth.

"How difficult is it to deliver a simple message, Kiri?" A cold voice calls out from the shadows.

XXXXXXXX

Chapter 27C: Enigma's Warning – The Human Anomaly They Shouldn't Have Angered

Walking towards the git who attacked our friends is a young man with raven black hair who is dressed in simple dark sleeveless shirt and three quarter trousers. His glowing eyes look around in disinterest at the situation.

"Another one!?" I grunt, just great, one was bad enough.

"Why can't you do the most simplest of requests?" He asks, glaring down at the squatting form of the scum bag Ren and myself were going to wipe the floor with. "The Slayers have noticed thanks to your meaningless battle."

"My bad, Ark. In all the excitement I forgot." He says as he gets back onto his feet. "Yuichi Shiro, Ren Kirei. We of Enigma are going to wipe out the Slayers. If you are going to join up with our natural enemy, then we will not hold back. You have been warned."

"I pray you will make the correct choice." The other man named Ark states. "Connect!" Shit, they're going to escape. Ren throws his fireball and I charge forward. But it's too late, they're already gone.

"They attack us, they look down on us, then they flee from us. Those guys are such busy bodies." Ren remarks as the view slowly reverts itself back to the familiar view of the school roof.

"Enigma..." I coldly repeat the name as I walk back to the sides of my injured friends. "We'll worry about them later, Ren. Treating the girls has to come first." I explain, Ren gives a swift nod before running to Elizabeth, Sakura runs over to join him.

I take another look at the three girls who were injured in this battle as well as the scared faces of my sister and Sakura.

You'll pay for this dearly, Enigma. You've just made an enemy of one beautiful anomaly you shouldn't have.

hyuugalegacy

2016-10-21, 15:57

Here's chapter 28

Chapter 28A: Reconciliation – Flashback Of The Past (Perspective: Alma)

How did this happen? This assignment was meant to be a simple one. So how did we get into this mess?

"Gahhh!" A man with red dreadlocks yelps as a fist is pushed directly into his face.

"SHUREN!" I scream, I can't move my body. My voice is the only thing left in me that has any strength.

Before us is a girl who is no older than me with long dark hair, red eyes and is wearing a white one piece dress that reaches to her knees with matching boots that cover almost the rest of her legs.

"Hand over Voynich-Caduceus," She demands.

"Ha ha ha," Shuren is breathing heavily, I was careless and got myself hit with a surprise attack that has left me in a half paralysed state. Shuren has been doing his best to protect me whilst fighting this girl at the same time. "NEVER!" He screams as he rushes at the girl.

"SHUREN!" I scream once more, there is no way he can beat her alone. And yet he still charges at her from the front.

Several anomalies of varying appearances appear at the call of Shuren's soul slayer. They each attack the girl together.

However, "Worthless," she says as a huge flame pillar shoots out from her hand as if it has a life of it's own. All the anomalies are engulfed within it. Shuren has to dive to one side to avoid it himself.

"Shit!" He curses as he grinds his back teeth to try and put himself back onto his feet, "GUHHH!" In a flash, from within the smoke of the flames, the girl had rushed at Shuren and pinned him down to the ground via his neck.

"No," Using Gungnir-Mjölnir as a walking stick I force myself back up and slowly edge forward. I have already lost my sister to an anomaly, I refuse to lose Shuren as well.

"Gahhh!" Shuren looks at me as if to ask what am I doing. The girl too seems to notice me. Then suddenly, another anomaly appears, it looks like something akin to a two headed griffin. The griffin uses one of it's heads and grabs Shuren's soul slayer Voynich-Caduceus "What the!?" The girl exclaims as the griffin turns around and runs towards me. "Huh!? Hey what are you!?" The griffin uses it's other head and takes a firm hold of me as it begins to flap it's wings.

"Gah, you think I'll let you just escape!" The girl suddenly forces herself off of Shuren and redirects her attention to me. "URGH! Let go!" Shuren quickly grabs her wrist and holds her in place. I then realise what it is he intends to do as the griffin takes flight.

"NOOOOO SHUREN!" I squirm from within the griffin's mouth. The red headed youth simply smiles without saying a word.

"I said let go!" She exclaims as static flows through her fist, "URGHHHH!" She forces her fist right into the centre of Shuren's chest, blood gurgles out of his mouth and his body slowly falls limp onto the hard ground.

"No..." I cannot stop the heavy droplets of water from escaping my eyes, "NOOOOOO!" My scream echoes through the silent night as the griffin flies away further leaving behind the one who summoned it.

The next day the church retrieved the body of the man who was like a brother to me, and a lover to my deceased sister. I had lost another important person, to another anomaly. I was too helpless to do anything but watch.

Nor was I able to do anything for the girl who was Shuren's biological sister whom I had to personally break the bad news to. It may have been just a way for me to let it go, but I wanted her to blame me for what happened. But she never did, she didn't display any emotion whatsoever regarding her brothers death.

My life has only been one failure after another, yet I always continued to live. But why?

I cannot help but ponder this as my mind's conscience slowly fades.

"ARGGHH Hu hu hu," Where am I? A bed? It was just a dream then. A dream of something that happened just last year. I analyse as I wipe the cold sweat off my face.

"Are you awake, Alma?" I turn to the concerned voice, it's Alicia.

XXXXXXX

Chapter 28B: Reconciliation – Heart To Heart (Perspective: Alicia)

"How do you feel?" I ask, unlike me and Elizabeth who are reapers and thus have a quick recovery rate, Alma is a regular human even if she does wield a soul slayer.

After the battle we were taken to the infirmary, luckily the nurse wasn't in. Yuichi had proclaimed that if she was, that he was going try his hand at being a hypnotist.

The scary thing is, I can really see him doing something like that.

"It's nothing I can't put up with." She replies.

"I see..." I'm relieved to hear that

"..." An awkward silence. Come on Alicia just work up your courage and say what you have wanted to say since way back then. "Alma..." She turns to face me.

"I'm so truly sorry. About back then, I know words cannot make anything better but," I can't hold back my tears, "I never meant for that to happen. After all these years I know that whatever I may say will only come over as an excuse but. I truly do regret what I did."

"..." Another awkward silence Alma has kept her eyes closed throughout my confession, she finally opens them. "I know Alicia, I've known for a long time. You never wanted that to happen and it wasn't your fault that it happened."

"Eh?"

"When I first teamed up with Shiori she told me about a certain kouhai of hers whom was usually nothing but a narcissistic trouble maker that cheered her up in the most unorthodox way possible. He forced her into a situation where she vented all here negative feelings onto him." Alma explains, that kouhai, could it have been? "When I heard this, I knew that was what I did to you. I couldn't fully express my grief in sadness, so I lashed out at you in anger. Rather than offer each other a shoulder, I forced everything onto my friend." Tears flow down Alma's face, the girl who has had a serious expression since we met again is now crying her heart out. "The one who should be sorry...is me, Alicia."

I cannot believe the words I just heard. All of a sudden it just feels like a huge weight has been taken off of my shoulders. I know there is no longer any need to hold back, so I wrap my arms around my old friend and let my feelings take hold of me.

The guilt that has held me for the past seven years has finally withered away.

hyuugalegacy

2017-01-06, 15:59

Well finally time for a new chapter to be put out.

Chapter 29A: Meeting With The Remaining Wielders – Meeting Begins

A group of ten of us are sitting round a huge table, the four of us, myself, Ren, Alicia and Elizabeth on one side and the four remaining wielders on the opposite side. Alma and Shiori-sempai are sitting at the edge and Wolfy is standing on standby behind me. The atmosphere is a cold and serious, these people are our natural enemies after all.

In such a tense situation we cannot afford any slip ups.

"Say what is your name my cute little white haired kitten? Do you want some candy?" I ask the all important questions straight away. "GAHH!" I grunt, Alicia whom is sitting next to me pinches my leg.

The cute girl whom is clad in some kind of grey one piece swimsuit like costume just gives me a quick glance with her lilac coloured eyes. But before she can say anything a guy stands up and roughly grabs my collar, unhand me you vile brute.

"Oi you damn Anomaly! Who do you think you are, chatting up my Ley, HUH!?" The guy in question is someone in his mid twenties with long scruffy raven black hair, and crimson eyes. He has a single piercing in his left eyebrow and innumerable amounts in each of his ears. Accompany that along with his dark clothing that has a skull on it, his appearance is that of a stereotypical bad boy.

"Your Ley? You've gotta be twice her age. Are you some kind of lolicon?" I ask in a annoyed tone, hurry up and get your filthy mits off of me.

"I'M NOT A LOLICON I'M A PAE..."

"Be quiet, Jijitsu," Shiori-sempai interrupts whilst slamming the table. "Let him go!" Jijitsu reluctantly does as he is told and returns to his seat.

Was he about to say what I think he was? I stare in disgust.

"Yuichi, will you stop trying to pick a fight?" Alicia says with a glare, as I too, return to my seat. He started it, I only wanted to know that girl's name.

"Anyway, a bit of an unorthodox start, but shall we begin?" A man in his late teens early twenties who is dressed smartly in all white asks. His blond hair is neatly styled and combed to one side allowing his clear blue eyes to be the main emphasis on his face. A pretty boy who is probably three levels lower than myself, If I'm a ten then he is a seven.

"My name is Bosch Wolfgang," The pretty boy introduces himself, "I am the current wielder for the soul slayer Joyeuse-Longinus. I am also the one who has been put in charge of handling our current dilemma."

"I'm Jijitsu, the wielder of Fragarach-Kusanagi." The guy from earlier announces with a haughty tone. Oh, I so want to hurt this guy.

"I'm Antioch-Artemis' wielder, please call me Phoebe." A stylish woman with golden hair and hazel eyes introduces. She is definitely beautiful, but my instincts are telling me, I should stay clear of her.

"Ley comma just simply Ley period" The cute girl who caught my eye from the beginning says.

"Um, sorry?" Ren says, in a way that represents us all.

"Ley is a little special," Shiori-sempai explains.

"She has the habit of voicing out punctuation as she speaks." Alma further supplements, I see.

"In that case, I'm Yuichi Shiro, it's a pleasure to meet you Ley-chan colon close brackets." I imitate.

"They already know who you are from the data we sent, Yuichi-kun." Shiori-sempai explains.

"Now then, let us get down to business." The blond haired man named Bosch says with a clap of his hands, his eyes suddenly turn serious. "The four of us have been tasked with the elimination of a certain group that we have been keeping an eye on for a while now."

"Enigma?" Elizabeth asks, and Bosch nods.

"Being a member of the Cerberus family, I'm sure you must have at least heard about a group of souls that escaped from Purgatory and into the living world before the usual procedures took place, correct?" I remember Ren mentioning something along those lines before. Apparently their existence is the biggest stain on the Cerberus family.

"The faux human anomalies." Elizabeth says in solemn voice with a nod. Talking about something which is an embarrassment to her family can't be easy. Ren noticing his fiancé's mood takes her hand in his own, Elizabeth gives Ren a quick look before her frown changes to a small smile. Nice going Ren, you just raised a flag.

"Does the Cerberus family have any leads as to how this situation came about?" Bosch asks cold heartedly, can he not see the state of the girl in front of him.

"They believe that a stray reaper, who has aligned herself with a masked man, personally led the souls back into the living world." Ren answers on Elizabeth's behalf.

Alicia too is now beginning to wear a frown on her face. I heard that she used to genuinely admire Carrisa, so hearing about this can hardly be called pleasant.

"I see, so the stray from Thanatos was behind it." Bosch says to himself. "I had received a report regarding this masked man from Alma and Shiori. Am I right to presume that he is the mastermind behind the group known as Enigma?"

"You tell us," I reply, I'm getting fed up of him harassing my friends with all these questions. "We only know what we know, and all of this is a theory at best. We told you the conclusions we've come to. It's up to you if you follow our logic, or use your own."

"Yuichi..." I can just make out Alicia quietly whispering my name.

It's about high time this guy gets to the point of all this.

XXXXXXX

Chapter 29B: Meeting With The Remaining Wielders – The Sister That Wasn't Present (Perspective: Yuna)

Onii-chan, Ren-sempai and their respective significant others have gone to meet with the soul slayer wielders. They told me and Sakura that it was too dangerous and so we couldn't attend, I hope everything goes okay. I couldn't help but feel worried. So I decided to wander through the town to help me get my mind off of things.

"Hey! What did you say, ya little punk!?" A low tone voice shouts, I instinctively turn to it's source.

Standing there is a group of three boys around middle school age surrounding another boy of about the same age. His appearance seems highly reminiscent of someone I know and see everyday.

"Like I said, the three of you could do with a face job. How else would you be able to even have the right to breath the same air as my wonderful, graceful self?" His personality also seems to match.

"Why you little!" One of three prepares to strike the boy. Oh jeez, I quickly run up and grab the younger lookalike "Huh, what?" He exclaims with a blank look on his face. "Come on, just run." I order as I drag the boy.

"WAIT!" The three goons are giving chase. With the boy in tow I quickly turn several corners and soon lose track of the pursuers.

I quickly try to catch my breath before I turn to look at the boy, whom doesn't look the least bit tired.

"What on earth were you doing?" I ask, "Why did you go and provoke them when you were outnumbered!?"

The boy just tilts his head slightly at my question, "I was just saying how it is." He replies in a voice that is full of certainty.

I don't think I'm going to get anything through to this brats skull.

"How on earth did you end up in such a situation in the first place?"

"I wanted someone to guide me through the town, so I offered to give those three such a privilege, but they threw it back in my face, the nerve of such people." Oh god, they're so much alike it's almost scary.

"Hmmm," The boy stares into my face.

"What is it?" I ask as I turn to the side, his glare is giving me the creeps.

"You seem to be a pedigree of almost my equal." He declares. What, am I dog or something? And what's with the 'almost', "Will you show me around town, miss..."

I get the feeling that if I refuse he'll just create a situation like just before, therefore do I even have a choice in the matter?

"Okay fine, the name's Yuna, Yuna Shiro. Just Yuna will be fine." I introduce myself, if only to stop him from calling me 'miss'.

The boy gives me an innocent nod along with a smile before he opens his mouth, "A pleasure for you to make my acquaintance, I'm sure," Really? I'm glad someone is. "I am Ichiyu, Ichiyu Weiss."

I can tell this boy is going to be nothing but trouble. I can only sigh in disbelief at my own misfortune.

XXXXXXX

Chapter 29C: Meeting With The Remaining Wielders – Carrisa's Task (Perspective: Carrisa)

"I'll leave the retrieval of Gungnir-Mjölnir to you, Carrisa." My master says in his low emotionless voice. "Feel free to use our latest addition to assist you."

"Yes master, but if I may, if you wanted Gungnir-Mjölnir, why didn't you take it in the last confrontation?"

"Alma Ivana, I knew that if I left her be, she would challenge Yuichi Shiro," He explains, "Yuichi Shiro is a piece I'll need for the final project, should it come to it. However, he lacks battle experience, and in order to grow he needs strong opponents, so I gave him just that."

"I see." I reply, as expected of my master, he is able to predict as far ahead as that.

"What is about to occur will also give him the opportunity to battle even stronger foes." He continues, "In addition, unlike before, we now have a reason to bring Gungnir-Mjölnir into our possession."

"A reason?"

"Even if Soul Martyr shattered it into a million pieces, for as long as it still exists, then like a puzzle, piecing together and reanimating a soul, is not impossible." He declares.

So that's it, that's what my master is after.

"I shall be in contact soon." With these final words, he disappears from sight, almost like his very presence was nothing more than a mirage of my own thoughts.

XXXXXX

Chapter 29D: Meeting With The Remaining Wielders – The Meeting's Conclusion

Bosch breaths a quick sigh as he fixes his gaze onto Ren, and then moves it onto me.

"Yuichi Shiro, Ren Kirei, what I want to ask the two of you is this, what are you going to do?" Bosch states.

"What do you mean?" I ask back.

"We want to know if you are planning to align yourself with Enigma." Jijitsu says with a grunt.

"Are you kidding me?" I reply, "That scum attacked us, and you think I'll work with them!" I can't contain my anger. Like hell someone as great as I would ally with someone who hurt my fiancé and my friends.

"That goes double for me." Ren chimes in.

"I see, in that case, would you be willing to form an alliance with us?" Bosch asks.

Everyone on our side of the table cannot hide our shock from the sudden proposal.

"Oi Bosch! You can't be serious!?" Jijitsu exclaims.

"Jijitsu, our opponent this time is a dangerous one. We need all the allies we can get." Phoebe explains.

"I have no intention of working with this pathetic half wit!" Jijitsu states as he points at me.

"Be silent whelp!" A voice comes from behind me, it's Wolfy, "I've sat here quietly and listened to you, but your constant insults to my master, you're really pressing your luck."

"Thank you, Wolfy. But it's okay, I can handle this." Wolfy gives me a satisfying nod and returns to his former position. I return my eyes back to Bosch, "What is it that we have to gain from teaming up with you?" I ask. He can't seriously expect our support without giving us something back.

"For as long as you both use your powers justly, then the church shall offer you both a permanent amnesty effective immediately." Bosch states.

"Alicia, what's he talking about?" I whisper into my future bride's ear.

"He's saying, that if you agree, they will no longer hunt you or Ren." She whispers back.

"Can we trust your word on that?" I ask.

Bosch in turn gives me a sincere nod.

"My Father and Alexander-sama predicted that they would make such an offering. The Church has lost too many wielders by involving themselves with us." Elizabeth explains, "It's not so much as they won't attack us, as it is they don't have the personnel to spare to do so."

"Are you saying we should refuse, Elizabeth?" Ren asks, Elizabeth shakes her head.

"Bosch, was it? My Father and Alexander-sama also asked me to pass on a message to yourselves, should you come to us with such a promise," Elizabeth continues as her gaze sharpens onto Bosch, "Should you break your word, and so much as lay a finger on either Yuichi Shiro, or Ren-sama. Then we will use every resource that our two families have, to completely erase you all from existence."

Wow, seriously? That truly is some threat.

"I think that just about decides the matter," I say to Alicia, who gives me a forced smile and a sigh, before nodding her head. "What about you, Ren?" I ask.

"I'm marrying into the Cerberus family, hence I will personally clear up any stains to their name." Ren replies with a serious face and a nod. I'm embarrassed to admit, that even I, a guy, thought he looked really cool just then. Elizabeth is staring at Ren with her face completely dyed red, she's completely head over heels.

I turn back to Bosch and straighten my back to give my voice some power. "We accept your conditions." I state as I hold out a hand to the blond man in front of me, he takes it and gives it a firm shake.

With this our alliance has been finalised.

"Hmm, so our warning fell on deaf ears I take it." What the!? A girl is standing at the far end of the room, when did she get there!?

"YOU! YOU'RE!" Alma exclaims, her voice is full of absolute hatred, with Gungnir-Mjölnir in her hand, she charges at the mysterious girl, "I'LL BE TAKING SHUREN'S VENGENCE!" She screams as she swings down her soul slayer to the unmoving girl. The soul slayer goes right through her, but the girl's expression doesn't change and there is no blood or anything. "A ILLUSION!?" Alma curses.

"Alma, this girl, is she the one!?" Shiori-sempai also stands up and glares at the girl with hatred. "The one who murdered my brother!?" Say what!? This girl murdered Shiori-sempai's brother? My mind quickly floats back to that time last year, when Sempai lost a relative and closed her heart on her emotions, that relative, was it her brother? And this girl, she was the one who killed him?

"Gungnir-Mjölnir, how nostalgic." The girl says with a smile, "Anyway, my name is Stella, I guess you could say that I am the leader of Enigma. Oh, and as you just found out, this is but a hologram, you won't get anywhere by attacking it."

"Why are you here?" I ask.

"To put it simply, I'm here to declare war, on the Slayers who are our natural enemy, and you, their new found compatriots." She declares. "We'll show you the horrors that await all those who stand against us!" As the words escape from the girl named Stella's mouth. I can feel my mind feel woozy and disorientated.

A bright flash of light illuminates the entire room as well as the sky outside. I instinctively close my eyes to shield them as my conscience feels drowsy, and my mind blacks out.

hyuugalegacy

2017-01-12, 15:16

Here is chapter 30.

Chapter 30A: The Battle Begins

The first thing I see when I open my eyes is a purple sky. I am on top of what looks to be a skyscraper to some building. Both in front of me, and behind me is some kind of glass like thing blocking me.

"Yuichi-kun," A girl approaches me with supports from her crutches.

"Shiori-sempai, just what on earth is going on?"

"I'll explain that," The girl named Stella suddenly appears in front of us from the other side of the glass like substance.

"YOU!" I run towards the girl but "Urgh!" I can't get past this glass like thing.

*Bang Bang* - I punch the transparent like wall, but not even a scratch.

"It's pointless, those barriers are impenetrable," Stella says with a smile, "I transported you all to random locations, but it looks like the two of you got yourselves stuck somewhere between the six barriers."

"Six barriers?" Shiori-sempai asks.

"Well wait, I'm going to explain now." Stella states.

Suddenly a huge image of Stella appears into the sky.

"Good evening everyone. Now, before you all die, I figured it would only be polite to explain exactly what is happening." Stella says in a haughty tone as the huge image in the sky imitates the legit article in front of us. "You have all been sent into this replica of the very town you were in. In here we can each battle to our heart's content without any problems."

A list of names, including my own, appears in the sky in huge letters. "These are all the people whom have been sent into this dimension, including the members of Enigma," Stella explains, wait, what!? My eyes instantly notice some names I seriously did not want to see, please tell me I'm mistaken. I rub my eyes and hope I was wrong before, but they are still there in huge letters 'Yuna Shiro', 'Sakura Kirei' and 'Akane Mizuno', SHIT! "The filter that was in effect of who would be brought into this world is those who know about the existences of human anomalies, I guess this is what is known as knowing too much is bad for you." Stella says with a disgustingly refreshing smile on her face.

"However, be at ease," She says with a gentle tone in her voice, "I've ordered all the members of Enigma to kill everyone with extreme prejudice, so you won't be left out."

"STELLA!" I shout at the fucked up bitch in front of me. Yuna, Sakura and Akane can't fight, they're no threat to them, but she has no intention of cutting them any slack.

"Oh, if you scream my name with such enthusiasm you're going to make me blush, Yuichi Shiro." She says as she holds her cheeks in her hands, well that is the curse of me being such an irresistible guy, wait, now isn't the time. I can admire my beauty in the mirror to my heart's content later. "Let them out of this screwed up world!" I shout.

"No can do, that would ruin the game." She replies with a twitch of her finger. "Now then, although your defeat is already certain, I'll explain how you win out of curtsey. If you can defeat me, then you win, it's that simple. The dimension will crumble, and you will return back to the original world. However, you cannot just come and attack me so easily. Surrounding me are six impenetrable barriers, each one corresponds to a member of Enigma. So for each member defeated, one of the barriers surrounding me will disappear. I think you get the picture. Oh, but it appears that Yuichi Shiro and Shiori Azusa's appearance on the battlefield will be delayed." The image in the sky switches over to me and Shiori-sempai, "They are trapped between the barriers surrounding me." Stella shows another cutesy smile, "You may not have one of your strongest fighters, but, do your best." The image disappears.

"DAMN IT!" I scream, my friends are going to be hunted by Enigma, and I'm stuck here!

"Yuichi-kun," Shiori-sempai says in a slightly worried voice. I try to give her my best reassuring smile I can, given the circumstances.

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Chapter 30B: The Battle Begins (Perspective: Sakura)

What did that girl just say? They're going to attack everyone. Sempai is trapped, I'm on my own, what should I do? I can only recall the fear when we were attacked before by the Cannibalistic Ripper, and at that time I was with my sempai, but not this time.

My hands shake uncontrollably, I can't make them stop.

"Well well, what do we have here?" My mind instantly blanks as I hear a terrible voice address me. I slowly turn my head to see the man standing there is none other the guy who attacked us before, the Cannibalistic Ripper, Kiri Sasu, "I've forgotten what a frightened little girl's liver tastes like, help me remember. HA HA HA HA HA!"

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Chapter 30C: The Battle Begins (Perspective: Yuna)

Onii-chan, just hearing that my brother who is someone who always inspired confidence has been reduced to little more than a trapped animal, has only increased my anxiety. The room I am in looks like a classroom from my school.

I have only two options available to me at the moment. Either hide and hope those guys who are after us won't find me. Or try and explore the area and pray I run into one of my friends who can keep me safe.

"Say onee-chan we found one..." A young girl says, I instinctively turn to it's source. Standing there are two girls who look as if they have only just reached their teens. They look like twins, they have shoulder length hair that is black on one side and white on the other and is tied to the side. They are also wearing t-shirts and short skirts that are black on one side and white on the left. The colour scheme is inverted for the other sister as is the side that her hair is tied to.

The two whom are holding each others hands, slowly pace towards me with slow steps.

"It's a shame Ini-chan," The other girl says.

"Stella-neechan, told us to kill everyone who isn't part of Enigma." The younger girl continues.

It only sinks in when they said 'kill', I've gotta get away.

"Don't hate us for this, okay?"

"We promise to make this quick."

My feet instantly shoot for the door.

"Ah, she's running onee-chan, what do we do?" The younger twin asks.

"We chase, Ini-chan."

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Chapter 30D: The Battle Begins (Perspective: Akane)

Just how on earth did this happen? Why did this happen? I had heard that girl's explanation, but I just can't believe it. This can only be a bad dream, yes, this is a nightmare.

Hurry up and wake up Akane. My body shivers in terror as I try to pinch my cheek for the dull pain to only confirm to me that this is indeed reality.

"Your luck..." I quickly turn to a man who is edging towards me. He is dressed like something akin to a casino dealer with a five card hand depicting those required for a royal straight flush embroidered on his clothes. "Has run out." He coldly says as he adjusts his glasses onto his face.

Suddenly six huge dices appear, three either side of the man, they are hovering whilst jiggling about. Then another thing appears above his head, it looks like some kind of large roulette. "Your loss however, is my gain."

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Chapter 30E: The Battle Begins

Suddenly appearing in the sky is something I can only curse. A voice robotic like voice reverberates as a video appears overhead. "Sakura Kirei Vs Kiri Sasu!" I draw my attention to one of the videos which is depicting my cute kouhai running away from the man me and Ren failed to finish pounding before. "Damn it!", "Sakura-chan!" Myself and Shiori-sempai can only watch on in horror.

"Yuna Shiro Vs Gemini!" Oh no, another video depicts my younger sister running away from two young girls who are happily chasing after her whilst holding hands. "Shit!"

*Bang Bang Bang Bang! * - I repeatedly force my bleeding fist into the barrier. What kind of friend or brother am I if I can't help them during their time of peril!?

"I told you it's useless, didn't I? You're only going to hurt your fist." Stella coldly states.

"Let me out of here STELLA!" I scream in anger, even if you later fall in love me, I will never reciprocate a girl who tries to kill my friends!

Before I can voice my displeasure further, "Akane Mizuno Vs Slots!" Even Akane, how come all the non combatants ran into members of Enigma!? This isn't a joke I can even laugh about!

I can only watch from here as my friends run for their lives, these forcefields aren't going to let me out. Someone, anyone I can reward you with a date with yours truly, please save them.

"Yuichi-kun," Shiori-sempai calls out to me, whom has all but given up, "It's a long shot, but your technique, you decide the coordinates for the manifestation right? I'm sure someone will go to their aid, so buy them time."

Coordinates for manifestation? I see, it's going to take a lot of concentration on my part, but I'll definitely do it.

I turn my attention to the three videos, if this place is truly a replica of my town, then I know exactly where they are.

"My soul is one that is of self confidence."

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Chapter 30F: The Battle Begins (Perspective: Sakura)

"I can't huff...huff...go on..." I say to myself as my legs that feel like lead slowly step forward one step at a time.

"Your already done?" The Cannibalistic Ripper says as he approaches me whilst licking the blade of his knife.

Even though I know it's useless, as the Cannibalistic Ripper's knife goes towards me, I can only do one thing, "Sempai...Yuichi-Sempai!" As I scream as loud as I can, something I wasn't expecting suddenly happened.

"What the!?" Kiri shouts in astonishment, a huge quantity of silver had blocked his knife from getting to me.

The silver quickly changes it's shape and shoots lots of small fragments at the astonished ripper. Sempai's power, but how?

"He manifested his silver here, and is controlling it all the way from the barrier!?" He curses in shock as the silver cuts into his flesh.

"Sempai..." I wipe a tear from my eye in relief. Feeling Sempai's kindness through his silver gives my leg's their second burst. I get back onto my feet and run as fast I can. The hope and courage sempai is giving me, I won't waste a single drop of it.

"You won't escape!" He shouts as he throws his knives at me.

*Ching ching ching ching! * - The silver deflects many of the knives, but several have managed to bypass the silver. Sempai...

A huge fireball suddenly shoots forth and engulfs the remaining knives.

*Ching ching ching * - What the? Several knives I never noticed were deflected from my blind spot as well.

"You've truly angered me now," The back profile of a boy I see everyday gives me even more confidence than before.

"Nii-san..." I weakly call out.

"Attacking a defenceless girl comma I can't say it's a good hobby period" A young girl's voice chides as she seems to almost sprout out of the ground and walks to Nii-san's side. Just who is she?

"It looks like things have just gotten interesting. So now my opponents are the human anomaly who is marrying into the Cerberus family, Ren Kirei. And one of the churches' Slayers, the soul slayer that has gained it's own self conscience, Ley-Mistletoe." The Cannibalistic Ripper states with a wide smile that could almost split his face in half.

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Chapter 30G: The Battle Begins (Perspective: Yuna)

I continue to run from the two girls as silver rains down on them, forcing them to constantly take evasive manoeuvres. I don't know how he is doing it, but this is definitely Onii-chan's doing.

"Onee-chan," The younger twin calls to her elder. The older twin holds her hands together in a certain stance. The younger twin places her feet on her hands, using it like a foothold.

"What on earth!?" I scream as the younger of the two flies over me and lands in front of me. The older twin threw her younger sister over and in front of me like some sort of circus acrobat.

"It's...", "...over." Like the twins they are, they finish each others sentences. They're right though, they've got me in a pincer.

Onii-chan's silver quickly tries to change its formation to deal with the new situation, But I can tell it won't make it in time.

The younger girl charges towards me as flames wrap around her right hand. But then, another metal appears in front of me and blocks the fire attack, it's not silver.

*Crash!* - A window to my side breaks, standing there on top of the broken glass is.

"Ichiyu?" I say in disbelief. He is wearing a huge sleeveless black coat that has several crucifixes forming the shape of a cross embroidered on the front.

"Carrisa-nee is going to really chide me for this, but personal business, before business business." Ichiyu says as he wears a confident smile, "Bronze Manifestation!"

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Chapter 30H: The Battle Begins (Perspective: Akane)

"It appears your luck still persists." The man says as he dodges several silver javelins that pierce the ground where he previously stood.

I return to running away from the menacing man who seems to love using the word 'luck'.

"Luck is what decides the fate for everything, those with the greater luck shall always stand on top." He claims as he gives chase whilst still avoiding the attacks. "Roulette!" The man shouts and the roulette that is hovering above his head starts spinning at a fast rate. "Dice!" One of the six dices decreases in size and shoots itself into the roulette as the roulette stops the dice reveals a value of four and has landed in a segment labelled 'Fire' on the roulette.

Suddenly, a huge fireball shoots out from the roulette towards me. The silver tries to block the attack, but it can't stop it. "No, Help...me..." I can only pray as the scorching ball approaches me.

*Boom!* - Another fireball of roughly the same size collides with the one shot from the roulette, and they cancel each other out.

"Master, despite being trapped, still gritted his teeth to protect Mizuno-sama," Several light soft steps enter my ears, and their owner stands between me and my pursuer, "As Master's pet, it is my duty to ensure his wish of her safety is granted. I'll be your opponent four eyes!" The one who came to my rescue is Yuichi's pet, Wolfy.

"Very well, dog. Lets see how your luck holds up against, Slots'," The man who just introduced himself as Slots challenges.

"Those who can only rely on luck, will always be doomed to fail," Wolfy returns the challenge.

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Chapter 30I: The Battle Begins

"Fight updates!" The robotic voice states, "Akane Mizuno and Wolfy Shiro Vs Slots! Yuna Shiro and Ichiyu Weiss Vs Gemini! Sakura Kirei, Ren Kirei and Ley Vs Kiri Sasu!"

Thank god, all the three who can't fight are now under the protection of someone who can. "But who is this Ichiyu Weiss?" He looks a bit like me, quite the handsome guy. Oh well, just please protect Yuna, your power looked similar to mine, so I'm sure you can.

"I've got to congratulate you for protecting your friends even though you are stuck here, Yuichi Shiro. It looks like the true battles are going to begin now." Stella says with a smile, I swear I'll wipe that grin off your face personally.

"Bosch, Jijitsu and Phoebe Vs Ark!" The voice announces.

"Why the hell are three of the wielders ganging up on a single one? Whilst my friends are fighting to protect those who don't have the power to protect themselves!?"

"Yuichi-kun..." Shiori-sempai says quietly.

"You should be thanking them, Yuichi Shiro," Stella says with an air of superiority, "Ark is the strongest fighter of Enigma, they'll need at least the three of them to even hope to survive, let alone win." What, seriously? Just how strong is that guy then!?

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Chapter 30J: The Battle Begins (Perspective: Elizabeth)

"Ren-sama!" I catch the announcement of him fighting that man, Kiri Sasu. I've got to go assist him. I humiliated myself last time, I must wash myself clean of this disgrace. Someone from the Cerberus family cannot allow herself to be seen in such a way by anyone, let alone her fiancé. And also, what if that Ley girl falls in love with Ren-sama? He's such a great man it's just possible.

"GRRR! This Elizabeth Cerberus will not allow any cheating, Ren-sama!"

"A maiden in love is truly frightening isn't it?" A girl in her mid teens jumps out in front of me. She has short dyed dark hair with heavy eye liner and make up on. She is wearing a long scarf that covers her neck and cascades down her back, her small dark shirt reveals her pierced belly and a pair of short shorts fastened with a belt reveals her long legs. "If I kill you, I'm sure Stella will show me her beautiful smile. Therefore, for this Cammy's sake, can you please die? I want Stella to praise me."

"I have no interest in your yuri fantasies, I will remove all those who stain my families name or get in the way of my love life." I declare as I point my scythe's blade at the Goth looking girl named Cammy.

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Chapter 30K: The Battle Begins (Perspective: Alma)

Where am I? I could have sworn I walked past that tree just a few minutes ago. Oh well, I can only march forward. I'm sure I'll get there eventually.

"Tracking you was really difficult, Alma Ivana." See, I've already found someone. I turn to the voice, wait you're. "By the time my location technique pinpoints you, you're already somewhere completely different. Even I couldn't see through your movement route."

"Carrisa Thanatos!" I point the spear segment of Gungnir-Mjölnir at the rogue reaper, whom is also one of the culprits for the birth of Enigma.

"It looks like Ichiyu has gone off to fulfil his own desire, I'll deal with him later," Carrisa says to herself before glaring at me, "By the orders of my master, I shall be taking custody of Gungnir-Mjölnir, hand it over, Alma Ivana!"

"Who are you to give me orders, you who abandoned your duties and obligations to help such a screwed up man!?" I scream back.

"And who are you to talk as if you know everything?" Carrisa's eyes glow a dangerous colour, "Very well, let's do this the hard way."

"Carrisa!" A voice shouts from behind her. Carrisa doesn't even bother to turn around.

"Alicia, I had hoped you would have been smarter than to confront me again directly." Carrisa reprimands in a cold voice.

"I cannot allow you to fall any lower, as both a old friend and as a rival, I will stop you, Carrisa!" Alicia shouts as she draws her scythe.

"Very well, I will fight you both at once. I'll show you the gap between us is even greater than that of the cosmos." Carrisa says as she gets into a stance with her scythe.

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Chapter 30L: The Battle Begins

"Elizabeth Cerberus Vs Cammy Leon! Alicia Pandemonium and Alma Ivana Vs Carrisa Thanatos!" The voice states.

"Shit, Carrisa!" Even if Alicia and Alma double team her, can they win? All of you, be careful. If only I could get out there myself. Unfortunately, I'm not even able to maintain the long ranged control of my silver for long. And the fact I was having to do so for three different battles in three different locations was equally taxing on me. My legs soon give out from under me, I'm exhausted, the stress of my friends being in danger, the mind grinding task of using my silver in such a forced manner.

"Yuichi-kun," Shiori-sempai sits next to me, "You've done what you can, lets trust in everyone. If the barriers holding us here disappear, we'll be able to join the fray. So for now, whilst we can't do anything, rest. Yuichi-kun's power will definitely be needed again soon."

"You sure are hopeful aren't you? Let's see how things actually go shall we? I'm sure you'll soon see the situation for how hopeless for you it truly is." I really cannot stand this bitch, nor her gloating.

hyuugalegacy

2017-01-15, 12:49

Here's 31

Chapter 31: Versus Enigma I: Ren And Ley Versus Kiri Sasu (Perspective: Ren)

"A soul slayer with its own self conscience, what does he mean by that?" I ask the small stature girl standing next to me.

"Exactly as it sounds comma I myself am a soul slayer period" She replies without moving her eyes off of Kiri Sasu.

"Speaking of which, Kiri Sasu, I know that name somewhere." I agonise to myself.

"The Cannibalistic Ripper, Nii-san!" Sakura shouts from behind, I see that's where I know the name from. But for a guy like that to be in Enigma, they sure know how to pick their members.

"Are you done commercing? My knife is craving your blood!" Kiri says as he licks his blade, I'd laugh if he cut his own tongue doing that.

"Indeed comma let us start period" Ley-san says as a huge axe that is bigger than her materialises out of thin air.

"Holy!" I say as I take a step back while she effortlessly lunges the axe onto her shoulder, she quickly turns to me.

"Small girls wielding huge weapon comma isn't it moe question mark" She asks whilst giving me a peace sign.

"Uh sure," I'm not one to ask about moe stuff though I'm afraid, "Lets go!" I shout as I conjure and throw a fireball at Kiri.

"Finally. Time to cut you kittens up and eat your lungs!" Kiri screams as he dodges my flame.

"Slice in half period" Ley-san swings her colossal axe down, like with my fireball Kiri jumps away. He then quickly throws several of his knives at her.

"Oh no you don't!" I try to conjure up a fireball to repel the attack but, "GUHH!" I feel a swift pain in my arm, a knife is lodged in there.

How the hell did he do that!?

"NII-SAN!" Sakura shouts from behind, I can't let her worry about me. So I grab the knife and pull it right out.

I draw out my sword that my father-in-law gave me from my personal pocket dimension. As I draw it from its scabbard the blade instantly ignites itself on fire. This sword is a heirloom of the Cerberus family, the sword of flames, Hinoken.

"Now burn!" I shout as I swing my sword and release a wave of flames. Ley-san quickly jumps out of the way from the line of fire, whilst Kiri simply stares it down, he swings his knife in a horizontal motion and as he does my flame dissipates. How!? It wasn't a shockwave, nor did he hit my flame directly.

Ley-san lands next to me, "We need to figure out his ability comma otherwise he will always have the upper hand period" She's right, we have no way of countering the unknown.

Whilst we are thinking as such Kiri once again swipes his knife in a horizontal motion, and then.

"GAAAH!"

"KIHHH!"

Both Ley-san and I yelp as several cuts appear on our bodies with fresh blood pouring out of mine.

"He's not planning on giving us time to think," I state the obvious.

"No shit sherlock, you're my dinner after all," He replies as he licks his lips. How can anyone have a taste for human flesh?

"Lets keep up the offensive comma we need to find out his secret period" Ley-san explains, I give a swift nod before I brandish my sword and charge at him with Ley-san by my side. With a knife in both of his hands Kiri too runs at us with a look of glee plastered onto his face.

"HIYAHH!" I scream as I swing my sword in a horizontal motion and a line of flames shoots at Kiri who jumps over it.

"An opening period" Ley-san says as she jumps up with Kiri and attacks him in the air.

*Ching!* - Using both knives as a shield Kiri blocks Ley-san's axe.

However, "GUGHHH!" The impact of Ley-san's attack sent him hard into the earth and his knives shattered. "Well that certainly hurt," He says as he gets back onto his feet and flexes his neck to the side. Despite his words he looks pretty unfazed. "Time to get serious then." He states as he draws another knife to replace the two he just lost, just how many knives does this guy have?

Not planning on letting him have any chance to recover I attack with Hinoken, he blocks my long blade with his short one.

"Damn that's hot!" He exclaims as he continues to block my sword. However, has he forgotten?

"There are two of us period" Ley-san states as she charges at him, her axe dissipates and in it's place is a rapier type sword, she can do that?

As if to answer my internal question, "My existence itself is a soul slayer comma I can take whatever form I desire comma whether it's a human or a weapon period" I see, so that's how it is.

"I didn't forget you for even a second, Ley-Mistletoe." Kiri says as he draws another knife with his free hand and stabs it into thin air. It is then that I notice it, half of the blade has disappeared, and then.

"URGH" "GAHH" Ley-san and myself exclaim as I notice a lodge of metal that looks like a blade in my knee and Ley-san's arm, she drops her weapon from the sudden pain and clutches her arm as her sword disappears. Now I see, so that's how it is. As Kiri withdraws his hand that's holding the knife, the blades lodged into Ley-san and I also disappears and the knife in his hand takes it's full form.

Yes, now I know for certain, the reason for the attacks and the unusual phenomenon of him effortlessly dissipating my flame attack.

I jump back to create some distance, "Moving away from me won't save you from my knives infinite reach." Kiri states, that's true, but I've figured out the nature of your power.

"Ley-san! I know the trick he's using now!" I shout, Ley-san looks at me in astonishment.

"Hooh, do you now?" Kiri says mockingly.

"What is it question mark" Ley-san asks.

I let loose a confident smile as I declare, "To put it simply it's a spacial distortion! He can move things from one coordinate to another. However, that is not all, this power is one which has an entry point and an exit point. But this is where things get complicated."

"What do you mean question mark"

"He can create several exit points for a single entry point. Like just now, he attacked us both at the same time with a single knife by creating two exit points for the single entry point that he stabbed his knife through." I explain.

"I see comma that certainly explains everything period" Ley-san says with a nod of her head.

"You're pretty smart for figuring that all out from such little information, well done. You're absolutely correct." Kiri says as he claps his hands gently together his confident grin is still covering his face. "But at the end of the day what good has it done you? Can you overcome my ability by just knowing it's nature?" He's right, overcoming him is not going to be easy, and I can only think of beating him by using a surprise attack. But there is one thing I do know for sure, rather than quantity we should go for quality.

"Ley-san," I address my comrade as I approach her, "You said you can become a weapon right?"

"Yes, comma that is correct period"

I take a deep breath before I make my declaration, "For the sake of defeating this guy, please let me wield you!" I shout out, for some reason my face feels really hot asking her to let me use her. Ley-san's eyes shoot wide open and I notice a light tinge of red in her cheeks.

"If I let you comma can you win question mark" Ley-san asks.

"I can!" I declare with a swift firm nod.

"Then comma I'll accept period" Ley-san says as a slight smile forms from her lips as she takes my free hand that isn't wielding Hinoken. Ley-san's body glows a deep light as her body disappears and a elegant white sword appears in my hand that she previously held, I grasp it tightly.

"Light..." I say as I swing Ley-san.

"A girl's weight is a taboo topic period" Ley-san's voice resounds in my hand, "You're the first person in a long time I've let use me comma so make good on your declaration period also comma drop the 'san' comma just 'Ley' is fine period"

"Now this has got even more interesting, an anomaly wielding a soul slayer. But considering you now know the full nature of my power, I'm no longer going to restrain myself."

Kiri draws several knives and throws them randomly, and as I suspected they're all coming at me from several different directions. I jump whilst trying to make sure my movements can't be read to dodge the rain of knives.

*Ching ching ching!* - several noises resound as Ley-san, no Ley, changed her blades shape and stretched out behind me. I see, she is protecting my blind spot. "HINOKEN!" I scream as I swing my fire sword at Kiri, the stream of fire that is heading towards him however suddenly disappears.

"SHIT!" I scream as I swing Hinoken at the redirected stream of fire. His power also grants him a strong defence as well. I successfully block the flame with Hinoken but "GAAHH!" A sharp pain all over my shoulder, I tense my grip on Ley to make sure I don't drop her. The many blades disappear as Kiri pulls his single knife back with a sadistic smile.

"BLEED BLEED BLEED BLEED AND BLEED SOME MORE!" Kiri shouts as he randomly starts stabbing his knife into open space.

"Stab me into the ground period" Ley quickly orders, I do as I am told. Suddenly a gush of light surrounds my body the many knife attacks just bounce off of it. "I am capable of drawing power from the earth's ley lines comma although it is weaker in this created dimension period"

"Tch! you really are a pain!" Kiri stops his knife attack, realising it wasn't accomplishing anything. I then notice something hovering above his hand, it's a fragment of Ley's shield, wait a second, if it's over there, then that means. I see, so that's how it is.

I unearth Ley from the ground and the light disappears, I've got something I want to try.

"Ren Kirei" Ley says blankly.

"Just call me Ren, it's only fair." I state to the elegant blade in my hand.

With both Ley and Hinoken in my hands I charge at Kiri Sasu. "You don't learn do you? It's worthless!" He shouts as he stabs his knife into a open space. I notice the knife coming at me from my side, I quickly get out of it's reach. But before Kiri can withdraw it, I stab Hinoken through the hole in space that he created and "ARGGGHHHHH!" He screams in agony as my fire sword lodged into his hand, now burn! I ignite the flames of Hinoken and shoot them at Kiri who already has the blade lodged into his hand "AAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!" He yells even louder as his arm catches fire. Kiri quickly jumps backwards as I withdraw Hinoken.

"What did you do question mark"

"The distortion works both ways. I can force something into one of the exit points and it will come out of the entrance point. Not only that, but if there is something solid in the distortion, then he is unable to close the hole." I explain, the reason I didn't use Ley was because I was worried he might close the distortion with her inside of it, but it looks like it wouldn't have been an issue. "I just used Kiri's own power against him." I further supplement.

"HOW DARE YOU!" Kiri screams after he had finally doused the flame that had engulfed him. His arm is covered in blood and burns. "I'LL FUCKING KILL YOU!" He's completely turned psycho, not that he wasn't one already. Kiri's eyes grow a dangerous glint as he takes out a black blade knife that looks different from the ones he used before.

"I've already seen through your tricks, they'll no longer work against me!" I shout back.

"I'm through playing fair with you two Ren Kirei, Ley-Mistletoe! Say goodbye little girl, you can blame this scumbag for pissing me off!" He yells as he directs his attention away from me and to, wait, NO!

Sakura is standing there silently as Kiri's predator eyes look directly at her.

"Don't even think about it KIRI SASU!"

"URGGHHH!" I exclaim in pain as the knife lodges into my arm, I drop Hinoken on the ground due to the sudden attack, the flames that surround the blade dissipate.

"REN!" Ley calls out to me in a uncharacteristic scream.

"NII-SAN!" Sakura screams.

"Amateur, you let your focus drift the moment I threatened the little girl." Kiri says with a grin that seems sure of victory.

"Urgh!" I can't move my arm, what's going on!? I forcefully rip the sleeve off my shirt and gaze at my arm. A black like pattern is slowly spreading out of the wound he just inflicted.

"This knife is special," Kiri says with a grin, "It inflicts a paralysis curse on what it cuts, in this case, your arm. And guess what, as an added bonus the curse slowly spreads out to the rest of your body," Kiri's smile grows even thinner, "You're finished."

Not only can't I move my arm, it also feels heavier than lead. And soon it will come up and encompass my entire body. There is nothing else for it, it's rash, but I have no other choice. If Kiri thinks I'll give up so easily he is going to be disappointed.

"Sakura close your eyes, NOW!" I order, my little sister is surprised, but she quickly obeys, "I'm trusting in your sharpness Ley." I say as I grit my teeth.

"What are you..." Ley begins, but before she can finish I swing her in a wide angle, her target? My own arm!

"GAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!" I scream in agony as Ley's blade slices all the way through my flesh and bone with little resistance. Her elegant blade gets stained with blood, my blood. My cursed arm falls loosely onto the ground. If it is only going to be a hindrance then likewise I have no choice but to discard it. I was mentally prepared for anything before this fight started so this is nothing.

"You're insane!" Kiri shouts in surprise, no just logical, lose a arm or my entire body, the choice was obvious.

"You'll never be able to use that arm again period even though I'm letting you wield me comma I am still a soul slayer period you severed the spiritual connection of your arm away from your body period" Ley explains, I'll worry about that after this fight.

"ARGGHHH!" With what strength I have left I charge with Ley in my hand at the still astonished Kiri Sasu. I thrust, aiming for his neck. However, he regains his composure and tilts his neck to avoid my thrust, dodging it. But even so, I still continue forward and push the blade into the empty area past his neck.

"GAAAHHH!" I yelp again in agony, the black knife had been forced into my abdomen.

"It's over." Kiri Sasu says with a look of glee. I drop Ley onto the ground.

"Yes, it is," I reply, "For you." Using my now free hand, I forcefully grab his shoulder with all the strength I can muster.

"Rematerialise and finish him Ley!" I scream with all my might. The elegant blade is suddenly filled with light and transforms back into the form of a little girl, with a short sword in her hand.

"WHATTT!?" Kiri Sasu exclaims as he turns around to see Ley charging at him, "URGGHHH!" Ley lodges her blade directly into his heart. "Damn...it...to...think...I...would...lose..." Kiri says in a weak voice as his grip on the black knife slowly lightens, before letting go entirely. As Ley withdraws her blade from his chest, Kiri's body falls limply onto the ground.

The Cannibalistic Ripper is now no more, I'm sure the entire world will be better off this way.

"Kiri Sasu has been defeated!" The announcement confirmed.

And with that my body lost what strength was left in it.

"Ren!" Ley catches my falling body, she's dropped her habit of voicing out punctuation, I guess probably due to the sudden shock.

"NII-SAN!" Sakura who sees my pathetic state runs up to us with tears in her eyes.

"Excuse me Ren comma" Ley removes my shirt and stares at the curse that is spreading throughout my body. "Although it looks like it will take a while comma I think I can remove this curse period" Ley says as light gives out from her hand and the progress of the black pattern representing the curse halts. "I can't do anything for your arm comma" Ley has a sullen look on her usually emotionless face "But I swear on my pride as a soul slayer comma it won't take any more of you period so for now just rest period"

"But the others..." I begin whilst trying to force my body onto it's feet.

"Nii-san!" Sakura cuts me off

I then suddenly feel a thumping sensation to my neck, my conscience begins to get hazy. "I told you to rest period" These are the last words I heard before my eyelids can no longer hold themselves open and I embrace the slumber that my wounded body truly desires.

hyuugalegacy

2017-01-24, 15:28

Here is 32

Chapter 32A: Versus Enigma II: Wolfy VS Slots I (Perspective: Wolfy)

I am standing face to face with the man who calls himself Slots. The roulette above his head is spinning fast and is constantly alternating its direction between clockwise and anticlockwise.

"Roulette! Double dice!" Slots shouts as the roulette's spin accelerates and two of the dices shoot into it.

I of course am not going to just sit back and watch I lunge head on towards Slots as I shoot out several fireballs from my mouth. I won't let him decide this fights pace.

Slots makes a strange action, as he too runs towards me, even though this puts him on a collision course with my attack

As my fireballs fast approach the roulette stops, and the dices land on two separate sections. Unfortunately, I cannot see what they are labelled.

*Boom Boom Boom* – My fireballs smash into Slots. The area covers itself in smoke from the blast.

When I think that I have already won. Huh! What's this? My dog nose instantly picks up Slot's scent.

"Wolfy look out!" Mizuno-sama shouts from behind, I quickly turn around just as a huge bulk of ice is launched from the roulette above the unscathed Slot's.

"ARGGGGHHHH!" I manage to move just enough to prevent a critical hit from the last attack, but the shards of the ice that smashed into the ground heavily rip into my body and throw me back several metres. I am then finally able to get a good look at what the dice's landed on the roulette, one of them landed with a value of five onto a section labelled 'ice'. And the other with a value of three has landed on a section labelled 'barrier'. So that is what protected him from my flames.

But that manoeuvre was one serious gamble on Slot's part. If the roulette didn't give him the barrier he would have been crisped.

"Wait a second, am I jumping to conclusions!?" I ask myself out loud.

"What's wrong, Wolfy?" Mizuno-sama asks.

"I had presumed that the roulette's results were random, but maybe this guy can fix them. That is probably the reason he can run into a fireball with such confidence." I explain my theory, if that is the case this guy is going to be truly troublesome. He has so many different attacks labelled on that roulette and he is capable of using at least two simultaneously, I'm guessing from the fact that he has six dices hovering around, he can probably use all of them at once.

"I'm not fixing the result," Slot's shoots down my theory, "I merely have confidence in my luck. And because of that I'll tell you this. First the area where the dice falls decides the nature of my attack." He explains, well yeah that part was pretty obvious, "Secondly the number rolled decides the magnitude of the attack." I see, so the higher the number, the stronger the attack. "I am someone who entrusts myself entirely to my luck, I have no need to cheat!" He proclaims, seemingly offended.

"Hah, luck is just a by product. I'm going to win this fight due to my skills and abilities, not chance. The moment you got me as an opponent was the moment your luck truly did go bad!" I vent.

"My luck has never betrayed me, nor will it ever, I'm going to put you down mutt and have you acknowledge this!" He challenges back as his roulette once again picks up it rotation speed.

XXXXXXXX

Chapter 32B: Versus Enigma II: Slayers VS Ark I (Perspective: Bosch)

We've been battling this man for several minutes, but we cannot secure any attack on him. Even though he is standing in such a way that leaves him totally defenceless, his confidence is overwhelming.

"HAAAH!" I swing my Soul Slayer Joyeuse-Longinus at the dark haired man for the umpteenth time, Ark, who is standing silently before me still doesn't move from the spot. However before I commit myself on my attack I notice a huge chunk of debris heading straight towards me from my flank. I readjust my sword's trajectory to repel the attack.

*Crunch* – I break the debris apart.

"Get back Bosch!" Jijitsu shouts as he swings his sword from afar. As directed I jump back to get myself out of the line of fire of the wind blade Jijitsu just created.

Ark finally takes out one of his hands that was up until now in his pockets and points his arm straight out towards the incoming attack. Wind begins to circle around his arm, it is almost like a hurricane is twirling around with his arm as the epicentre. The hurricane that extends out of Ark's arm intercepts Jijitsu's wind blade and disperses like it is nothing. Ark then readjusts his arm's angle and thus the hurricane's trajectory and swings down with a vertical swing.

Jijitsu frantically dives to one side as the ground he formerly stood on gets heavily scraped by the numerous revolutions of the hurricane. However, this is our chance if I can predict how he would react then we've got him.

"NOW PHOEBE!" I shout the signal and a arrow shoots from seemingly out of nowhere, Phoebe isn't a close quarter combatant, so we had her hide and ordered her to attack from the shadows whilst Jijitsu and I distracted him. The arrow is heading directly for Ark, who in turn tries to counter by using his hurricane to deflect it, just as I thought he would.

"Oh no you don't!" I shout as I convert my soul slayer that is currently in the form of a sword into a spear. This is one of Joyeuse-Longinus' attributes, being able to change into one of these two forms. I quickly throw the spear into the hurricane. As it smashes into the hurricane the huge volumes of air instantly disperse. Good it worked. This is another function of my soul slayer, being able to dispel both soul and reaper techniques.

And the arrow that is still heading to Ark, who all of sudden can no longer protect himself, and thus...

"URGHHH!" It pierces right through the centre of his chest. And he falls down onto the ground heavily.

"We got him!" Jijitsu shouts. Yes, he was pierced right through the heart with a soul slayer, there is no way he could survive that attack.

Phoebe upon hearing this declaration leaves her hiding place and comes to join up with us.

"This guy was abnormally powerful," These are the first words that come out of Phoebe's mouth. She's right, the only reason we were able to win was because we triple teamed him and he didn't even appear to be taking us seriously. If he fought with all he had, I doubt we would still be standing.

"But really telekinesis, that power is so cliché." Jijitsu states, originality aside its a power that is hard to fight against.

"But this one guy required all three of us, it was a good decision on our part to have recruited the help of Yuichi Shiro. If we were to take on Enigma alone we definitely would not survive." I state.

"Don't worry, you're not going to survive regardless." A voice I didn't think I would hear again announces as we all turn around to the man we thought we fell, and yet he is rising to his feet, the arrow is still lodged inside of him "After all, I'm going to kill you all right here." He declares as the arrow starts to slide out of him, he must be using his telekinesis to pull it out, just watching this scene is really disturbing.

"I got your heart, how on earth can you still be alive!?" Phoebe asks the question that all of us wish to know.

"The main function of the heart is to pump and move blood around the human body. So the answer is simple, if I use my telekinesis to move the blood around in my body then I am perfectly capable of functioning without one." Ark explains as the arrow leaves his body and drops to the floor. Just how powerful is this guy? Using his powers to replace his own heart. "You said that telekinesis was cliché, did you not? I have no way of denying that claim. However, I seriously doubt you will find anyone who can use it to the same level as I can."

"You monster," I accuse, this human anomaly is stronger than anything I have ever faced before, I can't think of a better word to describe him than 'monster'.

"I originally thought that I could defeat you all without exerting much effort with my telekinesis. But it seems that option is no longer available. So now I'll go for something much larger. The basic concept of telekinesis is moving things with one's own mind. It may not sound like much, but if you think outside the box you can realise just how dangerous a power it truly is. For example, right now if I simply force a few certain movements on the tectonic plate margin I can do things like this!"

Tectonic plate margin!? Does that mean!? Before I can voice out my suspicions they are already answered.

"WHAAA!" We all shout as we lose our standing from the sudden movement of the ground. He's using his telekinesis to cause a huge earthquake.

"SHIT!" Jijitsu shouts as the buildings within this artificial world all topple towards us. I can't react quick enough. And so I can only instinctively move my arms to guard as the building debris assault's my body.

"URGHH!" I feel a heavy impact smack into my head, "Damn it..." I grunt weakly as my mind feels heavy and the blackness takes over.

XXXXXX

Chapter 32C: Versus Enigma II: Alicia And Alma VS Carrisa I (Perspective: Alicia)

Alma and I are standing at opposite ends with Carrisa between us. I ready my scythe as I prepare myself to defeat the person whom I used to admire.

"Eat this!" Alma shoots a stream of lightning towards Carrisa, seeing this as a sign I charge towards her as well.

Carrisa quickly slam the stick end of her scythe into the ground, and a chunk of the earth intercepts Alma's attack where she quickly turns her attention to me. I know full well from the last fight that Carrisa likes to run electricity through her scythe therefore I made sure to take appropriate counter measures.

*Ching! Ching!* - Our blades cross against each other several times. Carrisa is wielding her scythe with a single hand whilst cast various reaper techniques to distract Alma with the other, thus preventing any chance for another attack. This is just the tip of the iceberg to the power of the prodigious reaper of Thanatos. We're not going to be able to beat her if we don't work together.

As Carrisa shoots a fireball at Alma I counter by shooting a ball of ice at it, thus giving Alma a slight opportunity to attack. "Much appreciated," She says as she wastes no time in plunging the hammerhead of her soul slayer into the ground, and a bolt of lightning quickly forms in the sky.

"Not the most smartest of moves," Carrisa penalises, what the!? The ground that I'm standing on suddenly raises itself into the sky.

"NO ALICIA!" Alma shouts when she realises just what is happening.

*BRING!* - "ARGGGGGGGHHHHH!" I scream in pain as the lightning hits me. Carrisa had made a makeshift lightning rod with me on top of it.

Alma realising her mistake quickly jumps up to the raised ground and counteracts the lightning with her soul slayer before she grabs me under her arm and escapes. "Alicia, are you all right!?" My old friend asks with a face ridden with both worry and guilt. I give a weak nod as I use my scythe to get myself back up onto my feet. The lightning from Alma's soul slayer is truly powerful.

"YOU!" Alma turns herself to Carrisa as her face is filled with anger, "How dare you use my own attack in such a way!"

"There are no rules in a battle, only a victor and a loser. You were the one at fault for trying to use such a pathetic strategy against me." Carrisa just shrugs off and rebukes Alma's anger. Upon hearing this Alma's fury only increases.

"Alma, calm down! We have no chance against Carrisa if we fight without keeping our heads cool," I state as I grab my friend's wrist and pull her to me, "Besides lets make the most of it." I whisper into her ear.

Alma instantly realises what I am referring to and smiles back.

Once again I charge at Carrisa, this time Alma is with me. The lightning gathers around the spear segment of her soul slayer as we run at our adversary. Carrisa too charges at us with her scythe in the ready.

As we edge close enough and Carrisa begins to swing her scythe, I push my feet hard into the ground and jump directly over Carrisa as she tries to alter her attacks direction it is quickly blocked and stopped by Alma. When I land on the ground I quickly shoot out a bolt of lightning towards Carrisa who unlike with me is having to use both her hands to block Alma's weapon.

Realising the situation Carrisa quickly kicks Alma back and without a moments delay turns her body and avoids my attack. But then it carries on going towards Alma who using the hammer segment of her soul slayer swings at my lightning bolt like she was playing baseball. The current redirects the direction it came and...

"ARRRRGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHH!" Hits the unsuspecting Carrisa. The shock momentarily staggers her for a mere second before she regains her footing using her scythe as a temporary support.

"You two are quite the team," She applauds, "Thanks to that earlier attack Alicia got a Pole charge from Gungnir-Mjölnir which she incorporated into her own reaper technique to create a lightning bolt similar to that of the soul slayer that struck her and using that pole charged lightning bolt Alma Ivana redirected by using the same pole and repelling the lightning at me."

As expected of a genius, she figured out the nature of our attack so easily. I knew it wouldn't be enough for us to claim victory, Carrisa isn't as weak as that. However scoring a hit on her means a lot for the tide of this battle.

"You aid a man like that masked freak and you assisted him in creating these abominations that form Enigma, Carrisa just how far has your pride fallen?" I ask my former friend.

"Form Enigma? I see, well it's a natural conclusion to come up with, but never the less an incorrect one." Carrisa states.

"What do you mean!?" Alma asks with a voice filled with confusion.

"I am saying that neither myself, nor 'that man', have had any hand in either the creation or the formation of Enigma." Carrisa answers.

"What...you had nothing to do with it?" I ask.

"Don't be fooled Alicia, she's obviously lying!" Alma states.

"I'm already considered a traitor to the underworld, why would I lie about a trivial matter when I've already committed so many sins?" She's right, she has no reason to lie.

But in that case, just how did Enigma come to be?

hyuugalegacy

2017-02-01, 14:23

And C33

Chapter 33A: Versus Enigma III: Ichiyu Vs Gemini I (Perspective: Ichiyu)

"Ichiyu, you are..." Yuna begins as she stares at me in disbelief, well I guess I can't blame her.

Using my bronze I attack the younger twin that was trying to harm Yuna, she simply jumps back to avoid it however.

"Bronze Manifestation?", "And that appearance", "Is this just coincidence?" The two twins converse between themselves.

Well there is no point hiding how my wonderful existence came to be...

"I'm a human anomaly that was created using the soul fragments from Yuichi Shiro during his previous encounter with my master." I explain.

"Wait, what does that mean, Ichiyu?" Yuna asks.

"Even if you ask me, I can't describe it any simpler than that, long story short, I'm a clone." I state, are you satisfied now? I'm not the most willing when it comes to the roots of my existence.

"I see, so you never were a regular human either," The older twin notes, but 'either' what does she mean by that? Oh well, it doesn't matter. There is something else I wish to confirm that is more important.

"Do you two by any chance have some kind of personal grudge against Yuna?" I ask.

"No, we are simply following orders," One states before the other supplements, "Gemini's hatred is directed at only one person, and that person no longer exists."

"I see, in that case the reincarnation of wonderness, that is I, Ichiyu Weiss, shall stop you hence forth." I declare as I conjure up more of my bronze.

"Then this Gem shall overcome you." They're really pulling out all the stops here, "And this Ini will slaughter you."

""Death to all those not of Enigma!"" They say together.

The older twin, Gem has her hands get surrounded by a swirl of wind on one hand and water on the other. Whilst the younger twin, Ini has her other hand get surrounded by a swirl of electricity. Both girls having turned their hands into mediums for weapons, run at me together from both sides.

I quickly create two swords out of my bronze and prepare to intercept their attacks. But then I suddenly notice something happen, Gem all of a sudden is now standing where Yuna was, Yuna herself is wondering what just happened when she suddenly reappeared where Gem once was.

"Crap!" I shout as Gem tries to stab at me with her water blade, I quickly tilt my neck to avoid the sudden attack. She then tries to slash at me with her wind blade, I quickly duck low down and avoid the attack, "Woah, thanks for the view." I say as I catch a glimpse of the contents of my attacker's skirt.

"Pervert, how dare you to Onee-chan!" The younger twin, Ini says as she charges down at me from a low angle and swipes with both her blades. I jump up into the air to avoid the attack and create a chunk of bronze mid air, which I use as a foothold and propel myself away from the twins. I land between them and Yuna, good we've escaped the pincer. But there was something I really cannot let go.

"I'm not a pervert! I'm an explorer for all cute clothes bright and stripy. The fact that I took the liberty to look should in itself be an honour for you!" I defend, "My dream is to one day have a harem of cute girls all wearing striped panties! Think yourselves lucky that I'm now considering you two as prime candidates!"

The two twins stare at me in wonder for a few seconds before, "So cool..." Gem says with a slight blush, as the previously angry Ini nods also with a slight blush. My beauty is already working its magic.

"Ichiyu," Yuna calls from behind me, I quickly glance back, "Didn't what you just say just prove them right about you being a pervert?"

"No stallion such as I can be a pervert, my dear Yuna," I respond whilst activating my supreme technique 'Enticement Smile', this move grants me the power to enchant any girl, not that my looks don't already accomplish this. But you know what they say, you can never have too many good points.

"Oh really," She responds with a sigh of resignation, "By the way, you won't be able to enchant me with that so called "Enticement Smile", I've built up a strong immunity to such crap due to my home circumstances." Yuna states, wait did I ever tell her the name of this technique? Just how does she know about it? Is she a mind reader or something?

Oh well, never mind. I redirect my attention back to the two twins. Now its time to progress to stage two of my conquering plan. I straighten my back and heighten my voice, "Gem and Ini put yourselves as the ante! If I win this fight, I'll have you both become mine as girl two and three respectively for my yet to be established harem!" I declare my intention.

"You're the worst!" Yuna screams from behind me, no need to be jealous, I've forever reserved the spot of number one for you.

The two twins briefly stare at each other before they return my gaze. "That's fine,", "If you win that is." The two agree as they charge at me once again.

Then Ini suddenly disappears and Yuna is standing there blankly again. "Crap, again!" I quickly turn around to face Ini who is charging at me with her blades in the ready. I send several bronze bullets her way to counter her, but she just continues forward but then suddenly she disappears again, "SHIT! I can't stop my bronze in time!" I curse when I realise just what they've done.

"KYAAAAA!" I hear Yuna's scream as she covers her face as the bronze attacks her flesh.

"Yuna!" I scream back, shit I screwed up and hurt Yuna in the process. Luckily I notice the cuts are fairly minor, but how could someone as beautiful as me have made such a careless mistake. I know this Soul Technique and how it works only too well, it's one of my masters most favoured after all yet I still fell for it. So these two are where that power originated from.

Come on Ichiyu, you've got to get your wonderful head back into the game. Yuna is depending on me, so I can't screw this up. I run up to my injured friend, "Yuna are you all right!? I'm so sorr..." I begin, but Yuna suddenly transforms to Gem, but this time I didn't allow myself to be fooled, I swing my bronze sword at her. But I suddenly feel an odd sensation of my bearings changing, and my bronze sword hits nothing but air. Shit! Ini switched her position with me. Yuna is also standing where Gem used to be, "Crap that means!" I quickly turn around to as I suspected Gem was charging at me "This is really getting annoying!" I proclaim as I block Gem's water and wind blades with my own bronze swords. Curses, my situation is most dire. Gemini's technique allows them to switch their physical position with any other living matter, whilst at first glance it seems harmless enough. It is a technique that flips the advantage of using numbers into reverse, as it gives them more targets to switch with. Which means I need to decrease the numbers then their power will weaken exceptionally. Luckily thanks to my master I know about this technique quite thoroughly.

Using my strength I push back Gem's blades thus giving me a chance to catch her momentarily off guard. I swing my blade with the knowledge to stop in case she switches and as I predicted a quick flash and Gem disappears, I instinctively stop my blade figuring Yuna is about to appear. However, the one who appeared wasn't Yuna, it was Ini. "FUCK!" The older twin who was defenceless switched with the younger twin who was ready to attack. I quickly try to regain the speed of my slash which I had previously stopped but.

"URGGGGHHHH!" I grasp in pain

"Too slow," Ini states as she slashed at me with her own blades before I could hit her with my own.

I try to endure the pain as I continue on with my swipe. However, Ini disappears even quicker than she had arrived, and this time she truly did switch places with Yuna. I quickly stop my attack as Yuna closes her eyes in fear.

"Urgh! cough cough!" Blood escapes my lips as I drop down onto one of my knees.

"Ichiyu!" Yuna grabs hold of my falling body in a tight embrace. She truly is a kind girl, that is why I will definitely protect her. I grasp Yuna's shoulder to pull myself back onto my feet as I glare at my two formidable opponents and take a few deep breaths to increase the power in my voice.

"I'm definitely going to make you both mine!" I proudly declare, the two girls simply smile back, almost to say 'good luck with that'.

""Good luck with that."" They both vocalised my interpretation. I tighten my grip on my blades as I ready for the next assault.

XXXXXX

Chapter 33B: Versus Enigma III: Elizabeth Vs Cammy I (Perspective: Elizabeth)

I glare at the girl who introduced herself as Cammy. I quickly spin my scythe around and charge towards her. I don't have any time to waste.

I slash at her body but she simply ducks down onto all fours before jumping back.

"If you won't die obediently than I'll just do it the hard way, this is all for Stella's sake so nothing personal." Cammy says as she sticks out her tongue from her mouth

What the hell is she!? The length of her tongue is definitely not normal. Just as I try to comprehend just what is going on her body suddenly disappears.

"What the!? Where did she go!?" I ask myself out loud as I gaze around my surroundings. Trying to find her, but to no avail.

"URGHH!" I suddenly feel a tight grip wrapped around my neck, its strongly constricting me, but I can't see anything. Using my hand I can feel the invisible object that is strangling me. I quickly brandish my scythe and slash at it.

"Cough Cough!" The sudden restriction disappears and I gasp on the floor. "Just what the hell." The thing that I cut that was previously invisible is lying on the floor, it looks like.

"Ah you cut my tongue..." Cammy reappears behind me as I notice there is a segment of her long tongue missing. However it quickly grows back and retakes its original shape.

"Turning invisible and that long tongue, just what on earth are you!?" I question angrily.

"Who knows, this was just the power that was granted to me when I became a anomaly. I refer to this power as 'Chameleon' however, although there are some differences between my power and the name sake." Cammy explains.

But I've never heard of a power like this even for human anomalies. And fighting this kind of ability is going to be difficult to say the very least, she is able to mask her presence completely.

"But who cares about any of that, my only desire is to see Stella happy, and for that I need you to stop breathing." She states as she once again turns invisible.

"Curses!" I run around the battlefield aimlessly whilst I am unable to see Cammy. I need to think of a countermeasure for her ability. But until then I have to buy as much time as I can and prevent myself from becoming an easy target for that grotesque tongue of hers.

"AAAARRRGGGHHH!" I yelp as I fall to the ground after feeling a nasty scraping pain on my back. Cammy once again reappears.

"My tongue isn't the only thing I can fight with," She states as she licks my blood off of her hand.

"How dare you!" I yell as I swing my scythe at the girl who is still on all fours. However she jumps back out of reach of my scythe and disappears again whilst in mid-air.

"Your fate is to be a mere sacrifice for my happiness, just accept it." The selfish invisible goth declares.

"My fate is not for you to decide. And it sure is not going to be dictated in such a way! Do not underestimate the wraith of the Cerberus, Cammy!" I rebuke as I gather flames in my hand and charge to the position of where the voice just came from and smash the ground within that vicinity with my fire.

Cammy reappears again, "If you can't see me what is the point in attacking?" She asks, I simply smile back with confidence.

If I am to defeat her I first need to uncover her secrets, her power may seem strong but there will definitely be some flaw or weakness to exploit. Which has to bring me to my first question, if she is able to turn invisible, just why does she keep on letting herself reappear? Is it due to confidence? Or is it something else entirely different, I need to figure this out. I know with my mind I'll be able to find something I can use.

XXXXX

Chapter 33C: Versus Enigma III: Interlude (Perspective: None)

This is a story from a few years before Yuichi Shiro had heard the term 'Anomaly'. In a fairly quiet remote area their lived a ageing man, however he was much older than even what he looked, having lived for well over a century. He had a condition that forced his soul near to the surface of his body, as a result his soul although not totally exposed to the atmosphere had mutated from within its shell. This gave the man a very pale complexion with pure white hair and red eyes.

Due to his appearance and the nature of his existence the local people feared the old man who was all but isolated from society. He held one sincere desire, and that was to be accepted. In order to accomplish this he studied and researched science with all his might in the hopes that he would find a cure for his ailment. Days passed, months passed, years passed and yet he was still no closer to his goal.

His research had only further increased the fears of the local villagers ostracising him even further. It was at this point he realised just how lonely he truly felt and he decided that he would use some of the knowledge he had gained to free his slowly freezing heart.

His attempts were successful, through artificial means the man had created two lives. Beings that would be dubbed Homunculi. He had decided on creating two so that if anything ever happened to him they would not suffer the way he did, as they would still have each other. He gave the two Homunculi girls the names Gem and Ini.

For several months they lived in peace. The old man who the two girls affectionately called 'Grandpa' for the first time in a long time felt the warm happiness of what he long desired, a family.

However this was not to last.

"URGHHHHHH!" The old man yelped in pain as a eerie dark blade pierced through him.

"HA HA HA! Become food for my Muramasa-Masamune!" A sinister man screamed in glee as he pushed his sword in even further, "You may not be a human anomaly! So this maybe out of my jurisdiction! But your still a freak of nature! So disappear!"

""GRANDPA!"" His two creations and his beloved children screamed together.

The Old man gripped hold of the blade of the eerie Muramasa-Masamune as he gathered what remained of his strength. "Run...Gem...Ini...Run..."

"How wonderful! You freaks can pass on together!" He states as he withdraws his blade from the writhing man who still tried to hold onto it, but he was unable and the blood from his hands merely further decorated the dark blade. The old man fell weakly onto his knees as he held his chest whilst looking on in terror with his eyes filled with tears

"Die!" The sinister man shouted as he weaved his sword and shock waves shot forth directed at the man's children and his only true treasure.

""KYAAAAHHHHHH!"" They yelped together as they fell lifelessly onto the ground in a puddle of their own blood. The twins tightly embracing each other even after death.

"Nooo..." The old man let out weakly as tears scrolled down his pale face. "Gem...Ini..." The old man called his children's names weakly as he crawled along the floor to them.

His only remaining desire was to die with them, as a family. Therefore he continued to crawl towards them before his light of life would fade away. As his outstretched hand was but a metre away from his precious children.

"Just die already!" The sinister man grunted as he stabbed the old man through the heart, deny him of his last wish as his outstretched hand fell lifelessly onto the floor.

The sinister man simply left the trio there like road kill and walked off.

A bit later and a individual who was wearing a cloak to conceal his identity happened upon the scene.

"The old man's soul has been destroyed, but I can still use these girls." The person said as they approached the recently killed homuncli twins, Gem and Ini.

hyuugalegacy

2017-02-12, 11:37

Here is chapter 34.

Chapter 34A: The Shadow Of Enigma (Perspective: None)

The night was dark, the air was chilly, and the ground was waterlogged by the pelting rain that was still ongoing. Darkness blanketed the entire area that was littered with gravestones. There was however one figure in the otherwise deserted graveyard. The man who ended the life of Vincent Redfern, the man who single-handedly defeated both Yuichi Shiro and the wielders who assisted him. His red coat which had an embroidery of blue flames and several crucifixes forming the shape of a cross on it. A white mask with a red line pattern concealed his face and identity. Even as the rain pelted him relentlessly, he didn't move a muscle.

"CAW CAW CAW!" Crows could be heard from the distance, their screeches almost sounded like a scream of fear from the masked man's presence.

"Now would probably be the time," He said to himself emotionlessly.

Suddenly a huge inferno shot up from the ground and broke its way through the night sky, that was quickly illuminated from the sudden heat source. If one scrunched their eyes slightly, a humans silhouette could just be made out through the blazing pillar of flames.

The flames slowly died down and then ceased, leaving a huge crater in the ground. The darkness once again returned.

The masked man approached the second figure that had just appeared.

"As I deduced, you were behind it," The masked man said with his monotonous voice.

"I had a feeling that you would figure it out. However, I didn't think that you would come to meet me," The second figure stated in a rough voice without even turning around to look at the person he was addressing. "So why did a man from that family of darkness, come to see me?"

"I'm surprised, you know who I am," The masked man states.

"Your voice doesn't sound surprised to me," The second figure retorts back, "I'm also well aware that you lack in the emotions department. So I know you didn't come here to give me an earful about using Stella."

"As you said, I am unable to feel anything for her, or anyone or anything for that matter. Its for that reason that I refer to myself as being incomplete. Stella only has the same blood as my mother, who married into the family. She doesn't have a drop of the Origin's blood running through her veins," The masked man explained.

"Your desire for your emotions, are you trying to activate your stigma?" The second figure asked, "Do you think having such a thing will make you complete!?"

"The stigma is little more than a curse that runs in my families blood. I have no desire to draw out such a thing, the stigma is not the completeness that I desire," The masked man states.

"Then tell me, for what reason did you come to meet me!?" The second figure changed the subject back to the original topic.

"Something I desire is being kept where you intend to go," The masked man explained, "It would only be in our best interests if we work together for the time being."

"The place I'm going, just what could you want from for there?" The second figure interrogated.

"That is of little concern to you, it will just be suffice for you to know that it will in no way hinder your personal objective," The masked man replies, the second figure knows that he was not going to budge an inch on the matter.

"And what if I were to refuse?" The second figure asks.

"Do you believe you are in any position to? The man you seek is not a fool. He didn't fall for your plan when you sent Enigma to lure out and trap the wielders. He was merely playing along to lure you out of the shadows," The masked man states, "And secondly do you think you have any chance of defeating me. If you are not working with me, then I shall defeat you here as a potential obstacle to my plan."

"Hah, I know for a fact that you are unable to imitate my power. So what do I have to fear!?" The second figure retorts he had full confidence in his strength.

"Even if I cannot use yours, I can use Stella's," The masked man states, the second figure visibly cringes at this response.

XXXXXXXXXX

Chapter 34B: The Shadow Of Enigma (Perspective: Alma)

Alicia and I have finally scored a hit on Carrisa Thanatos. However she just said that she had nothing to do with the forming of Enigma. But if that is the case then just how and why did they?

"If you're not behind it, then who is, Carrisa?" Alicia asks in anger.

"Ha ha ha! HA HA HA HA HA!" Carrisa laughs out loud, I fail to see just what was so funny, "Alma Ivana, Alicia, tell me. The incident you were involved in eight years ago, that Chimera Anomaly, where did you think that came from?"

"What do you mean?" I ask as I recall that horrible memory.

"What would you say if I were to tell you it was born from the curiosity and science of the church? A man made Chimera Anomaly, that escaped the church and was drawn towards Alicia," Carrisa happily declares.

"Are you saying!" I begin, "NO! you must be lying! The church wishes for the destruction of all anomalies, why would they create one themselves!?"

"There is a dark side to every organisation that grows too big, Alma Ivana," Carrisa states, I cannot deny that claim. I figured the church probably has a few skeletons in its closet, but not to this extent.

"Regardless, that tragedy eight years ago has nothing to do with this!?" Alicia states, she probably wants to change the subject just as much as I do.

"But it has everything to do with it," Carrisa replies.

"What are you talking about!?" I demand a response, what has my sister got to do with this?

Carrisa glares at us as the cold words escape her lips, "Do you two think that you were the only ones who were shaken by that tragedy?" She asks, "Wasn't there one more individual who would be even more upset than you? And if that someone was to learn the truth wouldn't they only naturally want vengeance? And what if that someone could also theoretically turn people into Human Anomalies using the weapon he had at his disposal for many years? Would it be such a long stretch that he would do so? Are you starting to get the picture now?"

"No...it...can't...be..." I can feel my body shake at the revelation, but it can't be. There is only one person I can think of that matches that description, but it just can't be. It's impossible.

"Alma!" Alicia shouts as I feel a tug on my shoulder.

"How...can...it...?" I ask myself rhetorically.

XXXXXXXX

Chapter 34C: The Shadow Of Enigma (Perspective: None)

"Fine then, as you wish. For the time being lets join forces. I'm not so foolish as to make an enemy of the only man whose power could rival that of the three gods," The second figure states.

"A wise decision," The masked man says monotonously with a slight nod, "As to be expected of you, Voynich-Caduceus' former wielder and Enigma's shadow leader, Shuren Azusa."

*BOOM!* - A large lightning bolt flashed the sky and illuminated the dark figure of a rough looking man with crimson dreadlocks and dangerous hawk like eyes.

https://cudbbetter.files.wordpress.com/2018/07/shuren_full_by_renealexa_plushie-dcipii6.jpg?w=660

hyuugalegacy

2017-02-21, 16:06

Here is chapter 35

Chapter 35A: Versus Enigma IV: The Truth

"No...that can't be...true..." Shiori-sempai says as she falls to her knees. We are viewing all the fights from within the barriers. Therefore, we too heard the shocking revelation regarding Sempai's thought to be deceased brother.

Alicia had mentioned this Shuren-san when she told me about the time she first met Alma. He was the person who Shiori-sempai thought she lost last year. The person who I insulted, despite not knowing him, in order to bring out her tears.

I hold onto my Sempai's shaking shoulders. "Sempai, this theory is nothing more than something Carrisa sprouted, it can't be trusted." I comfort, Sempai looks at me with her tear stained red eyes.

"That wasn't a theory, it was the truth," Stella states from the other side of one of the barriers. "My battle with him a year ago was staged from the very beginning, it was all to put him under the church's radar. He was already a Human Anomaly by this time."

"What do you mean!?" I ask aggravated that what little hope we had was shot down all too soon.

"Shuren-sama wishes to avenge Nadia Ivana's death with his own hands. One of my abilities allows me to put people into a coma stasis like state, and whilst a person is under it, I share a neutral link with them. Shuren-sama has been leading Enigma through me for the past year. And when I transported you all into this world I removed the technique he was under, so now he can accomplish his ultimate goal." Stella smiles as she opens her arms wide open like she is praising a god, "Didn't you suspect the church of wrong doing from the very beginning, Shiori Azusa? Why was that?"

"Shuren-Niisama's notes, they mentioned...his suspicions regarding the...church," Sempai's replies whilst still shaking, not that I can blame her. She just learned that her brother is still alive. "Shuren-Niisama...is really...alive..."

"Correct, the reason those notes were left and he returned Voynich-Caduceus to the church was because he knew they would fall into your hands. He was planning on using you as a back door entrance into the church as a plan B should this plan have not been possible. That's why he sprouted the seeds of suspicion within you. It is also because of Shuren-sama's will that you are safely trapped within the barriers rather than out in the battlefield, in Yuichi Shiro's case it was just coincidence however."

"He was planning on using Shiori-sempai!?" I can't hold back my anger from hearing this. Sempai was always distraught because of his 'Death', and he was going to use her like a tool?

"In order to accomplish a goal sometimes compromises need to be made. However, on this occasion it didn't have to come to that. This world was created to trap the Slayers within it and prevent them from returning by using Ley-Mistletoe's ability to travel along the ley lines. Meaning, there is no one who can get in his way! Soon, neither the church, nor its Slayers, will be able to get in our way!" Stella's smile widens, "Then no human will be able to stand before an Anomaly! Our existence shall not be denied!"

XXXXXXX

Chapter 35B: Versus Enigma IV: Wolfy VS Slots II (Perspective: Wolfy)

"My luck shall destroy your lack of!" Slots shouts as two dices enter the roulette. They both land on the fire section with values of six each.

A huge inferno shoots out of the roulette straight at me and Mizuno-sama. I quickly grab her shirt and jump into the air with her. "Whaaaaa!" She screams as she looks down. The inferno leaks out several streams of fire, I quickly manoeuvre in midair so we both avoid them, the heat that they are giving off is extreme.

Before we land I ensure to force Mizuno-sama up into the air slightly to break her fall, I then charge at Slots.

"If multiple dices fall into the same area then the magnitude of the attack is the total value!?" I question as I unleash my own fire attack. Slots jumps back and avoids it as his roulette spins once again.

"That's right," He confirms, "The attacks magnitude isn't just limited to a value of six!"

"You really are fixing the results aren't you!" There is no way ones luck can be this good.

"Like I said before! I have no need to do such things, my luck never lets me down," He declares once again, "However every now and again luck does sometimes shine on my opponent as a weak passing breeze." The single dice that Slots threw into the roulette has a value of one and has landed in a section labelled curse. The roulette and Slots' dices all turn transparent. I'm confused, just what is going on?

"When the dice lands in the curse section all other results become invalid, and I am unable to use the roulette or dices for fifteen seconds multiplied by the total value rolled on the entire roulette," Slots explains as if he read my mind. Wait this means!

I quickly charge at Slots and have flames engulf my claws "URGHHH!" I slash at Slots who can only use his arms as shields and falls backwards onto the ground.

"You shouldn't have let that slip!" I state, just what kind of idiot reveals his own weakness.

"I told you," Slots states as he gets back onto his feet, "My luck decides my fate, I have no need for tricks and mysteries." The roulette and the dice reappears again, I guess his curse wore off, it was only a value of one after all. However, I now know exactly how to beat him, the answer lies in the curse of his roulette. But unlike him I won't just be relying on luck!

I shoot another fireball as I charge towards him again. Slots remains stationary as the two dices in the roulette reveal they landed on the sections labelled, 'Barrier' and 'Recover'. My fireball hits something like a forcefield and the cuts and burns I gave him before all quickly disappear.

"Tch, how annoying," I grunt at seeing his recovery, I on the other hand am reaching my limit. I've been shooting fireball after fireball consecutively, I won't be able to keep this up much longer.

"Luck decides everything, and mine is infinite!" He screams into the sky. I respond to this by blasting another fireball. His dice lands on 'Water', all right this is actually a chance.

The fireball and the water collide leaving only steam and mist in its wake. The visibility is reduced harshly however this is no big deal for me. My sense of smell was always better than my sight anyway.

I charge at the unsuspecting Slots from his blind spot and engulf my claws in flames "URGGHHH!" I slash at his back and force him back onto the ground and straddle him.

"URGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!" I continuously attack him with my claws ignoring the roulette.

"GAAAHHH!" A scorching heat assaults my body. But I hold my ground and continue attacking. This game of endurance, I wonder which of us will be the first to give out!?

"URRRGHHHH! GET OFF OF ME!" Slots screams as his face flares up, "ROULETTE! HEX DICE!" All six of the dices shoot into the roulette. This is the chance that I have been waiting for.

I shoot a small fireball at the dice entering the roulette and alter there trajectory slightly. "WHAT!" Slots is shocked by my action.

"Lets see if your luck really holds up then!" I state as all the dices land on different sections with ranging values. However the only one that matters to me is the one that fell into the section labelled 'curse'. That one dice totals up all the other dices values and nullifies the other effects.

"WHATTT! NO!" Slots screams in shock as his Roulette and dices disappear, this time however the value is a lot more than one.

"The more dices you throw into the roulette, the bigger the risk of a curse showing up! Now you're helpless!" I shout as I unleash all my remaining energy into a barrage of attacks with my fireballs and claws.

"UUUUUUUUUUUUURRRRRRRRRRRRGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHH!" All the while Slots screams in agony and frustration till the very moment he loses conscientiousness.

"One who relies on luck is the one who gets devoured by that same luck," I state as I move away from the unconscious bloody mess that is Slots. I made sure to avoid his vitals so he'll live but he won't be moving for a good long while. I suspect the fact that his luck betrayed him will leave quite the trauma.

"Slots has been defeated," A voice declares.

XXXXXX

Chapter 35C: Versus Enigma IV: Slayers Vs Ark II (Perspective: Jijitsu)

"Damn," I grunt while getting to my feet. Glancing around I notice that both Phoebe and Bosch are knocked out nearby.

I glare at the one responsible, the man known as Ark. "HOW DARE YOU!" I scream as I tighten my grip on my soul slayer.

"It looks like you managed to get out in one piece," He says as a bunch of rubble rises into the air and shoots towards me like a bullet. I quickly dive out of the way. But Ark moves with lightning speed and is suddenly standing right above me. The wind circles around his hand at tremendous speed once again. "URGGGHHH!" The very force of it forces me back and slams me into a large chunk of rubble. He's not even taking this fight seriously now, he's just toying with me.

"Curse you!" I scream again as I decide to use my soul slayers trump card, "AWAKEN!" Fragarach-Kusanagi disappears from my hand and a dark circle littered with foreign symbols appears on the ground. Dark miasma leaks out like a dense fog, and in its centre a huge eight headed hydra like creature emerges.

"One of Fragarach-Kusanagi's abilities, the power to summon and control the soul anomaly that was once sealed into that very weapon, Yamata-No-Orochi." It seems Ark already knew this function of my soul slayer.

"Attack, Yamata-No-Orochi!" Upon my command the many heads each spew out venom at Ark, who merely stands stationary as chunks of rubble block the attack.

Whilst still spewing its venom Yamata-No-Orochi swings its long tail at Ark trying to catch him off guard.

However Ark is still very much aware and a huge chunk of rubble crashes down onto Yamata-No-Orochi's tail and traps it under it, "KKKIIIIHHHHHHHH!" Yamata-No-Orochi hisses in pain. Whilst seven of its heads continue with the venom attack the final head attacks directly with its fangs.

With quick speed it bites right into Ark's shoulder who cringes slightly but is otherwise silent. A huge burst of wind destroys the attacking head, but its done its job. That bite injected Ark with its poison this battle will be over soon. I can't help but smile at my victory.

"That poison won't beat me," Ark's words instantly deny me, what is he talking about is he just bluffing!? "Poison flows through the body's blood stream, something that I am currently controlling with my telekinesis." Wait don't tell me!

A purple and red liquid seeps out of the bite wound and floats around in the air. "You ejected the poison out of your body using telekinesis!?" I scream in shock, just how overpowered is this guy!? He can use his power to replace his heart, extract poison, whilst still at the same time blocking numerous attacks from the many heads. Monster is too insignificant of a word to describe this man.

"I told you there is no one who can use their powers to the same level that I can," Ark states, "I suppose it's about time I put your overgrown reptile down."

The ground suddenly throbs, is he creating another earthquake? But no, the ground simply opens up underneath where Yamata-No-Orochi is, creating a huge crevice that the huge multi-headed snake falls into. The ground then quickly closes itself back up, "HHHHHHHIIIIIIIIIIIIHHHHHHHHHH!" A loud screech shakes the air. He defeated Yamata-No-Orochi without even moving from that one spot!

With Yamata-No-Orochi defeated Fragarach-Kusanagi re-materialises into my hand. "Damn you to hell!" I shout as I release numerous wind waves. But he just strolls leisurely towards me as various chunks of rubble block my attacks.

When he walks within striking reach I give up on my wind strikes and try to slice his head off with all my might. However the attack is blocked by nothing but a piece of rubble that is not much bigger than a pebble. "What!" How can my attack be blocked by something so small.

"Do you know the reason why diamond is so hard it's practically indestructible?" Ark asks, almost as if he can read my thoughts through my expression, "It's because all the molecules are compressed to such a significant degree. So therefore if I use my telekinesis to compress the molecular structure of this small pebble, I can make it harder than diamond."

"WHAT! You can do something like that on the molecular level! Next you'll be telling me you can use your telekinesis to cure cancer!" I shout out in anger as I swing my sword randomly but the small stone moves to block my blade dead every time.

"I cannot use my telekinesis directly on another living organism excluding myself, so on anybody else it would be impossible. But if I were to catch it, then yes I can cure it using my telekinesis."

Damn this smart-arse has a reply to everything!

"But now its game over for you," Ark states as wind gathers around his hand again.

"Urghhhh!" I feel a sharp pain as blood pours onto the floor. My unsteady feet try to support my body weight, but they give out from the disorientation and I land face first into my own puddle of blood.

"Damn...it..." I curse as my eyes can no longer see the light and thus embrace the darkness.

hyuugalegacy

2017-02-25, 03:34

And chapter 36

Chapter 36A: Versus Enigma V: The Still Caged Beauty

"Ah, your pet is quite the strong one, Yuichi Shiro," Stella says as another one of the many barriers disappears. "To think that Slots was defeated by a mutt, ha ha. He must feel really pathetic, him and his so called absolute luck."

"You really are easy going," I reply, "Two of your comrades have been beat and your just laughing it off."

"Well, Slots aside, I despised Kiri. I can only be thankful that he is gone." Stella says with a smile. Although I am of the same opinion, one as beautiful as I cannot like her attitude to her former comrade.

Suddenly a red box with a huge exclamation mark appears in front of Stella, who looks at it seriously.

"Hmm- so some rats have broke in," She says returning her face into a smile.

"What are you saying!?" Shiori-sempai asks looking at Stella's confident smile.

"Just that things are heating up even more."

XXXXXXX

Chapter 36B: Versus Enigma V: The Power Of The Chameleon (Perspective: Elizabeth)

"Gaah!" I yelp as a sharp pain attacks my limbs. Cammy reappears in front of me, I quickly slice at her with my scythe, but as expected she dodges it and disappears again.

As I thought, even if it is only briefly, she has to reappear. That is my only chance, to attack when I can actually see her.

I run around the area in several different random patterns whilst keeping my eyes open to watch for any chance I can get to attack her. Cammy's chameleon like ability is quite the troublesome thing to fight, but it isn't almighty.

"It's useless," Her voice comes from behind me, I quickly turn around to see her expelling something from her mouth at me, I quickly dive out of the way of the green liquid. I notice that the liquid that shot past me had hit the building behind me, which is sizzling and corroding from the contact.

"Acid?" I ask, Cammy just smiles confidently as she gets back on all fours.

"Get hit by it and you'll have a lot more than minor burns," She says as her body regains its transparency, that quickly changes to invisibility.

I once again continue my run. However, I quickly feel another sharp pain that forces me back, "GAAAHH!" The force knocks my scythe out of my hand, I quickly try to scurry over to grab it, but when my hand is mere inches away, "Guhh!"

"Can't sever my tongue without that scythe, can you?" Cammy says with a confident smile, this girl is so uncouth. I feel her tongue tightening on my neck like a python as it lifts me off the ground. However, this is my chance, we're now connected. I grab her tongue with my hand and run electricity through it. How's that! Cammy's face grunts slightly as blood seeps out, but she doesn't scream or look like she is in pain, she barely even flinches.

The voltage I'm running through isn't something that can be shaken off! I can't hide my surprise, the heat from the electricity suddenly burns the scarf around Cammy's neck and it falls to the floor in cinders. What I see on her neck is numerous scars, the most prominent one being a red ring all the way around her neck, it looks almost like...

"Due to my family circumstances there was never any shortage of times I wished that my existence would end. Both my body and soul have been ravaged since the day I was born. As a result, I've gained a complete immunity to physical pain. Your little jolt is all but worthless against me." She states as her tongue tightens even more. In turn I increase the power of my lightning, this is the only thing I can do. She maybe immune to pain, but her body isn't immune to damage. Before she can break my neck I need to destroy her. Now, which one of us will give out first!

XXXXXXXX

Chapter 36C: Versus Enigma V: Turn The Tide With Bronze (Perspective: Ichiyu)

Both Gem and Ini are attacking me with their respective elemental blades. And all I can do is defend myself with my two bronze swords. Regardless of how beautiful I am, I won't last if this keeps up.

"Right there!" I shout as I swipe my one of my blades at Ini who was momentarily defenceless, however the girl quickly turns to being Yuna, I stop my attack and swing my sword in the direction Yuna previously was, knowing an attack is incoming.

"GUHH!" I block Ini's electric blade with my own bronze sword, but the electricity conducted through the metal and zapped me.

"I guess you weren't destined to have Gemini," Gem says as her wind blade slashes towards me whilst I'm still stunned. I conjure up a wall of bronze to block the attack and push Gem back, I then break the wall down to small shards and shoot them at her.

"Bronze Rain!" I shout out the attack name, this is an unwritten rule that all fighters follow, and I'm not one to break tradition.

Gem instantly switches places with Yuna and I once again have to stop my attack. However, this is all in my calculations. It's time I turn the tide of this battle in my favour. Whilst Yuna is away from the three of us I quickly conjure up another wall made of bronze that completely splits the corridor, in two and seals her from the view of the two siblings.

"Wait, Ichiyu-kun?" Yuna begins probably confused why I'm doing this. This is for both of our sakes. No offence, but you're kind of in the way.

"You know...", "How our ability works?" They ask.

"You can only switch places with a living being that is within your field of vision. So now you can no longer switch places with Yuna, which means I can attack you with everything I have!"

""How interesting!"" They say together.

"I shall have you both soon!" I scream my war cry.

Gem charges at me from the front and attacks me with her water blade, I ready my one of my own bronze swords to guard. However she quickly switches places with Ini and the water blade is switched for the electric one. I quickly change my guard into a evasive manoeuvre and dodge the electric blade, I'm not letting myself get shocked a second time. I then swipe at Ini with my sword without restraint, she can no longer switch with Yuna, so how are you going to deal with this?

I then notice a familiar sensation, one which I remember well. I quickly let go of one of my bronze swords. And as I thought, I switched places my bronze sword that was originally aiming for Ini, cuts only air. But the other bronze sword that I dropped is still where I previously stood. I quickly change and shoot the bronze on the unsuspecting Gem, "Kyaaa!" The bronze cuts through her flesh.

"Onee-chan!" Ini shouts in astonishment.

"I'm fine, Ini-chan," Gem says as blood flows down her arm, the face is important so I made sure to avoid it in my last attack. "You set a trap knowing one of us was going to switch places with you?" Gem asks.

"My body remembers the sensation of that ability. Without Yuna you can only switch places with either me or your sister. That last attack on Ini was to force you to switch places with me. Both of you have only been defending yourselves by using your soul technique. That power is indeed strong, but its power and efficiency is only at its best when there are multiple targets to use it with. The moment Yuna was out of the equation was the moment I had guaranteed my victory!" I explain as I conjure a second bronze sword to replace the one I dropped before.

"You truly are...", "something else." The sisters compliment as their smiles grow wider in anticipation, ""But Gemini hasn't lost yet!""

XXXXXXXXX

Chapter 36D: Versus Enigma V: Photon Options (Perspective: Alicia)

"Well, I suppose that is enough with the conspiracy theories," Carrisa swings her scythe horizontally in a threatening manner and her face turns serious, "You two have shown me quite the teamwork before. So now it's time I took this fight to the next level, Alicia, Alma Ivana. Let me show you why the Underworld considers me a genius!" Carrisa slashes her scythe into the ground and closes her eyes as she claps her hands together and quickly forms several unusual signs with them.

"Get ready, Alma. This technique is a very troublesome one," I state as I tighten my grip on my scythe and refocus my eyes on Carrisa.

"What is she going to do?" Alma asks anxiously, probably sensing the danger in my voice.

But before I can answer. Several thin streams of white light sprout out from Carrisa's back and wriggle around like an octopus' tentacles, each thin light tentacle has something that looks like an eyeball at the end, eyeballs that are all glaring at Alma and I ominously.

Carrisa slowly opens her own eyes and refocuses them on us, "Thanatos' Reaper Technique: Photon Options."
https://cudbbetter.files.wordpress.com/2019/11/chapter-36d.jpg?w=660

One of the eyes that is looking at me suddenly flashes, I instinctively duck down and a beam of white light shoots from the eye and scorches the ground just past me. Another eye quickly glows and I roll back to avoid another light beam and get myself back onto my feet.

"Just like I recall, you can create so many of them," I state, and Carrisa smiles back.

"What on earth are those things!?" Alma shouts in shock.

"Photon Options is a reaper technique that only the Thanatos family can use. Each one of those eyes as you just saw can shoot out those lasers, and not only that, they can also act as the users eyes." Several of the Photon Options are constantly glancing around the area, covering Carrisa's field of vision's blind spots. I quickly scan how many Photon Options Carrisa has deployed. "The Thanatos family often measure there family member's talent via how many Photon Options they can use at once, anyone who can use eight is regarded as special. And Carrisa has got ten, the same amount as Tartarus-sama." Carrisa is already her father's equal.

Several of Carrisa's Photon Options glow, Alma and I quickly move out of the way and the lasers released burn the surroundings.

"Tch! Eat this!" Alma shouts as she shoots a bolt of lightning from Gungnir-Mjölnir. One of the Photon Options shoots its own laser and the attacks dissipate each other. Several other of the Photon Options then return their attacks back onto us, we both quickly take evasive action.

"Damn it! Alicia, what can we do!? This technique is good for both offence and defence, and they strongly outnumber us," Alma growls in frustration.

"That's what I'm trying to figure out myself. I've never been on the receiving side of ten Photon Options. However, although there are some differences, their attacks obey the laws of light, they only travel in straight lines. Not only that, but there is also a minor delay before they can attack."

"What good does knowing that do you when I control ten of them, Alicia? I can defeat you with my sheer numbers." Carrisa states, and the tentacles extend and surround the two of us.

"This isn't good," I grunt, Carrisa is planning on attacking us from several different angles at once.

"Farewell, Alma Ivana, Alicia." All the Photon Options suddenly glow at once. There is no way we'll be able to dodge them all.

"Yui...chi..." I state weakly as my legs tremble from the attack I know is coming.

XXXXXXXX

Chapter 36E: Versus Enigma V: Yuichi's Oath Dilemma

"Shit, Alicia! Elizabeth!" I shout in shock as I glare at the visions of both Ren and my respective fiancés. They're in danger and I'm stuck here! What good does being beautiful do me if I'm stuck backstage as a spectator!? Put the spotlight back on me!

My Silver Manifestation has timed out. I need to re-chant the lyrics and regain my power, but I doubt I'll make it in time.

"My soul is one that is of self confidence," I begin, please let me make it in time.

Elizabeth, Alicia, if you both survive I swear I won't look at myself in the mirror for the next forty eight hours...No, I'm unable to keep that promise. Make it the next hour and a half. Well, even that is pushing it, but our girls are worth it. Just please be all right.

XXXXXXXX

Chapter 36F: Versus Enigma V: The Daughter Of Cerberus (Perspective: Elizabeth)

My lightning whilst still giving Cammy damage is not making her weaken her tongue's constriction on my neck. My powers are just about wasted. The tongue constricts further.

Ren-sama, our meeting was one that could not have been called pleasant. You deflowered my purity, however you accepted me immediately when I told you we had to marry. Many men have requested my hand over the years. Their motives were always clear, they wanted to get into the Cerberus family and were willing to use me as a tool to accomplish that. I've always despised them, the leeches who wished to gain fame and fortune what they deemed the easy way.

Finding someone who didn't just try to woo me for the sake of their personal greed was a dream within a dream. I was always the daughter of Cerberus, something I have felt both pride and loathing for being. But then I met you. You agreed to the marriage before you even knew of my background. Therefore, from the very start I realised, your goal wasn't Cerberus, it was me. How could I not feel something for someone as kind as you, Ren-sama?

The brief time between now and when I became your betrothed have been the best of my life. Thank you, I'm sorry...

A single tear escapes my closed eyes as I lose all hope I have of surviving.

Suddenly, I feel the solid feel of the ground again and I cough from the sudden feeling of the air entering my system. The tongue that was constricting me is lying lifelessly on the ground.

"Are you all right, Elizabeth-san?" A girl who is rubbing my back asks.

"You're..." I say as I face my rescuer.

"Leave this to us," Another girl's voice says from in front of me.

"You're here too...How?" I cannot hide my shock by the sudden reinforcements.

XXXXXXX

Chapter 36G: Versus Enigma V: The Different Forced Option (Perspective: Alicia)

Just as Carrisa is ready to shoot the beams of her Photon Options her face suddenly contorts, and all the Photon Options quickly move and change their directions away from Alma and I. Just what the hell happened?

Several beams of white, pink, and blue lights collide with each other behind Carrisa. The beams of light that collide with each other act like billiard balls and fly in random directions destroying everything in their paths.

"I wasn't expecting to see you two here," Carrisa states without turning around, but her Photon Options are all looking at our two saviours. But how on earth did those two get here?

"I'm afraid we cannot let you continue on any further," The elegant girl states with a cute curtsy, but her eyes look serious. I cannot believe these girls are here.

"Nya ha ha, we came to kick your butt into the next blue moon," The second girl states, for some reason that sounds a bit wrong though.

XXXXXXX

Chapter 36H: Versus Enigma V: The Reliable Reinforcements

"Thank goodness," These words let out all my feelings as I wipe my tears, "I guess my mirror is sealed for the next ninety minutes."

"So they were the intruders, how interesting," Stella states with an even grander smile that grows only even wider, "But Enigma will still win this game, no, we've already won."

"Fight updates!" The familiar robotic voice begins, "Carrisa Thanatos Versus Alma Ivana, Alicia Pandemonium, Rose Thanatos, and Lily Thanatos. Cammy Leon Versus Elizabeth Cerberus, Lilicia Pandemonium, and Tsubaki Thanatos!"

The three families' younger generation, have come to the rescue of the older.

hyuugalegacy

2017-03-01, 14:48

Here is chapter 37

Chapter 37A: Versus Enigma VI: The Unbeatable Duo (Perspective: Lilicia)

"I wasn't expecting to run into the younger brats of Pandemonium and Thanatos," The girl that I presume was the aforementioned Cammy-san says as she wipes blood off her lips.

"Did you think I would sit on the sidelines when Onee-sama and Yuichi-niisama were fighting for their lives?" I can't help but feel insulted, I won't forgive those who target the ones most precious to me, "You scum have done no less than three things that have upset me," I exclaim as I glare at the goth girl who has already got injuries all over her body.

"Three things?" Elizabeth-san asks from behind me.

"One, you brought so many people who are precious to me into this alternate dimension in the first place. Two, you nearly killed Elizabeth-san with your own hands." I take a deep breath before I recite the final and most important point, "Three, that announcement addressed me as Lilicia Pandemonium, instead of Lilicia Shiro!" I glare at the woman in front of me with one hundred percent of my hostility focused into my gaze. I can feel everyone else, both friend and foe, staring at me in wonder for some reason.

"Lilicia-chan, why on earth do you want to take up that pervert's name?" My best friend, Tsubaki-chan, asks in shock, "He has absolutely nothing good to him whatsoever." She chides.

"Indeed, I could understand if you wanted to take up the name Kirei, but why Shiro?" Elizabeth-san nods to herself, she really has grown fond of him, I never thought I'd see the day. Well, I think Ren-san is cool too, I can remember the time he became a human anomaly when he bravely faced danger. But he still isn't on the high level that is Yuichi-niisama.

"I cannot describe Yuichi-niisama's wonderfulness with words alone. His kindness, his radiance, and his gentleness are not things that can be taught." I explain, I liked him the first time I ever laid my eyes on him.

"Hahhh," Cammy-san sighs as she stares at me, "The first two things aside, will this make you feel better?" She clicks her fingers and then.

"Fight updates! Cammy Leon Versus Elizabeth Cerberus, Lilicia Shiro, and Tsubaki Thanatos!" The announcement corrects, much better, I nod my head in satisfaction.

"Well then, shall we get back to it?" Cammy-san asks as a confident smile returns to her face, "If I defeat all three of you, Stella will praise me even more!" She screams as her body vanishes.

"Tch, well I originally only came here because there was the chance Carrisa came, but there is no way I can let some fake anomaly walk all over someone from the three families, can I?" Tsubaki-chan says as she leaves Elizabeth-san's side and stands next to me, we're both holding our scythes in our hands.

"Be careful! That girl can shoot acid, mask her presence and many other things. But she can only hold the invisibility for so long before she reappears. You should..." Elizabeth-san begins to explain the characteristics of our faux anomaly opponent. Suddenly some kind of green projectile starts flying towards Tsubaki-chan and I, the speed is fast but hardly unavoidable. We both step one huge stride back and the green projectile hits the floor, that starts sizzling. I see, this is the acid Elizabeth-san was talking about. However, maybe due to the damage Elizabeth-san gave her earlier, but her attacks seem almost dull.

"If she can turn invisible, then we'll just have to make her visible, Tsubaki-chan," I state as I activate my specialised earth elemental reaper technique to gather parts of the ground and crumble them away into innumerable small, yet still visible deposits.

"Oh, I see," Tsubaki-chan says with a smile as she activates one of her wind elemental reaper techniques and lightly blows the small ground deposits through the air.

I then notice an unnatural movement of the deposits, they are heading straight for me at a high velocity. I quickly predict the trajectory and sidestep out the way before grabbing at the area that it just passed by, my hand feels a disgusting slimy object.

"Wha! WHAT!?" Cammy-san exclaims as her body regains its visibility. The object that I am holding is her extended tongue. Cammy tries to continuously pull it back but I just further secure my grip.

"You maybe able to turn invisible but you still disturb the surroundings with your movement," I explain.

"That dirt your blowing around!" She shouts in shock.

"We're using it to track your movements," Tsubaki-chan says with a smile.

"Together Tsubaki-chan and I are more than capable of dragging you out of the shadows, you've picked the wrong opponents," I state as I manipulate a pointy chunk of earth to extend out of the ground to try and pierce Cammy's body.

Cammy still unable to move due to me holding her tongue suddenly roughly closes her jaw shut and the tongue I'm holding suddenly feels loose and falls to the ground. Cammy, having severed her own tongue, quickly jumps out of the way of my earth spike as her body turns invisible again.

"I guess she still hasn't learned, Lilicia-chan," Tsubaki-chan states.

"Right, she hasn't learnt that there is no hiding place from us." I reply.

Several streams of acid is shot at us but we skilfully avoid them with minimal movement. A quick sudden movement of the deposits heading towards me, I block with my scythe as I notice a large stream near me and a smaller amount going for my body, from the recoil I can tell she just tried to attack me directly herself.

"Lilicia, Tsubaki!" Elizabeth-san calls out from behind as she tries to get to her feet.

"It's fine, just leave it to us," I state confidently, as I notice the deposits acting in a way that I recognise from earlier, she's using her tongue again and it's heading for Tsubaki-chan. Like before I intercepts with my hand grabbing hold of it. Cammy-san once again is trying to pull it free. I quickly loop my scythe around her tongue several times as I smold the tongue together using fire I've gathered in my palm. Fire elements are more the Cerberus family's speciality, but that doesn't mean that I can't use them. I then release my grip as Cammy-san's tongue withdraws to its owner with my scythe attached to it.

"Checkmate," I state coldly, I'm glad Yuichi-niisama isn't here right now. I wouldn't want him seeing me as being a violent girl.

"GAAAHHH!" My spinning scythe lodges itself into Cammy-san, "Ste...lla..." She mutters weakly as she falls on her side into a small puddle of blood. She's an anomaly, so this wouldn't be enough to kill her, but I wasn't after her life to begin with, just incapacitating her is more than enough.

"Cammy Leon has been defeated!" The announcement confirms our victory.

XXXXXXX

Chapter 37B: Versus Enigma VI: Carrisa's True Genius (Perspective: Alicia)

"Rose, Lily?" I address the two girls standing the other side of Carrisa.

"We have come to stop her from defiling our name any further," Rose states as her eyes fire up with determination, "Onee-sama, not only have you abandoned the Underworld, but you have degraded yourself and us by following a swine. I shall not let you trample on our pride any further."

"Rose, out of my sisterly love I'll let those insults to my master slide this once. My goal is only Gungnir-Mjölnir if you stay out of my way, I'll leave you be," Carrisa states as a hint of anger emits from her voice, most likely due to Rose insulting that masked man. "That goes for you two as well, Alicia, Lily. Cooperate and there will no longer be a need for this current conflict."

Alma stares at me as if she is asking what am I going to do, the answer is obvious though. "Do you really expect me to go along with your selfishness, Carrisa? I don't know what you are your so called master are after by collecting Gungnir-Mjölnir but I know nothing good will come of it. I'll fight you to the bitter end, Carrisa. As someone I used to look up to as my role model this is the best I can do for you. I won't let you drag yourself down any further."

"Nya ha ha, Onee-chan, is being really hated." Lily says playfully, she never takes anything seriously.

"And I likewise shall not hand you my soul slayer. This is a precious memento of my sister, you'll have to pull it out of my cold hands!" Alma screams, our views are united as we each glare at the former prodigy of the Thanatos family.

"Then negotiations are over, but you'll be the ones to regret my peaceful solution," Carrisa says with a sigh as she grips hold of her scythe even tighter. "I never wished to spill the blood of my family, but so be it."

Carrisa's ten Photon Options all concerntrate their attacks on her two younger siblings. As the white beams shoot out Lily and Rose's own Photon Options shoot out pink and blue lights respectively. Like before, the beams collide against each other and rebound in random directions.

"Alicia-san, we'll keep Onee-sama's Photon Options out of the picture so don't concern yourselves with them and attack her without reservation," Rose states pridefully.

Both Rose and Lily are using five Photon Options each allowing them to balance out against Carrisa's own ten.

"Right!" I shout as I nod towards Alma, who returns my gaze and then running alongside me towards Carrisa.

Carrisa brandishes her scythe and faces me and Alma whilst her ten Photon Options are facing and continuously shooting their beams at Rose and Lily. The three different colour lasers colliding and rebounding constantly, the bright colours giving off the impression of something akin to fireworks.

*Ching Ching!* - Alma and I swing our respective weapons at Carrisa who skilly deflects our attacks even though she is still preoccupied with her Photon Options.

I quickly gather and shoot a ball of lightning at her, Carrisa dodges to the side and charges at us again whilst brandishing her scythe.

"Alma, cover me for a moment!" I shout as a plan instantly comes to mind, Alma looks at me a bit confused but she doesn't refuse my order. Alma guards herself and me from Carrisa's scythe as I brandish my own, however my target is not Carrisa. I slice my scythe through several of the white tentacles that are basically the power lines connecting Carrisa to her Photon Options.

"What!?" Carrisa exclaims, when I cut the tentacles they shredded briefly but they quickly took their original forms. However, the delay I created by temporarily disabling the power lines stalled Carrisa's Photon Options for a fraction of a second. "URGH!" Without the fire power of the Photon Options I temporarily severed Lily and Rose were able to get a direct shot on Carrisa.

Carrisa quickly jumps to one side to regain her fighting posture as she ignores the blood flowing down her left shoulder.

"Tch, although she took several attacks from those Photon Options it only gave her a minor wound," Alma grunts.

"Like it or not, Carrisa was born to the Thanatos family. Although she isn't immune she does have some resistance to the attacks of the Photon Options," I explain.

"This is the second time you've managed to hurt me. I must say I wasn't expecting this kind of turn of events. But Rose, Lily, the power output of each of your Photon Options is very much sub par. If between the three of you, you cannot make up for my absence, then the current Thanatos has no future." Carrisa declares

"Nya ha ha, you're being a sore loser, onee-chan," Lily jokes without any hint of worry.

"That's right, even without you we can look after the future of Thanatos." Rose states with a voice mixed with pride and disdain.

"If you say that much, then I won't bring the topic up again, but you know that the power scales have tilted considerably. If those two are going to make their move, now would be the prime time." I can't help but feel a drop of sweat trickle down my neck as I hear Carrisa's eerie words. "But regardless, now is the time I should put you each in your place."

Several more streams of white light shoot forth out of Carrisa's back as the menacing eyes join to them. Carrisa created an additional four Photon Options.

"Fourteen..." I quietly whisper in shock from this sudden revelation. All four of us stare on in utter disbelief from Carrisa's demonstration of power. How could I have been so naïve, I thought Carrisa's maximum number of Photon Options was ten. Carrisa is her father's equal? No, hasn't she already completely surpassed him?

"Were you expecting my power growth to have been at a standstill when I left the Underworld?" She smiles confidently, far from being at a standstill its sky-rocketed. Her fourteen Photon Options each begin gathering power and they all turn their sights on Rose and Lily.

Once again the white, blue, and pink beams collide but this time there is more white beams than there are blue and pink combined. The extra white beams collide with other white beams that would otherwise be steered into hitting nothing, however the rebounds change the trajectory.

"KYAAAA!"

"NYAAAA!"

"Rose! Lily!" I shout as Carrisa's two younger sisters fall to the ground with their clothes soaked in their own blood. "How could you!? Your own little sisters, CARRISA!" I charge at her with my scythe as I shoot several streams of powerful lightning at her, my anger powering up my techniques. Alma too shoots her own electricity at Carrisa as her eyes grow even angrier than my own. However the Photon Options deflect every single attack we throw at her.

"I tried to negotiate," Carrisa states bitterly, "However my orders take priority to even my own flesh and blood!" She exclaims as her Photon Options direct their attention to Alma and I, "Now it's your turn." The white lights released balance off each other continuously like a pinball machine at a high speed my eyes cannot adjust to their movements.

"Gyaaah!"

"Urghhhh!"

Several of the white lights suddenly pierce through us in several places on our bodies. Then interior burning sensation of the Photon Option's lasers instantly knocks me to my knees, Alma falls face down on the ground, she was hit a lot harsher than I was.

"Guuuh!" I try to pull myself back onto my feet but my hands slip due to the pain and I fall back to the ground.

Carrisa casually grabs Gungnir-Mjölnir out of the pained Alma's hand. "With this my mission objective is complete," She nods to herself as she glances over her newly stolen soul slayer.

"Curse you..." I grunt weakly as the only weapon I can use against her is my glare.

"You truly have grown, Alicia," Carrisa smiles as she looks over at the wounds she has received. "The fact that you fought me four to one aside, that last tactic you used was really ingenious. I didn't expect that I would have to reveal one of my trump cards in this battle. Well, fortunately for all of you, I didn't have a need to play my last one." Carrisa's smile broadens even wider as a dark mist appears just above her hand. Within that mist is a large single, closed, green book. Wait that's...

"Carrisa...you can...?" I feel my body tremble from something other than the pain. I never imagined that she could even use that. Rose and Lily also begin shaking intensely as they lay their eyes on the ominous sight.

"Onee-sama...you..." Rose's voice stutters from the shock and fear

"Nya..." Even Lily who is always happy go lucky knows the true danger of what Carrisa is holding.

"Well that was just a demonstration to reward your achievements today, although the winner was set in stone from the beginning." The book and its dark mist soon dissipate into nothingness as Carrisa turns her back on us and walks off casually swinging Gungnir-Mjölnir back and forth.

I failed again...

From the very beginning, the illusion of us beating her, it was only to stay as an illusion.

"Damn it..." I exclaim in frustration as my will that forced my body to stay upright gives out and I lie face down on the cold floor whilst cursing my own weakness.

XXXXXXXX

Chapter 37C: Versus Enigma VI: A New Conflict Begins

That goth girl Cammy Leon has just been defeated and one of the barriers surrounding us disappears to show this.

"It looks like you Enigma punks aren't as powerful as you think you are! As soon as this barrier is gone I'm going to defeat you in the most beautiful way a man can!" I provoke whilst glaring at Stella, who is looking on at the screen at the defeated Cammy.

"Enigma is through," Shiori-sempai adds on, but Stella isn't listening to any of it.

"Cammy..." Stella's expression looks sad for a moment, but it instantly changes into one a lot more intense as she finally changes her line of sight back to us, "I never expected you vermin to harm my dear Cammy. It looks like you'll get your wish of a fight with me much sooner than you thought, Yuichi Shiro." Her expression turns ghastly even though she is now smiling again, just what does she mean.

Stella holds her arms horizontally outstretched to her sides as her eyes open so wide I wouldn't surprise me if her eyeballs fell out. Her smile is stretched and is as thin as fishing line. Everything about her just screams out to me insanity.

"My soul is one that is of a fleeting dream."

"False, delusional, and hallucinogenic."

"Imagination is my only escape from the harsh reality."

"And my beliefs will turn my illusions into my truth!"

Suddenly all the remaining barriers disappear, although one small one suddenly appears out of nowhere and traps Shiori-sempai.

"Shuren-sama doesn't wish for his sister to die, so I'll have you stay safe in there, Shiori Azusa," Stella states as her power emanates wildly and her cold gaze gives off the feeling of death. Shiori-sempai has lost her soul slayer so it's probably for the best that she is within that barrier.

A screen then appears in front of Stella, "Ark, retrieve Cammy, and Slots, and regroup with Gemini. Leave the remaining opponents to me and leave the dimension." Stella's voice radiates throughout the sky, she's giving orders of retreat to the guy who beat the three wielders without breaking a sweat. The screen disappears and Stella directs her attention onto me.

"I guess I'll deal with you before I clean up the trash who hurt my dear Cammy!" Stella says with her voice filled with hostility.

"Do you honestly think I'm going to let you anywhere near them? Sorry, but I've been frustrated ever since you started this demented game. So I hope your ready, the price of angering the beautiful is a dear one!" I declare my intention.

"My apologies, Yuichi Shiro. But I too am going to have to join this fight," A boy's voice says in a calm tone and before I even notice a blond haired boy, probably a bit younger than me, is standing by my side. Wait, I recognise him, although I have yet to have the chance to actually talk with him. "The number of complaints I have with this woman are far from few."

I smile in acknowledgement as I brandish my silver sword. "Don't slow me down," I order.

"Right back at ya!" He smiles confidently.

"I see, so your the reason those girls were able to force their way into this dimension. Very well, my anger has plenty to go around, you can die together!" Stella shouts confidently.

"Stella versus Yuichi Shiro and Reno Cerberus!" The announcement declares. I'm going to teach this girl a lesson she won't forget.

hyuugalegacy

2017-03-08, 15:10

Here is chapter 38

Chapter 38: The Shadow Moves (Perspective: None)

"We're here," Shuren states as he and the masked man move along the wide path to a historic looking building with unique architect. Their footsteps the only thing that disturb the silence.

The duo had teleported to the headquarters of the church's Anomaly slaying division using the connect reaper technique, Shuren was a former slayer so he could jump straight there.

The headquarters were situated in a privately owned area on the outskirts of Rome. A special ward was always active to prevent any regular civilians from entering as well as masking the base's existence.

"Why has no one tried to intercept us?" Shuren asks as he notices the void of life in the area. Normally specialist exorcists that worked under the slayers would have been onto them in seconds.

"That man from the beginning was planning on luring you out of the shadows and fighting you himself. He also has things he cannot allow his subordinates to know, so he evacuated them in advance," The masked man explains, "But that does not mean it is just us and him who are here."

At that moment several blue spectral figures hovered towards the duo, weapons of all kinds were in their hands.

"I never knew about these," Shuren states as he engulfs his own body in flames and unleashes several pillars of fire at his approaching adversaries. Most of the apparition like warriors dodged the attack but the ones that didn't were destroyed instantly without a trace.

"This ability, as I predicted that man does indeed possess the eighth Soul Slayer," The masked man says to himself as he creates numerous compressed combustion orbs combining the elements of fire and wind.

*Boom boom boom!* - The blasts ravage the semi transparent warriors, that again disperse without a trace.

"Eighth Soul Slayer? What are you saying? There should only be seven, Voynich-Caduceus, Gungnir-Mjölnir, Ley-Mistletoe, Muramasa-Masamune, Joyeuse-Longinus, Antioch-Artemis, and Fragarach-Kusanagi," Shuren rebukes, as he shoots his flames at an approaching, well built, spectral swordsman. However the swordsman slashed at the incinerating flames with the large broadsword that was on his back, dissipating the attack.

"What the?" Shuren was struck surprised as the swordsman charged at him and swung a heavy horizontal slash. Shuren jumped into the air to dodge and wings made of fire burnt out of his back keeping him airborne as he sends more pillars of fire at his attacker, who dodges again.

"It looks like the small fry have been beat. These two are different from the rest," The masked man states as he dodges a blade aiming for his throat. "As to be expected of Siegfried and Beowulf. Among all the Midgard Einherjar, these two are the strongest."

"Einherjar? Siegfried? Beowulf? You contain speaking nonsense."

"Calling forth Einherjar from the nine worlds of Norse is one of the powers granted to the wielder of the eighth Soul Slayer." The masked man supplements

"So there really is eight? I never thought he would have a trump card like this," Shuren states as he shoots his flames at Siegfried from above, the Einherjar however kicks off the ground and accelerates towards him whilst dodging the attacks, he swings his sword in a harsh trajectory. The sword slashes Shuren in half and both his upper and lower body fall to the ground. However flames then shoot out of his two body parts and then surround his entire body, the burning silhouette finally stands again as if nothing had happened.

"Just like a phoenix," The masked man states as he continues to fend off Beowulf's attacks.

"Correct, I can't be killed so easily. But this is going nowhere fast," Shuren states, "How am I suppose to avenge Nadia like this!" He spits out his frustration.

"Then you go on ahead, I have other issues to deal with now that I'm here. But I will handle these two as gratitude for bringing me here." The masked man offered.

"What are you up to?" Shuren interrogates as he dodges another attack.

"I told you before, you have no need to know. However, if you waste your energy here you will be no match for that man."

"Fine," Shuren gives up and changes his direction towards the base where his nemesis is likely to be. The pursuing Siegfried's sword is stopped dead by the masked man's blade of silver that he manifested. The power he received from his encounter with Yuichi Shiro. Shuren continues on and finally reaches the inside.

"Now I can complete my objective without delay," The masked man states as notices Shuren is out of sight. A huge black orb appears in front of his hand which he shoots towards the two undead heroes. The orb quickly expands and pulls them both within it as he releases more combustion orbs that are also pulled within the huge gravitational ball.

*Boom! Boom! Boom!* - The explosions further expand the dark orb, which soon dissipates without a trace along with the two heroes of old.

XXXXXXXXXXXX

Shuren continues through the dark corridors taking turn after turn at the seemingly never ending labyrinth until finally reaching an open area where there is a man sitting on a chair that looks like a throne in the furthest shadows.

"To think that you were the one responsible for Enigma, I must say, I am surprised, Shuren," A cold voice echoes from the other end of the room as the silhouette leaves his seat and strides closer to the former Slayer.

"I never even knew there was an eighth Soul Slayer, so I guess this has been a surprising day for both of us," Shuren says as his eyes move towards the two blades that are attached together with a long golden chain. One of the blades was emitting a aura of pure white, whilst the other of pure black.

"Correct, this is the eighth and most powerful of all the Soul Slayers, 'Excalibur-Gleipnir-Ragnarok'. I kept this power hidden from everyone in case I ever needed it." The man states as the dark room suddenly lights up allowing the man's full profile to be seen.

He was a tall man with a strong build who looked to be in his mid forties, his scraggly unkept long dark hair and beard gave him the appearance of a barbarian and his piercing eyes gave him the visage of a monster in human form.

"However, even I didn't consider that man to come here. Luckily his objective doesn't appear to be my life, otherwise I doubt I would survive," The monstrous man says as he strides across the room, "But you are a different story, Shuren Azusa. In the name of the Slayers and on behalf of the church I shall remove your accursed existence from this world."

"Accursed existence?" Shuren glared angrily at the man who stood at the top of all other Slayers, his body engulfed in flames.

"My soul is one that desires vengeance."

"Dark, bloody and broken."

"The path of self destruction I walk in the name of my lost love."

"And my malice forever fuels my rebirth." The density of Shuren's flames increase with the enchantment of his Soul ID Lyrics.

"Doesn't the term accursed existence go for you too!? Leader of the Slayers, Human Anomaly, Rasputin Grigori!" Shuren shouts at the top of his lungs.

The battle of the two 'evils' begins.

hyuugalegacy

2017-03-20, 05:26

Here is chapter 39

Chapter 39A: Battle Between Evils – Shuren Versus Rasputin (Perspective: None)

"Ha ha ha," Rasputin laughs as he raises the white blade of the two swords that make up his Soul Slayer. "I don't care for my hypocrisy. I consider my existence of the greatest of importance, yours however, I can live without!" As Rasputin swings his sword a white aura wave is shot towards Shuren.

"Haaah!" Shuren roars as he gathered condensed flames over his fist and punches the oncoming attack, dispersing it.

Several fireballs shoot out from Shuren's still extended fist, Rasputin swats every one aside with his two blades whilst releasing several bursts of white and black aura. Shuren knowing he couldn't dodge or deflect them all, charged straight through towards Rasputin using his flames as a propulsion to increase his speed.

"Guh!" The attacks assaulted Shuren's body as he cringes in pain, but the many cuts quickly regenerated. Shuren throws his flame charged fist at Rasputin, who stops it dead with his white blade. The two push on their respective weapons to try and gain ground to no avail. Shuren tries to lash out with his other fist only for it to be blocked by the black blade.

"That is quite the interesting ability you've got there," Rasputin states as he smiles gleefully, "You would make a perfect research specimen." Rasputin's blades slowly pushes Shuren back.

"Research specimen?" Shuren questions as he increases the strength in his legs to push back.

"In order to better harness my own abilities, I've been researching the soul fragments of both Human Anomalies and regular Soul Anomalies that the Slayers defeated. The fact that I have lived so long despite is thanks to my research." Rasputin further pushes as his smile widens, "If I can decipher your regeneration, even the concept of immortality won't end as a dream."

Shuren upon hearing the ridiculous statement releases a torrent of flames from his fists, Rasputin quickly jumps back and swings his black blade in a circular motion creating a black rift. "Einherjar Asgard!" He shouts as two spectres walk out of the dark rift.

Both spectres were muscular men, however one looked much older with a long beard and an eye patch covering one of his eyes, in his hand he held a gold coloured spear. The younger looking spectre wore nothing on its upper body that was covered with battle scars and was wielding a large gold coloured hammer.

The gold coloured weapons they both wielded reminded Shuren of the two segments that made up the Soul Slayer his deceased lover once held, Gungnir-Mjölnir.

"Odin and Thor?" Shuren questioned, Rasputin readily nodded.

"Two of the most battle orientated gods of Norse mythology," Rasputin adds, "It's time to extinguish your life."

Thor slams his hammer into the ground and a huge bolt of lightning crashed through the roof and headed straight for Shuren, who quickly surrounded himself with a pillar of flames that intercepted the attack. As Shuren's and Thor's attacks muscled against one another Odin charged at Shuren who was unable to move due to Thor's attack. His spear coated itself with lightning creating a lightning spear that extended several metres out of his weapon. The same ability of Gungnir-Mjölnir's spear segment.

Odin's vertical slash managed to pierce through and destroy the flame pillar, "URGHH!" Allowing Thor's attack to finally hit its target. Shuren quickly jumped out of the attack as the flames surround his body and restore him back to perfect condition.

"It seems despite your rejuvenation you still feel pain, especially when your soul is attacked," Rasputin chuckles to himself at this realisation. "Your very own power could easily become your own curse, Shuren." Shuren responds to this by shooting a pillar of fire out of his fist, however Odin intercepts the attack before it can hit Rasputin, who holds his arms out horizontally and closes his eyes.

"My soul is one of madness." Rasputin chants

"Demented, insane and psychotic."

"Forever hiding my lust and desires behind my calm."

"And my corruption infects the mind of all existence." A dark mist emanates from Rasputin's body. "Now lets end this little game," he smiles.

Thor slams his hammer down to the ground as another lightning bolt descends from the sky, Shuren jumps back into the air and dodges it, Odin's lightning spear tries to pierce through Shuren's body, who suddenly sprouts wings made of flames and flaps them to dodge the second attack and takes himself higher into the skies.

"You want an aerial battle?" Rasputin asks rhetorically as the dark mist gathers around his back and solidifies into his own pair of jet black wings and follows after Shuren. Odin and Thor, being spectres float into the sky as well.

Shuren shoots another burst of flames at his now airborne targets who each skilfully dodge the attacks. Odin shoots a stream of lightning from his spear, Shuren erects a wall of fire to fend off the attack whilst at the same time creating a several metre blade of fire around one of his hands. He swings his long weapon at his foes, as several other flame blades branch out from the original one attacking his enemies from multiple angles and directions. All three cease their attacks and dodge the many long fire blades. Shuren noticing the shift in momentum uses his other hand to use the same move again to create more fire blades. However Rasputin creates his own blades from his black mist and severed the original two blades along with all the branching blades dissipating into small embers then nothingness.

Odin and Thor quickly returned to the offensive as Thor summoned another lightning bolt and Odin shot a stream of lightning of his own. Shuren quickly accelerates and heats the surrounding atmosphere. Suddenly several images of Shuren appear in the sky. "Optical illusions created through heat," Rasputin analyses. The several attacks from the two Norse gods hit nothing but illusions that dispersed when attacked.

Then all of a sudden two holes pierced through the unsuspecting Odin and Thor, the attack wasn't visible to the naked eye. The two spectres slowly dissipated into nothingness as Shuren once again stared at his nemesis.

"I see, to think your flames could go to such a high temperature it isn't even visible," Rasputin smiled widely, "If I was to be hit with that I would disintegrate instantly." Rasputin seemed even more pleased about seeing the prospect of his own demise as his smile did not fade.

"True to your Soul ID lyrics, to your very core you are insane."

"I cannot learn the truth of the world by sticking to human morals, Shuren. My curiosity know no bounds, I want to see what I can do, what I can create, what I can achieve."

"Is that why you created that Chimera Anomaly!?" Shuren asks as his flames encompass his body. Rasputin just merely smiles back, Shuren takes this as confirmation. The flames around Shuren suddenly disappear, including his wings, however he was still flying in the air. All his flames, fuelled by his anger, had reached such a high temperature that none of them could be seen.

Shuren swings down his arm in a vertical swing, Rasputin quickly calculates the trajectory of the invisible attack and raises both of his blades and blocks the attack, however the force sends him crashing down into the ground, Rasputin's wings turn back into mist from the sudden impact. Blood seeps out between his lips, which he licks up with his tongue and ingests back into his system with a smile.

"Ha ha ha," He laughs out loud as he slowly gets back onto his feat again. "To think you would force me to use my final trump card, ha ha ha. I never know what life will throw at me despite living for well over a century." Rasputin holds both his blades up into the sky as the chain that once held them together separates from the two swords and suddenly expands in size.

A dark void appears in the ground that the now colossal chain shoots into, after a few seconds the gold chain pulls up something out of the dark void. A towering sized wolf appears with the chain gripping it around the neck. It glares menacingly at Shuren who continues to float in the sky. As the void disappears the chain releases the wolf that howls a loud battle cry. Shuren looks on questioningly at the huge wolf below him.

"This is one of the most dangerous creatures in all Norse mythology, Fenrir," Rasputin explains as he carves another huge hole with his dark sword and another huge monstrosity moves out of it, "Einherjar Muspelheim." A even bigger figure appears that is so huge it almost pierces the sky. Its body although humanoid was anything but human. Its skin was red like a poker, its hair was long and dirty, and its blade although heavily chipped was about the size of a skyscraper.

Rasputin's wings remanifested themselves as he ascended back into the sky until he was at the same altitude as Shuren.

"I have the entirety of Norse mythology at my disposal, tell me Shuren, do you realise just what kind of hopeless situation you are in?"

"My soul is one of vengence, Rasputin. No matter what you say, I will make you pay for what you've done!"

"How pitiful. However, the flame in your life will soon burn out, Fenrir, Sutr!" The two monstrosities roars shook the sky as Shuren prepared himself for round two against his nemesis and his two new puppets.

XXXXXXXXX

Chapter 39B: Battle Between Evils – Masked Man's Objective (Perspective: None)

The man hidden behind the mask had slowly made his way past the Midgard Einherjar and into another section of the Slayer's base. After descending several flights of stairs he came across something that looked like a prison. There was something behind the rusty bars, however it wasn't human. Its body consisted of many different creatures all mingled together.

"As I suspected, they kept it alive," the Masked Man gazed at the creature that was lying down on the floor with low grunts escaping from its many heads.

"A Human Anomaly," The creature stated weakly as it gazed at the Masked Man. "What are you doing here?"

"I came to collect the church's research on Chimera Anomalies such as yourself, as well as one other reason." The Masked Man glared at the creature that looked on the verge of death, "I want the soul of the girl who sacraficed herself to defeat you."

The creature before the Masked Man grunted as it remembered the woman who shattered her own soul to save the lives of a little girl and the reaper he was lured to several years ago. "Are you not also out to use me?" The Chimera Anomaly asked in disdain.

"I have no use for a church's handmedown, logically why use something broken when I can create several superior new ones?" The Masked Man asked emotionessly, "But I will be taking Nadia Ivana's soul," The Masked Man pulled out something that looked like a jar and removed the lid, "Soul Extraction," he said as a dust like substance started exiting from the Chimera Anomaly's many mouths, as it writhed in pain, and went into the open jar.

After about a minute elapsed and Nadia's soul was sealed inside the bottle the Chimera got onto its many feet filled with anger. It slammed through the bars of its cage and tried to swipe at the Masked Man with one of its claws, the Masked Man easily dodged it however.

He then took out a sheethed jet black sword from a pocket dimension and quickly unsheathed the blade.

"Muramasa-Masamune?" The Chimera Anomaly deduced.

The Masked Man didn't answer he simply swung his Soul Slayer several times, shooting multiple shock waves, however none of them hit the Chimera Anomaly.

"You missed," it mocked.

"I was not aiming for you," He stated as the ceiling and the roof collapsed opening up a view of the night sky. The Chimera Anomaly destroyed all the oncoming debris that would have otherwise hit it with its many claws, arms, and wings. It then returned its gaze back to the Masked Man who simply swung the sword one more time, "The pieces are set." He stated as heavy black rain drops fell from the now open sky.

"Urgghhaaaahhhh!" The many heads of the Chimera Anomaly screeched as the raindrops hit them, forcing the monstrosity back onto the ground. "Muramasa-Masamune's soul shattering rain? How are you unaffected by it?" It asked weakly.

"Muramasa-Masamune has long since submitted to me, it knows who's soul to devour." The Masked Man answered in his usual monotonous voice.

The Chimera Anomaly continued to scream until there was nothing left of it but an ugly green liquid.

The Masked Man glared for a second at the former Chimera Anomaly whilst muttering, "Whether it is the church, or the Thanatos family, they seem to be delving themselves into the fusion of souls."

hyuugalegacy

2017-03-24, 04:02

Here is chapter 40 only one more till the end of Enigma arc.

Chapter 40A: Battle Between Evils II – Shuren Versus Rasputin II (Perspective: None)

Fenrir instantly charged at Shuren and closed the distance almost instantly. As Fenrir leashed out its fangs Shuren took evasive action to the right but Fenrir still managed to bite into his left arm.

"Gah!" Shuren cringed from pain. Despite the fact Shuren was surrounded by flames, with the area that Fenrir was biting as the epicentre Shuren's arm was being frozen, "You give the term frostbite a whole new meaning," Shuren joked as he surrounded his right arm with a flame blade and severed his left arm before the ice spread any further.

Shuren quickly shot several beams of pure flames at his assailant, however Fenrir quickly encased itself in a hollow egg shaped ice shell that although Shuren's flames melted the ice somewhat, his attack didn't reach Fenrir. "Tch," He grunted as his left arm regenerated.

Shuren then quickly notices a colossal blade surrounded by fire was coming down on him, he immediately dodges Sutr's attack by beating his currently invisible wings. The blade crashed into the floor and created a huge crater at the point of impact. "You trying to hit me like that is like me trying to kill a fly with a pistol!" Shuren shouts as he creates a huge orb of fire and throws it directly into Sutr's face.

"Urghhhhaaa!" The monster grunted as it held its hands to its eyes and stomped on the ground with its huge feet in anger. It then clapped its hands together in a loud thud and a tsunami of magma reached high into the sky. Seeing the incoming attack Shuren quickly ascended higher into the sky as the huge boiling waves levelled all in its path.

He then noticed a white beam heading at him, Shuren quickly dodged and expanded the length of his flame sword and swung it at Rasputin who was over twenty metres away. Rasputin dodged and flew straight at Shuren, who switched his attack to numerous fireballs, but Rasputin dodged them whilst not slowing down his momentum. As Rasputin was within a few metres, Shuren suddenly felt another presence behind him.

Fenrir let out a ice cold breath at Shuren, who expanded his wings to defend his body, his wings instantly shattered and he began to fall towards the earth. Rasputin charged at Shuren and swung his white blade at him, Shuren expanded the flames of his fists and propelled himself further to the ground to dodge the attack, whilst at the same time, using his feet, he kicked a wave of fire at Rasputin, who was too slow in dodging the attack and got his right arm burnt.

Shuren quickly regenerated his fire wings and regained his fighting posture.

"Impressive," Rasputin complimented as he tore off the heavily singed right sleeve of his clothing. "To fight all three of us as at once, for you who was merely Nadia's rearguard support, you've truly become strong."

"Did you think I would have come here if I was weak? Back then I merely fulfilled my role of being Nadia's partner, that doesn't mean to say I don't know my way around a fight." Shuren states as he notices Sutr hurling a colossal boulder at him, Shuren punches forward as he released a huge fire beam that was taller and wider than he was. The boulder instantly disintegrated and the beam carried on to Sutr and hit him in the face again, this time knocking the titan onto its back from the sheer force of the attack. The giant's fall shakes the ground. "From the very beginning I've been targeting you who has somehow managed to survive countless assassinations throughout history. For the sake of turning you to ashes, I will not allow myself to be weak!" Shuren screams as he claps his hands together and a huge quantity of black fire gathers below him and slowly takes form, into that of a giant black flaming bird. Shuren stood on the birds back that released black embers with every flap of its wings. "The incarnation that will grant me my vengeance, Malice Phoenix!" The huge bird roared as it ascended higher into the sky as Shuren gazed at his nemesis with his hatred filled eyes.

"HA HA HA HA!" Rasputin laughed as he looked on at the bird manifested of Shuren's flames of pure hatred. "You're growing more astounding every second, Shuren. Now I definitely must have your soul." With a loud rumble Sutr returned to its feet and swung its blade at the Malice Phoenix, which quickly dodged and released huge black fireballs from the heavy flaps of its wings, Sutr attacked the incoming flame with its blade, although it succeeded in defending itself more cracks appeared on its blade.

Fenrir tried to freeze the Malice Phoenix with its ice breath from behind, but one swing of its wings instantly evaporated the attack. Afterwards numerous smaller black birds sprouted out of the Malice Phoenix and with swift movements they flew at Fenrir, before it could react.

*Boom! Boom! Boom!* - they exploded onto Fenrir at point blank range. With a whimper Fenrir slowly faded away into a similar dark abyss hole from where it once appeared.

"Einherjar Alfheim!" Rasputin shouts as numerous spectres with pointed ears flew towards Shuren and the Malice Phoenix. The Malice Phoenix released another huge fireball that engulfed all the spectres who tried desperately to erect a barrier of light, only to scream as they dissipated into nothingness.

"What were you trying to accomplish with those weaklings!?" Shuren asked as he glared at Rasputin.

"Just a distraction for this," He replied, suddenly huge chains wrapped around the Malice Phoenix and dragged it down towards the ground, Shuren was shocked, it was the same chain that had summoned Fenrir. "The Gleipnir segment of my Soul Slayer can do more than just drag out Fenrir, its a chain that cannot be broken, even by your beloved Malice Phoenix." The chains further pulled the Malice Phoenix down to the ground as it tried hopelessly to fight the intense pull.

Sutr upon seeing its now restrained prey, swung its huge blade at the Malice Phoenix. Shuren jumped off the Malice Phoenix's back and reused his wings of fire to remain airborne. Before the Malice Phoenix could be sliced by Sutr's blade, it suddenly turned into the miniature birds, the restraining chain came loose at the sudden change in size of its captor. The many thousands of birds then flew at Sutr in a mass suicide attack.

*Boom Boom Boom!* - the heavy power and number of explosions shook the sky and covered Sutr's entire body. The spectre of Sutr slowly faded and then vanished, the only remains of the giant was the damage it had done to the landscape.

"Ha ha ha ha, even Sutr has been defeated. I guess now it is just the two of us. I doubt you can call upon that Malice Phoenix again any time soon." Rasputin states.

"You also have lost the most useful of your Einherjar, so don't think you have me beat." Shuren surrounds both his hands with his fire blades and flies at Rasputin, who in turn charged at Shuren wielding the two blades that made up his Soul Slayer.

*Ching Ching!* - The two arch enemies exchanged each other blow for blow as they flew at high velocity. Suddenly parts of Rasputin's mist hardened and manifested into several javelins which he launched at Shuren, who blocks them with a large wave of fire. During the quick exchange the destroyed mist javelins returned to mist and blocked both anomalies' view of one another.

Shuren instantly noticed Rasputin flew below him and had sent a white wave at him, he quickly dodges the attack, but then he notices numerous mist javelins formed overhead and raining down towards him.

"URGH!" Shuren grunts as many of the javelins pierce his back as Rasputin watched on with an evil smile covering his face.

Suddenly the area around Shuren instantly turned black.

"What the!? Where am I? Where's Rasputin!?" Shuren shouted in shock as he turned left and right to try and find his nemesis, who was nowhere is sight. His eyes then happened upon the back of a teenage girl he recognised. "It can't be..." Shuren's body shook, "Nadia!?"

Suddenly in front of the girl a grotesque monster made up of many different creatures appeared and devoured the girl whole. "NADIAAA!" Shuren screamed at the horrible sight as the monster's jaws crunched on the girl, "NOOOO!" Shuren cried as he shot a huge dense flame at the monster that disappeared before his attack even reached.

Then several more images of Shuren's deceased lover manifested. As did several creatures and people around her. The many images of Nadia were suddenly killed in many gruesome forms including disembowelment, beheaded, disintegrated and eaten alive.

"NOOOOOOOO!" Shuren upon seeing the many Nadias dying let out a tear endued scream. "Those javelins..." Shuren's body shook, "They're behind these images..." Shuren analysed as he tried to convince himself none of this was real. "So that's his ability, that mist can attack mentally, not just physically."

Suddenly all the severed heads of Nadia all hovered around and orbited Shuren.

""""Why didn't you save me?""" The many grotesque heads asked in sync, as their bloody hollow eyes glared at Shuren, """Even though I loved you so much, even though you said you loved me, where were you when I needed you?""" Shuren cringed at every word the image of his lover said.

"I wanted to save you! But I didn't even know what happened until it was too late!" Shuren replied as his eyes filled with tears.

"""Does that excuse your betrayal?""" The heads rebuked, Shuren opened his eyes wide at the malicious words spoken in his lover's voice. """Want or not the fact remains the same, I died. And you were nowhere to be found!"""

"Don't you think I suffered enough knowing that!?" Shuren couldn't hold back his voice, despite knowing it was an illusion his feelings were only growing.

"""Do you think that I suffered less than you, Shuren?""" The heads all stopped right in front of Shuren's face, merely inches away their eyes filled with malicious intent. """Shuren, I died despising you!""" They all shouted eerily. Shuren was only momentarily shocked from hearing those words as he recalled the time shortly after Nadia's death.

"Nee-sama, wished for me to tell you, that she loved you," A young Alma said with her eyes filled with tears, "Even at the end, Nee-sama thought the world of you. I could tell, she regretted that she couldn't be with you any more. That's how much you meant to her. She died loving you." Alma said as her tears got the better of her and she fell to her knees.

Recalling this memory, Shuren knew just what he had to do as he glared at the many heads showing a face more angry than he had ever shown anyone. His body got surrounded by a aura of flames that flowed around his entire body.

"When Nadia died, she may have indeed resented me. However, that is not for you illusions to say! The only one who has that right, is only Nadia herself!" The aura of flames expanded throughout the entire black world, disintegrating the heads and slowly the world cracked, then shattered.

"How did you!?" Rasputin glared on in shock as Shuren got to his feat slowly whilst pulling the mist javelins out of his back. "You escaped from my Sorrow Cage?" Shuren just continued to glare at Rasputin. "Well whatever, after going through that I doubt you are still in any condition to fight!" Rasputin shouted as he charged at the still glaring Shuren.

Rasputin sliced at Shuren with his white blade, Shuren didn't move, the attack sliced right through him. But Rasputin's gleeful smile was instantly changed to one of shock as Shuren regenerated almost instantly, "What!? Before there was always a delay before you regenerated!" Rasputin screamed in shock as he swiped with his black blade, however the same thing happened, Shuren instantly regenerated.

"Damn you!" Rasputin sliced at the still unmoving Shuren relentlessly, despite feeling the pain, Shuren endured every slice and instantly regenerated his body and soul after every strike. "Just how is that possible!" Rasputin screamed without letting up on his attacks, but they were still useless, slice, regenerate, slice, regenerate, slice, regenerate.

Suddenly two arms made out of fire sprouted out of Shuren's back and held both of Rasputin's wrists into the air, restraining the man.

"Shall I tell you?" Shuren at last said his eyes glowing with restrained anger. "My ability is fuelled by the malice I have for my opponent, in this case you. After showing me all those images of Nadia, just how angry do you think I am right now?"

"A power fuelled by malice!?" Rasputin questioned in shock.

"That's why even that man, who can copy every other Soul Technique, can't use mine. He's unable to feel malice after all." Shuren's glare further intensifies. "I've waited too long to do this, Rasputin." Shuren gathers fire around his right hand and pummels it straight through Rasputin's heart. Rasputin gurgles horribly as blood seeps through both his mouth and his wound. "Return where you belong, to the depths of history remembered as the madman you are!" Shuren releases an intense flame from his right hand that engulfs Rasputin's body from the inside.

"UUUUURGGGGHHHH!" Rasputin's flesh, body, and soul burn as the madman screams in anguish until there was literally nothing left of him.

There was no two ways about it, the Human Anomaly that lead the Churches' Slayers had died at the hands of Enigma's shadow leader, Shuren Azusa.

XXXXXXX

Chapter 40B: Battle Between Evils II – The Next Target For The Malice (Perspective: None)

"So, you've killed him," the Masked Man approaches, "But you are aware that he was only a pawn right?"

"I'm aware," Shuren glares at the Masked Man, "I'll find the one who ordered Rasputin to create that monstrosity and burn them to cinders."

"Cardinal Iodine was the one who did that," The Masked Man states, "I've already completed my goal of retrieving Nadia Ivana's soul, so I'll give you this, that I found." The Masked Man threw a bundle of papers to Shuren, the front page read 'Project Messiah' and had the name and signature of Cardinal Iodine as the authority figure of said project. But Shuren's mind was logged onto something the Masked Man had just said.

"What do you mean you have Nadia's soul!?" He screamed at the Masked Man, who simply showed Shuren the jar which contained the soul of his lover.

"Exactly as I put it," The Masked Man replied in his usual emotionless voice. Upon seeing the Jar, whose contents were uselessly rattling from within, desperately trying to escape from its prison, Shuren rushed at the Masked Man at an unbelievably high speed.

"Let her go!" Shuren shouted as he punched with a fistful of flames, but the Masked Man guarded with Muramasa-Masamune. Before Shuren could react the Masked Man pushed his fist aside and slashed at Shuren several times with his stolen Soul Slayer.

Shuren quickly regenerated but not before the soul devouring rain came down from the sky. "Urghh!" Shuren grunted as he fell to his knees.

"You are a good back-up option for my final project should Yuichi Shiro not measure up to my expectations, therefore I won't kill you. For the sake of your loved one's soul just try and hunt me down." The Masked Man said with his emotionless voice, "I will also be taking Excalibur-Gleipnir-Ragnarok." He stated as he picked up Rasputin's Soul Slayer, "Farewell for now, Shuren Azusa. Connect..." And like that the Masked Man disappeared with both Rasputin's Soul Slayer and Nadia's soul.

"DAMN YOU!" Shuren cursed as the soul devouring rain slowly subsided leaving a bitter Shuren screaming into the sky. "I will definitely get you, but first..." Shuren redirects his attention to the document labelled 'Project Messiah'. "I will have you join Rasputin, Iodine!"

Two new targets for Shuren's malice had been born.

Shuren wished to chase the Masked Man straight away, but he knew he was no match for him.

"Just wait for me, Nadia..." He said with a soft voice as tears flowed down his eyes.

hyuugalegacy

2017-03-31, 14:11

Here is chapter 41 and the end of the Enigma arc

Chapter 41A: Versus Enigma VII: Yuichi And Reno Vs Stella

"Double Reaper Technique: Multiple Earth Stalagmite and Birth Of Magma!" Reno says as he slaps his hands together. Suddenly several interconnecting rock pillars shoot up from the ground and surround us as a burning, bubbling, orange liquid flows beneath us. The rock pillars had seperated us from Shiori-sempai, well this will mean she is safer still.

But in just that single instance Reno had basically created himself his own small volcano, but jesus it's hot!

"Activating two large scale Reaper Techniques simultaneously, as to be expected of the Cerberus family's prodigy. It looks like I will have to go all out from the word go." Stella suddenly jumps backwards into the air towards Reno's magma pit, does she have a death wish? But... "Take form Quadra Dragon!" All of a sudden something that I can only describe as a four headed dragon appeared out of nowhere below Stella, who landed safely on its back. The dragon is roughly about seven metres tall with each of its black wings equalling the height of its body. However each of the heads is a different colour from left to right they're green, red, blue, and yellow.

The red head of the being Stella called the Quadra Dragon leans back and then forth and unleashes a huge fireball towards Reno and I. Not wanting to be charred we each dodge to the side and I quickly create my silver and shoot it "Silver Rain!" I call the attack name as it flies towards Stella and her dragon.

"Incinerating Vortex!" Reno also unleashes an attack where the magma below is sharply rising with a high rotation like a hurricane of fire.

The Quadra Dragon however isn't making any attempt to dodge our attacks. "Take form Shield Wasp! Defender Butterfly!" Two new creatures suddenly joined Stella's growing monster army. The huge armoured wasp stands between my Silver Rain and the Quadra Dragon the shield on its left arm or stinger suddenly expands. At the same time the huge butterfly that is filled with all the colours of the spectrum erects something like a transparent wall between Reno's attack and Stella. Both our attacks get stopped dead by the two new monsters.

"Tch!" I grunt as I notice the Quadra Dragon's green and blue head moving suspiciously. Suddenly the green head shoots out a ball of compressed air towards me and the blue head shoots a beam of ice towards Reno. We each run in opposite directions around the circular platform around the interior of Reno's volcano. At the same time I have myself manifest several silver javelins that I launch towards the Quadra Dragon but the wasp simply blocks it like before as does the butterfly for all of Reno's fire attacks. I then suddenly have an idea form in my mind, when Reno launches another attack that the butterfly blocks I manifest another few silver javelins. The first one like before I send towards the Quadra Dragon that the wasp intercepts, however the other one I send at the butterfly, which suddenly releases its barrier to dodge my javelin and Reno's attack at last continues on towards the Quadra Dragon although the blue head intercepts the fire attack with its own ice breath. Whilst all three of the other heads alternating shooting blasts of fire, air, and lightning at me. "Silver stairs!" I shout as I conjure silver in mid air to act as my footholds as I essentially run literally into the air.

I again launch an attack with my javelins simultaneously at both the butterfly and the dragon. I don't know the reason but for some reason the butterfly is unable to defend against my silver unlike that wasp although it doesn't seem to have any trouble guarding Reno's flame attacks.

"Just as I thought," I say to myself with a smile my suspicions confirmed. the butterfly again opted to dodge the attack whilst the wasp guards the Quadra dragon.

"Reno! Switch targets! Forget the dragon for now, try attacking the wasp with your flames and leave the butterfly to me!" Reno obediently nods as we pass by each other whilst we run past each other around the platform.

"Silver Rain!" I shout as I release my barrage of silver towards the butterfly.

"Magma Wave!" A burst of the magma shaped live a snake dives below aiming for the wasp.

"Take form Dimensional Tarantula!" Stella shouts from the back of the Quadra Dragon and a huge ugly spider hovers over the magma using several webs to hold itself in place. Suddenly a distortion covers both the wasp and the butterfly, before our attacks hit them, they both suddenly change places and use their respective defence techniques against our attacks.

"Another strange monster I've never heard of before!?" I angrily glare.

"Such creatures don't exist," Reno states plainly as he stands next to me.

"What are you saying? They're right there and giving my almighty beautiful brain a severe migraine." I state, just how can they not exist if they're right before us?

"Correct, they don't," Stella admits, "One of my abilities allows me to pull things from my imagination and into reality, well there is a limit." Seriously!? What kind of haxed power is that? Hurry up and trade with me, pulling naked girls from my imagination would be quite the fun pass time.

"Your drooling, Yuichi Shiro," Reno points out and I quickly wipe my beautiful moist mouth.

"During my time in the hospital I had nothing to do but dream things up in my imagination."

"Hospital?" I ask curiously.

Stella shows a somewhat sad look from on top of the dragon. "I was born to a random man and the wife of a man who is part of quite the demented family. An illegitimate child. My step father subjected me to several forms of mental and physical torture. Ripping mother limb from limb in front of me being one of the more milder incidents." How the hell is that mild!? "However, there was always one time when that man looked apologetic, during that time he would smile and say how sorry he was as he offered me a glass of lemon water. But it was so strange, every time I drank it I always felt tired and nauseous, ha ha ha."

"Huh, what, what was so funny about that?" I ask.

"It's not funny, Yuichi Shiro. Lemons can be used to cover up the taste of other ingredients that was added into the water." Reno explained.

"Poison?" I ask as he nods.

"Correct, the only time he smiled at me was the time he knew how he was slowly killing me!" Stella screams, "During my time when I was beyond help and awaiting death I met Cammy. She too had difficult family circumstances and had been brought to the hospital after a failed suicide attempt. We confided with one another, everything that happened. And we accepted each other, for everything. So when I was approached by Shuren-sama about whether I wanted to live, not wanting to succumb to that scumbag's poison, or to be seperated from my new found friend, I instantly agreed and Cammy followed suit. We cut our ties with our screwed up excuses for a family and were granted the power of an Anomaly and I a fully revitalised body!" Stella regains her anger as she glares at us. "Therefore, for harming my friend, I will have you all die here!" Those final words carried more emotion than the rest of her speech.

All four of the heads of the Quadra dragon shoot out their elemental attacks and Reno and I continue our running around the volcano. Suddenly several distortions appear around both me and the battle ground they absorb several of the Quadra Dragon's attacks and the attacks continue on at me from out of one of the other holes that were created, I quickly dodge a ball of lightning, that enters another hole and comes out of another, the attack having been redirected towards me.

"Silver Wall!" I conjure up my defence, if I dodge it will probably only have a result like before, so this time I guard, my shield successfully blocks the attack and I break down my now electrified wall into the javelins and throw them at the butterfly. The spider like before switches the place between the butterfly and the wasp, which erects its shield, however "Bzzzztt!" It lets out a buzz as the electricity in the javelins is transferred through its shield into it. The overgrown wasp falls lifelessly into the magma pit below.

"One down," I state proudly.

"Gahh!" Stella grunts for some reason as she holds her head, what happened?

"You really are something else, Yuichi Shiro," Stella compliments whilst still holding her head. Well, I am one of a kind. "Take form Flare Kraken! Ritual Puppeteer! Scythe Millipede!" Great, more things to deal with, at this rate this will never end.

The overgrown centipede, no she said it was a millipede, charges for me with its blade like legs on the ready, I dive out the way as it leaves a large scar on the rocky surface. Reno probably noticing my danger shoots a ball of magma at the creature, but the butterfly intercepts and the Quadra Dragon concentrates its attacks on Reno who skilfully dodges and launches another separate attack whilst the butterfly is still blocking his first attack the magma heading straight for the dragon, however the caped puppeteer hurls it strings and throws its ugly puppet in the way of the attack. The puppet instantly disintegrates, however...

"AAAARRGGHHH!" Reno suddenly screams in pain

"Reno!" I shout, I didn't notice any attack hitting me.

Stella looks on with a smile, "Oh, didn't you know? When you attack the Ritual Puppeteer's puppet, a portion of the damage is returned to the user who destroys it!" What then Reno essentially just attacked himself? "Not only that, for as long as the puppeteer exists then he can always create a replacement." As she says that the disintegrated puppet reappears attached to the puppeteer's strings. That's one troublesome monster.

Suddenly whilst still half lost in thought I notice the millipede trying to attack me with one of its sword like legs, not having any time to dodge, I block with my silver sword, the force of the attack forcing my feet to slide along the rocky surface. As it unleashes another attack with another of its legs I dive to one side and the momentum the millipede had built up forces it into the wall with a loud crash. However, out of nowhere a red tentacle wraps itself around my waist and lifts me off the ground, "What the hell!?" I scream as the tentacle tries to pull me into the magma pit below.

"She placed a monster within my magma!?" Reno shouts as he notices my predicament. Come to think of it she did mention something like a Flare Kraken or something.

"Considering you went to the trouble of creating this unique setting, I figured I'd put it to good use." You can piss off with the idea of giving me a lava bath! I manifest silver around my entire body and manipulate it to pull against the force of the tentacle trying to drown me in the magma or burn is probably a better word. Whilst still battling the pull I manifest a javelin in my hand and slam it into the tentacle, luckily this is enough to force it to let go, and withdraw back into the magma. The yellow head of the Quadra Dragon shoots a ball of lightning at me, I create another silver wall to protect me from the attack and get myself back to the safety of the platform.

The millipede is there to greet me again as I dive out of the way of its leg.

"A physical close range attacker, an elemental long range attacker, an elemental defender, two support types that distort dimensions and transfer damage respectively, and one that attacks whilst remaining hidden, and before she had a physical defender as well. Damn, these monsters are very well rounded and cover each others weaknesses." I say as I grunt in anger.

"These are my most prized creations they won't go down so easily, Yuichi Shiro, Reno Cerberus!" Stella proclaims.

"Yuichi Shiro, we need to take them down one at a time, they're formidable together because of their combinations, but as we defeat them, more attack methods will become open to us!" Reno shouts to me from the other side of the volcano whilst avoid an ice breath from the blue head.

"I'm already aware," I declare as I dodge another attack from the millipede. The troublesome monsters are the two that are acting as the supports that puppeteer and the spider. The butterfly shouldn't be too difficult now that the wasp has been defeated but it's still a problem because of the supporters.

As I'm thinking to myself the Kraken slams a tentacle towards me, I jump back and dodge the attack smashes part of the ground, then a fireball shoots at me from the magma, it must have been the Kraken. I use my silver shield to defend myself from the attack however a hole appears before it reaches my defence. "Urghhhh!" The fireball that was redirected thanks to that tarantula's dimension smacked me right in the back. I wipe the blood away from my mouth as I avoid the millipede's attack again.

I then notice that the butterfly is busy defending against one of Reno's attacks and I get a sudden idea fly through my head. "Time to level the playing field!" I shout as I throw an immense number of javelins whilst also flying towards the butterfly myself using my silver armour. A distortion suddenly appears both in front of the butterfly and the puppeteer's puppet, as I thought it is going to try and redirect my attack onto the puppet. Before my silver reaches the hole, I instantly disperse it, and before the hole can close itself I rush through it myself, and I find myself in front of the puppet. But the puppet isn't my target, it's the puppeteer itself, I fly towards it at high velocity and by forming a blade of silver at the arm area of my armour I slash into the puppeteer's chest.

"Urghhhh!" It grunts ugly as it disappears, like I thought, it's only when the puppet is destroyed that the damage gets transferred. And the puppeteer was only capable of fixing its puppet, not itself. That takes care of the most troublesome one.

"Way to go, Yuichi Shiro," Reno congratulates, which I respond with a thumbs up.

"Gahhhh!" Stella once again for some reason is holding her head in pain. "Damn you!" She screams as the Quadra Dragon launches its elemental attacks, more holes appear and the attacks come at me from all kinds of awkward angles.

Whilst the dragon is preoccupied with me, Reno suddenly shoots several fireballs, some are heading for the butterfly, some for the spider. The butterfly instantly erects its shield and the spider creates a hole in front of itself and the attack is redirected at Reno from the side. However he dodges by sliding the other side of the hole and shoots another fireball into the hole. The fireball reappears next to the spider and it burns with a horrible screech like noise. The webs it used for footing burning and the tarantula takes a dip in the magma pool below.

"Urghh!" Stella once again is holding her head.

"As I thought, when one of your monsters is defeated you receive some kind of damage or feedback yourself." Reno states as Stella continues holding her head in agony. Nicely done, now both her supports are gone we can fight without any worries.

"Curse you both!" The red and green head of the Quadra Dragon shoot their fire and wind balls at me, and at the point of making contact with me they converge together and...

*Boom!* - The combustion shakes me a little, but thanks to my armour I'm not seriously hurt.

The blue and yellow also combined there attacks at Reno but he used the magma to disintegrate the ice and evaporate it all before it made contact, no wonder he is called a prodigy.

The millipede attacks with its sword like legs again. But now that it's support is no longer threatening me I can fight a bit more carelessly.

"Silver Rain!" I shout as my silver pulverises the millipede, that is still trying to relentlessly attack me despite its balance being heavily disrupted by my attack. Whilst it is staggering now is my chance, "Silver side Column!" A huge dense amount of my silver sprouts out of the side wall of the volcano and rams into the millipede that is pushed over the ledge by the impact. "Another one bite the magma." I say coolly.

"Urghhhh!" Stella grunts horribly as the millipede dissolves into the boiling solution below.

Whilst I'm celebrating, I feel the familiar touch of the kraken's tentacle around my waist. "Not again!"

"Don't worry, Yuichi Shiro, that magma is mine! Just get ready to finish it, my fire attacks will be useless after all." Reno states as he claps his hands together whilst avoiding more attacks from the Quadra Dragon, "Magma Eruption!" He shouts as all the magma ascends into the air suddenly, the sudden force freeing me from the Kraken's grasp, I then notice the large red squid like creature at the top of the burning magma.

"All right, I'm ready, release your technique, Reno!" And in that instant the magma begins to fall back down to the base of our home made volcano.

"Silver Spike Bed!" I shout as several spikes jut out directly below where the kraken is falling, and slice. It fell onto my spikes at high speed and landed back in the magma belly up before disappearing.

"Urghhhh!" Stella once again exclaims in pain, but I'm not letting up on the momentum I create several silver javelins and launch them at the butterfly that can only defend itself from elemental attacks. It tries to dodge but I catch one of its wings and like a lot of the other monsters, it fell into the magma with a circular motion as it uselessly tried to beat it's wings. "Urgghhhhhhh!" Stella looks at us as if she has gone completely insane, not that I considered her sane to begin with.

"Now it's just you and that dragon!" I shout whilst pointing my outstretched finger at the one who caused me so much frustration.

"Damn you!" Stella yells whilst holding her head with both hands. "Quadra Dragon!" She yells as the beast unleashes its elemental attacks.

Reno and I counter with my silver and his magma to erect a dual layered shield for us both. Our combined defence more than enough to stop all the Quadra Dragon's attacks.

"She's finished," Reno states, "Her power came from her combination attacks, which she can no longer do."

"Speaking of combinations, we make quite the dynamite one," I say with a smile and Reno just smiles back with a shrug of his shoulders.

"I'll let you have the best part, Yuichi Shiro," He says with a voice that seemed to say 'lets finish this'

"Thanks," I reply, as I hover up using my silver armour. I ascend higher into the sky as I look down on the dragon. I shoot myself like a bullet towards the girl riding on its back. As the dragon tries to fly to one side several pillars of magma surround it preventing it from moving.

"This is for all the people whose lives you've been playing with, in this screwed up game of yours, STELLA!" I shout as the Quadra Dragon launches attack after attack at me, I endure the pain as I fly at the source of my anger with extreme momentum.

"YUICHI SHIRO!" She shouts as she draws some kind of blade but her body is staggering so she can't wield it properly.

"EAT BEAUTY!" I scream as I force my fist into her face. The force knocks her off the back of the dragon and towards the magma below her. With the attack on its creator the Quadra Dragon disappears with a burst of light.

Just as I think its over something shot towards Stella like a bullet. It then grabbed her before she touched the magma below.

Who is that? A tanned skinned man was flying with Stella in his arms. Wings made of fire were flapping keeping the duo airborne. An immense amount of fire suddenly shot out from one of his hands into one of the sides of the volcano. Creating a hole for the magma to leak out of.

"Shit! Reno disperse the magma, or our friends will get caught up in it!" With a nod Reno has the magma disappear as does the stony surface that made up the volcano.

The man and I glare at each other until a voice calls out to him, "Shuren-niisama?" Shiori-sempai calls out, wait he's Sempai's brother. The barrier no longer surrounding her. Maybe due to Stella's loss.

"It's been a while, Shiori," he says with a slightly indifferent voice.

"Why did you...Why did Enigma do this!?" Sempai asks in a voice filled with emotions, "If you were alive, why didn't you tell me!?"

"Forgive me, but in order to get revenge on those behind Nadia's death I couldn't allow you to know." Shuren said with a slight bit of guilt in his voice.

"You scum!" I shout, "Do you realise how many people you endangered for the sake of your pointless revenge!?"

"Be quiet, kid. I'm in a fowl mood right now. I have no desire to listen to your preaching. Even though I succeeded in eliminating one of my targets I now have two more in its place." Shuren shouts, his voice turning to one of annoyance.

"Target?" Sempai asks.

"Just now, I killed the man who stood at the top of the Slayers!" He answers.

"What!?" Sempai is shocked.

"He was the one behind that Chimera that killed Nadia, so I gave him the punishment he deserved. And that emotionless masked scum and one other shall follow soon." He proclaims.

"So you really succeeded, Shuren." Ark suddenly floated next to him. Under his arms are both Cammy and Slots and sitting on his shoulders are the two gemini twins. Wait if he's here what happened to our comrades? Ark glances at me seeing my worry, "I was told only to retrieve, I didn't harm anyone else." He says almost as if he can read my mind.

"But it does looks like you had quite the hard time. Even though Stella was already in a heavily weakened state before we proceeded with the plan, I didn't think she would be defeated." Shuren states.

"What, she was already in a weakened state before we fought?" I ask in disbelief.

"She had been holding me in a state of comatose stasis continuously for the past year, this on top of creating this entire world left her heavily weakened. If she wasn't she would have just resporned more monsters during your fight, and you wouldn't have had a sliver of a chance of beating her."

"What..." I can't believe what I just heard, just how monstrous is that girl?

"Anyway the dimension is breaking apart," Shuren says as he looks into the sky, several cracks are forming. "So we'll be taking our leave, Shiori, Yuichi Shiro." A black hole engulfs all the members of Enigma and they disappear.

"Damn!" I grunt as I punch the ground. I let them go.

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Chapter 41B: Versus Enigma VII: After The All Out Battle

A few minutes after Stella was defeated the dimension collapsed and we returned to our own world. I quickly regrouped with my friends and Yuna, Ren is unconscious from the loss of his arm.

Wolfy is escorting Akane, Alma, and Shiori-sempai home. Shiori-sempai was crying as she left, the shock of meeting her thought to be deceased brother really hurt her mentally. Alma too was hurt pretty badly, and she also lost her sister's memento, Gungnir-Mjölnir.

Yuna is standing silently nearby, she's a bit depressed that the Ichiyu boy who saved her suddenly disappeared all of a sudden before she could thank him properly, I guess Yuna is developing into a woman now...What, no retort to my thoughts, she's more depressed than I thought.

"We'll be taking Ren-sama back with us to do something about his missing arm," Elizabeth says as she along with Reno support Ren's body.

"I'm going too!" Sakura says decisively, "I can't leave Nii-san when he is in that kind of state."

"Sakura-chan..." Elizabeth stares for a moment at her future sister-in-law. "Okay, but what about your parents?"

"I'll do something about that," I respond, looks like my book on hypnosis is going get a bit more use.

"All right, we'll be in touch soon. Connect." Elizabeth states before the Cerberus and Kirei siblings disappear.

"We'll also be heading back," Rose states, "I hope we meet again soon." She smiles warmly.

"Thanks for everything you girls." I say with heartfelt gratitude as I smile back.

"Nya ha ha, next time lets play together, Onii-chan," Lily says with a happy mischievous smile.

"HMMM! It's not like I came for your sake," Tsubaki states coldly.

"""Connect,""" they say together as they disappear with a burst of light.

"Then comma we shall also be taking our leave period with our leader dead comma I don't know just what will become of us period but comma I swear we shall keep our promise to both you and Ren Kirei period." Ley says as she along with all her still wounded unconscious comrades disappear all of a sudden, just what did she do just now.

"You too should head back, Lilicia," Alicia says as she prods her sister lightly.

"I want to stay a while, don't be cruel, Onee-sama. Unlike you who sees Yuichi-niisama everyday I only get these rare instances." Lilicia-chan says with a grunt, has she just reached her rebellious period.

"Father will be worried, Lilicia-chan, I promise I'll come to see you soon." I say as I pat the cute girl's head, whilst Alicia shows me an angry expression, no need for the jealousy my love, you will always be my number one.

"Okay..." Lilicia-chan slouches her shoulders "Connect." She says, but she doesn't disappear like everyone else, "Eh...Connect..." She retries but to no avail.

"What's going on?" Alicia asks, when suddenly a hologram appears in front of us and takes on the form of Father-In-Law.

"I'm sorry Alicia, Yuichi-kun." Father-In-Law begins.

"A recording?" Alicia says.

"Things have taken a turn for the complicated in the Underworld, until things boil over, can I please ask that you both look after Lilicia. I promise it won't take long, so I hope you can abide by my request." The hologram disappears and both Alicia and Lilicia-chan are showing serious expressions.

"Just what could have happened that is so complicated?" Alicia asks rhetorically.

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Chapter 41C: Versus Enigma VII: Trouble Abrew Anew (Perspective: None)

"Young Master, your father is asking for you." A man dressed in a butler suit called

"Ahh, I got it. Jeez, Pops is such a slave driver." A teenage boy with cyan hair responded

"It looks like you've gone through another batch so soon."

"Yeah, they broke so quickly," the boy gazes at the many people dangling limply from the ceiling, "Go tell Pops I'll be there in a minute."

"As you wish."

As the butler left the boy pulled out a small cube that he threw onto the ground and the cube took the holographic image of a girl with short silver hair with parts of the sides in cute braids. "I guess since I can't show you my love, I've been playing with my toys a lot more, Lilicia." The cyan haired boy kissed the lips of the hologram of the Pandemonium family's youngest daughter. "But soon that will change, my dear." The hologram disappeared.

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Chapter 41D: Versus Enigma VII: The Next Move (Perspective: None)

"Well done, Carrisa. With this another pawn will serve a purpose. Nadia without Gungnir-Mjölnir is meaningless." The Masked Man stated without emotion.

"I'm glad your pleased, Master." Carrisa said with a slight hint of unease.

"Worried about what will happen without you there?" He asked.

"No, I've thrown the past behind me. I serve only you." Carrisa stated whilst straightening her back.

"For as long as it doesn't have a negative effect on the final project, I care not what you do in the meantime, you and Ichiyu both." And with those final words the man clad in the mask disappeared out of sight.

"So I can do what I want for now then?" Carrisa said to herself with a nod.

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Chapter 41E: Versus Enigma VII: Final Dilemma Of The Day For Yuichi

"Must...resist...temptation..." I state as I tightly grip my extending left hand with my right. My left hand trying to reach for one of the black curtains covering up one of my many mirrors. "I swore not...to look...for ninety...minutes..." I further encourage myself.

Another minute passes on my clock.

"Just...seventy six...more...to...go..." I say as I further build up my fighting spirit.

Time passed by slowly, and as I'm sure I will look back. I will forever remember this as my longest ninety minutes ever.

hyuugalegacy

2017-04-30, 08:31

This is the first chapter of the Arc that I've entitled: The Disturbing Coup. Hope you like it.

Chapter 42A: Fun With The Two Sisters – The Girl (perspective: none)

"Well it sucks that Pops needs to borrow four of my Hex Classes. But I guess all I will need to succeed will be right with me."

The cyan haired boy takes out a set of keys and opens the large steel door and walks inside the dark cell.

"No," A mid teen girl says weakly as she stares on in fear at her visitor, his mere presence brought only fear to the girl who was shackled to the far end wall.

"My beloved has wandered off and got lost. Lycan, will you come with me to help me find her?" The boy's words sounded sweet, but they only made the girl tremble.

"No, please, don't..." She begged in tears as the boy approached her and crouched down so they were face to face.

"Don't be like that, it's just a simple errand." The boy smiled as he bit his lip and let the blood drop lightly.

"Please, I don't want to hurt anyone!" The girl shook her body violently but the boy grabbed her small waist and turned her face back towards him.

"You're not hurting anyone, toys can always be replaced with new toys, so don't concern yourself with such things." The girl's tears continued to flow as the boy drew his lips to hers.

This usual intimate contact was the thing the girl feared most. The boy's blood flowed through into her mouth and down her throat.

Why? Why does he use me to hurt people? How can he smile knowing he's causing pain? The girl thought to herself as her tears continued and her resistance vanished. Suddenly a pumping like sensation flowed through the girl's body as her eyes went from tear stricken to savage.

"As the number three of my Hex Class, I'll be expecting your usual perfection, Lycan #13." The boy stated as he removed the shackles on the wall and the girl's eyes turned more and more malicious.

His living weapon had awoken.

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Chapter 42B: Fun With Two Sisters – A Flower In Each Hand

"Well, we're here." I state as we walk through the huge open gate and gaze upon the many people running around.

Alicia and Lilicia-chan were worried about about what was happening in the Underworld so I suggested coming to this amusement park to help take their minds off things. Today I will ensure that they have the most fun ever, or else for the next three days I'll dye my hair pink.

"The living world has some fantastic ideas. I had never heard of a cosplay amusement park," Lilicia-chan smiles angelically. She's currently wearing a black one piece dress, a dark haired wig and a red cape, she is also carrying her scythe out in the open. "It's unfortunate that my scythe can't be used as a gun as well though." Well there is no need to get that into character.

"Those clothes look beautiful on you too, Alicia," I compliment as my fiancé eyes her own clothing from top to bottom. She's wearing a white one piece dress with her hair tied back into a long off centre pony tail and some kind of sabre attached to her waist.

"Urgh, Yuichi, I know that this place heavily endorses the cosplay, but it's not mandatory." She groans. Obviously you've never had the phrase 'in Rome do what the Romans do'.

"Now now, Onee-sama, if we're going to do this we should do it all the way." Well said Lilicia-chan, I'll pat your head later as a reward.

"Plus I get to admire the you two cuties in equally cute outfits, that's two birds with one stone." I add.

"Really, Nii-sama, do I look cute?" Lilicia-chan's cute face turns slightly red as she holds her hands to her face. I thought you were cute from day one, not just now. Have I never mentioned this to her?

"It's not like I'm dressed like this to please you." No need for the tsundere remark, Alicia.

"Right, let's go!" I shout as I run on ahead with the two sisters following behind.

We enter the house of mirrors and I instantly regretted it.

*Smash!* I punch the horrible reflection in front of me.

"There is no way the gorgeous me can look that ugly!" How dare they defy my glorious body with that monstrosity!

"Yuichi, what the hell are you doing!?" Alicia shouts in shock.

"Nii-sama, your hand is bleeding!" Lilicia-chan screams as she grabs my hand and licks at the blood with her tiny tongue, giving me a light tickling sensation.

"Y.U.I.C.H.I." And of course my fiancé cannot let it go. Shit she really is pissed.

What can I do to pacify her jealousy? I run my brain at full capacity and then I suddenly have a brilliant idea, now this is exactly why people always admire me for my genius.

Being the beautiful guy that I am this is certainly a grave sin, but quelling Alicia's jealousy has to come first, plus I get the feeling it will feel good for me as well. I inwardly smirk to myself does my genius know any bounds?

*Smash!* I punch another mirror and blood flows down my hand.

"Lick." I say with a smile as I extend my other hand. That's right, the best way to solve the situation is by having Alicia join in. Boy I'm such a great guy, injuring myself so that Alicia won't feel left out. Feel free to worship the ground I stand on.

"Like hell I WILL!"

"OWWWWW! Let go, I give!" Alicia takes my hand and twists it round. Lilicia-chan is still licking my other hand so I'm feeling pleasure in one hand and pain in the other.

"Oi you there!" A man who appears to be an employee shouts as he runs up to us.

"Shit run!" Taking the brief moment that Alicia was distracted I free my hand and grab the sister's hands and drag them with me. It's a shame I won't get the chance to feel my fiancé licking my hand today, but I definitely won't give up on it.

After running at top speed and taking several turns we managed to evade the employee. After having my hands bandaged up we continued on our way.

Our next stop was the roller coaster. Fortunately we weren't lined up for too long, I hate when they're long queues. I sit in between the two sisters as the crew member gives the usual safety instructions of keeping hands inside etc and then we're off.

"Whhhheeeeee!" The people around us scream as the coach suddenly drops down an almost ninety degree drop, Lilicia-chan cheerfully grips onto my clothes as she smiles widely, I wrap my arm around her. I then gaze over to Alicia whom normally would chide me for this I then notice why, she's shaking, is she not very good with these kinds of rides? I hold her quivering hand with my own and reassuringly smile at her with my S class good looks. And like this we finish the first ride with me having a flower in both arms, I'm truly the happiest.

After the ride I had three pictures printed off of us that was taken during the ride. We then go to a nearby bench to let Alicia who is still shaking somewhat to calm down.

"I'll go get us some ice cream so sit tight for a minute okay?" The two girls give me a nod in acknowledgement.

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Chapter 42C: Fun With Two Sisters – True Feelings (perspective: Alicia)

Yuichi has left to get us some ice cream, so I'm left sitting on the bench with Lilicia in silence. But what a day, I'm grateful that Yuichi was trying to help us take our minds off things but I wish he could be more considerate, although for that self proclaimed genius I know it is all but impossible

"Onee-sama," Lilicia who was silent up until now calls.

"What is it?" I ask noticing the seriousness in her voice

"I wonder if you realise just how lucky you truly are," Lilicia says quietly as she drops her head.

"Lucky? How so?" What is she talking about all of a sudden?

"I mean Yuichi-niisama. You got yourself engaged to such a wonderful guy and the only thing you had to do was lose to him in a game. And yet, technically that loss became a huge victory."

"What are you saying? Do you know how humiliated I was with that stupid game and being cheated like that?" All my negative emotions on the issue suddenly jump into my being, "I was forced into an engagement to him for the sake of our family's honour. He embarrassed me at that party, then like with the issue with Alma he sticks his nose where it doesn't belong and then he willingly turns himself into a human shield for his friends and put himself on death's door. He pulls people's feelings from one extreme to another!"

"Onee-sama, despite everything you just said, can you honestly say that you're unhappy that you met him?" Lilicia interrogates, why does she have to ask me this when she already knows the answer?

"If Father turned around to you and said you no longer have to marry Nii-sama, would you be happy or sad?" Lilicia continues her barrage of questions.

"Onee-sama," Lilicia's voice turns the most serious I have ever heard it, "The original reason you were engaged was to make Nii-sama a member of the Pandemonium family and protect its honour. If that is still your only reason, then there is a very easy way out." I raise my head to Lilicia who is looking straight at me with serious eyes, is she implying what I think she is, no, please don't say it. "Nii-sama merely needs to marry into the family, if you don't wish to do it, then there is always m..."

"LILICIA!" I shout in a voice that I didn't think I could ever make. All the pedestrians stare at us in shock, but I don't care, I feel wet tears flow down my eyes. "Please don't say any more, you already know the truth. Do you need to hurt my dignity just to hear me vocalise something that you are aware of?"

"Yes, I do," Lilicia gives me a defiant look.

I already know this isn't going to end well, but I swallow my pride, "When the engagement was arranged I had no choice but to follow, but that is a thing of the past. If it were to be broken now, I know that I will only have regrets. There are you satisfied now?" I wipe my tears away as Lilicia smiles.

"I understand, sorry, Onee-sama. I guess I got a little greedy wanting to become Nii-sama's bride," Lilicia steps off the bench and looks back at me, "Even though I've gained the role of a mistress, I still desired position number one."

"Mist...mistress?" Wait, Lilicia was taking that nonsense Father said before seriously? "Lilicia why would you?

"Want to be his mistress? The same reason you want to marry him obviously." Is she still teasing me?

"Lili..." I begin, but I suddenly feel a sensation I'm all too familiar with. "Reaper Technique: Coliseum?" I state the name as the surroundings become nothing but void.

Lilicia too drops the teasing attitude as her eyes gaze left and right.

"Ah, Lilicia, my love, I've come to escort you back to the Underworld." Lilicia freezes in terror at the voice we both wish that we never heard, I slowly turn my head and gaze upon the owner of the voice. He's a boy around my age with short spiky cyan coloured hair, smart noble clothes, and a long coat that he's wearing like a cape that matches his hair colour. A girl is walking with him as the bells on her ears ring and the shackles on her limbs clatter. He lets out a bright smile as he opens his arms wide with a over the top gesture.

"You look cute dressed like that my dear. Are you going to tell me you drink milk to grow up rather than meeting people?" He states, noticing the reference of the character she's cosplaying as.

"Why...are...you..." Lilicia stutters horribly as her body continues to shake and she tries to slowly edge away. I stand in front of Lilicia and draw my scythe to help reassure her, but this is bad, where is Yuichi the one time we need him?

The girl who was walking with the boy moves in front. She is also about the same age as me, with brown wolf like ears on top of her head and a bushy tail. She is wearing clothes that are skin tight and are transparent from the thighs down on her two third trousers and below the bust on her shirt. Her long hair is tied back into a long brown braid and she is wearing a red restration collar that is padlocked onto her neck. She glares at us like a savage beast as she gnaws her teeth together threateningly. I have no idea what this girl is, I've never heard of Wolf girls existing outside of fiction. But one thing I know for sure is that this girl is dangerous, I can tell instinctively.

"Heel, Lycan. Don't be rude to my future sister-in-law." He orders and the girl freezes for a moment before obediently stepping back. "My apologies, Onee-sama. Lycan can be a bit naughty sometimes," He says soothingly as he strokes the head of the wolf girl he calls Lycan. The savage beast shudders slightly as if she doesn't want him to do it, but can't refuse. It is then that I realise, just like with Lilicia, that girl is scared of him. Just what has he done to tame such a monster?

I shake my head wildly to remove my useless thoughts and concentrate on what matters right now, the fact he is targeting my sister. "I have no intention of being your sister, but I will quite happily be your killer!" I rotate my scythe and point it at the scum in front.

"Will we be unable to settle this peacefully?" He asks almost mockingly.

"Did you set up this coliseum and bring that dangerous girl to end this peacefully!?"

He shrugs his shoulders and smiles lightly and then points his extended finger at me, "Lycan, prey." The wolf girl retakes the vanguard position and brandishes her claws looking ready to pounce.

"I don't know why you are so set on Lilicia, but I will remove the trauma from her mind by ending your existence right here, Disturb Thanatos!" I declare as I charge at my foes. Disturb's smile just widens as Lycan dives forward and Lilicia's legs give out from the trembling.

With the state Lilicia is in there is no way she'll be able to fight, so right now, I'm the only one who can. Yuichi, please hurry back, your presence will definitely be the biggest reassurance, both for Lilicia, and for me.

hyuugalegacy

2017-05-06, 09:41

Well here is chapter 43.

Chapter 43A: The Betrothed's Respective Fights – Yuichi Vs Van I

I've just seperated from Alicia and Lilicia-chan and standing at the end of an awfully long queue. "Can I have a chocolate mint...no wait make it a coffee mint...oh scrap that blueberry mint...oh no..." The person at the front is being as indecisive as can be as everyone glares in annoyance, I certainly wouldn't want to go shopping with them, and does blueberry mint even exist?

"Hahh," I let out a sigh as I gaze at myself in my portable mirror, looks like I'm going to be here for a bit so this is as good as time as any to admire myself. Suddenly, a feeling I've felt before embraces me, "Jeez give me a break, can't a guy look at himself in peace." I've been involved in incident after incident lately, so I've recently been too lax at hitting my daily target of admiring myself for at least five hours a day.

I gaze around the created dark dimension aka Reaper Technique: Coliseum. Using something like this in a crowded area, won't people notice that I suddenly disappeared? I'm seperated from Alicia and Lilicia-chan, were they also dragged into this dimension, or am I there only target?

"Anyway, whoever you are come on out, I was in the middle of something like a triangle date, so I'm going to box your ears for interrupting!" I call out and a shadowy silhouette casually waltzes into view.

"Although I actually only have one ear that you can box," He says with a self cynical smile. He is a man who looks to be in his late thirties with short ginger hair, with a moustache and beard of the same colour. He's wearing dirty grey overalls with an equally dirty apron and has a pencil and small paint brush on top of his ear and some sort of board under his arm. "I am the number six of the Hex Class, please call me Van, Yuichi Shiro-kun." He introduces himself with a light bow, well considering he knows my name I'll skip the formalities and jump straight to the point.

"Hex Class? Sorry, but am I suppose to know what that is? What do you want?" I bombard the questions that I want answering.

Van smiles "My soul is that of an artist." Those words, I'm momentarily shocked, Soul ID Lyrics, he's a Human Anomaly.

"My soul is one that is of self confidence." I quickly begin my own incantation, if he's a Human Anomaly then I can't be taking any chances.

"Inspirational, influential and revolutionary." Van continues with the second line

"Beautiful, intelligent and kind." And I counter with mine

"Complete dedication to the paint and canvas!" He increases his voice almost to drown out mine.

"Absolute belief in myself, and those that surround me!" I won't be beat. No one will be forgiven for interrupting my (sort of) date.

"And my brush shall give life, to my still life!"

"And a will that never dulls, bends or breaks!" We both scream the last line in sync and our bodies glow, with me feeling the usual sensation of activating my unique power. I quickly manifest my silver sword and take it into my hand.

"Oh, the Hex Class are Disturb-sama's six top fighters, and I'm here to delay you." He says almost like it's an after thought.

"You completely missed the timing for answering." I reply as I swing my sword and point it towards my enemy.

"I guess this is what people call being 'artistically late', right?" He asks with a smile as he takes the board from under his arm.

"No," I shake my head in disgust at that awful term, "just, no." Wait a sec, delay?

"Delay me for what!?" I ask when I realise I'm still seperated.

"Delay you, so Disturb-sama can claim the youngest Pandemonium girl as his new toy." He readily admits. I feel my eyes widen in shock as I process his words.

"Lilicia-chan!" I shout on the realisation that she's in danger.

"Disturb-sama has chosen that lucky girl to become his, so we came here to escort her." Van continues with a voice full of passion that to me only sounds like something akin to a murderer bragging about his kill count.

I materialise a second silver sword into my other hand and create several silver javelins and launch them at the still boasting Van. However, he quickly jumps and dodges my attack and throws his board towards the ground. I notice that there is a picture of a huge tree on it. When the board hits the ground it brightly flashes, and then, a tree, just like in the picture appears, except in real life.

Suddenly a huge branch from the tree tries to swat at me, I quickly dive back.

"What!? The painting came to life?" I say in shock as I dodge another branch aiming for me.

"Silver Rain!" I shout as I launch innumerable amounts of silver towards Van, who pulls out another board and throws it to the ground.

"It's useless," He says as the board turns into a huge brick wall that blocks my attack. "I've created more pieces of art than anyone in history." He states as the wall breaks down into several bricks that all fly towards me at high velocity. I quickly manifest a wall of silver to protect myself from the attack.

*Bang bang bang!* My silver wall has several dents from the attacks

"What?" I say in shock as a branch wraps itself around my waist. Damn, I forgot about that tree because of the previous crisis. "Shit!" The branch lifts me into the air as the bricks from that wall surround me from all directions. They all shoot towards me at once I quickly brandish my blades and swipe at the branch holding me, I succeed and let gravity pull me to the ground, allowing me to dodge the bricks.

The bricks realign themselves and shoot at me again, although this time one at a time. When I dodge one attack another one flies right at me. Whilst dodging the bricks the tree tries to slam me with another of its branches, I avoid the attack and run up along the branch. The tree tries to attack me with more branches, but I slice at them with my two silver swords whilst continuing up to the tree's centre and avoiding the bricks. Once I reach the centre. "Circle Guillotine!" I manifest intense amounts of silver directly overhead and bring it down with all my might. The closer I am to my silver the stronger my control and influence. My Circle Guillotine slices right through all the branches like they are butter.

The tree that now doesn't have many branches left to attack me with stumbles somewhat, using this chance I raise the Circle Guillotine a little and then "Contract!" I shout as the Circle Guillotine shrinks in size around the thick bark of the tree and slices right through.

"Timber!" I shout as I jump off the falling treetop. The bricks try to shoot me as I fall but I create a bunch of silver and have it take the shape of an egg with myself in the centre of it.

*Bang bang bang!* The bricks continue their relentless attacks despite my defence. When I land on solid ground again I release the technique and dodge the incoming brick whilst glaring at Van.

"You're just as good as I heard you are, Yuichi Shiro-kun. Such an artistic display of power and technique." Van says as he claps his hands together.

"Not artistic, just smart." I am a genius after all.

"But is it all right for you to be playing with me for so long? Right now, Disturb-sama could be having his way with the girl. Lilicia-sama crying your name in vain as he slowly but surely breaks her spirit and turns her into a cute doll for his collection. How artistic!" Hearing Van's words I can feel my rage gathering in me as I glare at the man before me. If this was a shounen manga it would be right now when the hero gains a deus ex machina power up from hearing that someone dear to him is being tormented. Unfortunately, this is reality. So the only things that's happening is me getting more and more angry. Oh deus ex machina power up, why won't you come to me?

XXXXXXXXXXX

Chapter 43B: The Betrothed's Respective Fights – Strength Of The Wolf Girl (Perspective: Alicia)

I swipe my scythe at Lycan, but I feel no resistance. "An after image?" Just how fast is this girl? I notice her standing over twenty metres away from me as her red eyes glow whilst she fixes her gaze back onto me.

Lycan charges towards me and I shoot a stream of electricity the attack just goes right through her, another after image.

Feeling a sudden brush of air from the side I enter a defensive stance with my scythe.

*Chich!* A huge crack appears just below the blade of my scythe as it collides with Lycan's claws. "What..." My scythe has always been well maintained, it's not like she found a weak point in it, her attack is just too powerful. "Are her claws sharper than Muramasa-Masamune?" I ask myself rhetorically.

"Urgghhh!" I feel a sudden sharp pain in my back as the image of Lycan before me disappears again and blood shoots out of my back. I quickly use my scythe as a support to prevent myself from falling.

"Onee-sama..." Lilicia suddenly shakes out of her trance, "Onee-sama!" She screams as her shaking body forces its way to its feet. With shaking hands she draws her scythe. "Curse you..." She stammers forward as her slow feet soon begin to gain strength and she charges towards us.

But Disturb quickly blocks her way and looks into her eyes. Lilicia's fear is rekindled as she tightly grasps her scythe trying to control her shaking. "You're no match for Lycan my love, you'll only be hurt in vain." He says with a smile.

"I...I...I won't let you hurt Onee-sama right in front of me!" Lilicia swings her scythe at Disturb, who blocks the attack with his own.

"Is this a new kind of foreplay or display of affection?" He asks himself.

"I hate you, Disturb!" Lilicia shouts.

"I see," Disturb nods to himself in thought, "You've been blinded to your true feelings because of your father and sister. You've been corrupted, but don't worry my dear, I'll ensure you see the light." He shouts whilst raising his arms into the sky with a huge smile on his face, I already knew it but, Disturb is disturbed. Lilicia takes a huge step back from hearing his last declaration as Disturb turns his head towards Lycan.

"Do it thoroughly." He orders.

"No, don't!" Lilicia shouts whilst she tries to run towards me only to be grabbed by Disturb. "Let go of me!" Lilicia struggles as Disturb just merely smiles whilst holding her.

Unfortunately I can't worry about Disturb right now. I refocus my gaze back to Lycan who is charging at me head on, like a wild beast out for blood. I too, charge towards her as I swing my scythe in a wide angle, expecting it to be nothing more than another after image and getting ready to redirect my attack. However, this time I feel an impact through my scythe and then.

*Crack!* My scythe cracks through the sheer force of Lycan's attack and my scythe's blade separates from the handle.

"Urgghhh!" I grunt as Lycan's attack continued down and slashes through me.

"Onee-sama!" Lilicia shouts whilst still being held back by Disturb who is still smiling with a refreshing grin.

I feel my legs grow weak as my vision grows hazy from blood loss. "Onee-sama!" I force my conscience awake and regain my footing as I drop my broke scythe and gather electric balls in both my hands. Even without my weapon, I still have my Reaper Techniques. What kind of sister would I be if I were to leave Lilicia with that man?

I know I can't win, my only hope is that Yuichi returns.

"He'll be too late," Disturb says as if he read my thoughts, "I left him a Hex Class as a playmate. I won't let anyone keep me from my one true love." As I thought Yuichi must have his own opponent, and your one true love as you called her, wants to be kept from you however.

"No matter what you say, do you think my fiancé will lose to one of your pawns!?" I shout, "We'll never let you have Lilicia."

"Nothing can keep apart two lovers, not you, not your foolish boy, no one." Disturb smiles confidently, "Lycan!" He commands as the girl licks my blood off of her claws causing her eyes to glow.

"Why don't you tell me that same line after you get past Lycan," Disturb's smile grows thinner, "If you can get past Lycan." He corrects himself.

hyuugalegacy

2017-06-04, 10:30

Here is chapter 44

Chapter 44A: Disturb Or Disturbed – Yuichi Vs Van II

"I can't waste any more time here," I say to myself as I dodge the bricks that Van launches whilst still edging closer to him.

"Then shall I give you an artistic death?" He says as he throws several boards to the ground and three iron clad knights wielding spears appear.

"Tch, I'm getting nowhere here," As soon as I defeat one thing he just brings out something else.

I jump to one side to dodge a brick and one of the knights tries to pierce me with its spear, I swiftly deflect it with one of my swords, and slash at the knight with my other, but that one gets blocked by one of the other knights.

"Urghh!" I yelp in pain as I gaze at the third knight's spear, that has cut into my left arm. I suddenly also notice the bricks shooting towards me from behind. All right, now I'm mad. I drop and reshape the silver sword in my right hand into three different anklets, which I swiftly attach onto the three knight's legs to hold them still. I quickly pull the spear out of my arm and jump to one side as all the bricks rain down.

Now that I've got all the nuisances in one place, "Silver Dome!" I shout as I create a huge mass of silver that encases all the bricks and knights and then "Compress!" I forcefully shrink the size of the dome trapping all within it. The destructive power behind those bricks was due to the speed they flew at, therefore, if I don't give them any room to accelerate, they're just worthless chunks of rock.

I refocus my gaze onto Van and charge towards him before he can call out something else. "It takes several seconds for you to give life to your pictures, I'll finish you before you can bring out anything else." I declare as I create a replacement silver sword for the one I discarded.

"Giving life to, indeed it does, however," Van throws two boards that spin either side of him, as I get within striking distance and try to slice at him. Van throws an arm into each of his pictures and pulls out a blade from each of the boards, and blocks my attack with both of his blades, "Creating inanimate objects doesn't take any time at all." The two now blank boards drop lifelessly to the ground as I glare at his confident smile.

"So you can also interact with your paintings and pull them into reality?" This was an oversight on my part, I thought he would be weak in close quarter combat, but it seems his power allows him to cover that as well. "You're a lot more of a dangerous foe than I gave you credit for."

"Creating art maybe my day job, but I am Hex Class, of course I'm artistically strong." Van says as he slashes towards my face that I dodge at a hair breadth, oi that's off limits, my face is a better piece of art than you could ever create, and do you have to try so hard to add artistic into all your sentences? I slash back, but Van jumps away and creates some distance as I create several silver javelins and launch them. Van dives to one side and at the same time throws a board on the floor, he discards one of his swords and pulls out a new weapon whilst in mid fall from the dive.

"Shit!" I shout as Van points his new weapon at me and...

*Bang! Bang! Bang!*, "URGHHHHAAAAA!" Shoots three bullets from its chamber, hitting me in both my legs and my arm.

"Unlike our number one Hex Class, I'm not a huge sword freak. Shooting someone dead is a lot more elegant and artistic than stabbing them." Van says with a smile as he continues to point the gun at me.

"Damn!" I groan in pain as I stare at all the immense amount of blood and blue steam flowing out of my limbs. My beautiful body is in complete tatters, and this pain is in league with being hit with a Soul Slayer. But, "I cannot fall here!" I manifest silver and have it put immense pressure on the wounds to stop the bleeding. "One as beautiful as I shall never succumb to this level of pain, not until I fulfil my quota!" I reminisce about the time I dreamt that Ren told me he would complete my quota on my behalf and that he'd tell me all about it. But, "I will do it myself! So I cannot fall!" I've been given a second chance at life, I highly doubt I'll get a third one.

"What are you babbling about? Whatever it is, it isn't very artistic!" Van shouts as he pulls the trigger.

"Silver Wall!"

*Bang! Bang! Bang!* - My wall of silver guards me from the attacks.

"This is bad," I say to myself as I look on at the blood escaping from the silver that I had constricting it. "I have no choice," I state as I close my eyes for a moment to regain my calm. "Given that I knew that Alicia and Lilicia-chan must be fighting someone, I wanted to save my strength for that fight. But that doesn't matter, right now I just need to get to them, I'll cross the bridge when I come to it, I'll fight for them even exhausted, even on the verge of death if I must."

"Just artistically die!" Van runs to one side so that he can get a different angle for his shot where my Silver Wall isn't in the way.

*Bang! Bang!* I manipulate my Silver Wall to guard me again.

"This is still in the beta stage, but now is the perfect time to try it out!" I shout to rev myself up.

I create an insane amount of silver overhead Van stares on in shock at the huge quantity, but that is not what is special about this.

"That looks artistically bad," Van deduces, still sticking that meaningless word in. "Your manipulating the silver on a molecular level and changing its physical state into a liquid, and there is such a vast quantity of it!" Van takes a step back at seeing the danger.

"It's not like I laxed off when it came to training my abilities." I state, "Now eat the fruit of my beautiful labour! Liquid Silver Technique: Silver Tsunami!" I drop the mass silver towards Van where it takes the form of a large wave.

Van jumps into the air to avoid the Silver Tsunami but I have a part of the wave retake a solid form, and like a tentacle it wraps around his waist and tries to drag him into the Silver Tsunami. Once I have him in there, then it's over.

"Tch, time for an artistic escape, I've more than fulfilled the assignment given to me by Disturb-sama." Van pulls out a board and puts his own body into it, the board then disappears.

"So he escaped," I lament, but I have no time to chase him down, "Alicia, Lilicia-chan, hang on, I'm on my way."

I drag my exhausted, wounded, yet still beautiful, body. Nothing is going to stop me.

XXXXXXXXXXXX

Chapter 44B: Disturb Or Disturbed – The Boy And Girl's Tears (Perspective: Alicia)

Lycan charges towards me at an incredible speed, I throw one of my electric balls at her, but it goes right through her like before, another after image.

"Guh!" I feel another sharp pain cutting into my side, but this is what I was waiting for. I grab the unsuspecting arm of Lycan, the beast like eyes shows shock for the first time.

"Now you can't escape!" I thrust my second electric balls towards the now restrained Lycan, or rather at the collar on her neck.

"GGAAAHHH!" The beast weeps in pain as the collar changes colour and she falls to the ground.

"Hooo," Disturb smiles at the sight, "You forced Lycan's collar to malfunction, and restrain her, very clever." The collar Lycan's wearing is the same kind that we put on Alma, it restrains the individual via certain keywords. Disturb probably had her wear it as a fail safe mechanism in case she turned on him, she is like a wild beast after all. "I never considered you'd do something like that, I guess I'll have to redesign the collar to prevent that from happening again."

"Your next, Disturb," I regather electricity as I restate my declaration, "You won't have my little sister!"

"Onee-sama," Lilicia whispers as a single tear escapes her eyes.

"I told you, no one will get in the way of our love, although it looks like I'll now have to get my own hands dirty. And here I thought only Yuichi Shiro would be a match for one of my Hex Classes, even if your victory was simple lucky circumstances." He's right, I wouldn't have been able to defeat Lycan if it wasn't for that loophole.

"And I doubt Van will be able to delay him much longer, therefore." Disturb closes his eyes, and whilst holding Lilicia with his arm he forms several hand signs. Here it comes, eight white streams of light in the shape of tentacles sprout from Disturb's back, each tentacle has something like an eye inside of it. "Thanatos' Reaper Technique: Photon Options." Although the number of tentacles is inferior, it's the same technique as Carrisa's. Even though Disturb is a scum, he's still a Thanatos.

"I've really come to hate this technique lately," especially considering I've always been on the receiving end of it.

"Thanatos is considered the top of the three for a reason, a mere daughter of the Pandemonium is no match for me. Why must you stand in the way of me trying to bring Lilicia into my family?" Disturb asks seriously, he honestly cannot seem to understand the reason. He maybe even beyond disturbed.

"Because Lilicia hates your guts!" I shout as I run towards my foe with my electric balls. Several of the eyes glow and then shoot out white beams, I dodge to one side, but more glow and shoot their beams, I dodge again and throw my electric balls at the tentacles. The tentacles that are hit disperse, however another quickly forms in its place.

"Guhhhh!" From behind? I gaze at the Photon Option that had sneaked into my blind spot and shot at my arm.

"Onee-sama!" Lilicia shouts as I hold my injured arm, all the Photon Options circle around me.

"Disappear," Disturb says coldly as all the Photon Options shoot at me at once, damn it.

"Silver Mirror!" I finally hear the voice I wanted to hear the moment this fight had begun. Several sheets of silver surround me and the lasers shot from the Photon Options reflect back in the directions they came from whilst leaving a burn mark on the silver. Those beams obey the laws of light, so mirrors reflect them.

I gaze at my saviour and am astonished. He is covered in wounds throughout his whole body, blood is escaping relentlessly, he's in no condition to fight.

"Yuichi...niisama?" Lilicia looks on in horror at the boy whom we both love so much, who is dragging his body that looks as though is knocking on hells door. For someone who is always obsessed with his beauty, I never thought I would see him in such a state, I never thought he would allow anyone to see him in this state.

"You managed to defeat Van I see," Disturb gazes on, "But with one foot in the grave already, what are you hoping to accomplish?"

Yuichi looks at Disturb and then at Lilicia whom is in tears, then finally at me. "I'm going to kill you," Yuichi declares as he slowly drags his body towards Disturb.

"Does seeing your fiancé all beat up DISTURB YOU!?" Disturb shouts.

"It doesn't disturb, just pisses me off. Now seeing a middle aged bearded man, playing the bagpipes in a kilt, on a windy day, NOW THAT DISTURBS ME!" Yuichi shouts out some incoherent nonsense, is it due to his wounds? No it's just Yuichi being Yuichi.

A few moments elapse before Disturb scratches the back of his head awkwardly, "Okay, I can't disagree with you there." On just that one point, it seems friend and foe are in agreement, but now isn't the time for such stupidity.

"Yuichi-niisama..." Lilicia stares on still in horror as Yuichi forces a smile to his face.

"I'll definitely save you," He says kindly as his body seems to gather its second burst and he charges at Disturb head on.

Seeing Lilicia regain some strength Disturb glares angrily at Yuichi "I won't let you corrupt Lilicia any further, Yuichi Shiro." Four of the Photon Options shoot at Yuichi, wait four, that means, the other four shoot their beams at me, Damn.

But like before Silver Mirrors form and reflect the attacks from hitting me. But only from hitting me.

"Urghhh!" All four beams shot at Yuichi pierced through him.

"YUICHI-NIISAMA!"

"YUICHI!" Lilicia and I scream in shock at the boy who took all those attacks, but yet, his legs remain solid, and he continues to move towards Disturb, who harshly shoots the lasers from the Photon Options again.

Once again I am protected but, Yuichi. He doesn't have the strength left to defend both of us, so he's using what little he does have to protect me. Yuichi...I can't stop my tears at looking at my fiancé take attack after attack yet still continues forward. But at this rate.

"No more playing around, this time I'm aiming for your vitals." Disturb coldly states as energy gathers into the Photon Options with Yuichi barely able to move.

"NOOOO!" I scream

Just before the lasers are shot, "I'LL BITE MY TONGUE!" Lilicia shouts and Disturb's attack ceases. "I WON'T LET YOU HARM HIM ANY FURTHER!" I stare at Lilicia, that last declaration, her eyes, despite covered in tears, they're serious.

"You really have been corrupted, my love," The Photon Options move their aims away from Yuichi. "Don't worry, I'll definitely purify you," Disturb declares as he turns Lilicia, who is as solid as a statue, to face him and then, a most unforgivable action, Disturb interlocks his lips with Lilicia's. Lilicia is shocked as tears flow down her eyes and her body grows tense.

When he lets go of her lips, Lilicia looks even further saddened, "How...how could you...?" Her voice through the tears is weak. Yuichi, almost as if in response to Lilicia's tears rises from the ground and slowly moves towards Disturb once again. The Photon Options refocus on Yuichi, not good, I gather my strength, run and dive pushing Yuichi to the ground before the beams can pierce him again.

"Onee-sama...Yuichi-niisama..." Lilicia's face is full of grief and despair, but she tries to smile again, "Thank you..."

"Connect..." Disturb states as he, Lilicia and Lycan disappear.

"Lilicia...Damn it!" I failed, I let my sister get taken, and I let Yuichi get put into such a state, can't I be anything more than dead weight!?

Yuichi slowly rises up off the ground, tears are flowing down his eyes as he slowly marches towards where Disturb previously stood. "He's gone, Yuichi," I say as more tears continue down my face. But Yuichi keeps moving, I run to catch up to him and then I notice.

"Yuichi..." His eyes, they're, Even though he keeps moving, "You're no longer conscious." And yet he still moved, he still desired to save Lilicia, despite his wounds, despite his mind no longer functioning properly. Yuichi takes another step with his battered body, then another. "I said they're gone, Yuichi!" I embrace him tightly as I look at his hollow eyes that are still crying, "Please think about yourself, Yuichi. Your wounds are serious. Please, just for now, stop fighting, rest. Even if we lost this battle, for as long we're both alive, we'll get another chance. We'll definitely save her, so please, don't burden yourself any more!" I don't know whether it's because my words got through to him, but with eyes still crying, Yuichi's body goes limp as I feel his weight lean on me.

I strengthen my embrace further to support him as I release all my sadness and frustration. This was our complete loss. "Lilicia..." I soak my eyes into Yuichi's shoulder as I try to regather my hope. Today, I lost one important person to me, and I very nearly eternally lost a second.

Light in the Clouds

2017-06-20, 22:52

awesome writing, laughed at "other than me getting assaulted by a demon"

hyuugalegacy

2017-07-14, 12:05

Here is chapter 45

Chapter 45A: The Coup – The Two Heirs (Perspective: None)

During the time Disturb took Lilicia and defeated Yuichi, another incident was taking place, one that would change the way of the Underworld. The main territory of the Thanatos family was in a huge uproar as scythes clash and reaper techniques were exchanged. Corpses littered the land and the blood moist the soil.

"It's no good, they're too strong!" A reaper shouted as all their attacks are deflected by a single person.

"To think that the Head of the Thanatos' personal army is this weak, what a disappointment." A teenage girl with long scarlet hair with a blond fringe and violet eyes says as she walks slowly towards her opposition with her scythe resting on her shoulder.

"Priscilla...Orthrus..." One of the reapers identified, "Why are you doing this!?"

"Hades and the current Thanatos were the ones who chose Cerberus over Orthrus. Disturb-sama promised to change all that in exchange for me becoming one of his Hex Class." The girl answered as she took a stance with her scythe. "Soon everything shall be put right." Flames gathered around Priscilla's scythe as she dove towards the huge group of reapers that were blocking her way.

"Attack, we must protect our Lord!" One shouted as the dozen or so reapers unleashed waves of attacks with varying elements.

"Pointless," Priscilla swung her scythe in an arc letting out a stream of fire that stopped the attacks. "Small fry can just be fried!" She shouted as she jumped into the air and swung her scythe into the ground. Suddenly a wide tower of fire erupted from the ground engulfing all her enemies.

"AAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHH!" The heavy screams of the reapers resounded through the night as Priscilla burnt their flesh, blood, and bones, slowly into cinders.

Priscilla examined what little remained of her enemies. "Was there a need for Cocytus-sama to bring four Hex Classes if this is all they can amount to?"

"He's being careful, and thorough, Priscilla," An old man who looks to be in his eighties with reclining short white hair says with a withered voice as he walks towards his comrade with support from his cane. "He's been waiting for this for a long time, it's only natural."

"Your finished on your end, Isaac," Priscilla asked.

"Of course," He said as he pointed behind him. Priscilla followed his finger to see a huge crater had formed in the ground that could fit several castles within it. "I had to hold back a lot of my power to avoid friendly fire though."

"You held back?" She asked rhetorically as she looked again at the huge crevice. But this kind of power was only to be expected of the Hex Classes number two, Isaac was three ranks higher than Priscilla and thus much stronger.

"Where are Owari and Kaiser?" Priscilla asked as she looks left and right.

"Kaiser has gone to deal with the reinforcements, and Owari..." Isaac smiled deviously, "Has gone to pick up insurance."

"I see," Priscilla could already guess what he was referring to as she turned towards her subordinates. "This battle is ours, wipe out any other who resists!" She shouts, as they're soldiers cheer. With two Hex Classes they felt invincible as they charged at their demoralised opponents, who could do nothing other than pray for a miracle. In both strength and numbers, they were beat.

"What is the meaning of this, Cocytus!?" A man who appeared to be in his late thirties with long cyan coloured hair and green eyes clad in a long red cape interrogated the man before him.

"You already know without asking, Tartarus," Cocytus, a man who looked almost identical to the other but dressed entirely in black, responded.

The similar looks between the two wasn't just coincidence, it was in their genetics. Each man had ten Photon Options sprouting out of their backs, this ability that was used by only one bloodline proved their identities.

Blood covered both men and their clothes were heavily worn out, the signs of their harsh battle.

"You no longer possess the power to keep me from ruling Thanatos, Tartarus," Cocytus' eyes glowed dangerously. "Therefore feel free to retire yourself to your grave." Cocytus' Photon Options shot their beams as does Tartarus'. The many lasers rebound off one another like billiard balls. Stray shots grazed both men in the arms. Cocytus' eyes opened wide, "This is revenge for all the humiliation you've put me through!" His eyes only held pure malice that bordered on the line of insanity.

Cocytus charged towards Tartarus with his scythe as all twenty of the combined Photon Options blast their lasers only to be deflected away by one another.

*Ching Ching!* The two Thanatos' glared at each other as their scythes got stuck in a deadlock. "It's because you're like this that I am the family head." Tartarus states as several icicles form the shapes of arrows and shoot towards Cocytus, who breaks the deadlock and jumps back to safety.

"You were just liked better by Hades!" Cocytus shouts in denial as he punches the ground which freezes from contact with his fist. The ice quickly makes its way towards Tartarus, who gathers flames in his own hand and also punches the ground, the ice and fire meets causing an instant evaporation. The steam covers the Thanatos audience chamber that is acting as their battleground. The Photon Options let out another barrage of lasers that both dodge or deflect.

*Ching Ching!* The force from the two scythes colliding create a shockwave that clears the steam. Cocytus has his ice take on the shape of a second scythe and swings it towards Tartarus' throat, who pushes off with his scythe and somersaults over the top of his assailant.

"There is still time to end this, Cocytus," Tartarus attempted to negotiate.

"So sure of your loss that you have to resort to begging, Tartarus. Like I thought, you're not fit to run the Thanatos family!" Several blades of ice are shot at Tartarus who skilfully destroys every one using his Photon Options. "So give me back what is MINE!" Cocytus' Photon Options release their lasers. Tartarus however merely shoots a single beam.

"URGHH!" Cocytus yelps as his own lasers were rebounded right back at him.

"I've already read through your attacks, Cocytus. And now I realised something which I felt I knew all along." Tartarus closed his eyes as his face contorted in grief.

"It appears that you're beyond hope," A single tear escapes Tartarus' eye, no matter how much they fought or disagreed, Tartarus still cared for Cocytus. However his position that was granted to him had to come first. "So at the very least I shall be the one who ends this. As the Head of the Thanatos family I shall now pass judgement down upon you, Cocytus Thanatos!" A dark mist covered Tartarus' hand as a green book manifested and his face turned into one of determination.

"So you've resorted to that. The Thanatos' Grimoire." Cocytus cringed at the book that spelt his demise.

"With this you're finished." It was true, Cocytus had no power to fight against the Grimoire, the fight was over.

"Thanatos' Grimoire, ope..." Tartarus began when a rip in space opened and three girls in their teens landed in the centre of the battleground followed by a young man in light armour carrying a sword at each of his sides.

"I advise you rethink that idea, Tartarus-dono. The Grimoire's power is difficult to control the essence of death may attack someone you don't want it to."

Tartarus stared in shock at the three girls who had been taken hostage, "Rose, Lily, Tsubaki!" Tartarus called the names of his three daughters, his ultimate power had been sealed by the triplet's presences.

"Well done, Owari. As to be expected of my son's number one Hex Class." Cocytus praised the man dressed like a sengoku period warlord, who gave a acknowledging nod in return.

"You coward, Cocytus!" Tartarus yelled in anger as his gaze grew hostile.

"All is fair in war, Uncle," A voice stated from behind. "You shouldn't have let your emotions get the better of you."

Tartarus turned around "URGGHHH!" Just in time to see his back get blasted by the eight lasers from the Photon Options on the boy's back. The boy smiled as the bloodied man fell into a puddle of his own blood.

"Dis...turb..." Tartarus muttered maliciously as he tried to rise to his feet. "GUHHHH!" Disturb kicked him directly where he had shot him with his Photon Options and Tartarus fell to the ground again.

"No, no, no," Disturb said with a refreshing smile that was completely out of place, "You not being able to accept defeat is really making you look pathetic Uncle. Ha ha ha!"

"URGHHH!" Disturb planted his foot into the wounded man once again. "Urgh!" And again. Each kick caused his smile to widen as if it grew in proportion to Tartarus' agony.

"Disturb, we still need him, so that will be enough. I'm guessing you completed your personal errand?"

"Sure did, Pops. But she's been so badly corrupted I think it will take me a while to get her to open her eyes." Disturb said as he tilted his head to one side. "But I won't give up, I'll never give up. I shall remind her of the love we share." Disturb spread his arms wide as his smile looked as if he had attained perfect bliss.

"With your ability for this kind of thing, I'm positive you can get her to your liking by the night's end." Cocytus complimented as he turned towards his defeated brother. "With this, Thanatos will be as it should be, ours."

The father and son smiled as they looked at the fallen Thanatos family's head. Their coup an overwhelming success.

XXXXXX

Chapter 45B: The Coup – The Reason

After I was defeated by Disturb it appears that I was taken to the Pandemonium's Underworld residence. Alicia, Father-in-law, and Wolfy are looking on at me through the other side of the recovery capsule.

"I'm sorry," I say honestly as I feel my eyes swell up, "I failed to protect Lilicia-chan." I bow my head in shame as Father-in-law shakes his head.

"No, Yuichi-kun. It was my mistake. I feared for Lilicia's safety when I caught wind of what was happening. I couldn't tell Lilicia the truth, due to her fear of Disturb. I was hoping to solve the problems without her even knowing. And I can tell with one look that you did everything you could." Father-in-law smiles at me, it's a smile that aches my heart, "Thank you, for trying to protect my daughter." He doesn't have a hint of blame in his voice, I know he doesn't blame me, and yet this only makes me feel worse. How could I let this man down, how could I let Lilicia-chan down. From day one they have both shown me more kindness than anyone. They treat me like I am their own. Tears release from my eyes as I recall Lilicia-chan who despite being afraid, saved my life by threatening to take her own. My mind couldn't process everything at the time but there is one image that will probably haunt me for the rest of my life.

The moment Disturb forced his lips onto her. When I woke up inside this capsule I had prayed that it was a nightmare, but I was immediately told it wasn't.

"How can someone hurt a girl like her?" I ask as I wipe the tears from my eyes. I've met my fair share of messed up people, but this guy just tops the list.

"Disturb has always been like that. I don't know why he got so fixated on Lilicia but his mind is so warped and delusional that insanity is too weak of a word to describe him." Father-in-law explains, "Couple that with the fact that he has Thanatos blood running through his veins makes him an existence of the worst kind." He's just as dangerous as I thought, I definitely can't leave Lilicia-chan in his hands.

"Is there anyway to speed up the recovery," I ask as I look at some of my still open wounds, "I need to save Lilicia-chan as soon as possible." Right now she must be in absolute fear, and it's all because I failed. Even if I apologise until my throat ripped out, it still wouldn't be enough.

"What are you saying, Yuichi!?" Alicia yells at me, "Do you have any idea how worried everyone was about your injuries? These kinds of things can't be rushed, even with your uniqueness as a Human Anomaly!"

"But Lili..." I start.

"But NOTHING!" Tears begin to flow down, "We were beaten down so easily last time, these aren't opponents we can take lightly. If you go so recklessly you'll only die a pointless death, and if that happens how will that make Lilicia feel, how do you think I would feel? Yuichi, you seem to have this idea that for as long as you protect everyone then everything is okay. Just like in that last battle, you protected me but took attack after attack yourself. When there are people that care about you, whether you like it or not, your life is no longer just your own." What is Alicia saying? I don't recall ever thinking that.

"You do it on impulse, Master," Wolfy states as if he read my mind, "Did you not also do something similar when you protected Sakura-sama from that Slayer?" Is he referring to that encounter with Vincent?

"But someone as beautiful as I cannot allow a girl to be hurt," I reply.

"How hurt do you think I was when I saw you get blasted again and again by Disturb!?" Alicia screams in a voice filled with deep emotion as tears escape her eyes.

"..." I can only remain silent from hearing her last outburst.

Father-in-law sighs as he pats Alicia on the shoulder, "We're getting a little bit off subject here, but anyway I will be counting on your power, Yuichi-kun. Unfortunately due to how delicate the situation has become, it will be difficult for me to move around and resolve the matter personally." Father-in-law looks down.

"Did something happen?" Alicia asks.

"I got a message just before I came here," Father-in-law states, "Cocytus has successfully staged a coup against Tartarus." Tartarus? Isn't that the name of the head of the Thanatos family?

Alicia looks shocked, "He managed to succeed..." Her body quivers.

"Excuse me," I hate to butt in, but I'm clueless here, "Who is this Co...Co..." I can't pronounce it, "Cock person." Praise Hades for the gift of abbreviations.

Alicia just stares at me in disbelief for a moment, "Cocytus Thanatos, he's Disturb's father and the current head, Tartarus-sama's older brother."

Wait he's that scum's father? Does his seed contain the code for insanity?

"Tartarus' father the previous head decided to leave Tartarus as his successor rather than Cocytus on Hades-sama's suggestion." Father-in-law explains, "Cocytus has always bared a grudge against Tartarus, but he was until recently forced to keep the status quo."

"What happened that made him take action now?" Wolfy asks the question I too wish to know the answer to.

"Tartarus had something that tipped the balance of power in his favour." Father-in-law explains, "Or rather someone."

"Someone?" I ask.

"His eldest daughter," Alicia states, wait does she mean, "Carrisa." As I thought.

"The fact that Tartarus had Carrisa by his side left Cocytus no choice but to avoid conflict. He knew he couldn't win." Father-in-law explains.

"Just by being there, Carrisa kept the internal conflict in check, but now that she has gone rogue, the balance of power has tipped the other way."

I see, I never even thought to think just how important Carrisa's existence is to the Underworld.

"However, that no longer matters. Disturb and Cocytus are too dangerous to be left to their own devices. And now this battle has been made personal," Father-in-law's eyes grow intense from his hatred, "They shall learn what it means to make an enemy of me."

And I'll be sure to back you up every step of the way, Father. Disturb, you tormented Lilicia-chan and Alicia if you think you've seen the last of this beautiful face, then you're in for a rude awakening.

hyuugalegacy

2017-07-19, 12:50

Here is Chapter 46

Chapter 46A: Plan Of Attack – Know Your Enemy

A few days have passed. I'm now more or less recovered. During this period the Pandemonium family has been using every resource at its disposal to learn what they can about the situation within Thanatos.

Myself, Alicia, Wolfy, Father-in-law, Kuro-san and Mother-in-law are sitting around a large table.

"Right, now lets begin the meeting," Father-in-law states. "Shortly after the takeover, Cocytus publicised a demand to Hades-sama to officially reinstate him as the head."

I heard about this, Cock is threatening he will attack the Underworld capital if Hades doesn't comply. We still have no idea how he's planning to attack it, there have been suspicions regarding a wide ranged Reaper Technique, to bomb threats, to just a direct assault by an army. Therefore large portions of our forces have re-stationed themselves to help avert the crisis. Tonight's the deadline for the demands.

"Obviously, Hades-sama cannot give in to such a threat," Kuro-san says as he folds his arms, "It's Underworld policy not to negotiate with terrorists." Even though he's from a noble family Cock and Disturb are now only considered terrorists.

"Which means we can only disarm the situation with force?" Alicia asks.

"The moment Disturb kidnapped Lilicia-chan, I wouldn't settle for anything less." I'm definitely going to pulverise him for making her cry!

Father-in-law nods as his face turns serious, "Well said, Yuichi-kun," He applauds, "Their crimes are far too big to grant amnesty, so we will destroy them." Everyone present nods back, the decision is unanimous.

"Lilicia, I wonder if she's okay," Mother-in-law says solemnly.

"Don't worry, Annetta. They have too much on their hands to think about, I'm sure for now, she's safe." Father explains, but I can tell it's a brave front for his wife. This all happened because I failed, forgive me, Mother. "Now, moving on, we have confirmed some of our notable opposition."

Three holograms appear above the table, depicting Lycan, Van, and another girl that I don't know.

"Priscilla!?" Alicia says in shock as she stares at the scarlet haired girl. "Does that mean that Orthrus are backing Cocytus and Disturb!?"

"That remains to be seen at the moment, but at the very least Priscilla is." Father explains as he gazes at the girl's hologram.

"Um, sorry," I speak out, something is bothering me.

"What is it, Yuichi-kun?" Father asks.

"Not that I'm complaining, but Father, Lycan wasn't in a swimsuit when we fought her." I state.

"To notice that, as to be expected of you, Yuichi-kun. I went the extra mile when I paid to have this machine installed and added a certain patch. The system analyses all girls it displays and puts them into swimsuits that are best suited to bring out their charms!" Father opens his arms wide, "The best extra two hundred and fifty million of taxpayer's money I've ever spent!" What a godly machine! "By the way I'm planning on upgrading it so that they can be shown in erotic cosplay soon!"

"Seriously! Do you have Alicia and Lilicia-chan's data stored!?" I ask in excitement.

"I'm their father, of course I do." Father gives me a smile, wink and a thumbs up. I return the gesture with my own. This is why I respect this man so much.

"OWWWW!" A fist knocks me off my chair.

"I WON'T LET YOU!" Alicia shouts as a vein appears at the top of her head.

"Dear," Mother approaches Father with a smile, "I thought you told me the patch was a free service. What is this about an extra two hundred and fifty million?" Father sweats as Mother's smile holds pure malice behind its façade.

XXXXXXXXX

One huge lecture later and the meeting resumes.

"Lycan #13, this girl is an unknown," Father begins and Lycan's image grows as we discuss, "According to Alicia she is capable of moving at intense high speeds and her claws are strong enough to cut through a Reaper's Scythe."

"Yes, I was able to beat her by using the restraining device on her, but next time they'll probably have a counter measure." Alicia explains.

"In other words we don't have any details of her background or what she is, so exercise extreme caution." Father states. "Next is the man Yuichi-kun faced, Van." Van's image enlarged. "Please tell us about him, Yuichi-kun."

"He's a Human Anomaly who has the power to give life to his paintings. When I fought him he used a tree and brick wall against me. When he gives life to objects however it takes a few seconds to accomplish. But he is also capable of pulling inanimate objects such as a gun out of his paintings instantly. I'm unsure if there is any limit to his power." I explain everything I learned.

"Quite a difficult opponent you had to face, Yuichi-sama." Kuro-san states. It was less him being tough and more the fact that I was trying to rush things that was the problem though.

"Master fought such an enemy whilst I wasn't present, I'm ashamed of myself." Wolfy states.

"Don't mind, I should have used the whistle you gave me. I couldn't think straight at the time though." I explain.

"Then finally, I'm sure all of you but Yuichi-kun and Wolfy know about this girl, Priscilla Orthrus," The final image enlarges at Father's words, "She's the oldest daughter to the head of Orthrus, a rival family to the Cerberus. In terms of family hierarchy Orthrus would be fourth, just below the three families. Although not to the same extent as to someone like Carrisa, Priscilla could also be called a prodigy, her flames are to be feared." All the Hex Class appear to be troublesome individuals. "Unfortunately we know nothing of the other three members, so moving onto our main nemesis'." The three images disappear and two more take their place. One is a older man with cyan hair, and the other is...

"DISTURB!" I get up and punch the hologram knowing its futility, I can't hide my anger seeing that scum's face.

"Calm down, Yuichi-kun. That anger isn't just your own," Father pacifies and I retake my seat.

"The ones behind the entire affair, Cocytus and Disturb Thanatos," So that other one is Cock, I engrave his face into my memory, so I know exactly who to break. "Fortunately neither of them are capable of using the Grimoire. However, as Thanatos, Disturb and Cocytus are able to manifest eight and ten Photon Options respectively making both incredibly formidable. In addition, they will do anything to win, so don't expect a clean fight. Also be wary of the Thanatos' other innate ability of Kyrokinesis, although by nature they seem to lean towards using Photon Options just remember that isn't their only power." I see, so Thanatos have more than just their Photon Options. Kyrokinesis is the ice version of Pyrokinesis isn't it?

"Unfortunately, due to certain circumstances, Hades-sama cannot stop this conflict himself. We have also received orders prior to put the lives of the capital's citizens as our top priority, so it will be difficult for me to move as well." Father-in-law looks down in anger, his position is preventing him from taking direct action. I can sense the huge dismay in his face, it isn't always easy being in a powerful position.

"Don't worry, Father," I state, "I will definitely rescue Lilicia-chan and kick Disturb in the nuts whilst I'm at it." No, wait a second, doing so would contaminate my beautiful foot. "I take that back, I'll slice his nuts off." This way I don't have to touch him.

"Thanks my boy, I'll provide as much support as I can." Father pats my shoulder when suddenly...

"Beep beep beep!" A loud alarm rings out.

"What's that!?" I shout when suddenly a huge image of a man I saw just a second ago appears in the sky. It's Cock!

"Good evening ladies and gentleman, boy and girls." He greets with a smile, "It appears that your leader hasn't come to his senses of giving back what is rightfully mine. Therefore, as promised, your lives are forfeited. Squirm in fear at the might of the Crusader!"

Suddenly the image changes to that of a fleet of four huge flying ships. "The Crusader!" Father shouts in shock, "He awakened an ancient weapon!? This is beyond what we imagined!" Father opens up a communication line to someone who looks like a scientist. "Where is the current location of the Crusader, how long till it reaches the Capital!?"

"Sir, we're locating it somewhere in the Dark Plains, at its current speed it will be in shooting range of the capital in three hours!" Father is shocked at the report, Cock must have gotten himself one dangerous weapon. "Begin evacuation of the Capital, pass along all our information to the Cerberus family and request them to aid the efforts. Prepare countermeasures to stall the Crusader for as long as possible. Every second counts, get to work!"

"Yes, Sir!" The scientist salutes and the line closes. "To think he went this far, I underestimated him," Father-in-law states, "No, that's not it. Cocytus isn't capable of something like this, he's had help?" Father says to himself as he suddenly hits his fist into his hand, "I see, so that's the way it is. That's why Hades-sama had to leave at such a time!" What is it that he's figured out.

"Yuichi-kun, my apologies, it looks like I will be needing your help sooner than I thought." Father states, you needn't worry, from the very start I was set on helping you. "Yuichi-kun, Alicia, Wolfy, Kuro-kun, you will stop the Crusader for good." We will? Those four ships, I'm worried. "Don't worry, Yuichi-kun. It's not like I don't have a plan. Kuro-kun, go and prepare the two Dual-Cores, they will be required!"

"Yes, Master!" Kuro-san runs off somewhere.

"But Father, how do you expect us to stop that weapon?" Alicia asks.

"Don't you know that all things with a hard shell have a weak inside?" Father smiles. "Go get ready, My presence will be required in the Capital. Annetta, please look after our territory."

"Leave it to me," Mother replies. Father's quick thinking in such a crisis, as expected of one of the few people I look up to. I should do my best as well.

As Father begins to walk off in a quick pace, I hurriedly catch up to him and make sure no one is listening in. "Father, I have a question, or maybe a request." I state.

"What is it?"

I can't fall a second time so I'll do everything to ensure that I don't.

XXXXXXXXX

Chapter 46B: Plan Of Attack – The Cerberus' Basic Policy (Perspective: Ren)

It was during the first year in middle school. My first official meeting with the boy who has since been my best friend.

I run down the corridor and return to my classroom after popping out for a brief moment. As I wander back to my seat I notice my two oranges and banana placed in a certain formation. I turn my face to my new classmates "Who was it that put my fruit in such a suggestive pose?" I ask as I gaze back at the banana that is pointing to the ceiling with an orange either side of it.

At my question thirty odd fingers point to a single boy with brown hair, Yuichi Shiro. The boy looks left then right at his opposition before pointing his finger at a random person, "He did." He says in a confident voice that makes him look more pitiful than anything else. Its thirty to one so I have my answer as I sigh. The last spectacle of pitifulness destroyed all my previous anger.

For some reason after that the two of us got along surprisingly well, even if I ask myself how we became friends I wouldn't be able to give a logical answer. It just happened.

XXXXXXXXXXX

I feel my heavy eyes slowly open as I take in my surroundings through the capsule I'm in. Elizabeth, Reno, and Sakura are all looking in at me.

"How are you feeling, Ren-sama?" Elizabeth asks as I gaze at my new arm, I open and close my fist to get the feeling.

"Much better, it feels like I'm whole again." I reply.

"Nii-san," Sakura calls me from the other end, she looks stressed. "Sempai was attacked." She states. What, Yuichi was?

"What's happened whilst I've been asleep?" I ask with seriousness leaking into my voice.

The three quickly fill me in regarding the assault on Yuichi and Alicia-san, the kidnapping of Lilicia-san, and the coup within the Thanatos. I can't believe so much has happened in so little time.

"Elizabeth, can you let me out of here? I'm feeling much better now." I ask, Elizabeth nods and walks to the capsule. After pressing a few buttons the liquid I'm in drains away and the door opens. I step onto the ground with my bare feet. Reno throws me a robe, I'm only wearing clothes on the lower half of my body. I quickly put it on.

"Knowing what is happening, Ren-nii, what do you want to do?" Reno asks.

"If I said I wished to assist in the rescue of Lilicia-san, would you stop me?" I ask the brother and sister in front of me.

"Nii-san?" Sakura looks worried, it can't be helped though, sometimes I just have to do these things.

"We've received a request for help in handling the Crusader from Alexander-sama. Father said that he is going to the Capital, and that we're free to do as we please." Elizabeth explains, "If Ren-sama wishes to help, then I too will lend my assistance. I can't let Alicia and Yuichi Shiro take all the credit." I'm glad to see your heart's in the right place, sort of.

"I too will..." Sakura begins.

"Stay put!" I stop her, it's way too dangerous for a non-combatant to get involved.

"But Sempai will..." She tries again.

"Will only be burdened if you marched into the danger zone." I forcefully finish her sentence with my own interpretation. "Yuichi is strong, he'll be fine. Staying in the safe zone and welcoming the heroes back when they return is the role of the maiden Sakura. Just trust me on this."

"But what if Sempai, or you, or anyone else..."

"Have some faith in your brother, and the boy you've liked for so long will you?" I pat Sakura's head in an attempt to console her, she still seems upset, but she nods.

"Then shall we go, Ren-sama?" Elizabeth asks, and I nod.

"Sorry to be a third wheel, but I'll have you take me along." Reno interjects, "I'm worried about Lilicia and the triplets as well. And I think you'll need all the firepower you can get."

"Thanks, Reno." I say gratefully as I walk past Sakura to the exit. Reno and Elizabeth follow me close behind as Sakura stays still, almost as if she's praying.

"Definitely come back safely you three!" She shouts without turning around I raise an arm whilst still pacing onwards.

"This'll be the perfect time to test out my new arm," I smile as I look at my arm glowing with glyphs made up of the three primary colours.

Don't worry, Yuichi, I'm coming to help like the total bro I am.

Onwards to our new battlefield.

hyuugalegacy

2017-07-27, 13:33

Here's chapter 47

Chapter 47A: Infiltrate The Crusader – Board The Ships

"So lets go over this one more time." Alicia's voice comes through my earpiece.

I'm riding in one of the two Dual-Cores with Wolfy. Alicia and Kuro-san are in the other. I'm glad that I finally get the chance to sit in the pilot seat this time.

The Dual-Cores are similar to Tri-Capsules apart from there being only two capsules compared to the Tri-Capsule's three.

"The Crusader is made up of a fleet of four ships. The flagship which we have codenamed Alpha can control the other three, Beta, Gamma, and Delta remotely. By default Beta, Gamma, and Delta remain in a triangle formation around Alpha."

"Alicia, when we codenamed them, why did we skip epsilon and go straight to delta?" I ask.

"..."

"..."

Everyone's silent, I guess they don't understand this absurdity any more than I do.

"Your genius strikes again, Yuichi." Huh? What does my genius have to do with stating the obvious, Ren?

"Moving on," Alicia continues, "Crusader Alpha is protected by a barrier generated externally through Beta, Gamma, and Delta. So the first thing we need to do is disable this barrier."

"Each ship will have a main generator, if we can shut them all down the Crusader will lose its firepower." Kuro-san supplements.

"Between us and the Cerberus we must take over the three sub ships. Once we have gained control of them we shall use the cards Father gave us to invoke that technique. Finally, we will capture Alpha."

"In addition, if we find Lilicia-sama we will take her into protective custody." Kuro-san adds.

"I really love the way you make it sound easy." I say sarcastically. But I don't like it how saving Lilicia-chan seems to be optional. She's my main objective, destroying the Crusader is secondary.

"It's not easy, in fact, it would be more unusual if we were to succeed. But we must." Alicia responds.

"I know, I've got one scum bag to throw into an asylum and one to circumcise." Disturb, Cock, I swear on my beauty, your days are numbered.

"We will definitely succeed, Master." Wolfy encourages.

Yes, I've got my pair of pliers ready for the cutting.

Thousands of lights of various colours are shooting through the sky, are those...

"We've arrived, we'll have a visual of the Crusader shortly," Kuro-san reports. And no sooner does a fleet of four ships come into view along with several Tri-Capsules and Dual-Cores.

The shooting lasers illuminate the sky like disco lights. Forcefields block all the beams shot at the Crusader.

*Boom!* A Dual-Core is shot out the sky and explodes. Lives flickered out in an instant. This is a true battle.

The Dual-Cores and Tri-Capsules fly in from every angle blasting their lasers at every opportunity. However against the Crusader's defence their actions are meaningless. And the Crusader is continuously shooting its own lasers and missiles.

One of the Crusaders starts gathering an immense amount of dark coloured energy and fires it at a group of Tri-Capsules. The dark energy continues on through the horizon but the ones caught by the ball don't have a single trace remaining.

"What a terrifying weapon," I whisper to myself. If this thing started firing on a city, it would be well beyond a tragedy.

We have to stop it, no matter what!

"Yuichi, Alicia-san," Ren's voice comes through my earpiece.

"Ren, you're here?" I call back, "Long time no see." Well it hasn't actually been that long, but who cares?

"The Capital is in danger, of course we the noble Cerberus will take action," Elizabeth states. Still as haughty as ever.

"Master!" A stray laser shoots towards our Dual-Core, I skilfully avoid the attack.

"Tch, how are we meant to board the Crusaders with all this mayhem." I ask as I dodge another attack, and create a silver wall to block another.

*Beep beep* A transmission?

I put it through, "Hello, you've reached the great Yuichi Shiro, if you're a beautiful girl and desire a night of passion, please approach me in person."

"No, Sir. I am fourth commander of Tartarus Thanatos-sama's Airforce. We have been requested to aid you in your mission, Yuichi Shiro-sama." A strong voice replies. I see, Father must have requested them.

"We shall attack the shields at these coordinates, this will temporarily create a hole just big enough for you to slip through." I see.

The many fleets of Dual-Cores and Tri-Capsules suddenly form three big units taking aim at Beta, Gamma, and Delta.

"Yuichi, Wolfy, you two take Beta. Kuro-san and I will take Delta, which leaves." Alicia orders.

"Then we're to take Gamma." Ren finishes.

"No," Reno's voice cuts in, "We need to better place our forces, therefore."

"Wait Reno, what are you doing!?" Elizabeth's voice shouts in shock. When suddenly a stray capsule flies to the other end of the battlefield. "RENNNNOOO!" Elizabeth's voice screams as the capsule dodges the many lasers by mere inches.

The capsule attaches itself onto Alicia's Dual-Core turning it into a Tri-Capsule. "What is the meaning of this, Reno!" Elizabeth yells with a croaky voice. Reno essentially made her run a marathon through a minefield.

"Ren-nii and I will be enough to handle Gamma. So help with Delta, Onee-sama." Reno chuckles slightly at his sister's fright. Ren, I think your brother-in-law is a natural sadist.

"I'll get you back for this, Reno! And if Ren-sama gets so much as a scratch then I'll..."

"Well that's the way it is, please look after my sister, Alicia-san, Kuro-san." Reno ignores her.

"Are you all ready? Once we break the barrier you will have only seconds to get through." The Commander states. We move towards our respective targets and camouflage ourselves with the crowd.

"Everyone, fire in T minus five seconds, four, three, two, one, FIRE!" A huge blitz of lasers shoot and intersect at the same point. Seeing this makes me feel like I'm starring in a sci-fi movie. Well my beautiful acting career can wait until after this conflict is over.

Beta's barrier blocks the initial attack but the barrage doesn't let up and slowly a crack appears in the barrier.

"Everyone, cease fire!" The commander orders, "Go Yuichi-sama, we entrust our master to you!" Thank you Commander, with everyone's feelings resting on my shoulders I accelerate the Dual-Core to its maximum speed.

The barrier is quickly regenerating, I need to get through. I grit my teeth as I entrust our fate to the Dual-Core's speed, "MAKE IT!" I scream as the Dual-Core breaches the barrier a mere second before it fixed itself.

The lasers concentrate their aims onto me. I dodge left and right through the bullet hell as we edge towards the ship.

Another immense orb of dark energy forms and shoots towards us. I harshly steer aside and create several layers to try and slow it down for even a moment. The orb penetrates through my silver but we manage to get out of its way.

"I think that took a few years off my lifespan." I say as I speed towards the ship before another attack comes.

"Don't worry, Master. Compared to dying here, a few year is nothing." True enough.

*Boom!* I blast a hole at the edge of the ship with our on-board lasers and break into the ship.

Several beam shoot at us from within, we can't dodge them.

"Emergency evacuation!" I punch the button. Our capsules eject us from the bottom and Wolfy and I safely land on the ground before our Dual-Core explodes, that was too close.

A large group of Reapers enter with scythes at the ready. This is going to be a non stop course of action!

"Kill the intruders!" One shouts as several different elemental projectiles are shot at us. I create two silver swords and slice apart all that would hit us with swift reflexes. Wolfy launches his own fireball scattering the enemies and breaking their formation.

"Lets go, Wolfy, the true battle begins now!" I shout as I run towards our opposition.

"Yes, Master." Wolfy runs at my side, like the capable sidekick he is.

I won't let those scum bags have the last laugh.

XXXXXXXXXX

Chapter 47B: Infiltrate The Crusader – Invaded (Perspective: None)

"What's going on, Disturb?" Cocytus approaches his son, whom is staring at some kind of radar.

"We've been invaded, Pops." He replies. "Three ships snuck past our barriers and forced their way into the sub-ships."

"Who are they?"

"The next generations for the other two families."

"I see, they're awfully underestimating us."

"All the sub-ships have at least one of my Hex Class defending them. The parasites that broke in shall be exterminated shortly." A smile surfaces on Disturb's face. "It's a shame I won't be able to kill the one's who contaminated my lover's mind personally, but oh well."

"Disturb, I can't allow any delays. Have the Hex Class guard the generators, our enemies are definitely aiming for them."

Cocytus turns towards a huge glass cylinder shaped tank filled with liquid, a man's silhouette floats lifelessly within. "We've managed to obtain these wonderful power sources, so we can't go losing them."

The father and son smile to one another momentarily before they turn their eyes back to the tank.

XXXXXXXX

Chapter 47C: Infiltrate The Crusader – A Friend From A Unexpected Source (Perspective: Lilicia)

The loud noises from the exchange of lasers litters the atmosphere, but I don't care about any of it.

"Yuichi-niisama, Onee-sama." Ever since Disturb abducted me I've been unable to stop my tears. Nii-sama was badly wounded, is he all right?

Because of me two of my most important people nearly died. And the only thing I could do was shake in fear. And now I'm completely powerless.

I touch the black collar that was forced onto me by Disturb. Its power seals all of my Reaper Techniques and with my scythe confiscated I have no hope.

But that no longer matters, I've given up on myself. I will only be a chain around everyone's necks at this point. With the threat posed by the Crusader I know the Underworld can't waste their resources trying to save a single girl.

And this is a girl who's lips have already been defiled. A tear falls down my cheek. Would Nii-sama still accept this dirtied girl? I know he wouldn't throw me away, but would he still look at me with the same kind eyes? Just thinking about Nii-sama brings out a certain feeling within me, and with it a single desire.

"Help me...Nii-sama..." I tearfully voice my desire. I want to return to your side.

*Bang!* A man who looks like a guard flies into the wall along with the steel door and falls unconscious.

I turn my eyes to the intruder who slowly walks towards me.

"Your..." I gaze at the girl who slashes at the long chain that connects me to the wall, freeing me. She's different from before.

"I'm not your Nii-sama, but I hope you can make do with me for now." The girl extends a hand to me and before I know what I'm doing, I take it.

"Are you the same person?" I ask.

"Yes, but right now I'm sane, so I'll help you escape. I know it's asking a lot after everything, but right now, trusting me is all you can do."

"No," I shake my head, I don't know why, but I can tell her feelings are sincere, "I trust you, Lycan-san."

The Wolf Girl smiles and leads me by the hand out of my cell.

XXXXXXXX

Chapter 47D: Infiltrate The Crusader – The Wolf's Thoughts (Perspective: Lycan #13)

I'm walking down the corridor towards the area where the Pandemonium girl is being kept. After that last confrontation I've been feeling worse and worse about myself. The times when Disturb turns me into that monster, I always remember. My hands soaking in blood, the lives snuffed out for trivial reasons. All for the sake of one deranged psycho.

Right now, whilst my mind is clear. Let me put just one thing correct.

I reach the cell that is being guarded by a single man.

"Help me...Nii-sama." I hear a quiet tearful voice with my advanced hearing granted to me by my wolf ears. Hearing the words throw me into instant action.

"Huh, Lyca...URGHHH!" Before he can react I close the distance instantly and punch him straight through the door, breaking it in the process.

The girl who bravely gave herself up to save the lives of her family and loved one stares at me in disbelief. Not that I can blame her, she only saw me before when I was under that dark influence.

But this kind girl who that boy fought for, even when in such a state. Who stood bravely in the face of that terrifying man.

"Your..." The girl continues to stare at me in shock.

"I'm not your Nii-sama, but I hope you can make do with me for now." I offer my hand.

hyuugalegacy

2017-08-01, 04:24

Here is chapter 48

Chapter 48A: Battle Against The Hex Begins – The Narcissist's Coldness

After mincing our initial opposition, Wolfy and I are running down a long hallway. I don't know if we're going the right direction or not, but we can't just sit idly. I tried to gain answers out of some of the Reapers we beat, but it was useless, no matter what they wouldn't talk. So we're on our own.

"There they are!" Another small group of Reapers block our way. However, these Reapers aren't holding scythes, but guns.

"Tch, Wolfy stay behind me!" I shout as I create a wall of silver, blocking the incoming bullet storm.

"Master, I've picked up something I think you should know about!" Wolfy states as the bullets relentlessly collide with my silver wall.

"What is it!?"

"I've picked up Lilicia-sama's scent! She's with someone else and is still a fair distance from us though!" Seriously!? We've tracked her sooner than I thought.

"Who's she with!?"

"I don't know, it isn't a scent I'm familiar with. But, it's like a human, who has bathed in a beast's blood."

I don't understand that description, but we now at least have a destination in mind.

"So these guys can get the fuck out of the way!" I create numerous silver javelins and launch them whilst still maintaining the silver wall.

"""URRGGHH!""" Several screams yelp.

I release the silver wall and gaze at the scene. Most of the enemies are lying down in puddles of blood. Sorry, but if your not my friend, then you're my enemy. I won't have mercy on those who block my way.

"Damn you, Monster!" A few of the surviving Reapers fire their automatic guns. It pisses me off that they call me a monster when they serve such scum. I quickly create a shield made out of silver about the same size as me and block the bullets.

"ARRGGHHH!" I let out a battle cry as I charge headlong through the hail storm of bullets with only my shield. The constant impact and recoil from blocking the bullets flows through my body, but I ignore the sensation and continue forward.

"URGHHH!" I close the gap and smack one of the Reapers on the head with my shield. He falls to the floor and I grab his gun.

"""URGHHH!""" Whilst still using my shield as cover I release a storm of bullets and soon the corridor returns to silence. I discard the empty gun.

"That was very well done, Master." Wolfy compliments.

"Killing isn't something I enjoy, but I'm not a naïve saint either." This is a battle, lives will be lost. My desire is to force all loss on to the enemies however. I won't allow any of my friends to come to harm.

"Lead the way to Lilicia-chan, Wolfy!" I order as I look away from the bloody scene.

"Yes, Master."

I'm coming, so stay safe, Lilicia-chan.

XXXXXXXXX

Chapter 48B: Battle Against The Hex Begins – Two Ojous And A Vassal (Perspective: Alicia)

"Curses, why am I paired with you, Alicia!?" Elizabeth moans. "Right now I should be by my darlings side." She's gone totally dere over Ren, but she's still so condensing to me.

I sigh as I glare at my pesky rival "It's not like I want to be with you either, so quit complaining."

"Now now, the Underworld is in a dire pinch. Can we save the cat fight for another time." Kuro-san states.

"Who's having a cat fight!?" Elizabeth yells, she only looks pathetic by denying it, so why did she bother? "Are the Pandemonium vassals blind?"

Kuro-san simply takes the insult like a man and continues to try and pacify her.

Damn, Reno really pulled off an annoying stunt, ditching the nuisance onto us.

We continue down the hall when I realise something strange. "Why have we faced minimal resistance?" I ask. There was only a single wave of Reapers that attacked when we blasted into the Crusader, that can't be all they have here.

"It is definitely strange. So keep you eyes open for any traps." Kuro-san states. Elizabeth and I nod as we continue down the white hallway.

We eventually come across a large door which stands out among all the others.

"I'm going to take a guess that we're suppose to go through here." Kuro-san states. The door seems to be almost inviting us.

Kuro-san brandishes his scythe and breaks the door wide open. Inside is a large spacious area with a huge amount of machinery. The area is clouded in darkness, so I can't make everything out, but I think we hit the jackpot.

"We found the power generator." I smile as we walk through the broken door. And when we do, another door shoots down sealing our way out. "Tch!"

The room suddenly lights up and I see something floating inside a glass tank that appears to be connected to the generator.

"I heard they were taken prisoner, so this is why they didn't kill them." I gaze at the restrained girl hovering inside the container.

XXXXXXXXXX

Chapter 48C: Battle Against The Hex Begins – The Brother's Opposition (Perspective: Ren)

Reno and I blitz through the relentless mobs of Reapers.

"URGGHHHAAAAA!" Screams of agony echo throughout the ship as Reno disintegrates the enemies without batting an eye. My little brother-in-law is one person I definitely wouldn't want as an enemy.

"URGGHHH!" Another scream yells out as I stab Hinoken into a Reaper's body and burn him from within. Jeez, when did I start to become so cruel!?

"Trash has to be disposed of Ren-nii," Reno states almost as if he read my mind. Did my face look that agonised?

"Their numbers are increasing, we must be heading in the right direction." Reno deduces.

"But I still haven't had the chance to use my latest weapon." I state as I gaze at my arm.

"That power is too good for these small fries, it isn't something you can use continuously so save it for the greater foes." Reno explains as he burns another enemy without slowing down his brisk walk.

We reach a large door that stands out way too much. Reno releases a huge stream of fire from his body that melts the metal door.

We walk into the large dark room as two figures walk towards us. Light engulfs the wide space as the figures become visible.

"The younger Cerberus and the Human Anomaly marrying into the Cerberus. How artistic!" Shouts the first figure, a man with ginger hair and a paint smeared apron. He smiles widely as his arms open wide.

"The power of those flames that melted the door. I'm so envious, I want it!" Declares the second figure, a young man dressed like a jester with semi long purple hair, sleepy eyes, and pure white face paint.

"It looks like these aren't like those small fries, that ginger one fits the description of the man who faced Yuichi Shiro to a standstill." Reno explains. Which means these two are definitely dangerous.

"Ahh- That was such an artistic conflict. And now I get the chance to face the other man joining the three families. I'm sure the inspiration will give birth to a masterpiece." What's with this guy? He creeps me out.

I then notice something from behind the two men. "Reno, in that container!" I point my finger, Reno follows with his eyes, that ignite in anger when he sees what's inside. The flames intensify and surround his body.

"You've angered me..." Reno glares at the two, "Ren-nii, the ginger is yours, we have details of his power, and you can test that out. The clown's mine, I won't rest until I release my frustrations on someone!" I feel the pure malice from Reno's voice, I give a confirming nod. I heard this guy put my best friend into bad shape, so I'm going to pulverise him.

"The flames have grown even stronger, I'm even more envious." The man dressed as a jester states. "Then Reno Cerberus-sama, I, the number four of the Hex Class, Kaiser Crave, shall be your opponent."

Reno and the jester, Kaiser, charge at one another I feel a huge air tremor as their fists collide.

I return my gaze to my prey.

"Then let us begin as well. I'm number six of the Hex Class, Van. Ren Kirei, grant my artistic soul its inspiration."

"I'll grant it destruction instead!" I scream as I shoot a wave of flames at Van.

Our battle has now begun.

XXXXXXXXXXXX

Chapter 48D: Battle Against The Hex Begins – Dance Of The Ladies Starts (Perspective: Alicia)

As I'm looking at the girl hovering in the capsule. *Clap clap clap!* A silhouette walks casually out of the shadows.

The scarlet haired girl smiles. "It looks like I'll get the pleasure of killing off a pesky Cerberus." The smile broadens, "Today will definitely be a day to remember."

"Priscilla..." Elizabeth mutters the name of the deadly Reaper before us.

The girl of the Orthrus family spins her scythe in a circular motion as she gazes in hatred at Elizabeth.

"So, this is the reason why we met no resistance," Kuro-san explains, "Priscilla desires to fight against Elizabeth-sama herself."

"Of course, the Cerberus have always been an eyesore. How could I pass up an opportunity to exterminate one with my own hands?" Priscilla coldly explains.

However, I've got something else I wish to know. "Priscilla, what is the meaning of this!?" I point to the capsule.

"Can't you tell by just looking?" Her voice is one of annoyance, "We're using the Thanatos triplets as an energy source for the Sub-Crusaders." As I thought.

"Disturb-sama and Cocytus-sama are probably elated at their personal revenge against the main branch of Thanatos. As someone from a family denied their rightful claim because of another myself, it's something I can understand. The main branch of Thanatos who loves the Underworld more than anyone, being reduced to batteries for a weapon that will bring about its destruction. HA HA HA! How ironic!"

"I knew this from the beginning, but there is no reasoning with you, Elizabeth-sama, Alicia-sama, we must bring her down."

Priscilla smiles, "Taking you on three to one will probably be too difficult. Fortunately Disturb-sama, granted me some capable helpers." Priscilla's smile broadens further as three obsidian coloured wolves walk out of a split dimension that Priscilla made.

The blood lust in their eyes reminds me of someone. The wolves snarl menacingly at us as Priscilla strokes one of their heads.

"Meet Lycan #349, #517, and #781. Alicia, I believe you met #13, correct? These children were born from the same Project Lycan as our Hex Classes' number three." Priscilla states haughtily, the eyes in the wolves are the same as that Lycan girl I faced before. So that's why.

"Project Lycan?" I ask.

"A project that was secretly run by the branch family of Thanatos. The aim of it was to create human weapons by fusing the souls of certain Soul Anomalies with that of a humans. Well, the project could probably be said to have been a huge failure. Out of the one thousand humans used, only about ten percent survived. And of those ten percent only #13 and #666 were able to retain any of their ego. The rest became something like these children. Well, despite being failures, they're still plenty strong." Priscilla explains indifferently.

"They were conducting human experiments!?" I ask angrily. Elizabeth and Kuro-san too are glaring at Priscilla. Just how far have Cocytus and Disturb fallen? No, compared to what they have done, this is nothing surprising.

"#349, #517, #781, this will be a ladies only dance, understand?" Priscilla states to the Lycans.

They howl ferociously before charging towards us. I bring out my new upgraded scythe and prepare to attack the wolves, as does Elizabeth. However, we strike nothing but thin air as the Lycans dodge our attack and charge straight for Kuro-san.

They brandish their claws and fangs as Kuro-san dodges their swift attacks one after another. "Tch!" I charge to back up my family's retainer. But suddenly a stream of fire crosses my path forcing me to jump back.

I glare at the culprit as she smiles, "I said didn't I? This will be a ladies only dance. Now, Elizabeth Cerberus, Alicia Pandemonium, the number five of the Hex Class, Priscilla Orthrus, shall be your opponent." She challenges, "Try not to turn to ashes too soon."

XXXXXXXXX

Chapter 48E: Battle Against The Hex Begins – Connection Of The Reaper And The Wolf (Perspective: Lilicia)

"So then, Lycan-san was born from a human experiment?" I ask solemnly as we sneak down the hall.

"Yes, I don't remember much from when my soul was human. But I was taken along with many others and subjected to many atrocities. The meaning for my existence was forcefully changed to that of a life stock, for someone else's desires. I lost my humanity, my place, and even my name." Lycan-san states as she grinds her teeth.

"Your name?"

"I cannot remember it. I was simply labelled thirteen, which has stuck with me ever since." She sadly explains.

How cruel. She had everything taken from her and for what? How could they do something like this? How can anyone do anything like this?

Disturb's smiling face appears in the back of my mind. Despite everything he's done, he can still smile. The thought of how he smiles as another suffers forces me to bite my lip so hard it bleeds. The lips soiled by that cruel man, I'll wash them with my own blood.

"Please calm down, Lilicia-san." Lycan-san interjects, "I'm thankful for your feelings, but blood is what brings the monster out of me."

"What do you mean?"

"It's by ingesting blood that I become that cold killing monster. I can maintain my sanity under most other circumstances, but..." I see, I wipe the blood off my mouth.

"Sorry," Lycan-san shakes her head with a smile at my apology.

We continue moving forward, Lycan-san previously said she could sense Yuichi-niisama so we're heading towards him. I'm glad he's safe.

"Your betraying our master, Lycan?" A voice comes from behind as a rip in space appears and out comes a young man who is dressed like some kind of ancient warlord, with armour adorning his body. His dark hair is tied back into a long ponytail, a katana is held in each hand, and his eyes are like a hawks.

Lycan-san grits her teeth at the man. "This is the worst case scenario I felt could happen." Worst case?

"It was the right decision to keep an eye on you," The man states, "Abducting the lady who is betrothed to our master, I won't allow you to transgress any further, Lycan #13." The man enters into a stance with his two swords. And what nonsense is he speaking of betrothed to his master? I don't recall Yuichi-niisama having such a man in his posse, and I will accept none other, especially not Disturb.

"Lycan-san, who is this man?" I ask, feeling Lycan-san's tension.

"Disturb's right hand man, and the number one of the Hex Class, Owari Fool."

In other words, he's the strongest amongst the Hex Class, stronger than Lycan-san? So this is the worst case scenario.

"Prepare yourself!" He shouts as he charges towards us with lightning speed.

hyuugalegacy

2017-08-14, 00:19

Here is chapter 49

Chapter 49A: Lycan #13 – Lycan Vs Owari (Perspective: Lycan #13)

"Stay back, Lilicia-san," I shout as Owari and I charge towards each other.

I feint my run and flank him from the side. However my swift claw suddenly feels like I'm pushing it through dense water. Owari swiftly dodges my slow attack and slices at me with one of his katanas. I grab my attacking arm with my other arm, pull it back and jump back to safety.

"For a fighter like you, my power is the worst possible match up." Owari states confidently.

"That Energy Absorption trait is truly a pain." I state back. That's right, that's why my hand suddenly slowed down whilst I was attacking him. He was draining the momentum in my claw's kinetic energy.

"As you are a Hex Class, Lycan, you should know that isn't all I can do." Owari smiles and suddenly disappears.

"URGHH!" I yelp in pain, Owari's katana is lodged into my leg. He released so much kinetic energy and moved so quickly that even I couldn't react.

"LYCAN-SAN!" Lilicia-san's scream is enough to distract my attention from the blood coming out of my thigh. I can't let myself become that monster.

"You do know that Kinetic is not the only energy I have control over, don't you?"

"URGGHHHAA!" I scream as Owari releases electric energy through his katana.

But now is my chance. I grit my teeth and bare the pain as I slash Owari with my claws. Owari shows a shocked expression, but quickly jumps back.

I miss his vitals but my claw slashes his shoulder and fresh blood pours out, Owari doesn't seem concerned about it though. I use the pain in my thigh to distract my senses and stop myself from becoming that monster.

I pull the katana out my thigh and charge, using my speed I attack him from behind. However I feel no resistance when my claw slashes his neck. An illusion.

Using my other senses I feel a presence behind me. I quickly turn round.

"I told you, kinetic isn't the only form of energy I control." He used light energy to create a mirage of himself. Owari slashes at me with his sword. I side step with quick movement and slash with my claws, "GRRRRAAHHHHH!" Owari suddenly screeches before my attack can connect.

""URGGGHHHHHH!"" Lilicia-san and I scream in agony as the horrible noise reverberates. For me who has super hearing that sudden loud noise was very effective. I jump back whilst holding down my wolf ears. Blood trickles out from them, the horrible sound ruptured my wolf ears.

"Kinetic, Thermal, Light, Electric, Magnetic, Sound, and even Nuclear. I can absorb, convert, and release all these different forms of energy." His screech before was a usage of Sound Energy. Being able to use such a variety of abilities makes him difficult to fight against.

"Energy Conversion?" Lilicia-san says from the distance as her body shakes. She understands just how frightening of an ability it truly is. A completely different type of power from me.

"However, Lycan, even though due to its nature I've had to seal away nuclear for this fight," Owari stares at his bleeding shoulder, "To think that you were able to wound me. As I thought, your rank as the number three may come more from the fact that you can't be controlled." Like I care, I was never in the Hex Class because I wanted to be.

"However, I've played with you long enough. Bind Thirteen." What! The restraining collar I'm wearing suddenly changes colour and my entire body loses all of its strength. He could have bound me any time he wanted. From the very beginning he was just toying with me. I never had any hope to start with.

"Lycan-san!" Lilicia-san shouts, but my body can't move. Damn it.

"One way or another, victory would certainly have been mine, this just speeds up the inevitable." Owari smiles as he brandishes his katana, "Now you receive the death suitable for a traitor. Die!" The blade edges to my neck when.

"Lilicia-chan!" Another voice emerges. Owari's blade stops prematurely. I turn to its source, standing there with a white dog at his side is Yuichi Shiro.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Chapter 49B: Lycan #13 – The Meaning Behind The Wolf's Tears

After running for god knows how long we've finally found Lilicia-chan. But what's going on? Who is that about to kill Lycan?

"Yuichi-niisama!" Lilicia-chan cries, don't worry, now that we're here everything will be fine.

"Change of plans," The man says, "You can make yourself useful, Lycan." He states as he draws a small knife from his pocket and stabs his hand. Just what kind of sick masochist is this guy? He puts his mouth to his hand and drinks the blood and then grabs Lycan, forcing her to look at him.

"No! Nii-sama, please stop him!" Lilicia-chan shouts. I don't know what's going on, but I create a silver javelin and launch it at the guy. But before it connects my silver suddenly loses its power and falls to the ground.

"What the hell!?" I scream in shock. "What did he do!?"

"Such an attack is worthless, Yuichi Shiro." The man smiles confidently as he forces his lips onto the wounded Lycan. Shit what's with all the sexual harassers I've been meeting recently.

"Damn!" I create and launch another javelin. But the attack falls powerlessly to the ground again.

"Calm yourself, Master. You're just wasting your energy. I don't understand the reason but he must have some sort of barrier."

"He's absorbing the kinetic energy," Lilicia-chan shouts, "That man can absorb, convert, and utilise different forms of energy." She explains.

"Uhh, Wolfy, what does kinetic mean?" I ask.

"Movement, Master. He stole all the energy being used to launch the silver, that's why it fell to the floor. That is one nasty power he has. And it may not be limited to just kinetic."

Is now really the time for admiration?

"Lycan-san!" Lilicia-chan's scream draws my attention to the wolf girl, who's eyes lose their life and are replaced by something much more ferocious.

I shoot another javelin at the man but the result doesn't change. Does this mean he simply can't be harmed in any way?

The man releases Lycan, "Unbind Thirteen." He says. Lycan's collar changes colour and she glares at Wolfy and I with menacing eyes. But I notice something out of place.

"She's...crying..." I whisper, stunned from the sight.

"Master!" Wolfy shouts, breaking me out of my trance quick enough to dodge Lycan's sharp claw. She moves way too quickly.

"Nii-sama!" Lilicia-chan shouts, that man is holding her, Damn you!

Knowing I can't hit the man, I create a silver chain and throw it more skilfully than any cowboy to Lilicia-chan, but the man moves in the way and grabs the chain himself.

"URGHHH!" I scream as I feel a jolt of electricity run through my body. I instinctively disperse the silver chain and fall to my knees.

"NII-SAMA!" Lilicia-chan screams.

"MASTER!" Wolfy shouts, I turn around to see Lycan charging, her claws ready to slash. Due to suddenly being electrocuted I can't dodge, and I can't manifest my silver quick enough to guard the attack.

"GRAAAHH!" Luckily Wolfy is a lot more alert than me and rams her with his body. She stumbles but remains on her feet.

"Sorry, Wolfy." I state as I create my Silver Sword and get back to my feet.

"I leave them to you, Lycan." The man states as his and Lilicia-chan's body begins to turn transparent.

"Lilicia-chan!" I scream at the fading figure.

"Nii-sama, she's a victim, please save Lycan-san." Lilicia-chan says with a tear filled smile as she disappears.

"NOOO!" I failed again.

"Master, we need to concentrate on the enemy before us. We will definitely save Lilicia-sama. Remember, even though you may slip a few times, you will always receive the best ending to any situation. That's what makes Master, Master."

"You're right, Wolfy. It's not like they're going to kill her. By the end of the day I'll definitely save her, or else I'm not Yuichi Shiro, beauty incarnate." I declare with renewed determination as I stare at our opponent.

Lilicia-chan's last words, please save Lycan. And those tears, there is definitely more to this girl.

"Wolfy what do you think?"

"That wound on her leg was caused by that man's blade. Judging by her scent she is the one who was accompanying Lilicia-sama. I don't understand the reason, but she was definitely trying to help before."

"Well, Lilicia-chan asked me to save her. Wolfy, avoid causing fatal blows, we're taking her alive."

"Understood, Master." I enter a stance with my Silver Sword. As Lycan glares at us like a beast ready to pounce.

"Silver bullet!" I shoot several small pieces of silver aiming for Lycan's legs, but she dodges with swift movement despite her wound.

Wolfy shoots a fireball, but Lycan tears it in half straight down the centre and charges at Wolfy.

"Wolfy get back!" I shout as I manifest a wall of silver in front of him. Lycan slashes right through it but it slows her down long enough for Wolfy to escape her deadly claws. I have the remains of the wall turn into spikes and shoot at her, but she disappears from sight. I feel a presence behind me and dive to one side without turning around, a good decision on my part, as Lycan slashes where I was stood just a moment ago.

"Her speed is unfair." I remark.

"No use complaining, Master." Wolfy states as he shoots several fireballs. Lycan jumps in the air to dodge them and then kicks off the side of the wall, towards the opposite wall, and then towards me, I quickly roll backwards and avoid the incoming claw as Lycan skids across the floor.

"Silver Cube!" I call out another attack name, I should stop making a habit of this. A bunch of silver surrounds Lycan from every angle encasing her in a box, but...

*SCCRRCHH* Oh yeah, those claws. Lycan cuts a huge chunk out of the silver and escapes.

"She's not making this easy for us." How on earth did Alicia manage to face such an opponent by herself?

Several Lycans suddenly appear like she performed a clone jutsu. Damn, she's moving so fast she's leaving after images.

"ARGGHHHH" I yelp as a scraping pain in my back forces me to the floor.

"Master! URGHHHH!" Wolfy turns in shock only to meet the same fate as me. In that split second she attacked us both with almost invisible attacks.

"Gah..." I force myself back to my feet as does Wolfy.

Lycan's ferocious eyes shed more unnatural tears. Watching this for some reason really aches my heart. Her tears, they're conveying her true emotions. They increase every time she attacks. It's like her body and her will are acting in complete reverse.

"Nii-sama, she's a victim, please save Lycan-san." Lilicia-chan's words echo in my mind as I finally understand what she wanted to tell me. I don't understand everything, but what I do know is this girl before me is not fighting us right now by her own volition.

"Lilicia-chan...I definitely will!" I refix my glare on Lycan with power flowing into me. "I shall free you, Lycan." I declare.

I didn't want to use a highly draining technique so soon, but unlike last time I still have a lifeline, and I'm not going to use such a vast quantity as before, therefore... "Liquid Silver." I manifest my silver in its liquid state with enough of it to fill a bathtub.

"Here I come, Lycan!" I shout as I charge in with my Silver Sword. Its time to end this. I have my liquid silver create a ring around my body.

Lycan too charges at me when suddenly she multiplies like before. Here she comes. Now if she is anything like last time then.

I turn around to notice Lycan's claw push through my Liquid Silver. Just as I thought. I don't know whether it is instinct but she has the habit of attacking her enemy's back. And she can't cut up something that isn't solid with her claws. I solidify the Liquid Silver back into a metal restraining her around her elbow joint. Lycan shows a surprised expression. Before she can process what happened I trap her other arm at the joint as well. "Gotcha." I state. Her claws maybe razor sharp but if I restrain her at the joints, she can't use them.

"Well done, Master." Wolfy congratulates as I create more silver and restrain her against the wall by her wrists, elbows, knees, ankles, and neck.

"Grahhh!" The beast ravages meaninglessly against its restraints.

"Time to wake her up then." I state as I walk up to her.

"Do you have some master plan to do that?" Wolfy asks in amazement.

"That I do," I reply as I turn back to Lycan and raise one of my hands.

*Slap!* "Wake up." I order as I run my hand across her face. I don't want to be violent with girls, but sometimes desperate times call for desperate measures.

"GRRRR!" The beast continues to glare at me.

*Slap!* "Wake up." I order again as I slap her other cheek with my other hand. The monster continues to snarl at me.

*Slap!* "Wake up." I reward the snarl with another slap.

"This is your great plan, Master?" Wolfy asks. Ingenious I know, but please don't break my concentration, I'm starting to get into a rhythm.

*Slap!* "Wake up." I continue.

A few minutes elapse and finally my plan produces the desired result.

"My cheeks, feel really hot." Lycan states.

"That's because you're talking with a great guy such as myself." All girls feel hot in the face in my presence.

"Or because you slapped her god knows how many times." Wolfy retorts. Well yeah, I guess that could play a SMALL part in it. But my beauty is definitely the main reason.

"Thanks, for stopping me." She begins. As I thought, that monster wasn't her true self.

"Can you tell us what happened?" I ask. Lycan nods and explains. She tells us about how she came to be, how she was trying to help Lilicia-chan, and how she was defeated by that samurai man named Owari.

I grit my teeth in anger at hearing how she was used in a human experiment. I didn't think Cock or Disturb could anger me any further, boy how naïve I was.

"Lilicia-san has most likely been taken to the main Crusader where Disturb is." Lycan explains

"In that case our destination has been decided." I state as I begin walking.

"Wait, Master. We still need to take care of the power in this Crusader if we want to get to the Alpha Crusader." Wolfy instantly throws cold water on my plan, "And also..." Wolfy remains silent for a moment, "One of our orders was the capture or death of the Hex Class members. Even if she was being used."

"Wolfy!"

"I'm not saying this because I want to, Master." Wolfy grits his teeth, he's just as upset as me.

"It's fine," Lycan states, "I've lost count of all the horrendous things I've done. Spending my life in prison will be a paradise compared to being Disturb's killing machine."

At hearing her words I reach for the black collar and sadly stare at it. This is a device that sends the one wearing it to a prison kept in another dimension. "Put it on me," Lycan further urges. "I won't be of any use going with you. The other Hex Classes can likely activate the restraining collar just like Owari, so I'd only be dead weight at this point."

Lycan nods at me with a small smile. I wrap the dark leather around her neck, fasten the buckle, and connect the padlock.

A dark shadow begins to encompass Lycan's body, further restraining her. As her body begins to fade, "Lilicia-san desires a hero, you. Make sure you become her knight in shining armour, Yuichi Shiro." Lycan smiles somewhat bitterly as her existence disappears from this plain.

"You don't have to tell me that, what other reason do you think I came here for." I stand tall and manifest my Silver Sword to show my determination, "Lets go, Wolfy."

And Lycan, don't get too comfortable in that prison. I don't plan on leaving you there for long.

hyuugalegacy

2017-09-20, 11:28

Here is chapter 50

Chapter 50A: Battles Underway – Reno Vs Kaiser I (Perspective: Reno)

My fist collides with Kaisers. I throw my other fist covered with flames only for my wrist to be grabbed before I can land a hit.

"I'm truly envious." The clown smiles as he taps the heel of his foot, revealing a concealed knife in his shoe. With both my hands too busy I parry his kick with my leg forcing his knife away.

Kaiser uses his other foot and pushes off of my body and performs an acrobatic back flip whilst creating some distance. What a show off.

Kaiser throws several concealed knives as he cartwheels further away. I create a wall of fire about an inch thick that disintegrates the daggers on contact.

"It seems you're every bit of a genius as the rumours say." Kaiser remarks.

"I won't fall victim to some pathetic underhanded tricks." I state back as I swing a colossal stream of fire extending out of my arm. Kaiser jumps off the ground and somehow hangs upside down from the ceiling. I redirect my aim as Kaiser runs along the ceiling like it's a floor all the while throwing knives at me. But none reach me as I use my other arm to create walls of flames to defend myself.

"Have you not worked out that those things won't work?" I ask.

"Of course, I just want to see more of your flames." He replies with a smile.

"Then see them burn you to nothingness!" I shout. I create a huge column of fire to separate us from Ren-nii's battlefield, this technique isn't meant to be used with friendlies nearby. "Magma Maelstrom!" I create a huge twister of flames in the centre of our battlefield.

"To have such a dangerous technique, I'm truly envious!" He screams as the maelstrom slowly pulls him in with the wind pressure created from the intense heat. "My soul is one of envy. Jealous, avaricious, and desiring. Crave everything that I don't possess. And sate my greed by owning all." Soul ID Lyrics? This is where it's going to get complicated.

A huge block of ice rams into my maelstrom and the two attacks cancel each other out. I glare at the clown who is wearing a confident smile.

"Now, allow me to show you the power of everything that I've desired." He states as I gather flames into my fists, readying myself for round two.

XXXXXXXX

Chapter 50B: Battles Underway – Alicia And Elizabeth Vs Priscilla I (Perspective: Alicia)

The three Lycans have formed a triangle around Kuro-san. "Awooo!" They howl in sync when I notice all of them disappear along with Kuro-san.

"What the?" I remark, this sensation, I'm sure of it.

"Reaper Technique: Coliseum." Priscilla states, "The Lycans have been taught to use it." Wolves taught to use Reaper Techniques, they sure made some horrible creatures.

With Kuro-san and the Lycans gone it's just the three of us, I'm worried about Kuro-san but Priscilla is definitely not an opponent I can fight with mixed thoughts.

I spin my scythe and point the blade. "No choice, you've fallen to the level of a mere terrorist. I'll reap you, Priscilla."

"And you wonder why Cerberus was chosen? It's because you're like this! You don't look at what you already have, but what you don't, nothing short of a spoilt brat." Elizabeth too challenges with her scythe. But that spoilt brat comment goes for you too I think. "Did you just think something rude just now?" Elizabeth turns to me, I shake my head, now isn't the time for infighting.

"How you insult me?" Priscilla shakes, "I shall show you the consequences of your insolence!" Priscilla charges at us as her scythe engulfs itself in flames. Her eyes glow the same colour as her hair.

*Ching!* Elizabeth blocks the swing as I flank to the side and shoot a ball of electricity. Priscilla pushes off of Elizabeth's scythe and propels herself over her with a somersault.

"ARGGHHHHH!" Elizabeth screams as Priscilla kicks her from behind into the path of my attack.

"Your coordination can use some work," Priscilla remarks as she shoots a fireball from her extended hand. Elizabeth is quick to react and rolls out the way. I charge at Priscilla to give Elizabeth time to recover.

Priscilla ducks below my slash and slides her leg along the ground like a top. "SHIT! URGHHH!" The attack at my feet causes me to lose my footing and she slams the stick of her scythe into my stomach sending me skidding across the room.

Elizabeth launches a fireball which Priscilla intercepts with one of her own, the two attacks cancelling one another out as the streams of flames increase the room temperature by several degrees. I quickly get myself back onto my feet and charge at Priscilla again, Elizabeth follows my lead. Priscilla launches several fireballs at us both but we dodge whilst limiting unnecessary movements. I shoot another electric ball which is countered by a fireball. She creates a wave of fire, I jump over it but she launches more fireballs to attack me whilst I'm airborne. Fortunately Elizabeth cancels them out with her own fireballs, with an affirming nod of gratitude. I charge and slice at Priscilla, but when she is about to block it with her flaming scythe I have my scythe change shape the instant our weapons are about to make contact. Priscilla wears an extremely shocked expression. I quickly have my scythe reform its natural shape mid swing.

"GAHHH!" Priscilla jumps back at the last second but my attack still cuts her flesh on one side of her body.

"What just happened?" Priscilla stares at me in shock. Elizabeth also has a confused gaze. "What did you do?"

"My last scythe broke when I fought against that Lycan girl. So I had this one made in replacement, by Yuichi." I answer.

"Yuichi Shiro?" Priscilla states in confusion as she gazes at my scythe, "Silver." She remarks.

"Correct, this scythe is made from my fiancé's Silver Manifestation. A scythe made from unlocked silver."

"Unlocked Silver?"

"It's just the silver within this scythe, but that silver, has been unlocked for me to manipulate. For example," I swing my scythe and fragments of silver come off, "Silver Bullet!" I shoot the several fragments of silver at Priscilla who dodges the attack with nimble movements. I then retrieve the fragments to reform my scythe. "Yuichi's ability isn't just for him now." I state as Priscilla gets back to her feet with a smile, her confidence not diminished in the slightest.

"It's time for me to get serious as well then," she states as flames cover her entire body, "The power granted to Orthrus is absolute! Kneel before my fire!"

XXXXXXXXX

Chapter 50C: Battles Underway – The Master And Pet's Next Challenge

Wolfy and I continue down the hall until we finally reach a huge door. We didn't encounter any more opposition. We must have cleared them all out before. "I'm guessing this is it." I state as I push open the door to reveal a huge room with a inconspicuous huge glass container thingy. But what shocks me is what is floating around inside of it.

"ROSE!" I scream dramatically to the restrained girl within the container. Wolfy runs to my side and is standing ready. An old man with a walking stick casually walks in front of us and smiles.

"Actually, this one is Tsubaki-sama." He states.

"TSUBAKI!" I scream dramatically again, this time with the correct name.

"You already lost the chance when you did it before, Master." Damn, my debut dramatic moment of calling out to a friend in danger was completely ruined. This is what I hate about twins and triplets.

"Regardless, hand over Rose, I mean Tsubaki and shut this thing down and no one gets hurt." I point my silver sword at the old man.

"Ki he he he," The old man chuckles horribly, that was sickening. "Don't act so conceited boy. This old man's bones still have plenty of fight left in them."

""GUUUHHH!"" Wolfy and I yelp as for some reason an unknown force pulls our bodies down to the ground.

"But then again, I don't even need to move to fight. I am Isaac, the number two of the Hex Class. I'll show you that the elderly will never lose to any whipper snappers."

I grind my teeth in annoyance as the old man straightens his back. His presence changing from a decrepit old man to a intimidating warrior.

XXXXXXXXXXX

Chapter 50D: Battles Underway – Kuro Vs Triple Lycan (Perspective: Kuro)

"Damn, I've been seperated from Alicia-sama and Elizabeth-sama!" I spit out my annoyance. I wasn't expecting these things to be able to use a Reaper Technique, that caught me completely off guard.

One of the Lycans charges and slashes at me, I jump to one side, another shoots a fireball from its mouth I slice the attack down the centre and split it in half. The third one tries and bites into my leg from behind.

"UROGGHH!" But I kick it in the jaw before it can. I shoot a barrage of ice but the Lycans move left and right swiftly dodging all my attacks. One of the Lycans suddenly disappears I quickly feel a presence behind me and trusting my instincts jump into the air to safety.

Another Lycan then tries to slash at me whilst I'm in the air. I create a block of ice at my feet to create a foot hole and jump back to safety, avoiding the claw by mere inches.

"Fighting three of these things at once isn't going to be easy." I sigh in resignation, but I can't mess around here for long, those two will most likely need my help. "Come at me from anywhere." I taunt as I ready my scythe to cleave off some heads.

XXXXXXXX

Chapter 50E: Battles Underway – Ren Vs Van I (Perspective: Ren)

Our arena has been seperated from Reno's by a huge wall of flames, so it's just me and Van this side. *Ching Ching!* Our swords collide as neither of us gain any ground. I shoot a fireball from Hinoken but Van throws a picture board and out comes a huge quantity of water that blocks my attack.

"How artistic, both you and Yuichi Shiro are perfect inspiration for my art." Van pulls out a gun from his picture board and points it at me. Before he can pull the trigger I release a huge amount of flames in front of my body. *Bang bang bang!* None of the bullets make it through my makeshift wall.

I swing Hinoken relentlessly and release multiple waves of fire. *Bang bang* Van dodges my attack whilst still unloading his clip. Not wanting to lose my fire power on defence, I activate one of my new arm's powers. "Protection!" Several glyphs run across my arm and Van's bullets are stopped in their tracks by the forcefield I erected. Noticing his attacks aren't working, Van gives up on offence and focuses on dodging my attacks. I release the shield so I can refocus all my power back to Hinoken.

I launch a stream of flames at Van, who dodges the attack and throws several picture boards at the ground. They flash brightly and then standing there, wielding two blades each is...

"Yuichi?" No, they're not.

"Amazing, aren't they? I don't do too many portraits but that last battle really inspired me. Such is the nature of my artistic art." The four Yuichi clones each remain silent and brandish their respective silver swords. This doesn't look too good.

"Go my Yuichi Shiros!" The four Yuichi clones run at me together on Van's orders, I gather flames from Hinoken and send them at my best friend's imposters. They each dodge the attack, one slices at me with one of his blades *Ching!* I deflect the attack and push him back before he can strike again. A second reshapes his silver sword into a javelin and throws it at me. I twist my body and avoid it.

"URGGGHHH!" I yelp as the third slashes me across my back. That javelin was just a distraction. I send a wave of fire to force him to jump back. They don't have any of the original's great power, but they do outnumber me.

"You must be happy, Ren Kirei, to die by the hands of your best friend." Don't be ridiculous. Yuichi would be insulted if you called these fakes him.

Even if they have his appearance they're nothing more than dolls pulled into reality from paintings.

I suddenly feel a wave of irritation looking at the four imposters imitating my best friend like some sideshow act.

"Your little imposters don't have anything in them that makes them truly like Yuichi. Tell me, do you think Yuichi is made up just by his appearance? Although he likes to flaunt it around, that is just one aspect of who he is. I'm going to show your so called art for the crappy counterfeit it truly is!" I state as I gather my strength and point my blade challengingly at Van.

"You harmed my best friend before, and now your using his image to try and beat me. If these dolls cannot replicate Yuichi's 'genius' then they cannot be called Yuichi Shiro! Your art will not disgrace my friend any longer!"

XXXXXXX

Chapter 50F: Battles Underway – Disturb's Disturbing Remedy (Perspective: None)

Inside the Alpha Crusader, Cocytus has gone elsewhere to handle the issue of the intruders. The only ones present were Disturb and Lilicia, who was delivered by Owari. Lilicia was restrained to a chair with Disturb standing in front.

"I'm sorry about Lycan, my dear," He began, "I thought I trained her well, to think she would try and kidnap you. Normally I would punish her severely, but it appears the man who infected you has caught her."

"..." Lilicia just glared in anger at the man before her. Normally his very presence caused her to shake in fear, and she was still afraid. But her anger towards Disturb, and the relief of seeing her precious Nii-sama were enough to evade her usual fright.

"If only I was able to control #666 I would never have needed #13." Disturb states.

"..." Lilicia remains silent.

"Why the silent treatment, my dear?" Disturb asks, tilting his head, "I can quite understand you were frightened before, but you're safe here." Disturb runs his hand across Lilicia's cheek, who tried to escape his touch with what limited freedom she had. "I promise, I won't let anything else harm you." His words were sincere. Sincere, but distorted.

"I've already given up on making you understand." She finally said, "Now that I know Yuichi-niisama is here, I know I won't have to. The boy desired by two Pandemoniums, do you think your subordinates can hope to beat him?"

Disturb smiles, "I hope not, otherwise my plan to cure you of his infection won't work." He stated.

"What?" Lilicia was shocked, Disturb was hoping for his Hex Class to be defeated.

"Each member of my Hex Class are exceptional fighters. However, other than Owari, I can hardly say they're irreplaceable. In order for my princess to be cured of her disease, the hero must slay the infection in front of her eyes. That's why Owari didn't fight Yuichi Shiro himself, oh, but that's a secret from Pops, he'd start lecturing if he knew this." Disturb smiles pleasantly as Lilicia regains her fear of the terrible existence standing in front of her.

Several screens appear in the air depicting the many fights taking place on all the Crusaders.

"Now, lets just hope the infection can make its way here so we can cure you with the best possible remedy." Disturb states with a thin anticipating smile.

hyuugalegacy

2017-10-08, 05:27

Here is chapter 51

Chapter 51A: Battles Of Fire - Alicia And Elizabeth Vs Priscilla II (Perspective: Alicia)

The intense flames surrounding Priscilla start to gather at her back and take the form of three sets of wings.

"Ashes to ashes, dust to dust, enemies to nothingness." Priscilla's wings beat, lifting her body into the air.

Shit, if she can fly then we'll be at a huge disadvantage. I charge towards Priscilla with Elizabeth.

Priscilla shoots a fireball from her hand, I dodge the attack "URGHH!" until the fireball expands and catches my arm.

"Alicia get back!" Elizabeth screams as she grabs me and dives to the floor a mere second before a huge column of fire would have incinerated me.

Priscilla beats her wings further and stabilises about fifteen metres in the air. "Damn it..." I curse as a javelin of flames shoots towards us, we both dive to the side, when I notice another column of fire about to sprout I jump back just in time to avoid the attack, but it changes its trajectory and arcs over towards me again. I dodge once again, but then several hands of fire sprout out of the column, I wield my silver scythe and cleave at them before jumping away and making some distance.

"Can't do a lot can you?" Priscilla taunts.

"Silver Bullet!" I shoot several projectiles from my scythe, but Priscilla just slides through the sky and avoids them.

Elizabeth shoots her fireballs but Priscilla simply swats them aside with her wings. Then she forms a huge fireball of her own, the size is completely different from any previous. "Disintegrating Comet!" She shouts as the huge fireball speeds towards the ground.

"Elizabeth!" I shout as we run to one another's side. With one look into each others eyes we both know what we must do. ""Ice Barrier!"" We both scream as multiple Frisbee shaped ice shields line up one behind the other.

*Crack Crack Crack!* Our shields shatter one after another as the attack continues despite the hindrance. Neither Elizabeth or I are Ice specialists so our shields aren't as strong as they could be.

"It can't be helped I guess," Elizabeth states as flames cloak her body. Wait, what is she doing?

As our final shield shatters Elizabeth cloaked in her own flames jumps in front of the attack and pushes back on the projectile. "URGHHHHHHHAAAAAAAA!" She screams as she holds the huge flame back, her feet skid along the ground from the opposing momentum.

"Elizabeth!" I scream in horror at the reckless action. Even though she is a fire specialist herself, a fireball that size will still cause extensive damage.

There's nowhere to run, so now is the time to fight. I reshape my silver scythe into the shape of a javelin as I run my electricity through it, giving it a huge charge. Then using the momentum of my throw, my telekinetic control on the silver, and the newly added magnetic charge, I launch my silver javelin with a huge beam of lightning backing it. The colossal fireball is broken down to smaller fireballs and rain down upon the ground. Elizabeth falls to her knees from the sudden relief as the fire surrounding her dissipates. My javelin continues on its way towards its final destination.

"KYYAAAHHHHHHHHH!" Priscilla screams horribly as my javelin and lightning beam consume her right arm in the blast, blood rains down from the sky. Priscilla gazes at her missing limb in horror before redirecting a malicious gaze back to me. "I'll make you pay." She states coldly. I regather my silver and reform my scythe as Priscilla gathers flames in her left hand "GYAAAHHHH!" She used her fire to stop the blood.

After Priscilla completes her makeshift first aid, a huge number of flames rise from her wings and take the shapes of several floating orbs, they fly down into the battle area. "DIE!" Priscilla shoots a beam of fire towards me, I narrowly dodge the sudden attack.

"ALICIA!" Elizabeth suddenly screams.

"GAHHHH!" An intense pain rages my right shoulder as I'm forced to my knees, I gaze at the fire beam that had pierced me and at the glowing flame orb behind me. "Those orbs, they reflect her attacks like mirrors do light!" I have part of my scythe transform and wrap around my shoulder as a makeshift bandage to stop the blood loss. "Gah," I grind my teeth in pain at the pressure on my wound as I rise back to my feet.

"Don't think that the debt is repaid with so little, Elizabeth, Alicia!" Priscilla states as she shoots another beam of fire. Elizabeth and I dodge the beam that is reflected I dodge again but it reflects off yet another flying orb.

"You're annoying!" Elizabeth shoots a fireball at the approaching beam finally cancelling the attack. She then turns to Priscilla and shoots a fire beam of her own, but one of the orbs moves in the way and reflects it back, forcing Elizabeth to dodge her own attack.

If she's using those orbs to guard. In that case maybe we can catch her off guard.

"Elizabeth give her another shot!" I shout as I gather a lightning ball in my hand.

"What? Didn't you see what just happened!?" Elizabeth stares at me dumbfounded, I reassure her with my gaze. "Fine."

Elizabeth does as asked and shoots another fire beam at Priscilla, "Haven't you learnt your lesson the last time, it's useless!" Priscilla proclaims as an orb moves to block the attack but before it can I launch my lightning ball and neutralise the orb. As I thought, it can only repel fire. "WHAT!" Priscilla is caught unaware of the attack, she swiftly dodges with an awkward movement.

Now! I transform my scythe into a javelin again and throw it at Priscilla, she dodges the javelin but her posture is broke. Elizabeth noticing the chance jumps into the air using her flames as a jet.

"You're going down! Literally!" Elizabeth shouts, I think her finishing one liner could use some work.

"UUURGGHHHHH!" Elizabeth's burning fist smashes into Priscilla. "GUHHH!" Blood leaks out between her lips from the sudden impact with the ground. "To think you were capable of pushing me back this far." Priscilla gets back to her feet, she's tenacious. "Any more than this and I'll be nothing more than a laughing stock." Priscilla's flame wings change shape into several flaming arms. One of the flaming arms replaces her missing right and another four grow and extend out of her shoulder blades. Priscilla opens a pocket dimension and throws all her arms within, they each come out with a different weapon. In her six hands she holds a scythe in her human hand, a huge bow and arrow with two of her flaming hands, the remaining flame hands hold an axe, a sword, and a ball and chain. "This is one of my trump cards, Incinerating Asura! My flames can do a lot more than burn!"

I gaze on at the intimidating appearance of Priscilla's form. She's even stronger than we predicted.

"I grew up watching all of Reno's feats. I'm not impressed." Yes Elizabeth, but neither you or I are Reno. The fact remains that we're in trouble. "Keep throwing things at me and I'll continue to cut them down, Priscilla!" Elizabeth challenges bravely as she points her scythe at our opponent.

I sigh at Elizabeth's confidence, I can't let myself lose heart here. "Lately I've only been dead weight for all my friends, but this time I swear, we'll definitely win!"I follow Elizabeth's lead and point my silver scythe at Priscilla.

"Fools, up until now that was just the starter, time for the main course," Priscilla readies her many weapons, "Turn to ashes in bliss knowing you made me get serious."

XXXXXXXXXXXXX

Chapter 51B: Battles Of Fire - Ren Vs Van II (Perspective: Ren)

The four Yuichi imposters circle around me and attack together, I jump in the air to avoid being skewered. Two of the Yuichi clones transform their blades into javelins and throw them at me. Using Hinoken's flames I propel myself back to the floor avoiding the attack.

*BANG!* "URGHHHH!" I yelp in pain as I gaze at my bleeding leg.

"It isn't just them you're fighting," Van smiles as he aims his gun. *Bang bang!* I create a wall of fire in front of me. *Bang bang bang!* The bullets continue regardless.

One of the Yuichi clones flanks me to the side and slashes at me, "Protection!" I reactivate one of the my new arm's powers blocking the silver sword. Another Yuichi clone changes his blade into a javelin and throws it at me. Fighting this many is real pain in the arse. I quickly push back the Yuichi clone's sword with the protection, I then release the technique and grab that clone's wrist. Whilst still maintaining Hinoken's flame to prevent Van's bullet storm, I pull the Yuichi clone into the path of the approaching javelin, which pierces him through the heart. The clone disappears without a speck of blood coming out, well they weren't real so I'm not surprised. But that's one down.

*Bang bang!* Van continues to blast his gun. "Protection!" I switch my fire barrier for the forcefield and launch a wave of flames with Hinoken Van jumps over the attack and wielding a sword in one hand and a gun in the other he charges at me.

*Ching ching ching* Our swords collide, "Such inspiration, such intrigue, how very artistic!" Van smiles widely as our swords deadlock Van points his gun at me, *Bang!* I quickly tilt my neck to the side as the bullet rips through the air mere centimetres from my head. I release a wave of fire from Hinoken forcing Van to jump back still with a smile on his face.

One of the Yuichi clones slashes at me with their sword, I duck below the attack and before the other two clones can join the assault I shove my new hand into its abdomen. Its not really living, in that case this should work.

"Program!" I activate the second power that my arm grants to me on the Yuichi clone. Reprogram, from kill Ren Kirei to protect Ren Kirei. "That should do it." The other two remaining clones try to slash at me but my reprogrammed Yuichi clone blocks their attacks with its two silver swords.

"What did you do!? What is that arm!?" Van shouts in shock at the spectacle.

"I lost my previous arm in the fight against Enigma, so the Cerberus family created me this Alchemy Arm to replace it. And with it the three powers within are now mine, the first one being Protection, and the second being Program, which allows me to reprogram inanimate objects and various other things. You can look forward to the third power, Van, for when I use it, this fight will be over." I declare.

"Don't get so full of yourself," Van points to the disappearing Yuichi clone that was guarding me, it was two versus one so the outcome was obvious. "My art isn't so easy to defeat!" Van throws another picture and out comes a winged horse that Van quickly mounts, the deformed pony quickly takes to the sky.

*Bang bang!* Van shoots at me from the air. "Protection!" I recreate my forcefield to intercept the bullets. The Two Yuichi clones charge at me, I shoot several fireballs from Hinoken but they take evasive actions whilst still edging towards me. "Tch!" *Ching!* I block one of the blades and release my fire to force them back. I made the wrong choice guarding with Protection. I'm unable to use more than one power at a time, which means Program is sealed at the moment. And I'm not confident enough in my abilities to fight both Yuichi clones without Hinoken to defend me.

"I'm sure when I see your face filled with despair I'll be able to paint a real masterpiece, Ren Kirei!" Van taunts.

"Sorry, but that is one picture you won't be drawing. I told you, I'm going to show your art for the counterfeit it is." I refuse to fall to this deranged artist!

hyuugalegacy

2017-10-21, 05:57

Here is Chapter 52

Chapter 52A: The One Who Dominates Gravity – Yuichi And Wolfy Vs Isaac I

Wolfy and I are currently being pulled to the ground by some unknown force.

"What is this!?" I try and fight the pull but am quickly pulled back down again.

"Ki he he he, the foolishness of youth, I simply increased the gravity around you," Isaac states. "Let the weight crush you into nothingness."

""GUHHH!"" Wolfy and I grind our teeth as the pull increases in power.

"Nothing can hold down beauty!" I shout as I manifest several silver javelins outside the pull area and launch them at Isaac. Suddenly the gravity on our bodies disappears allowing me to move as the silver javelins fall to the ground. I see. "Wolfy spread out, he can only use that technique within a certain area, we can't let ourselves both be caught in it again!"

"Yes, Master." Wolfy agrees as we each jump to opposite sides of Isaac.

"Well analysed, and after just seeing it that once, ki he he he. I see that your genius is more than a self proclamation." Isaac congratulates. Well yeah, you'd be hard pressed finding someone more awesome than me. And It'll be out right impossible to find someone more beautiful.

"Master, stop grinning and concentrate on the fight!" Wolfy shouts as he shoots a fireball, but Isaac holds out his open palm and a small dark sphere appears and absorbs the fireball before disappearing. I create and shoot more javelins but again they are pulled to the floor. I close the distance and swipe at him with my silver sword *Ching* he pulls a blade out from his walking stick and blocks. My silver sword suddenly feels as heavy as lead. He's running his power through his blade. I create a silver javelin directly over Isaac's head and drop it. Pulling down isn't going to help you here. Isaac upon noticing the javelin raises one of his hands. Suddenly my javelin flies up to and pierces the ceiling.

"I can also do the opposite you know," Isaac smiles. You won't be for long, time for a sneak attack. I create a small ball of silver directly beneath him between his legs and a moment later, "UUUUUOOOORRGGHHHH!" A horrible sound as his testicles are smacked with the silver ball. "How could..." Isaac starts as he holds the effected area in his hands. The anti gravity suddenly releases and my silver javelin starts to fall back down towards him. Despite his pain Isaac jumps back and avoids the attack.

But this is my chance, now that he's stunned. I run past Isaac and launch myself towards the generator holding Tsubaki, I pull back my fist ready to smash the glass.

"Master, WAIT!" Wolfy screams. But I continue on with the momentum until.

"URGHHHH!" My head slams into some kind of invisible wall. I slide back down and flop on the ground in pain. "What was that?" I ask as I rub my head.

"Master, this guy was obviously deployed here to protect the generator, of course it's going to have a barrier."

"What, why!?" I scream in shock, my master plan of saving Tsubaki and disabling the power is now all ruined.

"To protect it obviously, from stray shots and idiots who try to destroy it without fighting us," Isaac returns to his feet, his eyes filled with malice, "You really did it to me just now. There are just some things you don't do, and you crossed the line."

"The very moment you kidnapped Lilicia I had already threw morality out the window. I came here for blood, not honour." I retort, "Those who make any girl of mine cry loses every right to their existence!"

I launch several silver javelins, at the same time Wolfy fires several fireballs. An attack from both sides.

"Don't count your chickens yet, whipper snappers," A dark aura covers Isaac, "Gravitation Repulsion!"

"WHAT!? URGHHHH!" I'm forced against the wall, as is Wolfy. My javelins are flying back at me. Shit! I forcefully disperse my silver before it can pierce me.

"URGGHHHAAA!"

"Wolfy!" I scream as he is pelted by his own fireballs. "Damn it!" The aura surrounding Isaac disappears allowing me to move, Wolfy falls to the ground from his injuries. "What the hell! Isn't your power gravity!? How can you force us any direction other than up and down!?"

"I take my previous comment back, you're no genius if you can't work such a simple thing out." Isaac sniggers, "My power allows me to increase or even reverse gravity. So a question for you, what is gravity?"

"Are you making fun of me!?" This old git, "It's the force that pulls everything down to the ground."

"So simple. Gravity technically pulls towards the world's core. But I'm also capable of turning myself into a gravitational core. So gravity can revolve around me instead of a planet."

Okay, he's completely lost me. But long story short he can force me backwards as well as up and down. Now the question is how do I beat him?

I charge at Isaac who in turn despite his age runs at me also. If I try and stop his blade dead I'll only be dragged down by his gravity *Ching!* I parry the attack to the side and the heavy blade slams into the floor. I slash at Isaac but he jumps into the air.

"Ki he he he, haven't you realised you can't win? Or do you need death to teach you the harsh reality?" Isaac taunts as he hovers in the air.

"I've lost count how many pricks have said similar lines only for me to screw them over." No matter what, the beautiful will always reign supreme.

"Death it is then," Isaac kicks off seemingly thin air and hovers directly over my head.

"URGGHHHHH!" I'm forced to the ground again. SHIT! Isaac flies towards me sword first from above. I quickly manifest a silver wall directly above myself. *Ching!* Isaac's blade and my wall collide stopping the attack.

I create a silver javelin directly overhead that is instantly pulled down by the gravity. Isaac jumps away to safety, releasing the gravity in the process. I quickly roll away and get back to my feet. That was too close.

"Ki he he he."

I scratch the back of my head momentarily, "Well this fight certainly couldn't be going any better," I joke as I tighten my grip on my silver sword.

I need to turn the tides back to my favour.

XXXXXXXXXX

Chapter 52B: The One Who Dominates Gravity – Reno Vs Kaiser II (Perspective: Reno)

Kaiser smiles as I gather flames around my fists I'm going to burn him to ashes. As I charge towards him something appears that shocks me.

"Silver!?" I state in shock, six silver javelins form and fly towards me. I dive to one side avoiding the attack the silver then dissipates. Kaiser throws a knife I punch it with my flaming fist melting it to nothingness on contact. "What did you do? That was Yuichi Shiro's technique just now." How can he use it? Silver Manifestation is Yuichi Shiro's Soul Technique which is like DNA, it can't just be replicated like that.

"Why don't you work it out genius," This clown's smile is pissing me off. I shoot several fireballs in retaliation. Kaiser dodges with over the top movements like somersaults and back flips. I charge at him and attack with my burning fist but Kaiser also with a flaming fist smashes his fist into my own. "Show me more of what you've got." He taunts as he jumps off the ground and spins his outstretched legs faster than a helicopter's propeller.

"URGHHHHH!" A concealed blade in his shoe scrapes my arm as I forcefully grab his spinning leg. Kaiser pivots and attacks me with his free leg I duck my head and dodge. "URGHHHH!" But Kaiser arcs his back forward and slams his fist into my face sending me skidding along the floor. Just how flexible is this guy!?

"My envy grants me endless power!" Kaiser proclaims as eight tentacles sprout from his back. The eyes within all glare at me and flash.

"What!? That can't be possible!" All eight of Kaiser's Photon Options shoot at me at once. I don't have time to dodge so I cover myself in flames "URGHHH!" Despite my guard the lasers still pierce me but I was able to avoid serious injuries. The tentacles on Kaiser's back disappear into nothingness like they were never there to begin with.

"Photon Options is a Thanatos Reaper Technique that is unique to the blood. Why can you use it, and not only that, but that silver attack before. What are you doing!?"

Kaiser just smiles as another six silver javelins form and fly at me, I create a wall of fire to defend myself. I won't fall for the exact same trick twice. Kaiser jumps into the air and shoots several fireballs at me. Wait the way he's doing it, he's replicating me. I jump back to safety.

How's he doing it? Silver Manifestation and Photon Options if he used just one of them I would say he's got some sort of copycat power, but he's used both of them. Silver Manifestation is a Soul Technique, whilst Photon Options is a Reaper Technique. They're too vastly different for one power to cover them both. Then what is his power? Each Human Anomaly has only one Soul Technique, so just what is his?

Kaiser creates his eight Photon Options and they all quickly shoot their lasers at me together. I jump into the air and throw a colossal fireball at Kaiser, who dives to one side and throws several knives at me, I create my firewall and melt them. Wait, something isn't right.

Kaiser creates six silver javelins and launches them at me, I use my flame to push myself to one side.

Why is Kaiser always shooting the Photon Options simultaneously? If he fires them one at a time he could remain on the offensive and I would have a much more difficult time dodging them. Also, if he can create silver, why does he just keep using the javelins? Yuichi Shiro has many more lethal techniques, yet he keeps using the same one. Wait, maybe it's the opposite, it's not that he isn't, he can't.

Kaiser swings a colossal stream of fire that is extending out from his arm at me. I duck down below the attack. That's another of my techniques. I manifest a column of fire that shoots several huge fireballs into the air. "Magma Rain!"

"Such a grand technique, I'm truly envious!" Kaiser smiles as he creates a wall of fire to defend himself from the assault. Once again another of my techniques. After the rain of fire ends Kaiser creates another six silver javelins and launches them at me. Now, time to figure this out. I watch the silver carefully as I jump into the air and recall the previous instants he used this ability. As I thought. The silver hits nothing and moved exactly the same as it did every other time. So that's his power. No wonder he kept it a secret despite being such a loud guy, having it revealed would have spelled his defeat.

As I land on the ground I cannot help but smile as Kaiser unleashes his eight Photon Options. Now to test my theory. As the eight Photon Options shoot their lasers I move my feet just a few metres and then standstill. I watch the eight Photon Options hit nothing but air as my smile broadens. Now I'm sure of it.

Kaiser stares at me in shock at my lack of evasive action in the last assault. His confident smile no longer present.

"I've figured it out." Kaiser's eyes open in shock at my proclamation. "Your Soul Technique is nothing short of playing back the actions of someone else as your own. And you play them back exactly to the letter. You never had Yuichi Shiro's Silver Manifestation, your merely copying a single technique he uses with it." Kaiser steps back in disbelief, I'm on the money. His power is like copying a piece of computer code and then playing it back. But that's all, he has no way of altering the code. The silver javelins he uses, they will always have the same number sent out, and they will each always follow the exact same trajectory. The same can be said for the Photon Option's lasers, they always shoot together, and they will always fly in exactly the same directions.

"It's over, Kaiser Crave." I declare as I rush in with my blade made of fire covering my hand.

"No, I won't let it happen!" Kaiser launches the six silver javelins, remembering the trajectory from previous attacks I move into a safe zone whilst still moving onwards. Next he uses the Photon Options, I continue onwards regardless, likewise none of the lasers hit me. "This can't be..." The clown's face shows despair.

"Like a magician who had his tricks revealed, you're nothing!"

"URGHHHH!" I pierce my blade of fire through Kaiser's abdomen. "Such a sharp flame...I'm truly...envious..." When I disperse my technique Kaiser falls to the ground in a puddle of his own blood.

I quickly take out and apply the Prison Collar. When I padlock the black leather collar around Kaiser's neck a black shadow covers his entire body, which slowly disappears from this dimension.

"Have fun being envious behind bars, damn clown."

hyuugalegacy

2017-12-09, 07:48

Here is Chapter 53.

Chapter 53A: Overcome The Asura - Alicia And Elizabeth Vs Priscilla III (Perspective Alicia)

Elizabeth and I charge at Priscilla who extends the length of all her many flame arms and swings her sword in a large arc. We both duck down, and I quickly roll to one side as Priscilla releases a stream of fire with a swing of her scythe. At the same time an arrow shoots towards Elizabeth who was trying to flank her, forcing her to jump back.

I shoot a lightning ball as Elizabeth launches a fireball only for them to be intercepted and dispersed by the axe and sword respectively.

Priscilla closes the distance between us in an instant and before I am consciously aware I swing my scythe *Ching* it collides with Priscilla's sword. *Ching* Elizabeth's scythe deflects the axe.

*Ching ching ching ching* The harsh scrapes of our colliding weapons release bright spark as I give up on the idea of trying to process what is happening and allow my instincts to take control. Priscilla swings both her scythe and sword at me simultaneously, I side step towards the scythe *Ching ching!* and redirect its trajectory into the oncoming sword deflecting both attacks in one move like a domino effect. Elizabeth having found an opening in the axe's attack shoots another fireball at Priscilla.

"Don't get cocky," She exclaims as she temporarily releases her scythe and shoots two branching pillars of flames which consumes Elizabeth's fireball like it was nothing.

""URGHHHH!"" Both Elizabeth and I guarded the attack by striking the flame pillars with our own fireballs the colliding attacks minimised the damage we both received but we were still sent flying back through the air with the heavy impact.

We both quickly get to our feet as Priscilla charges towards us with her many weapons. I dodge the swipe of her sword. *Ching!* I deflect the swing of her scythe but suddenly "URGHHH!" I'm kicked in the gut and forced back again "URGHHHA!" But not far enough for the chain segment of the ball and chain to tighten around my waist, momentarily stopping my breath with the harsh restration.

"Alicia!" Elizabeth shouts noticing my danger whilst avoiding the axe.

Priscilla smiles as with great strength my body is forced off the ground and hurled through the air. Priscilla aims her arrow at my airborne body. Curses! I quickly change the shape of the silver into a small shield, I don't have the quantity of silver to make a big one *Ching!* I place the silver shield in front of my heart and as luck would have it that was her aim.

"Tch!" Priscilla grunts as she tries to lodge another arrow.

"Silver Bullet!" I alter the shape and shoot several fragments of silver. I'm not letting you shoot me a second time.

Priscilla jumps back to dodge my attack and tries to reattach the ball and chain around my waist I begin to regather the silver but it won't make it in time. A fireball suddenly slams into the ball and alters its trajectory, I land safely on the ground and give Elizabeth an acknowledging nod.

"Hm, this is going way beyond being a pain." Priscilla remarks as she swings her sword and axe simultaneously, Elizabeth jumps back but I charge forward.

"Alicia!" Elizabeth shouts at my reckless action.

"We can't just defend forever!" I call back as I slide underneath the attacks of the sword and axe.

The ball and chain tries to bludgeon me, but I roll to the side and swiftly jump to my feet. I quickly change the silver back into the shape of a shield *Ching* noticing the trajectory from the aim I block the arrow and continue onwards. I switch the shield back to a scythe now that it has done its job. Priscilla swings her final weapon, the scythe in her real hand, as I swing my own scythe I alter the shape mid swing. "I won't fall for that again!" Priscilla proclaims as she stops her swing and tries to jump backwards, but I throw my silver into the air freeing my hand that I swiftly use to grab Priscilla's wrist. "What!" She exclaims as I stop her jump with a harsh pull. At the same time the silver reshapes itself into two blades and I use my control of them to slice through Priscilla's fire arms at the root of her back.

Priscilla wears a shocked expression as her weapons fall to the ground. Whilst still holding her wrist with my right hand, I gather electricity into the fist of my left and. "URGHHHHH!" Slam it directly into her face sending her skidding harshly along the floor. A few silent moments elapse as I try to catch my breath when I hear a ghastly voice.

"Ha ha ha ha," Priscilla's sprawled out body chuckles as it remains on the ground, "HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA!" The sudden outburst forces me to take a step back as Priscilla returns to her feet, her eyes are wide open and her smile is wide and thin. "And here I thought that you two were nothing but a useless Carrisa wannabe, and a disposable princess who can't hold a candle to her brother. You are both full of surprises, I never imagined until today that I would have so much difficulty killing you both. HA HA HA HA HA!"

Despite wanting to take another step back at the change of Priscilla's tone I stand firm, the words she said, I can't let them slide. "I have always admired Carrisa that's true, but that never meant I ever abandoned who I truly am. I never wished to become her, not then, not now. I merely have one desire...To surpass her!" I state as I take a powerful step forward.

"Reno has always been better than me, there's no denying this. There were even several people who tried to convince or pressure my Father to disown me from the Cerberus family so Reno would become the next Head." This is the first time I'm hearing anything about this. To think that the girl who is always so haughty had gone through such things. "Fortunately for me, Reno silenced such opinions by declaring that if my father lost his eldest daughter, he would in turn lose his eldest son. Neither my father nor my brother are so cold hearted as to go through with such things. I may feel pathetic and inferior from time to time, but neither they, nor I, have ever considered me disposable!" Elizabeth also takes a powerful step forward.

"HA HA HA HA HA HA HA!" Priscilla laughs at our declarations, "Then allow me to show you both the respect you deserve. A reward for accomplishing so much." Just surrendering would be rewarding enough, but it looks like she's got something else up her sleeve. Why can't life ever be easy?

Fire begins to surround Priscilla's entire body the intense heat hovers her high into the air as she slowly disappears into her flames. "This power is still in the trial period, I'm planning on developing it into something equivalent to the three Grimoires. You two have gained the honour of being its beta testing opponents." A power equal to the Grimoires!? Whilst I'm shocked at Priscilla's declaration the flames further expand hiding her body within its intense heat. The flames slowly form into shape. Standing at the size of a skyscraper two legs, multiple long arms, a thick wide body, and a head that's shaped like a dragons. The burning colossal giant straightens its knees and stands at its full height.

"Priscilla Orthrus' Custom Reaper Technique: Infernal Guardian!" Priscilla's voice radiates through the wide room as the burning monster gives a loud roar.

"She developed a technique that can rival the three families' Grimoires," Elizabeth says as sweat rolls down her face. We both take a step back from the huge monster.

This is seriously bad, I never imagined she would be this strong.

XXXXXXX

Chapter 53B:Overcome The Asura - Ren Vs Van III (Perspective: Ren)

*Bang bang bang!* Van shoots his gun from the safety of the flying horse. I guard against the bullets using protection. As a Yuichi clone tries to strike me, I disengage protection and jump out of the way.

I swing Hinoken and release a stream of fire, the Yuichi clones sidestep the attack and continue charging. *Bang bang!* I dive out the way of the bullet storm. Attacks from both the sky and ground are making it difficult to fight back. *Ching* I block one of the clone's swords with Hinoken but when I try to move my Alchemy Arm towards the Yuichi clone I notice Van aiming his gun *Bang!* "Protection!" I manifest my forcefield and stop the attack. He's not going to let me simply reprogram them. The second Yuichi clone charges forth at me from behind. No choice, sink or swim.

I deflect the first Yuichi clone's blade to one side and throw Hinoken high into the air behind me. With swift movement I grab the first Yuichi clone's wrist with my now free hand. *Bang bang bang!* I continue using Protection to defend against the bullet storm. I pull the first Yuichi clone into the running path of the second the collision stopping them both momentarily. I charge towards the defenceless clones whilst maintaining the protection. I catch the falling Hinoken mid fall and switch off the protection and activate Hinoken's flames to stop the bullet onslaught. I catch both the clone's shoulders with my outstretched Alchemy Arm. "Program!" Reprogram, from kill Ren Kirei to kill Van.

The two clones jump into the air and try and slash at their new nemesis and his noble steed. "Art turning on an artist, such a contradiction cannot exist!" The two Yuichi clones both disappear into nothingness. Well, at least it's now just me and him. I give up on the useless Yuichi copies.

*Bang bang!* "Protection!" I reactivate my barrier once again and swing Hinoken to unleash a stream of fire at the flying horse, which dodges it in turn. I unleash numerous flame waves forcing Van onto the defensive allowing me to release the protection. I press my Alchemy Arm against the Crusader's floor. "Program!" A chunk of the ground below me separates from the floor and hovers with me on top of it.

Ascend I order the ground and I am taken to the same height as the horse and Van. "What on earth!?" Van is shocked at the scene and probably can't work out what I'm doing. Move forward. *Bang bang!* Front end of ground curve upwards. The ground I'm on changes shape creating a steep hill at the end that blocks the bullets. Continue forwards. "Just what the hell are you!?" *Bang Bang!* Van continues his worthless effort whilst trying to get an angle for his shot, but I simply move to prevent him whilst still gaining ground on him. "Damn you!" When I get so close Van throws his hand into one of his paintings and draws out a sword, he's realised his gun is now useless. In three seconds break apart and fly straight ahead. I program the floor's last order as I straighten my back and stand tall.

Ignoring the bullet wound I received from Van earlier I take a run up and jump from the floor towards the horse. The horse opens its mouth and releases a ball of wind at me. "Protection!" I guard as I continue towards Van.

"DIE!" Van tries to skewer me with his long sword *Ching!* I guard with Hinoken and then grab his blade with my Alchemy Arm.

"Program!" Break apart!

"WHAT!" Van screams in astonishment as his sword crumbles. The horse tries to fly away and avoid me but the floor pelts it with a storm of debris like I previously ordered it, forcing the horse in place.

I grab Van by the neck and force him off the falling horse "This is the end, Van!" I declare as we both fall to the ground.

"No! My art shall survive for eternity!" He screams through the suffocation.

"But you however, shall not!" I tighten my grip as I activate the third power of my Alchemy Arm. "Petrification!" I scream as Van's face turns to despair. His flesh changes colour from his neck and spreads out to his head, body, arms, and legs. I brace the fall as we land, and I stand the new Van made completely of stone upright. "How ironic, the artist, became a piece of art." I remark as I gaze at the statue that shall forever hold that expression of despair.

Soon the firewall separating me from Reno disappears and Reno walks over to me. "Nicely done, it looks like you've gotten a good grasp of your Alchemy Arm." He congratulates as he gazes at the Van statue.

"Not that I'm complaining, but these powers are pretty damn haxed." I state as I gaze at my arm.

"We spared no expense that you got the best, Ren-nii." Reno replies, "Anyway we should do what we came here for and shut down this generator, and get her out of there whilst we're at it.

Reno and I walk and stand before the container after pressing a few buttons here and there the glass door moves to one side and all the lights of the machines disappear, the generator has been switched off. We remove the restraints and get the girl out and lay her gently on the floor.

"Lily, Lily..." Reno shakes the teenage girl's shoulder and she slowly opens her eyes.

"Reno-chan...what happened?" The girl weakly asks.

Reno smiles in relief and holds the girl against him in a delicate embrace a single tear escapes his eye. "It's nothing Lily, don't worry about it." The girl doesn't seem to comprehend the reason but she returns Reno's embrace by wrapping her arms weakly around him.

"Now we just have to wait for the others to finish on their end before we can move onto the next stage of the plan." I state, somewhat hating myself for disrupting their mood.

"Yes, they shall pay for their sins with their blood." Reno replies as he lays Lily gently back down to the floor. Reno's anger has only increased from before his battle with Kaiser.

Elizabeth, Yuichi, Alicia-san, Kuro-san, Wolfy. I know you won't let us down. We shall take this fight to the scumbags that started it all.

hyuugalegacy

2017-12-21, 12:33

Well, Just adding the volume 2 front cover

https://cudbbetter.files.wordpress.com/2017/12/soul_anomaly_2_cover_by_renealexa_plushie-dbxdtgy.jpg?w=303&h=416

hyuugalegacy

2018-01-07, 07:11

Well here is Chapter 1 of the manga/comic. Please note it is read left to right.

Also note the story and characters are mine (Cud-B-Better) but the art is done by House Of I Magi Studio.

https://cudbbetter.files.wordpress.com/2019/07/000.jpg?w=660

https://cudbbetter.files.wordpress.com/2018/12/ch-01-000.png?w=660

https://cudbbetter.files.wordpress.com/2020/05/ch-01-001.jpg?w=660

https://cudbbetter.files.wordpress.com/2020/05/ch-01-002.jpg?w=660

https://cudbbetter.files.wordpress.com/2020/05/ch-01-003.jpg?w=660

https://cudbbetter.files.wordpress.com/2022/07/ch-01-004v2.jpg?w=660

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dragon1412

2018-01-08, 01:29

pretty good art to be honest

hyuugalegacy

2018-01-08, 15:18

pretty good art to be honest

True, the artist has a done a superb job of it.

hyuugalegacy

2018-02-13, 15:34

Here is the second chapter of the manga

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hyuugalegacy

2018-03-13, 00:26

Here is chapter 54

Chapter 54A: Fight The Pull, Kill The Push – Yuichi And Wolfy Vs Isaac II

*Ching! Ching! Ching!* I feel a heavy weight every time Isaac and my blade collides.

"Ki he he he," Isaac smiles as our swords enter a deadlock. That expression is really disgusting. Enduring the heavy weight of my silver sword in my hands I create another silver sword and grip it with my teeth. Isaac jumps back avoiding my second sword's slash.

I reform my second blade into several pieces of silver shrapnel and launch them.

"Useless!" Isaac proclaims as a dark aura quickly covers his body. Shit! "Gravitation Repulsion!"

"URGHHH!" I'm forced back as several chunks of silver pierce my flesh. I couldn't dispel it in time. The dark aura around Isaac quickly disperses and he jumps through the air at me.

"Die!" Isaac shouts as a dark orb manifests in front of his outstretched hand.

"Master, get away from it!" Wolfy shouts as he gets back to his feet.

My legs instantly react and I jump back. However Isaac throws the orb and it quickly expands to several metres in diameter.

"SHIT!" I can't avoid it. "Silver Armour!" I quickly wear my silver.

"Master!"

"URGGGGGHHHHHAAAA!" I yell in pain as the orb engulfs me and the huge pulling force puts immense pressure on my body despite my armour. Blood pours out my lips as it feels like my body is being destroyed from the inside. I instinctively manipulate my silver to try and pull against the sphere. The further in I fall the stronger the pull will be. If I fall into the centre I'll be crushed completely, even with my armour. I manifest more silver and have it wrap around my waist and have it pull me from outside the sphere's influence.

XXXXXXXX

Chapter 54B: Fight The Pull, Kill The Push – Yuichi And Wolfy Vs Isaac III (Perspective: Wolfy)

Master has just been engulfed in that sphere. Noticing the many silver lines coming out of the sphere like lifelines Isaac readies his blade. Oh no you don't. I rush and unleash several fireballs Isaac jumps away. Those are Master's hope, I can't let him touch them.

"Ki he he he, I guess he isn't that easy to kill after all." Isaac states.

"Of course not, he is my Master." I unleash more fireballs, however Isaac creates an orb that engulfs them before they can reach him. I rush at him and slice with my claws, Isaac dodges with minimal movement and stabs his sword towards me, I nimbly sidestep and release a stream of fire from my mouth. Isaac jumps back and gathers a dark orb in his hand and throws it at me. I jump to the side just before it expands. I charge at Isaac who runs to one side as he covers himself in the dark aura.

"Gravitation Repulsion!" My legs skid harshly back along the floor. Curses, that's his aim. I notice the huge orb that is just like the one Master is stuck in. He's trying to push me into the orb with his repulsion. I quickly gather strength in my legs and push off the ground as hard as I can. I pull my legs up tight as they are mere inches from entering the sphere. I land safely back on the ground. That was too close.

I quickly run to one side so that the sphere is no longer between me and Isaac. "Ki he he he, well done, I thought that move would have finished you."

"I won't go down that easily, old timer." I rush towards him once again constantly jumping left and right so he can't pinpoint his gravity. I shoot fireball after fireball but he just engulfs them with the miniature dark orbs.

I slash with my claws, he avoids and tries to stab me with his sword, I lightly dodge and gnaw my fangs into his unsuspecting sword hand. "ARRRRGHHHHHH!" He yelps in pain as he drops his sword and tries to shake me off. I sink my teeth deeper whilst also releasing heat from my mouth and straight onto his hand. "ARRRGGHHHH!" He screams louder as his body engulfs itself in his dark aura. "Gravitation Repulsion!" I sink my teeth even further and Isaac's arm flings out from being pulled along with me. "ARRRRRRRRRRGGGGGGGHHHHHHH!" He screams again as I use his hand as my lifeline to stop myself from flying back. The aura quickly dissipates and he creates a dark orb with his other hand. I finally release him and jump out of the way of the attack.

"Damn you!" Isaac curses as he looks at his bloodied hand, his face consorts in anger. Dark aura surrounds his body again but it feels different from the other instances. My body begins to fly forward on its own. I see, as I thought he can do this as well. "Gravitation Attraction!" He can attract as well as repel, but in that case now is my chance. As I fly forward I unleash several fireballs at the shocked Isaac. Thanks to the gravitational pull they all fly straight at him at a tremendous speed. "URGHHHHHH!" My fireballs send Isaac flying to the opposite side of the room, the dark aura dissipates as he skids across the ground.

Before he can get up I charge towards the dark sphere that Master is currently trapped within. I've wasted too much time. Please be safe. I unleash several fireballs at the sphere making sure they won't be on a collision course with Master. If my guess is right about that sphere then it's like a vacuum cleaner. It pulls towards the epicentre of the sphere. But then also like a vacuum cleaner if you can block the suction.

XXXXXXX

Chapter 54C: Fight The Pull, Kill The Push – Yuichi And Wolfy Vs Isaac IV

"Gahh!" More blood escapes my mouth. The constant pulling from both directions is wrecking my beautiful body. I can't lose here. I still need to castrate Disturb. And shove Cock up his own arse.

My mind was really foggy at that time, but I can still recall that horrible scene. Lilicia-chan's tear stained face as that monster forcefully took her lips. The strength in her voice when she declared how she would take her own life to save mine. The forced smile she had when Disturb took her from us.

Lilicia-chan is a girl who puts the welfare of others before herself. Even when she was shaking with fear. Even though I'm sure she desperately wanted to run away. She didn't. And I've failed her, not once but twice.

Two times that girl was taken right in front of me, the incarnate of beauty. However, this much I swear, THERE WON'T BE A THIRD TIME! Therefore I cannot fall here!

As I gather my resolve I spot several fireballs entering the sphere and I notice. The pulls weakened. I gather my strength and have all my silver pull on me. But the orb's power quickly restores. I see, so that's how it is. As I use my power to pull myself I also manifest several huge egg shapes of silver that block the sphere's suction dramatically. NOW! I use every available silver resource I have to pull my armoured body out of the sphere.

I finally see what I've been waiting for, the light outside the sphere's darkness. I land hard onto the Crusader's floor.

"Master!" Wolfy runs to me. I disperse the silver covering my head.

"Thanks Wolfy, Your fireballs were just the hint that I needed to escape that damn thing." I pat Wolfy's head as I get back to my feet.

"It's my pleasure, Master."

I see Isaac slowly standing up at the other end. His clothes and body are heavily burnt. Wolfy must have put up quite the amazing fight whilst I was stuck inside that thing. Time to redeem for my absence. Wolfy and I charge at Isaac who jumps into the air and projects himself directly above Wolfy who quickly dodges to the side as Isaac comes down blade first. I create a silver javelin directly over his head and his gravity pulls it towards him. Isaac jumps back and creates several dark orbs and throws them at me and Wolfy. We both dodge before we can get dragged into their influence.

I charge at Isaac and slash with my silver sword but he guards with his own and increases my silver sword's weight. Running his gravity through his blade again. But he's not able to use the pinpoint gravity attack at close range. Wolfy flanks and releases a stream of fire, Isaac jumps back through the air and I feel gravity pulling us to the ground. Tch, we both fell into range. I create several silver javelins and attack Isaac from every side, the distraction works and we free ourselves from the gravity as Isaac jumps through the air.

"Ki he he he," Isaac's eyes are increasing with anger as his laugh changes from creepy to cursing. Hundreds or maybe thousand of dark orbs start manifesting and start orbiting around Isaac. "Gravity Galaxy!" He shouts as the numerous orbs shoot towards me.

"Silver Wall!" I quickly manifest my silver, however the structure get filled with more holes than a swiss cheese I quickly dive out of the way as the orbs smash and crush a crater into the floor. "Wolfy these things pretty much destroy everything they touch, so be careful!" I shout to my pet, who nods back. Now the question is, how do I beat this technique? I jump to one side as the orbs rush passed me. It looks like he can only give the orbs very basic instructions. Otherwise he would have them surround me from all directions. I create several shards of silver and launch them at Isaac. The orbs that were chasing me all quickly form up a defensive wall against my silver, which is destroyed on contact.

It's not like he's controlling every single orb independently. It's similar to water techniques, you don't control every single drop of the water, you just manipulate where the entire thing flows. He's currently split the technique into two halves, one to attack me, the other Wolfy. However, I doubt he can split the technique any more than this. Which means he can only manipulate two flows at once. If I was fighting this guy alone this technique would probably have been the end of me. He would just of had one flow attack the other defend. But with Wolfy and me together then we can pull through this.

I dodge the destructive stream again. Right now it's attacking me. I jump back and create a huge amount of distance with Isaac and myself, the orbs chase me. I dodge another attack. Now! "Silver Clone!" I create a silver copy of myself right behind Isaac who turns around shocked. I quickly try to close as much distance between myself and Isaac as my clone prepares to strike Isaac with its blade. The many orbs that were attacking me before have stopped moving, Isaac needs to concentrate on the threat my clone presents him and I lured the orbs too far away to be any help.

The dark aura covers Isaac's body once again. Here it comes! I stand my feet firm into the ground and manifest several straps of silver around my legs further securing my legs. "Gravitation Repulsion!" My clone is instantly forced back but it has served its purpose, as a distraction that is.

Isaac has faith that this technique is pretty much a perfect defence hence he's letting his guard down whilst using it. I'm standing firm thanks to all the support. Isaac is facing the wrong way thanks to my clone's distraction. The time is now. Using my body as a supporting wall I outstretch my arm whilst battling the repulsion. I quickly manifest a wide blade of silver that reaches out to Isaac's back. I'm not able to manifest my silver directly into a living being, but I can do this. My wide silver sword that is mere inches from Isaac's unsuspecting back quickly changes shape, I decrease the width of the sword and increase its length. "URGHHHHHAAAAA!" Isaac yelps as my blade pierces through his back.

"Gotcha!" I shout in victory. By using my body as the supporting wall and creating a long blade Isaac was unable to repel the attack.

"Nice one, Master!" Wolfy congratulates. Well I certainly wouldn't have survived without you, Wolfy.

"URRGGHHHHAAA!" Isaac painfully pulls his body free from my blade and shoots himself towards me, his hand holds a dark orb. "Even if I die, I'll take you with me, YUICHI SHIRO!" He screams as he edges closer and throws his orb.

"Silver Tower!" I create a huge silver structure that raises me into the air like a pedestal, escaping the range of the expanded sphere. I jump towards Isaac before the structure completely gives way from the sphere. Isaac readies his blade and swipes for my head. *Ching!* I deflect it to one side before discarding my silver sword. I grab Isaac's wrist as he opens his eyes in shock. "The feeling of the pull is greater than any roller coaster, enjoy it with glee."

"UUUUUUUURRRGGGGGGGHHHHHHHAAAAA!" Isaac screams as he falls into the sphere he just created. He's sure loud despite having a hole through him.

"The beautiful will never be pulled down." I remark as I walk to Tsubaki/Rose whichever one it is, and check to ensure the barrier is gone. It is.

"Okay, this time for sure." I pull back my fist and thrust it forward *Smash!* The glass shatters. I disperse my armour and carefully lift her out of the generator, which quickly turns off after losing its power source.

Wolfy comes to my side as I gently lay her down on the ground. "Is she okay?" I ask as Wolfy examines her.

"She's exhausted, but otherwise fine." He replies.

"That's good," I state before a dark feeling comes over me, "Just what kind of person does this to their own family?"

"We already knew that the people we were dealing with were broken from the word go, Master. Despite how despicable this is, it shouldn't surprise you at this point."

"Yeah, they're completely unredeemable, and my greatness will not stand aside as they pull this shit."

Those scumbag's sins just keep piling up. I swear that I'll give them their long overdue retribution with interest on top, or else my name isn't Yuichi Shiro.

hyuugalegacy

2018-03-23, 07:04

Here is chapter 55

Chapter 55A: Topple The Guardian - Alicia And Elizabeth Vs Priscilla IV (Perspective: Alicia)

*Swoosh!* Elizabeth and I jump back a moment before the giant's arm smashes us. Give me a break. I dive to the left as another arm punches towards me. The intense power creates a hole where it struck. I'm surprised the Crusader hasn't been destroyed with her wielding such a power within it.

I dive again as the head breathes a huge fire stream. I feel the intense heat that I only narrowly escaped. I'll die if I take a single hit. Elizabeth creates a fire barrier to guard against the flame bullets that the monster's shooting from one of its hands. We're both tied up here, but we can't stay on the defensive forever.

I create and throw a lightning ball that is about the same size as me at the Guardian, but it intercepts the attack with a fireball from its mouth.

The Guardian suddenly moves one of its legs and stomps at the ground where I stand, I quickly jump back. But several arms sprout out from the leg that shoot towards me. I forcefully contract my silver scythe on a molecular level to harden its heat resistance and I run an ice technique through the handle to prevent heat conduction reaching me. I slash the approaching arms that splatter onto the ground.

I reform my scythe into a long thin sword and charge at the Guardian's leg and slice it across the ankle. The Guardian roars as its foot seperates from its leg. The Guardian staggers backwards before several hands shoot out from the leg and stabilise it. The hands then quickly take the shape of a new foot and the Guardian is whole again. As I thought, it's not going to be as easy as that. As long as Priscilla is inside this Guardian can just regenerate. Well it is just a huge flame.

Suddenly a huge web like dome of fire surrounds the Guardian. That looks bad.

"Stay behind me!" Elizabeth quickly runs in front of me and covers her body and scythe in her flames.

"CREMATION ZONE!" Priscilla shouted from within the Guardian. The dome flame web expands and is heading in all directions with the Guardian at its centre. Elizabeth slices at the flames creating a hole in the flame net allowing us both to escape the technique. Thank god Elizabeth was here, otherwise that attack would have been the end of me.

Several huge familiar looking flaming orbs sprout out of the Guardian and scatter around the battlefield. Those are the things that reflect fire attacks.

The Guardian unleashes several fire streams, I quickly dodge to the left, before jumping back to the right as the orbs reflect the attacks back at us. The orbs continuously chase the fire streams like they're tennis rackets and that hitting us with the flames will win them the match point.

Whilst dodging yet another reflected attack I conjure another lightning ball on the ready. Gotta do this just right. I watch the rebounds play out whilst taking evasive action until a stream of fire is reflected towards the Guardian. I launch the lightning ball at the orb that is ready to reflect the attack, dispersing it and the Guardian roars as the huge flame stream smashes into it causing it to stumble backwards. Didn't she learn from the last time she used this move?

"Alicia get away from there!" Elizabeth shouts as she dives and pushes me to one side before a huge flame cylinder surrounds her.

Priscilla, she took that attack purposely to lower my guard. "Elizabeth!" I shout to the girl who had just saved me.

The flame Cylinder suddenly constricts with Elizabeth still inside but the top cuts off and Elizabeth coated with her own flames escapes the prison. Being a fire specialist she is highly adept at dealing with such techniques. I've lost count how many times she's saved me in this fight. Even though she's usually so annoying. She definitely has earned the right to be the Cerberus family's heir.

I quickly shoot multiple streams of lightning and knock all the orbs out of the sky. The many flame stream attacks fly into the walls, floor, or ceiling. We no longer have to fear that technique.

"Alicia," Elizabeth calls, "I have an idea." The Guardian suddenly shoots millions of flame bullets from one of its hands.

We both dodge by flanking to one side as the bullet storm chases us. "There's no point in fighting this thing, we simply need to defeat Priscilla." Elizabeth states as we run side by side.

"That's easier said than done, she's hiding within that Infernal Guardian." The Guardian is acting as both her sword and shield.

"Then we defeat her from within." Elizabeth replies. From within? "By coating myself with my flames I can protect myself from other heat sources."

"Wait, you don't mean?" I stutter.

"I'll defeat her one on one." Elizabeth replies confidently.

"Do you realise just how dangerous what you're planning is!?" I shout as we each dive to opposite sides as the Guardian unleashes a fire breath.

"We don't have any other choice, if we don't do something we'll be killed." She's right, I've got no better ideas, and this Guardian doesn't look like it's going to let up any time soon.

"Okay, I got it." I charge towards the Guardian along with Elizabeth.

The Guardian unleashes another fire breathe we each take opposing sides of the attack whilst still closing ground. Several fire swords manifest overhead and shoots down at us we both skid left and right whilst dodging the attack with minimal breathing space.

We each jump into the air as the Guardian gets ready to use another fire breath. I grab Elizabeth's hand. "Here we go!" Elizabeth nods. I spin around and throw Elizabeth towards the Guardian's colossal body a fraction of a second before the fire breath is unleashed. I have the silver wrap around my wrist and pull me to safety as Elizabeth covers her body with her flames and enters the Guardian's body.

"Okay, it's all up to you." I state as I dodge a new group of flying flaming swords.

XXXXXXXX

Chapter 55B: Topple The Guardian - Alicia And Elizabeth Vs Priscilla V (Perspective: Elizabeth)

I've entered the Infernal Guardian's body. As I float among the flames whilst covered in my own I notice the enemy's glare.

"I never thought that you would use such a method." Priscilla states as she readies her scythe with the only hand she has left.

"As the oldest daughters of the Cerberus and Orthrus families, lets settle this once and for all." I ready my own scythe.

"Ha, make sure you don't let up on your flames then Elizabeth. The moment you do, you'll be cremated alive."

"Don't think that you hold all the cards, Priscilla. I can tell full well you're using all your power to conjure this Guardian, the only thing you can use is your scythe."

"Infernal Guardian follow pattern number two hundred and sixteen." Priscilla orders.

"What did you do?" I ask.

"Simply turned the Infernal Guardian to auto pilot to deal with Alicia. Now I can give you my full undivided attention." Priscilla smiles briefly before we both charge at one another like jet planes.

I need to defeat Priscilla before Alicia falls to the Infernal Guardian. She won't be able to hold out too long on her own, nor will my flames last forever. I can't draw this battle out.

*Ching! Ching! Ching!* Our high speed battle within the flames has no tactics, there is no time to think of any. We collide our scythes and counter on pure impulse.

Priscilla tries to kick me, I dodge to the side and try to slice off her leg with a vertical slash, but she somersaults her body within the flames and tries to slice me, *Ching!* I deflect her scythe to one side and try to slice her body but she quickly floats back.

I give chase and slice horizontally, but Priscilla hovers further down into the body dodging my attack. I alter my body's trajectory and swing again. *Ching!* Priscilla deflects the attack and then "URGHHH!" She quickly spins and slams her scythe's stick into my abdomen. I am forced back several metres up.

I quickly ready my scythe and charge again. Priscilla slashes her scythe horizontally, I follow the trajectory of her scythe and flank her side where she's missing a limb. My scythe's blade follows towards her neck as I orbit around her body. Priscilla quickly ascends escaping my deadly slash which was aiming for her neck.

I follow her up, *Ching!* Our scythe's collide again and Priscilla creates some distance.

"Ha ha, suddenly having to fight with only one arm is truly an annoying handicap." Priscilla says in a self loathing voice, but her eyes are filled with pure malice. Her skills have been greatly inhibited thanks to losing her arm. "But it looks like I only have to hold on for a little longer." She smiles widely as my flames become thinner.

I can't keep this up. It's time for an all or nothing gamble.

Priscilla and I charge at each other with our top speeds. I spin my scythe around and inject more of my flames into it. I create a wheel of fire using my scythe and throw it at Priscilla who shows a shocked expression. We're moving too fast to suddenly stop or change direction, she can't dodge this without creating a huge opening. Priscilla swings her scythe with her one hand. *Ching!* My attack is deflected, but I continue onwards as fast as I can before she can recover. As I thought, she deflected it, now is my chance. I'm going to make full use of your handicap, Priscilla!

I clench my fist as Priscilla tries to adjust her scythe for a second slash, something that can't be done quickly with only one hand.

Priscilla's blade and my fist roar through the Guardian's body. "URRRGGHHHHHH!" My fist slams into her face before her scythe can cut me. The impact of my blow with the momentum of my speed and body weight force Priscilla outside the Infernal Guardian's body, which slowly disperses with Priscilla no longer channelling it power.

I land safely on the ground as the flames covering my body disappear, I stumble from the sudden loss in power and fatigue. Two hands support me from behind. "You did it, Elizabeth." Alicia smiles as she points to Priscilla's unmoving body.

At last she's fallen. I sigh in relief as Alicia slowly lowers me to the ground, my legs have lost all their strength.

"Rest up, I'll deal with the finishing touches." Alicia states, I nod.

XXXXXXX

Chapter 55C: Topple The Guardian – Weight Of The Past (Perspective: Alicia)

I walk to Priscilla's paralysed body with the black collar in my hand, she literally fought to absolute exhaustion.

"I never thought I would lose to you two," She states, "How could an Orthrus lose to a Cerberus!?" Even though her body can't move, her voice is as strong as ever.

"You truly are pitiful to worry about such things, Priscilla." I reply, "You have so much power, yet all you think about is what you don't have and throw a tantrum because you can't have your way. If you had concentrated on what you already have, you could have easily lived a very fulfilling life."

"I only desired the restoration of my family back to its rightful place. Orthrus slipped out of the top three families before I was born. We've had to carry our ancestor's sins our entire lives. For you, who only leeches off the wealth and fame of her family, you have no idea how difficult it is to erase the past. YOU HAVE NO IDEA HOW MUCH PRESSURE AND WEIGHT I CARRY THAT ONLY INCREASES WITH EVERY PASSING GENERATION!"

"And? You becoming a terrorist fixed this how? You've dragged Orthrus' name even further through the mud because you couldn't handle that weight and simply threw it away. Hoping a quick scheme like joining Disturb and Cocytus' foolish plot would grant your wish. There is no easy way of going up in this world, Priscilla."

I attach the collar around her neck and secure it. A shadow covers her body and she begins to fade. "HA HA HA HA! Your foolish naive words mean nothing. When you realise what you're up against, maybe then you'll know true despair." Priscilla's body turns transparent, "You're no match for those two Thanatos!" Priscilla disappears completely.

"Know despair? What do you think I felt when Yuichi was stabbed by Vincent, or when he was beaten to death by Disturb, or when Lilicia was taken from right in front of me?" I ask the now hollow space, "I've had more than my fair share of despair. Unlike you however, I don't give in to it."

XXXXXXXXXX

A few minutes after we transported Priscilla, Kuro-san returned victorious from his fight with the numerous Lycans. He's covered in minor scratch wounds but was otherwise okay.

I feel bad that I forgot about him until just now.

nacar

2018-04-03, 07:01

You to say, nice work

hyuugalegacy

2018-04-24, 13:44

Here is chapter 56

Chapter 56A: The Next Battle Stage – Converse Between Allies

"So we've captured Beta, Gamma, and Delta. Is everyone all right?" I ask through the communicator. This device is truly well made, it automatically turns itself off during combat to prevent distractions. The Underworld really does come up with some well thought out technology.

"Yeah, Reno and I managed to take down two of those Hex Classes. That Van you encountered and some jester guy." Ren answers.

"As expected of Ren-sama, I'd expect no less from my man." Elizabeth says proudly. She's totally fangirling him.

"We managed to beat Priscilla, but Elizabeth is no longer in any condition to fight." Alicia supplements. From that earlier high pitched voice I'd never have guessed.

"I can still...URGHHH!" Elizabeth groans.

"No you can't, you can barely move." Alicia refutes.

"Elizabeth, please don't push yourself. You've worked really hard. Being engaged to such a great girl brings me such joy." Wow Ren, that was smooth. You deserve the title of my best friend.

"Kuro-san, for the benefit of everyone else, please confirm the expression on Elizabeth's face." I order.

"She's dyed completely red in the face and fidgeting with her fingers." He replies. My mind instantly creates the mental image. Moe! I need Alicia to show me this kind of face too.

"DON'T ANNOUNCE THAT!" Elizabeth's loud voice deafens me momentarily.

"Anyway, moving on. From the three you've defeated, add in Lycan who surrendered, and Isaac that Wolfy and I defeated. That's five." I declare.

"Surrendered?" Alicia ask sceptically.

"She was being used by Disturb. We'll talk more about it later, but suffice to say, she's actually a nice girl." I answer.

"Y.U.I.C.H.I. Did you do something inappropriate?" What on earth gave her that impression? Even though it's only her voice I feel a heavy pressure on my body.

"Right now Alicia-sama's grinding her teeth whilst cracking her knuckles with blood lusting eyes." Kuro-san states.

"That kind of expression I don't need to know about." I don't need to imagine Alicia's angry face, I've seen it all to often.

"So there's only one Hex Class left." Ren changes the subject. You truly are a great friend.

"As well as Disturb and Cocytus." Reno supplements.

"Hah? Who?" I ask at the weird name I can't recall.

"The man who you've dubbed Cock, Master. How could you forget his real name?" Wolfy states as he shakes his head.

"Oh Cock, why didn't you say so?"

"..." Huh, why is everyone quiet all of a sudden?

"Anyway that's three powerful people we have to defeat," Kuro-san states.

"The last Hex Class is that samurai guy, Owari. Lilicia-chan mentioned that he could absorb, convert, and utilise different forms of energy. When I shot my silver at him he was able to absorb all the connectika energy before it reached him."

"Kinetic, Master." Wolfy corrects with a sigh. Don't mind, it was close enough.

"Wait, Lilicia? You found her?" Alicia shouts.

"I did, but I failed to save her." I grind my teeth as I recall my second failure. "Owari took her after leaving us to fight Lycan."

"I see." Alicia replies lifelessly. Forgive me.

"But energy conversion? That is surely one dangerous power to fight. This guy sounds as if he's leagues above the other Hex Classes." Reno analyses.

"Regardless, we must win." I state, "I'll kill all those who make a cute girl cry and think they can walk over me. I'm going to shove Cock up Disturb's arse."

"..." A few moments of silence. I guess this is what is known as a silent acknowledgement.

"Uh, Yuichi can you turn the grotesque images down a tad. My innocent mind doesn't want to picture such a scene." Ren says with a sigh.

"You were misunderstood there, Master." Wolfy explains. Huh? How could such a simple declaration be misunderstood? I was just saying I was going to beat them up in a bad ass way.

"Right, well then. We should move onto stage two of the plan." Kuro-san states with a nervous cough.

I take out a piece of paper from my pocket that I was given before the mission began. Apparently this has a coded reaper technique carved into it.

"One person from each team needs to activate and maintain the technique whilst the rest go on ahead. We also can't leave the Thanatos triplets on their own, so this is perfect." Kuro-san continues.

I paste the paper onto the ground and give Wolfy a glance, he nods and approaches the sheet.

"Okay, Wolfy's going to activate it from our end." I state.

"The three remaining opponents will be too much for you Ren-nii, so I'll leave the spell to you." Reno explains

"Fair enough," Reno replies dryly.

"On our end Elizabeth doesn't have the strength to activate it right now so Ali..." Kuro-san begins.

"I'm going to save Lilicia!" Alicia states, cutting Kuro-san off.

"But..."

"No buts, Kuro-san." Alicia responds sharply, "I'm going, you handle the spell." Man my fiancé is sure determined, and stubborn.

"I understand," Kuro-san gives up with a sigh. "Then I'll handle the spell from our end. So Alicia-sama, Yuichi-sama, and Reno-sama, we'll leave the Alpha Crusader to you."

"""Right!""" All three of us reply simultaneously.

"But before that," I quickly cut in, "Nature calls, I'm cutting my link for a few minutes."

"Okay, the spell will take a while anyway." Kuro-san explains.

I turn off my communicator and quickly pace behind the generator outside of Wolfy's sight. Of course the toilet break was just an excuse. I take a small pill box out from my pocket, inside are a red ball and a yellow ball. I had previously requested these from Father before I left on the mission, saying no matter what I can't let myself fall. His answer was these two medicine balls.

When I fought Disturb before I was heavily weakened from my fight with Van, I won't make the same mistake again. This time I will fight at my best.

I throw both pills in my mouth simultaneously and swallow.

UUURRGGHHHHHHHH! I am hit with a burning pain in my chest. I don't want anyone else to know what I'm doing, hence why I cut the communication and moved out of sight. I manifest a chunk of silver in my mouth and bite into it as a pain relief.

I grip the nearby machine tightly with one hand whilst another holds my chest in agony. Like Father said, this can't be used during battle. The severe pain pretty much immobilises you. URRRRGHHHHH! I yelp silently in my mind as the burning sensation continues. This is so I can save Lilicia-chan. The tear stained face of my future sister-in-law and mistress pass into my mind, "Yuichi-niisama, thank you." Her hollow smile hurts much more than this medicine ever could.

I will pulverise that scumbag. Disturb's ridiculing smile flows into my mind. I won't let you have the last laugh! To dish out your retribution, I'll endure any pain. URGGHHHHHH! Slowly the burning sensation eases until it slowly fades away. I take a deep breath of relief.

The immense pain was a cheap price to pay. I think to myself as my body feels as good as new. Now I just need to end this shit before the fatigue kicks in.

I return to Wolfy who gives me a look over. "Master, please don't overexert yourself. Remember, I do have a dog's hearing." He must've caught on.

"Don't tell the others." I order. There's no need to worry them further when we've got enough on our plates.

"As you wish." Wolfy replies.

We re-establish our connection with our friends via the communicator. Stage two of our plan is about to begin.

"Are you both ready?" Kuro-san asks.

""Yes,"" Wolfy and Ren answer.

Sharp light emits from the paper as Wolfy runs power through it.

"""Joint Reaper Technique: Diamond Dimension!"""

XXXXXXXX

Chapter 56B: The Next Battle Stage – Diamond Dimension (Perspective: None)

Outside the Crusaders, the many Tri-Capsules and Dual-Cores noticed a huge burst of light from the Beta, Gamma, and Delta Crusaders. Three lines of light join the three Crusaders surrounding the Alpha, together. Then six more rays of light shoot above and below the Alpha Crusader, as all the lights join together the shape of a diamond is drawn into the sky as the interior of the drawn lines is filled with light.

"Ha, those kids sure are something." The Captain stated as all four Crusaders slowed right down within the newly created dimension.

The Alpha Crusader was trapped right in the centre of the dimension.

XXXXXXXX

Chapter 56C: The Next Battle Stage – Reno's Opponent (Perspective: None)

"Time to go then," Yuichi declares, "Look after her for me, Wolfy." He said as he pointed to the unconscious triplet. Still not being able to remember which one she was.

"Yes, Master." Wolfy replied.

"Connect!" Yuichi disappeared as his mind went temporarily blank. He found himself within a long corridor.

"Yuichi," Alicia called out as she and Reno ran to join him.

"Three of them, and three of us. Let's take them down." Yuichi declared confidently. His fiancé and comrade nodded and they started down the long corridor.

There was no resistance, the complete opposite from when they invaded the other Crusaders. Maybe the enemies realised that small fry wouldn't even slow them down, or maybe there was another different reason completely.

Eventually they came out into a large open room with another door at the opposite end, and a certain man stood in front of said door.

"You..." Yuichi's face distorted in anger upon seeing the face of the samurai who took Lilicia from him previously. The man Yuichi wasn't able to even scratch in the last encounter, it was Owari.

"Yuichi Shiro, Alicia Pandemonium, my master wishes to face you personally. You'll find that he and Lilicia-sama are just ahead, you two may pass." Owari stated as he opened a path. "Reno Cerberus however may not."

"Is this a trap?" Yuichi asked.

"No," Reno responds, "Disturb and Lilicia are definitely dead ahead, I'd recognise that man's soul anywhere."

"Huh? You can see souls?" Yuichi asked in disbelief.

"I can feel them if they're close by." Reno replies. "We should take him up on his offer. I fight best when there's no friendlies nearby anyway. If this guy wants to fight me one on one, then I couldn't ask for a better situation." Reno smiled confidently.

"Lets go, Yuichi. We will finally do what we came here for." Alicia affirmed.

"Yeah, lets go. But be careful Reno, this guy is tough." Yuichi stated before he and Alicia walked past Owari and entered the semi-dark room. The door swiftly closed behind them.

Reno gathered flames into his hands as Owari drew one of his blades.

"Well then, I just have to make quick work of you so I can back them up." Reno stated.

"I won't let you interfere with my master. Upon my honour, you shall advance no further." Owari declared as he pointed his blade at his opponent. "I am the number one of the Hex Class, Owari Fool. En garde"

The battle between the two powerhouses quickly ignited as they charged at one another.

XXXXXXXX

Chapter 56D: The Next Battle Stage – Reunion With The Disturbed

After the door closes behind us I notice the man who has caused us so much grief standing calmly with a smile on his face. I quickly glance around the room and spot Lilicia-chan strapped into a chair, tears are flowing from her eyes and some kind of metal gag is blocking her voice from reaching us. This time I'll definitely save you. I smile confidently to reassure her, she nods lightly.

*Clap clap clap!* I draw my attention back to the scumbag.

"Well done, making it all the way here." Disturb's smile broadens. "Now I can finally remove the source of the infection at its source. I shall finally cure Lilicia of the curse you have placed on her!"

"Cure her!?" Alicia shouts in anger, "How can a man who gags the girl he supposedly loves say something like that!? If you want to cure her, then hurry up and slit your own throat."

Yes, do us all a favour. Although if he did that, I'd have to take my anger out on his corpse.

"Hey, I didn't have much choice on the gag. I can't have saying she'll bite her tongue again before I heal her, can I?" A dark mist forms the shape of a scythe that Disturb takes into his hand. The black scythe looks different to a regular one, it's coated in weird illuminating diagrams and pictures. "Feel humble, Yuichi Shiro, Alicia? I took my family's heirloom to eradicate the viruses that is the two of you," Disturb's smile turns disturbing.

And aren't I always humble?

"It's time to open my lover's eyes and liberate her from the infection. You shall pay for your corruption with your lives."

Virus, infection, corruption? How can anybody be so wrong in the head? More than anger I'm starting to pity his deluded mind. Time to knock the chuunibyou off his high horse.

Alicia spins her scythe and points it at Disturb, as I manifest a second silver sword. "I've been waiting for this moment since we first met. It's payback time, Disturb Thanatos!"

hyuugalegacy

2018-05-10, 14:54

Here is manga chapter 3 it is read left to right

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hyuugalegacy

2018-07-14, 11:09

Here is Chapter 57 of Web Novel

Chapter 57: Reno Vs Owari Fool (Perspective: Reno)

Owari and I charge at each other. I duck below his horizontal slash and cover my fist with flames, Owari steps back, avoiding my uppercut. I quickly create a blade of fire from my hand and swipe horizontally.

Owari remains still as my fire blade approaches, however it never reaches him and my fire blade completely dissipates. He absorbed the thermal energy.

I manifest two short blades into my hands. It has been a long time since I fought with these. I charge and swipe but my arm feels unusually heavy. Owari easily dodges my attack. "URGHHH!" In a blink of an eye a cut wound appears along my abdomen. I jump back and cauterise the wound with my flames, grinding my teeth to bare the pain.

"So my flames are all but useless with that energy absorption." This is going to be a pain.

"The number of applications that my power grants me are almost limitless, and having personally existed longer than even the Origin, I have more battle experience than you can even dream of." Owari smiles as he takes out a small open can. "I can even use the kinetic energy like this." Owari throws the can's contents into the air.

Long nails? Kinetic energy? Shit is he going to? Before I can react the floating nails all fly at me like bullets. "URGGHHHHHHHHHHAAAA!" I scream whilst covering my vitals with my arms against the onslaught of nails. He transferred kinetic energy to launch them at high speed.

I gaze at my wound infested body that is littered with nails. I cover my entire body in flames, the heat slowly melts and dislodges all the nails. Owari suddenly appears right in front of me. He's also using kinetic energy to increase his speed. I use the flames at my feet like jet packs and escape his slash into the air.

Owari throws more nails into the air, but this time I'm prepared. I create a dense fire wall that doesn't let the nails through it. "URGHHH!" I feel a heavy impact on my back. The nails were just a distraction. He used the fire wall that obstructed my view to sneak into my blind spot. The flames I'm using to hover myself into the air dissipate and we fall to the ground. "UURGGHHHHAAAA!" I yelp in agony. Owari used my body as a cushion for the fall.

"It's over," He states whilst drawing his blade, still on top of me.

I can't move. I'm paralysed! I notice the hand he's using to hold me. He's draining all kinetic energy from me. Before the energy drain only slowed me down, but now it's completely paralysing me. It must be because he's in direct contact with me unlike before.

"Die!" The blade shoots towards my heart. I try and re-cover my body in flames. Owari suddenly jumps back stopping his attack prematurely.

I succeeded? But wasn't he draining my energy? How come I was able to create my flames. Wait, he was draining my kinetic energy. Does that mean? He can only absorb one type of energy at any given time!

Owari's face turns more serious, it looks like he realises I'm onto him. I charge at Owari with my twin blades. My attacking arm slows down as I slice at him. Right now he's draining kinetic. I expand my flames from my body.

"ARRGGHH!" Owari yelps as my fire burns his body. After a moment the flames quickly snuff out.

As I thought. His power isn't as full proof as we thought. I smile to myself, I've finally found a way to counter-attack.

Owari quickly regains his calm and completely disappears from my eyes. This isn't due to quick movement. I refocus my senses and concentrate.

Ching! Ching! I guard his invisible slices twice with my twin blades. He's using light energy to make himself invisible. But you've chosen the wrong opponent for that trick. Your body temperature gives you away.

Ching! Ching! Ching! Owari continuously changes the angle of his strikes. Does he think I blocked them by luck? I expand my flames all around myself. Owari jumps back and cancels his invisibility realising it's useless.

"You truly a worthy adversary," Owari states, "I can see why my master wished for me to hold you here."

Well yeah, to Disturb I'd be his natural enemy.

Owari charges at me again, with my body still coated in flames I jet towards him. I swipe with one of my blades, Owari side steps and swings his katana. Ching! I block it with my other blade. As I try to attack with my free blade, Owari takes a deep breath and….

"GGRRAAAAHHHHHH!"

"ARRRGGHHHH!" Owari's loud yelp forces me back and onto the ground, I feel blood drip out my ear. Sound energy?

As I try to get back up, which with a ruptured ear isn't so easy. I notice a huge ball of compressed air flying to me at high speed.

BOOM!

"ARRRGGHHHH!" The sudden explosion forces my body through the air and slams me into a side wall. Cough! Cough! The impact forces the air out of my lungs.

He used wind energy to combust my flame coat beyond my control. He has correctly identified this technique's weakness.

I quickly force my flames back under control. Owari throws another air ball, I shoot a fireball before it can reach me.

Boom! The explosion forces both of us skidding along the floor.

I use my flames as jets as Owari creates a mini hurricane with his extended arm as the epicentre. I take to the skies to avoid the attack, Owari redirects the hurricane as I increase my speed to prevent it catching me. I evade the vertical swipe from the hurricane and quickly conjure a fireball and throw it at his extended arm.

"URGGHHHAAAA!" Owari grunts as he disengages the hurricane a fraction of a second before it could combust my fireball directly onto his arm. But even if he avoided the combustion he still took the fireball directly to his arm. His flesh is horribly burnt before he gets the chance to absorb the heat.

"It seems your power has several weaknesses, Owari. You can only use one type of energy at once, and it appears you're also unable to absorb and release energy simultaneously." That's why he couldn't do anything just now. It's only logical really, just like how you can't breathe in and out at the same time. This means when he attacks with an energy is when he is most vulnerable.

"Well spotted, but don't think that guarantees you victory. Knowing it's possible to beat someone, and actually doing it, are two separate matters." Owari replies confidently.

So much for my plan of unnerving him with voicing his weaknesses.

Owari and I charge at each other again. Ching! Ching! My twin blades collide with Owari's two katanas. "URRRGHHH!" I'm kicked in the stomach around the area I was previous slashed and fly back, skidding several metres. His use of Kinetic energy makes this really difficult, I didn't even see that last attack. But it's not like I'm the only one hurt. Owari's barefoot bleeds from the burn he got from attacking my flame coated body.

Owari, not bothered by his wounds, shoots a bolt of lighting from his hand, I shoot a stream of fire to counter it. Boom! The attacks cancel each other out. Owari throws and shoots more nails through the air I swiftly dodge to the side. My flame coat isn't strong enough to melt them before they reach me. I use one of my twin blades as a base and create a long fire sword and swing it. Owari disappears from sight before it can reach him. It's not light energy, this time he's moving fast.

Ching! I block the incoming blade from my blind spot. He has a habit of attacking my back. Using my prior knowledge of the battle I had predicted where he would strike and defended accordingly. Owari opens his eyes in disbelief as I swing my flame sword around. Owari instantly adjusts himself and absorbs the flames, but I quickly lunge forward. He can absorb the flames but not my actual blade. Right now he can't absorb kinetic energy, this is my chance.

"URRRGGHHHHHHAAAA!" He yelps in agony as I dig my blade into him, I was aiming for his heart but he had reacted quick enough to avoid a lethal blow. One of Owari's katanas falls to the ground and he clenches his fist.

"URGHHH!" He punches me with electric energy running through his fist, throwing me to the ground. I struggle to my feet that are shaking from the electrocution as Owari pulls out the blade impaling him and throws it to the ground before burning his wound to stop the bleeding.

"I haven't been this cornered since that time at Honnō-ji, ha ha ha." Owari laughs, "My blood boils from the excitement of having such an opponent!" Owari points his blade at me and suddenly disappears from sight.

"HUUURGGHHHHHHAA!" I screech in pain as I gaze at Owari's katana that is impaled in my shoulder. He lunged straight at me using kinetic energy! "ARRRGGHHHHHAAAA!" I yelp as electricity is run through the blade. I try to pull away, but Owari just follows me, leaving the sword lodged into me. I gather the full intensity of my flames and surround myself, but the electric attack stops in favour of absorbing my flames. Grinding my teeth and baring the pain I quickly shorten the distance between Owari and myself despite this pushing the katana further into me.

"Urghhh!" I kick Owari with all the power I can muster. The impact forces Owari back and the katana he's still holding is pulled out of my shoulder. Fresh blood pours out of the hole in my shoulder which I quickly cauterise as Owari regains his footing and points his blade at me again. I quickly dive to one side and avoid another potential stabbing as Owari slices thin air. I shoot a fireball to prevent him getting the chance to use it again. Owari likewise absorbs it.

"Reaper Technique: Stone Storm!" I quickly use the chance to create a huge quantity of stones and launch them at Owari. In quick succession I shoot several fireballs. With these mixed attacks his energy absorption is useless. However, Owari quickly disappears from sight once again. As I thought, he's countering with kinetic energy. Seeing through his next move I quickly manifest another flame sword around one of my twin blades and stab it directly behind me.

"GGGGGGAAAAHHHH!" Owari screams horribly as the fire blade burns into him, his own katana is a mere inch from my neck.

Only just made it. A fraction of a second later and I would've been decapitated.

I quickly try to increase my flame sword's intense heat, but I'm too slow, Owari absorbs the blade as he staggers along with his shaking legs. I charge at the half dead looking samurai when his body suddenly glows.

"Urghh!" An intense shockwave from Owari forces me back. What is that?

"Ha ha ha," Owari laughs weakly but his smile shows an intense excitement. "I really can't hold myself back any longer. Not with someone so strong as my opponent. This area of the Crusader is designed to take some punishment, so it should be fine. The most dangerous type of energy I have at my disposal. Nuclear."

Owari covers his entire body with nuclear energy giving him a dangerous glow. This is bad. I manifest an intense flame coat that is ten times denser than my normal one. Any less than this and the radiation will slaughter me. Owari smiles in anticipation as we both glare at one another before charging again.

Boom boom boom boom boom! explosions litter the room every time our attack's connect. Our colliding fists create an extra big explosion knocking both of us to opposite sides of the room. I grab my fallen twin sword and coat them both with my flames, as Owari coats his katanas with nuclear energy.

I slice horizontally with one of my twin blades, Owari ducks and tries to slice at my legs with his katana. Using my flames I somersault over him and quickly turn and swing my other twin blade, which meets Owari's katana. Boom! My dense flames protect me from the explosion but the sudden jolt it causes still reverberates through my body. I've gotta hang tough, Owari must be suffering from the explosions just as much as I am. Owari jumps back and launches a huge ball of nuclear energy. I counter with a fireball. Boom! The resulting explosion fills the room with more light than even the sun could produce. I instinctively close my eyes and jump back as I feel Owari's presence diving towards me.

I create a huge flame wave and release it at Owari, who nimbly jumps into the air and throws another nuclear ball at my flame wave. I jump into the air also. Boom boom boom boom! The mixed attacks turns the floor into a sea of explosions. Owari and I fly at each other at mach speed our covered fists heavily collide BOOM!

""URGGHHHH!"" We're both smashed against opposite walls from the resulting explosion before falling to the ground. This fight has been one huge firework festival.

""Hah hah hah!"" Our breathing is ragged from the intense fight. I'm at my limit.

"Ha ha ha," Owari smiles happily. What a battle maniac. "Looks like we're both out of steam. The next attack will be the last for both of us." He proclaims.

I gather all the power into my flames as I fix my gaze on my adversary. Who creates a huge nuclear orb over his head. "THIS IS THE END RENO CERBERUS! NUCLEAR MELTDOWN!" Owari shouts as the orb expands and starts to cover the entire battlefield.

I cover myself with as much flame coating as I can as I jet into the nuclear energy. The flaming jets at my feet increase my speed to the absolute limit. BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! The heavy explosions assault my body as I entrust my life entirely to my flame coat. I use the explosions as added propulsion increasing my speed even further until I reach the nuclear meltdown's epicentre where Owari stands. He opens his eyes in shock as I fly at him like a bullet with a trail of explosions directly behind me. "You're right, it is the end! Now absorb this!"

"URRGGHHHAAAA!" I slam my flame coated fist through the nuclear meltdown into Owari who is further smashed by the explosion trail. Owari is forced along the ground with a horrible noise from his skidding body. The nuclear power dissipates symbolising its user's loss. "Well done." Owari congratulates weakly before losing conscientiousness.

I dissipate my flames as I walk over to Owari's fallen body and attach the black collar. Owari's existence is quickly transported out of this plain. That deals with the last of the Hex Class.

I start walking towards the room that Yuichi Shiro and Alicia-san entered. But my legs give out and I fall face first to the ground.

"Damn it..." I curse weakly.

Both Disturb and Cocytus still remain. Yuichi Shiro and Alicia-san maybe able to handle Disturb, but Cocytus who is on par with Tartarus-sama is another matter entirely. If I could join them we would stand a chance. But that last battle has worn me out.

Tears flow out of my eyes from the frustration at my own weakness. "DAMN IT!"

Was it impossible for us to win on our own after all? I shed further tears as I worry about the hopelessness my weakness has brought upon us.

hyuugalegacy

2018-08-27, 02:52

Here is Chapter 58, one of the longest, and arguably favourite chapters of the story so far. I've had to split it into two parts due to the character limit.

Chapter 58A: Decisive Battle Against The Disturbed – The Nightmare

"Then without further ado, let's begin!" Disturb screams as he swings his scythe back, it suddenly extends in size as he slashes towards us.

Alicia and I duck below the scythe that has grown longer than twenty metres. I feel the huge gush in wind pressure from the heavy swing. "Yuichi, that scythe, Nightmare, is a Thantos family heirloom that is in a league with the Soul Slayers!" Alicia states.

Seriously? This guy is enough of a pain without having some sort of uber weapon.

"I took Nightmare when we reclaimed ourselves as Thanatos' head family," Disturb smiles.

So during the coup then.

I mass create my silver javelins and launch them, Disturb shrinks Nightmare and jumps into the air, Alicia gathers a lightning ball in her hand and throws it, Disturb shoots an ice ball, neutralising Alicia's attack.

Disturb lands and creates multiple arrows made of ice, whilst I coat one of my silver swords with flames. I've been too reliant on my silver lately time to return to basics. Disturb launches the ice arrows at me, I use my silver fire hybrid sword and unleash a fire stream, evaporating the attack instantly.

Alicia uses the distraction and flanks Disturb, who quickly turns towards her and takes a deep breath before releasing some sort of vapour from his mouth. Alicia quickly jumps back before the vapour cloud reaches her. "A good decision," Disturb congratulates. "This is colder than liquid nitrogen, you would've been frozen solid."

Liquid nitrogen? That's one nasty substance if it's as cold as that. However.

Whilst Disturb's attention is on Alicia, "Silver Bullet!" I call out, as I unleash a barrage of silver fragments. Disturb remains stationary as he spins Nightmare in a circle.

Ching ching ching ching! He deflects all my attacks effortlessly. Before shooting more ice arrows at me, I run to the side and dodge.

"Damn it, Yuichi. What's the point of a surprise attack if you shout out the attack name before using it!"

"This is a tradition that mustn't be broken, Alicia!" How can she not know something as basic as that?

"Then feel free to die with that tradition," Disturb states as his body gets engulfed with steam and four huge ice walls form in the north-east, south-east, south-west, and north-west directions with Disturb as the epicentre. "There will be no more surprises from you."

Alicia charges at Disturb from behind and swings her scythe. However, rather than cutting off Disturb's head, the attack is stopped dead. Part of the steam covering Disturb's body changed into ice and blocked Alicia's scythe.

"URGGHH!" Without turning around Disturb slams the stick of Nightmare into her gut sending her flying backwards.

"Alicia!" I scream as I charge at Disturb from the front.

Ching ching ching ching! Our weapons collide as I mass create silver shrapnel behind Disturb and launch them. Disturb's eyes move left for a fraction of a second, when just like Alicia's scythe, my silver is blocked by the steam that partly transformed into ice.

"I see, so that's what those ice walls are for," I state as our weapons enter a deadlock. "You're using those ice walls as mirrors to cover your blind spots, and then altering the molecular structure of the steam to intercept!"

"You picked that up quick. For a Thanatos, a user of Photon Options analysing a split moment visual is all too easy." Disturb smiles before taking a deep breath again, I jump back a moment before he releases the icy vapour.

"It's a good thing that attack is on the slow side," I declare as I turn both my swords into hybrid Silver-Fire swords.

"Then I just need to speed it up," Disturb replies as he releases another vapour cloud.

From that range? What's he thinking? I tighten my grip on my swords readying myself for anything.

As Disturb continues to release a vast quantity of vapour several balls of wind gather in his palm. He launches the wind balls through the vapour, that fly at me like bullets.

Shit! I quickly launch a fire stream to intercept the attacks.

"YUICHI THEY HAVE WIND IN THEM! DON'T USE FIRE, DODGE THEM!" Alicia shouts as she picks herself off the floor. Too late though, the attacks collide and…

BOOM BOOM BOOM BOOM!

"URGGHHHHAAA!" The explosions send me into the back wall. That seriously hurt.

"Yuichi!"

"UM UM UM!" Lilicia-chan shouts a muffled scream. I quickly get back to my feet.

"Don't worry, this is nothing an apple gel wouldn't fix," I declare reassuringly.

"Not even a life bottle will spare you this!" Disturb launches more wind balls through the vapour.

He noticed the reference and came up with such a retort, as I thought this man is to be feared. I run to one side dodging the attacks that freeze everything they come into contact with.

Alicia unleashes a barrage of silver bullets as Disturb focuses his attacks on me. However, they are blocked by the steam and Disturb charges at Alicia.

"I'm not done with you yet!" I declare as Disturb changes his target. "Liquid Silver Technique: Tidal Wave!" Like its name suggests I create a huge wave of silver that flows at Disturb.

"Tch," He grunts as he refocuses onto me and unleashes another vapour cloud at my tidal wave, which is turned solid and ceases flowing, like it has been stuck in time.

He froze it solid! That's some terrible breath he has there.

Alicia without delay charges at Disturb and transforms her silver scythe into two short swords. She stabs with her first, but Disturb side steps her with a spinning motion, Alicia ducks below Nightmare's incoming blade and lunges at Disturb, who back flips over her. Nightmare's hieroglyphs suddenly glow as he swipes the scythe through the ground with a horrible scrape.

"GAHHHH!" Alicia suddenly coughs blood.

"ALICIA!" I scream in terror.

"UMM UMM!" Lilicia-chan also watches with tears through her eyes.

He never made contact, how the hell did he harm her!?

"URGHHHH!" The ice walls spin around a full three hundred and sixty degrees, slamming into Alicia's body in the process, sending her soaring through the air

SHIT! With quick footwork I place myself between Alicia and the back wall she's about to be slammed into.

"GAAHH!" I yelp a silent pain as the impact from catching Alicia winds me.

Disturb doesn't let up his attacks as he launches more wind balls through the vapour. "Damn it! Silver Wall!" I create a quick barrier which is quickly frozen solid with the first ice-wind ball and is completely shattered into nothingness by the next. I grab Alicia into my arms and desperately run, avoiding the barrage of attacks.

I create numerous balls of silver and shoot them to intercept Disturb's ice-wind balls. One big shield is all but useless, this is the best option. At the same time I examine the wound on Alicia's stomach. I've got no bandages, so this'll have to do. I encase the wound in my silver and tighten it to stop the bleeding. Alicia grinds her teeth at the sudden constriction.

Disturb extends the size of Nightmare and swings it at us, despite the ice walls being in the way the attack passes right through them like it's a ghost. With Alicia still in my arms I jump into the air, dodging Nightmare. "Silver Bullet!" I unleash a barrage, Disturb runs towards me and slides along the floor avoiding the bullets. Nightmare's hieroglyphs suddenly glow again and Disturb runs it across the ground.

"URGGGHHHH!" I scream as an intense pain runs along my back. The sudden attack forces me to drop Alicia, I quickly manifest liquid silver through my pain and cushion her fall. I then tighten silver around myself as a makeshift treatment.

"Such a powerful weapon wouldn't you say?" Disturb happily states, "Carrisa is a fool for refusing to wield it. The power to link shadows and souls is truly amazing."

Link shadows and souls? I think back to Disturb's actions, he meaninglessly got the other side of Alicia before he used that technique. I gaze at the position of the room's light and where the shadows appear. So that's it, by attacking the person's shadow, he attacks the person themselves. That's one unusual ability. Good thing Disturb's a blabber mouth, I don't think I would've been able to figure that out for myself.

I take out a slip of paper and paste it onto Alicia's body. It maybe cruel to say, but at this point with such a wound she'd only be a liability. The Reaper Technique instantly activates and teleports Alicia out of the battle area. These were given to me by Father-in-law as an emergency escape, it forcefully teleports a person back to the Pandemonium mansion.

"Tch, I wanted to end you both in front of Lilicia, but oh well. The biggest culprit for her corruption is you, I definitely won't let you run." Disturb spins Nightmare in a circle.

"You've hurt my fiancé, you've tormented Lilicia-chan, who do you think is going to run from you? This Yuichi Shiro? Don't be absurd." I wield my hybrid swords and charge at Disturb.

Ching! My first horizontal slash is deflected. Disturb slices Nightmare along the ground. Oh no you don't. "Silver Wall!" My huge wall covers all the way from the ground to the ceiling, and my shadow that was previously on the ground, that Disturb was aiming, runs up the wall's surface. After its defence attribute is used up I quickly reform the wall into multiple javelins and rain them down on Disturb, who jumps back. I quickly flank to the other side of him so that my shadow is behind me. He won't be able to strike it like this.

Ching! I deflect Nightmare over my head and quickly spin around like a top shooting a stream of fire. Despite jumping back Disturb's upper clothes are engulfed by my flames. He quickly rips them off revealing his heavily scarred body.

"What the?" Those look horrendous. I want to avert my gaze from the terrible sight.

"Hm, these? I've built up this collection of battle scars in two separate encounters, one involving Carrisa, the other Lycan #666. But you really are one of the most unique Human Anomalies." Disturb begins.

"What are you talking about!?"

"One Anomaly naturally draws another. I presume you've heard this at least correct? But even then, the number of irregulars that naturally surround you is astonishing. Your best friend also became a Human Anomaly, you tamed a mysterious talking dog, and even an amnesiac witch hangs around you. The rate of drawing abnormals to yourself far surpasses that of a regular Human Anomaly."

What on Earth is he talking about? I charge at Disturb once again.

Ching Ching Ching Ching! Despite using two swords Disturb uses Nightmare to its best capacity, blocking strike after strike with lightning reflexes. I duck below his swipe and swing my leg out and spin, aiming for his legs. Disturb jumps into the air. I quickly manifest a mass of silver shrapnel directly overhead whilst creating silver javelins directly in front of me. I launch the attacks simultaneously.

"URGGHHH!" Disturb is pelted by the silver shrapnel.

Those mirrors don't cover attacks from above, especially if he's concentrating on what's below him. I jump towards the wounded Disturb. I can't miss this chance.

Ching! Despite his wound Disturb blocks my hybrid sword. But I increase the flames intensity. "URGHHHAAA!" Disturb tried to block the fire attack by turning the steam into ice again, but against fire that shield isn't all that impressive.

"GAAAHHHH!" Spinning in mid air I drop kick Disturb with all my body weight behind the attack. Disturb tried to block the attack by crossing his arms but the impact sends him roughly to the ground. I quickly ready my swords preparing for the falling lunge.

I'll pierce right through him!

Suddenly numerous beams illuminate the atmosphere and fly directly at me. "URRRGGHHHHAAAA!" I yelp in pain as the beams pierce my body in multiple areas, releasing fresh blood. I gaze at the one behind the sudden sneak attack.

Standing there, with ten Photon Options sprouted out of his back. "Cock!" Of all the timing. I grind my teeth in frustration as I cover my wounds with my silver. I was so close to finishing Disturb. Now I've gotta deal with this penis of a man.

Several more beams shoot my way at high speed, I dive out of the way and quickly get back to my feet. I need to recover my posture.

"What's with this miserable display, Disturb? You are a Thanatos, act like one," Cock lectures, as Disturb slowly picks himself up from the ground and rubs his head in a somewhat embarrassed motion.

"Sorry, Pops. I'll get serious now," Disturb forms several hand signs and the eight ghost like tentacles appear, "Thanatos Reaper Technique: Photon Options."

He's finally activated that annoying ability. If my memory serves me correctly, Alicia told me Photon Options as well as shooting those beams, also act as additional eyes covering all blind spots. Although with those mirrors he doesn't really need the latter feature.

"I've played along with your whims long enough, Disturb. Now that I've entered the battle, I'm staying in it." Cock declares.

"Fine, I got it. Hey parasite I wanted to kill you myself but it looks like me and Pops are going to share the workload," Disturb opens his eyes so wide I wouldn't be surprised if they fell out their sockets, "DOES KNOWING THAT YOU'RE GOING TO DIE DISTURB YOU!"

"Your delusions no longer disturb me! Now visiting a welsh farm, and learning the reason why all their sheep are so docile, NOW THAT DISTURBS ME!"

"""….""" One second of silence passes, then two, then three.

"He's got you their, Disturb." Cock declares.

"Yeah, I admit defeat." Disturb agrees.

For a brief moment friend and foe were united in opinion. Then several Photon Options shoot their lasers destroying the previous tranquillity. I dive to one side, but more beams head my way. Eighteen Photon Options between them, this isn't good. "Silver Wall!" I quickly erect my barrier. The lasers follow the laws of light, so they'll reflect off my Silver Wall. But that hope is quickly dispersed as my Silver Wall is frozen solid by Disturb's ice-wind balls before shattering into nothingness.

"SHHHIIITTTT!" I scream helplessly as lasers speed towards me from several directions.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Chapter 58B: Decisive Battle Against The Disturbed – Another Ally (Perspective: Reno)

"Damn it, I've gotta..." I struggle to my feet and slowly trudge to the door.

"Reno-sama, you're in no condition to fight," Kuro-san's voice says through the communicator.

"What does that matter!? Alicia-san has been forcefully removed from the Crusader. Yuichi Shiro is fighting both Disturb AND Cocytus. He can't win this by himself!"

It doesn't matter if I'm exhausted, it doesn't matter if I'm covered in wounds, I've got to help him.

"He isn't by himself," Kuro-san states, I suddenly feel another presence from the other end of the door. What's he doing here?

"We knew what we were up against, did you think we wouldn't make the appropriate preparations?"

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Chapter 58C: Decisive Battle Against The Disturbed – Round Two

All the lasers fly at me from several directions. "UMM UMM!" Lilicia-chan screams through the gag. I've gotta win this! I steel myself readying my body for the pain that I know is about to come. However, multiple small twisters slam into each laser, stopping them in their tracks. I'm saved?

I turn around to my saviour who is standing their gallantly. Why? I'm beyond shocked, I couldn't have asked for a better ally. Lilicia-chan's eyes well up at the sight of the grand man before me. As Disturb and Cock's expressions do the opposite, and contort in frustration.

"I've finally arrived..." He says before turning to me with a slightly apologetic smile, "I'm sorry I took so long, but even with the Diamond Dimension in place, it took me a long time to infiltrate the Crusader's unique space." He then turns to Cock and Disturb, "After everything you two have pulled, surely you don't have to ask just why I'm here, right? You're tag team looks to have really laid a number on Yuichi-kun, but not any more." He spins his scythe in a threatening manner his face that is usually extremely laid back turns deadly serious. "Now it's father and son versus father and son!" He declares.

"Alexander Pandemonium!" Cock curses in anger.

All right, with this dream team, Disturbing-Cock (tentative team name) doesn't stand a chance.

I stand proud with both hybrid blades in hand, victory is in sight. Cock's ten Photon Options shoot at Father, who again creates multiple small twisters, stopping the attack. "Yuichi-kun, I'll handle Cocytus, you deal with Disturb!" Father declares as he charges at Cock.

Ching! Ching! Ching! BANG! BANG! My eyes can hardly keep up with their fast paced battle. I refocus my attention back to Disturb, who extends Nightmare's length and slices towards me, I create a Silver Wall to block it, but Nightmare, like a ghost, goes right through it and carries on towards me.

I duck down, create and launch several silver knives, Disturb deflects the attack by using his Photon Option's lasers. I charge at him with both my blades, as I swipe Disturb jumps to the side and expands Nightmare's length past me. Then whilst scraping the floor Nightmare's length begins to revert. He's aiming for my shadow! I quickly dive to one side moving my shadow just out of Nightmare's path. I launch a fire stream from my swords, Disturb launches several wind balls.

Boom! Boom! Boom! The attacks forcefully combust one another. Disturb shoots more lasers, I erect another Silver Wall, and the attacks reflect, forcing Disturb to take evasive action. I turn the wall into multiple javelins and launch them. Disturb creates a wall made of ice that my javelins impale.

Disturb releases the icy vapour and creates more ice-wind balls. I roll along the floor avoiding the initial barrage, I quickly regain my footing when he adjusts his aim. I create multiple silver platforms and use them to run into the air.

"Fool!" Disturb shout's as he slices Nightmare across the ground. Oh yeah, the closer to a source of light the bigger the shadow, but never mind. I create another Silver Wall that blocks my shadow from reaching the ground. Nightmare meaninglessly scrapes the ground. Eight lasers attack me from below, I release my silver acting as my foot holds and fall towards the ground. I create another silver platform and kick off it towards Disturb. I duck below Nightmare and flank Disturb. Before the Photon Options can realign themselves to me, I slice the tentacles dispersing the technique temporarily. Disturb breathes out more vapour but I grab his shoulder and pivot over him. I stab my blade towards him, the steam turns into ice to shield him but like before it can only stop the blade, I unleash the flames.

"URRGHH!" Disturb yelps as his body is burned from my hybrid blade's heat. "You accursed Virus!" Disturb swings Nightmare in a full circle, I jump directly back.

How about some severe burns to go along with all those scars? Disturb coats his body in ice and numbs the burns.

Disturb's Photon Options reform and they all focus their eyes towards his extended palm. "You'll pay for that!" The Photon Options shoot their lasers towards Disturb's hand, the amassing power creates a sphere of light. "DIE!" He shouts as he throws the sphere at me. I quickly dodge the attack with ease.

"What were you trying to achieve with that?" I ask, when suddenly the light sphere expands in size from behind me. Disturb smiles as he slams Nightmare across the floor. "URRRGHHHAAA!" I scream as huge cuts appear over my body. He was just using the light to create a shadow for Nightmare to slice.

"UMM UUMMM!"

"YUICHI-KUN!" Father shouts as Lilicia-chan looks on in horror.

Damn it! How could I let my guard down like that? I fall to my knees as blood seeps from my mouth.

Disturb shoots several lasers at me. Damn it, I can't move.

Father intercepts the attack using his small twisters, which then move towards Disturb, who jumps out of the way. "Hang on, Yuichi-kun." Father grabs me and jumps away to create more distance between us and Disturbing-Cock.

"Looks like your boy is almost finished, Alexander," Cock taunts, "You didn't really think that boy could stand up to the might of Thanatos did you?"

"The might of Thanatos? The only reason Disturb can even keep up with him is because of Nightmare. Less you and more Thanatos' tools. You two, who have fallen to the level of terrorists, don't even have the right to utter the name Thanatos. Do you really think you'll be placed as the head with this?" Father asks in anger.

"And do you really think I'll be satisfied with just being the head of the Underworld's number one family? Why should I stop there? Why shouldn't I become the absolute ruler? Hades has ruled for far too long, Disturb is more than capable enough of taking over as the Thanatos family's head." Cock smiles eerily.

"Your goal wasn't Thanatos? How much of a fool can you be? Even with Crusader you're no match for Hades-sama. Wait, you're not….So it really is like that, so he's the one backing you..."

"It seems, you've caught on, Alexander."

"Yes, I can now safely deem that you both must be stopped. Yuichi-kun, I'm sorry, but I'm going to have to ask you to fight on a bit longer." Enormous power gathers around Father's hand when a closed blue book suddenly appears.

"You're going to use the Grimoire so close to your daughter and son-in-law, Alexander?" Cock's expression suddenly turns a lot less confident.

"You're so egotistical about Thanatos, Cocytus. You don't even know the power of the other two Grimoires."

"This is bad, Pops!" Disturb shoots all his Photon Options as does Cock. Father just deflects them like any other.

"Pandemonium's Grimoire, OPEN!" Upon command the book flies open and Father is engulfed in a huge ray of light that is so bright covering my eyes doesn't block it all out. As the light dies down standing there is Father, although he looks completely different.

He looks like something akin to an angel. Ten white wings expand from his back, an illuminating halo floats over his head. Several light orbs hover and orbit around his body. Every flap of his graceful wings lets out a glittering radiance that can only be called majestic.

"Father, you look so cool." I say quietly to myself in complete awe of his appearance.

"Take this, Yuichi-kun," Father says in soothing voice fitting of his current appearance. One of the light orbs flies towards me before entering into my body, which instantly feels a lot lighter. My wounds slowly close as glitter like substance flows out my body.

"That Grimoire, gives life. The direct opposite of Thanatos'." Cock analyses.

"Rather than destroying all indiscriminately, don't you think a power that lends one your strength is much more appealing, Cocytus?" Father smiles, "Now lets continue!" Father beats his ten wings and flies at Cock so fast he's basically a blur. The flashy battle recommences.

"I've been nothing but a burden this entire fight, but this time, Disturb, I swear you shall fall." I declare.

"There's no one in this world with a better immunity to your infection than me, let your death become the CURE!" Disturb's Photon Options suddenly absorb a black aura being emanated from Nightmare, changing their colour to pitch black. "I didn't want to use a technique based on something Carrisa showed me, but oh well. Custom Thanatos Reaper Technique: Shadow Options!"

I charge at Disturb as my hybird sword and Nightmare cuts through the air.

Ching! Our weapons interlock. Disturb breathes another vapour cloud, once again I jump back. Disturb's Shadow Options shoot out dark lasers, I dive to the side. I still don't know what those things are capable of. One more laser shoots and hits the floor. "UUURRGGHHH!" I scream in agony as I gaze at the hole in my shoulder that I swiftly cover with silver. I wipe away the sweat from my brow as I glare defiantly at Disturb.

"The Shadow Options possess the same ability as Nightmare?" I deduce. This is getting even more annoying.

Disturb smiles, "I used Nightmare to alter the nature of my Photon Options into the Shadow Options." The Shadow Options each shoot towards the ground.

Blocking direct attacks is easy, but with these things constantly aiming for my shadow it makes it difficult to fight.

As the lasers continue their onslaught Disturb punches his fist into the ground, the surrounding battleground slowly turns into something closer to an ice rink. Ice spikes shoot at me from just below I jump backwards, my feet skid along the smooth surface. The Shadow Options shoot again, I try to escape from the attacks but my feet skid along the ice. "GAAHHH!" I grind in pain as a laser pierces my shadow's arm, and is thus transferred onto my flesh arm. Ignoring the pain I slam my own fist into the ground.

"Liquid Silver Technique: Silver Carpet!" I run my silver through the frozen ground along with my flames conducted through it. The ice slowly melts, clearing my footing once again.

"Just like a virus, infect one part, and spread to all."

"I'd rather be a virus than someone who can only hide from reality to the point he can't even understand something that is thrown directly into his face!"

"Hah, your tricks won't infect me, nor will they any longer reach Lilicia." Four of Disturb's Shadow Options revert back to Photon Options. The Photon Options shoot their lasers into Disturb's hand.

Wait, this pattern is!

Disturb throws the created light sphere at me. I launch a fire stream. I need to dispel that attack. However, before the flames can reach it, the light orb separates into four, before shooting passed me and expanding. The engulfing light orbs broadcast my shadow from multiple angles towards Disturb.

Before I can react the four Shadow Options shoot their lasers as Nightmare screeches across the ground.

"DIE DIE DIE DIE DIE!"

"UUUMM UMMM!" Lilicia-chan struggles helplessly against her restraints.

"UUUUURRGGHHHHAAAAAA!" I scream in deathly agony, Nightmare slices across all four shadows as all the Shadow Options blast at will. Blood pours out of every single pore of my body. The lights slowly die down as I stagger trying to keep myself from falling.

"How is that my dear Lilicia!? The virus is almost gone, soon I shall liberate you from his dark grasp. Do you see that Yuichi Shiro? Lilicia is so happy at the thought of being rid of you, she's literally crying tears of joy!"

I stand strong as I look at Lilicia-chan's so called tears of joy. "Just how sick are you!? Even the most deluded can see that she's crying fear, wake up from your damn dream already. Especially when your dreams are Lilicia-chan's nightmares!" Disturb's sickening mind increases my will to win, and the huge desire of smashing his face.

"Sick? Deluded? Dream? In that case should I wake you up from your delusion as well then, Yuichi Shiro, and let you know the real harsh truth?"

"What are you talking about!?"

"Simple, Yuichi Shiro..." Disturb closes his eyes for a moment before letting loose an absolute taboo from his lips, "You're not beautiful in the slightest, in fact I'd say you're outright ugly." He sneers along with his claim.

"""…...""" Everything falls silent, I'm unable to hear my surroundings. The entire area turns white as something wells up inside of me.

This guy has tormented Lilicia-chan, a kind girl who accepted me right from our first meeting. He hurt the woman who is to be my bride. AND HE SAID I'M UGLY!

"DON'T FUCK WITH ME!" I scream as I feel my power rising. It's finally here, oh how long I've been waiting for you. My emotional induced deus ex machina power up! With my outburst my surroundings regain their colours and I glare at my nemesis.

"What is this!?" Disturb screams, his confident smile no longer on his face, "His ego has expanded his soul to galactic levels! Soul Overdrive!? There's no way!" The Shadow Options shoot at me, I dodge them with unreal speed.

"Poor Disturb," Father smiles, "He knows not, what he's just done." Father speeds past Cock who is looking at me in shock. Blood shoots out from several points in his body, Father attacked him numerous times in that one moment of passing him.

"Curse you both!" He says in a puddle of his own blood.

I readjust my sight to Disturb who is still looking on in horror. "There's no way the future leader of Thanatos will fall to a mere Human Anomaly!" The Shadow Options shoot again along with multiple wind balls. I speed out of the way once again.

"Now it's my turn! Gas Silver Technique: Torrential Hurricane!" I shoot a massive quantity of silver in gas form that is swirling around uncontrollably. I've not been able to use gas silver until now, this deus ex machina power up is stronger than I thought.

"UUURRGHHHHAAA!" Disturb's steam armour, ice mirrors, and Shadow Options are instantly dispersed as the hurricane launches him into the air, before dispersing itself. I drop my hybrid swords and jump after him.

SMACK!

"GUHHH!" I uppercut Disturb further into the air and create a silver platform as a foothold.

"That's for hurting Alicia!" I use the foothold and jump with all my might after him. I'm not finished by a long shot!

SMACK!

"GGGGAAHHH!" I punch him directly in the face whilst creating another foothold.

"That's for everything you've done to Lilicia-chan!" I use the foothold and jump passed the falling Disturb, I create another foothold to jump back to him.

SMACK!

"GRRRAAGHHHHH!" I kick him in the back launching him further airborne.

"And this is for calling ME! UGLY! And everything else you've done!" I kick off another silver platform I made and continue after the scumbag. I've been waiting far too long for this, I can keep this up all day.

SMACK SMACK SMACK SMACK!

Using my speed and manifesting my silver platforms I continue to smash Disturb without letting him touch the ground. Until I feel my fatigue coming on.

SLAM!

"GAAAAAAHHHHH!" Blood shoots out from Disturb's mouth as his body lays sprawled out on the ground.

"I did it!" I shoot my fist into the air, whilst my legs give out from under me and I fall onto my arse.

"Nicely done, Yuichi-kun." Father congratulates whilst walking over with fatigued footsteps.

That technique must take a lot out of him. I give a weak thumbs up in response.

"Ha ha ha," Disturb rolls over onto his side, "It's not over yet...Did you think our entire force was within the Crusader?" Disturb smiles as he gets to his feet and slams his glowing hand into the ground. several magic circles appear and litter the battle area.

"This is bad, Yuichi-kun, neither of us have the strength left for another fight, even if they're grunts." Father states.

Several reapers suddenly appear from the many circles, and then. They all fall to the ground in puddles of blood.

"What!? What the hell is this!?" Disturb yells in shock, his reinforcements are all in tatters. The only thing they're able to do is pollute the air with their pained groans.

"Ha ha ha ha! Looks like your last trump card was just a bluff, Disturb! I think I've got just enough strength to do this." I declare as I get back to my feet.

"I'll have to join you on this one, Yuichi-kun, lets end this." I smile at Father as we both charge and jump at Disturb over the top of multiple bodies.

BANG!

"URGGHH!" Our combined fists smash into Disturb's face, who rolls backwards along the floor before finally losing consciousness.

"This time stay down!" I shout.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Chapter 58D: Decisive Battle Against The Disturbed – Finishing Touches

A few moments later we attach the black collars to Disturb and Cock. Good riddance to them.

Father and I free the crying Lilicia-chan from her binds, her arms instantly wrap around my body as she cries her eyes into my chest, I gently pat her head, as Father gives me a thumbs up that seems to be saying: Go all the way. "Go all the way," He vocalises a moment later.

"Can't, I'm too tired. Lets just finish up shall we?" I state, I'm crying inwardly from my weak resolution that can't respond to Father's encouragement. I swear I shall treble my training.

After Father frees Lilicia-chan from the binding collar, Lilicia-chan forcefully connects the littered bodies back to the Pandemonium mansion, they're in no shape to do anything anyway. We then walk through the door into the Crusader's control room. Standing in a capsule is a man who looks familiar to me.

"What the hell is Cock doing here!? Didn't we send him to that prison dimension?" I ask.

"This isn't Cocytus, Yuichi-niisama," Lilicia-chan answers.

"That's Tartarus, the real head of the Thanatos family." Father supplements.

"So he's the triplets and Carrisa's dad?"I just hope he's nothing like his eldest daughter or brother.

"Get him out of there, Lilicia." Father orders. It's embarrassing, but after everything that's happened Lilicia-chan is in the best physical condition of all of us. After pressing several buttons the capsule opens and Lilicia-chan pulls the exhausted cyan haired man out. He doesn't look like he's going to wake up any time soon.

"Now we just need to get rid of the Crusader," Father states as the three of us walk to the huge control panel.

"Ten minutes until Underworld Capital is in firing range, now charging lasers." A robotic voice announces.

"We've got to do something!" Lilicia-chan panics, "How do we stop this?"

""Press the big red button!"" Father and I say simultaneously.

"Huh?"

"The big red button is always…." I begin.

"The self destruct button," Father finishes.

"Really?" Lilicia-chan looks confused. But after further urging she presses it anyway.

"The Crusader will self destruct in T minus three minutes, all personnel please evacuate immediately," The robotic voice announces.

"It really was!? Just how foolish were the people who made this?" Lilicia-chan says doubtfully.

"Everyone," I talk into my communicator, "If you haven't already heard we're blowing this thing up, so get the hell out!" I shout.

"""Right!""" Everyone answers. Good response.

We go back to where we lay Tartarus Thanatos and together, "Our destination is the Pandemonium Mansion, Connect!"

A few minutes later we observe a huge group of firework fall from the sky. "Yuichi," Alicia slowly walks towards me, her wounds have been treated. As I turn around to smile to her.

Huh? What the? My body? My head suddenly feels heavy and my body falls forward.

"YUICHI!" Alicia's screams as my mind falls into the rapture of darkness.

XXXXXXXXXXXXX

Chapter 58E: Decisive Battle Against The Disturbed – Aftermath (Perspective: None)

Two men and one woman were in a small room, they were the three gods that ruled the sky, the sea, and the Underworld.

"It seems your little game has ended in failure, Zeus," Hades says with anger mixed into his voice. "You gave Cocytus the knowledge he required to activate an ancient weapon, and watched like a spectator. What were you planning? Were you going to use Cocytus as a puppet ruler, or were you going to seize complete control for yourself?"

The blond haired man smiled, "Are you going to believe the words of a terrorist over mine, Hades? If you're going to accuse me, you better have something more than the words of a couple of deluded fools." Zeus replied confidently.

Hades smiled whilst shaking his head slightly, "You're right in thinking I have no proof. However dear brother," With instant movement Hades appeared right in front of Zeus and SMACK! Zeus was sent skidding along the ground. "Just because I can't prove, doesn't mean I don't know. Tartarus and his family were placed in great danger because of your little game. And FYI I consider Tartarus as more of a brother than I do you." Hades glared coldly as he stared down at his brother.

Zeus returned the glare as lightning began to run along his body. When this time Poseidon stood over him she pointed a gold coloured trident at her brother's neck with a happy go lucky smile on her face. "Nuh-uh, Zeus-niisama, if you and Hades-niisama are going to go at it, don't think I'm just going to play mediator." Her happy smile transformed to one of sheer seriousness. "I much prefer playing favourites, and between you and Hades-niisama, you don't need to ask which of you I love more, right?" Her smile returned as the lightning within Zeus dispersed.

Poseidon withdrew her trident and Zeus patted himself off before declaring, "I'm leaving." His body transformed into lightning before disappearing.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Chapter 58F: Decisive Battle Against The Disturbed – Lord Yuichi Shiro

I slowly open my eyes to the harsh light that assaults my pupils. "Gah," I grunt as I shield my eyes.

"You're awake," Father says, I turn to face him, he's sitting elegantly in a chair, "How are you feeling?"

"Tired..." I reply.

"Ha ha ha, well of course you are," Father smiles before his face turns serious, "Your sudden exhaustion was caused as an after effect of those pills. It will be a little while before you can move normally."

"I see..."

"Yuichi-kun, I'm sorry." Father bows his head deeply, "Even knowing the effects these pills would have, I still gave them to you. I also forced you to continue fighting using the Grimoire, despite you being exhausted, I'm truly sorry."

I shake my head, "Don't be, that was my wish remember, I didn't want to fall until it was all over."

Father raises his head and smiles gently to me. There is no way I could ever hate this great man, I'm still alive in no short thanks to him.

"After I told Alicia and Lilicia the reason you collapsed, I got double slapped," Father says meekly whilst rubbing his cheeks painfully. "Anyway, Yuichi-kun, I have some news regarding your reward for helping to avert this crisis." Father takes out something that looks like a certificate before reciting its contents, "I Hades as ruler of the Underworld in thanks to my man, Yuichi Shiro, and his assistance in averting Cocytus and Disturb Thanatos' plans, bestow upon him the title of Underworld Lord. I hereby order the above individual to establish the house of Shiro, and bestow his seed so that his house may prosper for all future generations."

"Huh? What does that mean?" I ask in shock.

"Long story short, you're now an Underworld noble. This means you also need to secure an heir for the next generation." Father explains.

"But aren't I marrying into Pandemonium?" I ask in shock. If that's the case won't all my offspring be Pandemonium's? Wait, please don't tell me, I don't want to hear Father say those horrible words.

"It means…." Father begins, I close my eyes and try and brace myself for the next words. "You need to take a second wife, one who will take the name Shiro."

"HUH!?" I'm beyond confused, I feared he was going to tell me the engagement is off. "You mean I'm still fine to marry Alicia?" I almost cry from the relief.

"Of course you can! If Hades-sama gave you an order to prevent that, I'd be the one starting the next war. It just means you will manage your own house, whilst still being part of the Pandemonium family. So congratulations on unlocking the harem route, Yuichi-kun." Father smiles whilst giving me a thumbs up, which I return.

With this more girls can come to know the incarnate of beauty that is Yuichi Shiro. Hades-sama, for granting me this privilege, you've got yourself another devoted believer.

"Oh by the way, in preparation for your new manor that's being built, I've taken the liberty of writing the job advert for the maids who will serve you. What do you think of this?" Father unrolls a poster with a young woman wearing a skimpy maid outfit. The text reads: Wanted new beautiful maids to work for the new house of Shiro, no experience necessary, but must be cute/beautiful and aged between 16 and 25. Must be prepared to remove all articles of clothing as the master requires at a moment's notice.

"Wow, amazing, but will anyone apply with such an advertisement? I ask.

"I've only put up the ad three hours ago, and we've already had forty-six applications."

As many as that!? Well with my wonderful looks, nothing is surprising. I smile to myself. "Father, it's perfect!" I declare.

"Your smile made literally throwing all my top priority work out the window, all the more meaningful, Yuichi-kun."

You literally threw top priority work out a window to create a job advert for me? Father, I'm moved by your greatness, as expected of my role model.

"Okay, I'll let you rest, I've still got other sites I need to post this on, good night." Father smiles before closing the door behind him.

Looks like a maid paradise is just around the corner.

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hyuugalegacy

2018-08-27, 02:53

Chapter 58 Part 2

Chapter 58G: Decisive Battle Against The Disturbed – Honest Feelings

A knock at the door wakes me up. After the excitement of learning about my new rank I fell back to sleep. Alicia walks in, slightly fidgeting she looks at me with a red face.

"Alicia?" I call her in confusion. She's acting strange.

"Congratulations for becoming a noble," she begins.

"Uh yeah, um did Father mention just what it entails with me becoming a lord?" I ask. I highly doubt Alicia would be too optimistic about being one of two wives married to the same guy.

"I already know..." She sighs in resignation, "Being from the living world you probably wouldn't know this, but men having several women is nothing uncommon here. Particularly when it comes to nobility, well the current three families are exceptions to all the polygamy."

True, Father only has eyes for Mother. I've never heard of him having another wife or mistress.

"I already knew given your personality that something like this would happen eventually. That's why I've just tried to secure myself as the main wife and I felt annoyed whenever I thought that position was threatened. I've come to put an end to that here and now." Alicia declares.

"Huh? What do you mean put an end to it?"

"Yuichi, you're a pervert who humiliated me upon our first meeting. You always have your head in the clouds saying how beautiful you are, or misunderstanding things so that they always favour you. You blow your own ego with your claims to genius only to blissfully make a fool of yourself moments later."

"Alicia are you trying to pick a…."

"But you also treasure your friends, and all those around you. You are always ready to be the hero no matter how many times you are kicked down, or how strong the opponent is. Even when you stick your nose where it doesn't belong and trip up along the way, you always make me feel that it was all for the best. Sometimes just being near you pisses me off, other times I'm glad you're with me. I've often wished that I had never met you, but much more often, I'm so happy that I have. The Yuichi Shiro who is always creating mass contradictory feelings within me. Is the Yuichi Shiro that I love..." Alicia silently looks into my eyes as I swallow my breath, "I really love you, Yuichi…." She reiterates and seals the final nail in the coffin, a single tear escapes my eye.

I knew with my beauty that she undoubtedly loved me, but this is the first time she's ever told me. Without regards to my weariness I grab Alicia's wrist and pull her into an embrace. "Me too, Alicia, I love you so much I just don't want to know a world without you." Alicia's tears stain my shoulder as I continue holding her.

We slowly loosen our embrace and look into each others eyes. Our lips invite each other until they naturally overlap with a soft moist feeling. We share a slow passionate moment that I won't forget for all eternity.

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Chapter 58H: Decisive Battle Against The Disturbed – The Girl's New Hero

After Alicia left I've been laying in my bed wide awake, unable to sleep. I guess feelings can revitalise a man. I smile to myself, when another knock comes from the door.

"It's open," I call out. This time Lilicia-chan enters she smiles lightly before taking a seat by my bedside.

"Yuichi-niisama, thank you for rescuing me. I knew I could count on you." Lilicia-chan smiles angelically.

"Don't worry about it. I also got heavily rewarded for helping, not that I wouldn't have done it for free. Maid paradise and nobility are just the cherry on top of the cake."

"Father's told you about that then?" Lilicia-chan's smile turns into a pout, "I'm still annoyed my application was rejected because I'm under sixteen."

Lilicia-chan applied? Maybe I should ask Father to decrease the minimum age.

Lilicia-chan's face then turns solemn. "Nii-sama, would you be willing to listen to a story?" She asks. I nod back.

"It was when I was twelve, Father took me to a party hosted by the Thanatos family. I met him, Disturb. Cocytus was trying to push for a union between our families, maybe he wanted Father's help to take control of Thanatos. But I instantly knew that despite Disturb's innocent smile, if I had married him I would regret it. My instincts regarding people's natures has always been top notch, the face below the mask scared me. His true nature sent shivers through out my body." Lilicia-chan explains, "Father, later asked me how I'd feel about marrying Disturb. Political marriages have always been a norm for the upper echelons of society, I had therefore long since given up on the idea of marrying for love. But when he asked me, I tearfully begged him not to send me to that monster. I was honestly expecting to be forced regardless, but Father instantly agreed to my request. Saying he wouldn't sacrifice his daughter's happiness for politics."

Father your greatness is overflowing so greatly I can hardly hold back my tears. You deserve to be worshipped, hell, I'll build the church and statues myself if I have to.

"However, not long after, that happened. Like what happened this time, I was abducted. Disturb without his mask was just as I felt before, completely terrifying. But even then, he was still a Thanatos, our family couldn't openly fight them. I understood this so I felt I wasn't going to be saved and just cried in despair. Fortunately, that isn't what happened. Tsubaki, who had witnessed my kidnapping on the way back from Reaper school contacted and pleaded to her older sister to rescue me. Carrisa found me and proceeded to slash Disturb with her scythe, before blasting him with her ten Photon Options."

"Those scars on Disturb's body?"

"Yes, some of them were from that incident. Afterwards the Thanatos family sincerely apologised and the incident was covered up so they could save face. Carrisa promised in return that for as long as she was around, Disturb won't walk within fifty miles of me."

"As long as she's around, huh?" Well she isn't much use when she isn't.

"Yes, I know. But I no longer need her," Lilicia-chan gently holds my hand, "I have a new, cool, handsome hero." She smiles. "Yuichi-niisama, has Onee-sama told you her feelings?"

"Yes, just a bit ago."

"In that case I no longer have a reason to hold back." Lilicia-chan smiles to me but her eyes look at me seriously. "Yuichi-niisama, just like Onee-sama, I too love you, and it's a feeling that only grows stronger each passing moment. I don't care if I'm your wife, your maid, your mistress, or concubine, I just wish to be yours." For the second time today I am confessed to by a cute girl. Like before I can't help but hug her, she timidly hugs me back.

"Yuichi-niisama," She calls, "My first time was stolen from me, please erase that horrible memory from my mind, with a wonderful second time."

Lilicia-chan stands on her tiptoes, closes her eyes, and perks her lips. With a feast right in front of me I do the only logical thing, I eat.

I place my lips over hers. I shall remove the horrible taste she felt on her lips before.

XXXXXXXXXXXX

Chapter 58I: Decisive Battle Against The Disturbed – A Secret Conflict (Perspective: None)

Sometime after the Crusader was destroyed but before Yuichi Shiro awoke from his fatigue. Stood in a sea of blood was a girl with long cyan hair. Her scythe was drenched in red from the many victims she fell. Her clothes had embroideries of icicles rising and of several crosses forming the shape of a cross. Tartarus Thanatos' oldest daughter, and currently a rogue Reaper, Carrisa Thanatos.

Several magical circles had forcefully teleported the bodies of her victims to another location, leaving only the stench of blood in the air.

"This will be the last time I help the Thanatos family," she declared to herself.

"It seems even you can't throw away all your feelings," A voice calls to her from behind, Carrisa slowly turns around to its owner.

"Ark, what is a member of Enigma doing here?"

"In order to reclaim Nadia's soul, I require a tool that'll enable me to negotiate with that man. If I can threaten his queen, I'm sure he'd be more than willing to relinquish one of his pawns."

"That's an interesting way of putting it, me his queen. And just how does a lone knight intend to put this queen under such a threat?"

"You already know the answer to that, but before that I wish to ask you a question." Ark begins, "Just what reason do you follow someone from that family of darkness?"

"Family of darkness, huh? Well I suppose my biggest reason would be love. As well as a desire. Do you have any idea why that man can't show his emotions?"

"….." Ark remains silent.

"I believe he did it as a self defence mechanism. Growing up he watched his father fall under the effects of The Origin's Stigma. An inborn trait of all who share the Origin's blood. It allows a person to draw upon the Origin's power, but along with its power, comes its will. The Stigma manifests from a certain negative emotion and it slowly changes the person. To escape the Origin's influence, he naturally sealed all his emotions. Because of the Origin he has been turned into nothing short of a robot running on logic. I wish to remove the family's curse at its source, the Origin. But how? I'm unable to reach the Origin myself, therefore I need him to awaken his emotions. If I can guide him onto a path that leads him to despise the Origin, then he'll certainly kill it, and end the curse."

"You're playing with fire, if he awakens his emotions there's also the chance he'll just be corrupted by the Origin, like all others before him."

"I've decided I would remain at his side regardless of what path he takes."

"I see, then there is nothing further for us to discuss, I'll have you come with me, Carrisa Thanatos."

"You'll have to do it by force, Ark Orthrus."

Unknown to all other parties, one more battle was to take place that night.

hyuugalegacy

2018-09-13, 00:15

Here is Manga Chapter 04.

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hyuugalegacy

2018-09-28, 03:17

Here is chapter 59 which also ends the Arc.

Chapter 59A: Battle Between Two Prodigies – Ark Vs Carrisa I (Perspective: None)

"I didn't think you would know about my lineage, then there is no point in hiding it," Ark states as his dark hair turns scarlet red, a trait shared by all those of the Orthrus family. An intense fireball gathers in his hand. "Lets begin!" He shoots the fireball as a war declaration.

Carrisa easily dodges the attack and forms several hand signs, "Thanatos Reaper Technique: Photon Options." The fourteen eyed tentacles sprout from her back and all the eyes focus on Ark before simultaneously releasing their lasers. The many bright lights illuminate the dark sky.

Bang Bang Bang! Ark manipulates small chunks of debris and blocks the lasers. Carrisa charges with her scythe as her Photon Options continue firing rapidly in vein. Ark uses his telekinesis and forces a segment of the ground into his hand and reshapes it into a scythe.

Bang! The two scythes collide. Carrisa runs lightning into her fist and thrusts it at Ark, who gathers a fragment of the earth over his hand as a makeshift glove and blocks her fist. Carrisa jumps back a second before a crater is made where she previously stood. More earth fragments merge with Ark's scythe extending its range, he swings the colossal scythe horizontally, Carrisa ducks below but…

"URGHHH!" She grunts as fragments of the scythe are shot at her mid swing. Carrisa bares the pain and slams her hand onto the ground the area fills with ice extending across the floor towards Ark, who jumps away before the ice spikes that are formed can pierce him.

Ark throws his earth scythe into the air and gathers a tornado around one arm and flames around the other, both the elemental blades extend dozens of metres, Ark slices both the elements together.

Boom! Boom! Boom! "GGGAAHHH!" Carrisa is caught in the chain of explosions and is sent skidding along the ground. Ark catches his falling scythe and charges.

CHING! Carrisa without a chance to stand blocks Ark's scythe with her own, but her blade cracks before completely breaking. Carrisa quickly retreats from the oncoming blade and shoots her Photon Options, Ark raises more rubble with his telekinesis, but Carrisa creates several mirrors of ice that reflect her Photon Option's lasers.

"GAAHHH!" Ark yelps as a laser pierces his shoulder. Carrisa seizing the chance quickly forms a scythe made of ice and slashes towards Ark's neck, Ark nimbly ducks, Carrisa adjusts her scythe's trajectory and jumps backwards with her scythe following her.

"KUUHH!" Ark grinds his teeth as his arm falls to the ground followed by a stream of blood.

Now's my chance! Carrisa forms and shoots several ice arrows along with her Photon Options.

"That won't work!" Ark states as several gushes of wind intercept every attack. A giant hand then forms out of the ground and punches towards Carrisa, who jumps away before assaulting it with her Photon Options making it crumble. Carrisa instantly rolls backwards to avoid Ark's flame lines that are shooting at her like lasers. She had noticed them thanks to her Photon Options acting as extra eyes. Carrisa regains her footing and counters the fire lasers with her Photon Options. BOOM! The intense explosion from the colliding attacks fills the air with smoke obstructing both party's view.

As the smoke clears Carrisa notices Ark's arm has been reattached to his body. "You used your telekinesis to forcefully reconnect your arm? Manipulating movement on even a cellular and nerve basis, you are truly dangerous." She analyses.

"You're one to talk, it was said in the past that possessing ten Photon Options was the absolute maximum anyone could wield, yet even at such an age you wield fourteen of them." Ark remarks whilst flexing his reattached arm.

Both monsters are in complete awe of each other. Their powers are the best of the best, they are both prodigies that would perhaps only be born once a millennium.

"I never thought you'd be able to break my scythe though, I guess it was egotistical of me refusing Nightmare."

"Your own power would only have weakened if you had relied on a strong tool," Ark states whilst gathering air into his hand and compressing it into a small orb. Carrisa charges her Photon Options and blasts them, Ark sidesteps to safety and launches the highly compressed wind ball at Carrisa, Ark then moves his hand into the shape of a gun and shoots a small fireball whilst levitating himself into the air.

BOOOMMM!

"GUUUHHH!" Carrisa's yelp and a deafening sound fills the arena as the flame combusted the air ball and created an explosion hundreds of metres in diameter. Ark hovered in the air just outside the danger zone gazing down at the smoky mist that covered their battleground.

Did I go too far? I can't negotiate if all I have is a corpse. Ark, in the heat of the moment and against a deadly foe had neglected his aim. But his worries were for naught as Carrisa stood bloodied within the mist, her body was coated in fire. She literally fought fire with fire to defend herself from the explosion. Impressive.

Ark returns to the ground and glares at his opponent who smiles fiercely. "I really can't hold back against you any more," Carrisa declares as she straightens her body, a dark mist forms above her extended hand. Ark's eyes sharpen as he notices the green book in her hand.

This is where it gets troublesome. Ark thinks whilst grinding his back teeth.

"Thanatos' Grimoire! Open!" Carrisa orders and a black pillar shoots out of the open book and into the sky. The most deadliest of powers has been unleashed.

XXXXXXXXX

Chapter 59B: Battle Between Two Prodigies – Interlude (Perspective: None)

Have you ever asked yourself what would be born from a Human Anomaly? Could one Anomaly give birth to another? Most of the time the answer to that would be no. Human Anomalies, although mutated, are still humans. However, every so often there will be an exception to this rule, a person descended from a Human Anomaly being born with a mutated soul and thus granted similar abilities possessed by Human Anomalies. These existences are referred to as Birth Anomalies.

Many hundreds of years ago when the tension between the Underworld and the Sky was wearing thin, many reapers tried to encourage Hades to take the initiative and attack the Sky, a recommendation he refused. Even though everyone felt that war between the two was unavoidable, Hades refused to fan the flames, wishing for a peaceful solution.

Many felt that Hades' decision was nothing less than cowardice and wished to take matters into their own hands. None felt stronger than this than the then head of the Orthrus family, Myrrh Orthrus. He was a man with extraordinary power and influence, many reapers flocked to the pro war faction at the mere mention of his name. However, Myrrh in his need for boosting his forces committed a grave sin. He discarded his family's sacred duty of keeping human souls within the Underworld. Without even performing the game with the recent deceased, he took a mass of human souls back to the living world and returned them to their original bodies. Giving birth to an army of Human Anomalies.

With Myrrh's actions war was just around the corner, to avoid the worst case scenario Hades was forced to take an option of necessary evil. He ordered the destruction of the pro war faction. Most of the Human Anomalies were either killed or imprisoned. Myrrh was apprehended with the combined efforts of the Thanatos, the Pandemonium, and the Cerberus family heads. Such was the power that he wielded, any less of a force would have just been a laughing stock to him.

Myrrh was sentenced to an eternity within the Underworld prison, the Jigoku, for his crimes. In addition the Orthrus family was disgraced and lost their spot in the top three families to the Cerberus, who had contributed to Myrrh's defeat.

However, unknown to the Underworld, Myrrh's son, who had thought to have been killed in action, had fallen in love with a woman who was reincarnated as a Human Anomaly in Myrrh's scheme. They had fled from the war and threw away everything to do with it. In time they bore a son, who shared both the blood of a reaper and a Human Anomaly, although the one born was a regular human.

Generations passed and the Orthrus and Human Anomaly blood continued to pass down, until finally, a Birth Anomaly was born. He possessed both the powers of telekinesis granted by his Anomaly heritage, and the power of fire from his Orthrus heritage. A Birth Anomaly of the strongest nature that could almost be called miraculous, this Birth Anomaly was Ark Orthrus.

However, to those who desired peace a power like no other and an existence that only invites danger is only an eyesore. Ark's parents had ordered Ark to never use any of his powers no matter what the reason, fearing that the moment he did will invite his doom. Ark had kept his promise and for twelve years never once used his power, but even that did not prevent the tragedy. One night the church attacked their home and ended their peaceful lives, his father and mother became his shields as the church's inquisition ended their lives before his eyes.

Overcome with rage Ark killed his parent's killers using the powers he promised never to use, blaming himself for keeping his promise to the point that his parents died. After that there was no time for him to rest, with the church always on his trail he never stayed in one place for any length of time and being attacked became normal. Like that two years passed and Ark grew weary of living, the only people who valued his life were dead, now the only people he met were those wishing for his demise.

Was his existence the thing to blame for his parent's murder? Or was it the church who ordered his extermination? Regardless of the reason, he was definitely the cause. Whilst he was going through such concepts his next assassins approached him, one was a girl with tanned skin, the other was a boy with red dreadlocks. They were both around the same age as him.

"Hmmm, you don't look evil." The girl decided by herself, "Did the church lie to us?" She asked the boy next to her.

"Nadia, they said this boy killed several warriors, so don't let your guard down!" The boy answered without diverting his eyes from Ark.

It was a lie, other than his parent's murders Ark hadn't killed a single one of his assailants. However, Ark didn't bother voicing the truth, whatever the reality, it didn't matter. He was tired of being chased, tired of running, and tired of living. If these two wished to kill him, then he would simply oblige them.

However, the next thing that happened completely shocked him.

"But Shuren, he totally doesn't look like he would do such a thing, my instinct is never wrong!" The girl puffs up her chest proudly. "Say you….um...scarlet haired guy, what really happened?" She was willing to hear his truth.

The burdens he carried, all the pain he had gathered, all the solitude he had felt. For the past two years he hadn't had a single person to share them with. Just the feeling that this girl was willing to listen was enough to bring him to tears. Nadia despite being flustered by Ark crying, along with Shuren, listened to the boy's story earnestly.

After hearing his tale Nadia nodded her head with closed eyes.

"Hm, I see, so that's how it is. Well there is only one way to solve this problem, Ark Orthrus, I'm going to have to ask you to die." She declared, Ark had felt she too had given up on him, all hope was lost. But even so he was thankful, just the fact she listened to him earned Nadia his eternal gratitude.

Nadia flicked Ark's forehead, "Right, there we go, Ark Orthrus is now dead." She stated. But he wasn't, she hadn't even scratched him. "From now on the boy who Ark Orthrus had left behind is going to live in this town!" She declared without a hint of hesitation.

"Huh?" Ark simply stared in confusion, what was going on? He thought.

The boy named Shuren sighed before saying, "You really do whatever you want don't you, Nadia?"

"Te he he, complimenting won't get you anywhere." She replied, Shuren in turn sent her a death glare.

After the meeting Shuren and Nadia reported back to the church that the Anomaly Ark Orthrus was dead. Ark dyed his hair black to hide his scarlet hair and lived in the town he had met his two new friends. Although from fear that he maybe discovered Ark avoided open contact with the duo, he now had a place to call home. For a few year Ark lived his life like he was in a dream, although when that incident occurred, the dream quickly turned into a nightmare.

The day Nadia died protecting her sister from a Chimera Anomaly. Ark and Shuren mourned the heavy loss and continued life with heavy hearts, until the time they discovered that the church's darkness was the very thing that took their precious friend away. Igniting both their hearts in vengeance.

XXXXXXXXXX

Chapter 59C: Battle Between Two Prodigies – Ark Vs Carrisa II (Perspective: None)

The black pillar from the Grimoire slowly dissipates and then the creature was in full view. An incarnation of death.

"GE HE HE HE HE!" The monstrosity laughed. It was a hovering robed skeleton approximately fifteen metres tall and wielding a scythe the same size as itself. A transparent black aura surrounded its body like armour.

"The power that gave the common misconception of the grim reaper to the living world, huh. Just like how Cerberus' Grimoire distorted the living world conception of their family." Ark states coldly, his situation is bad. I'm starting to wish I was born a Pandemonium, that thing is my natural enemy. He thought.

"This is just the beginning," Carrisa declares as the dark aura from the skeleton is absorbed into Carrisa's Photon Options changing their colour to black. "Custom Thanatos Reaper Technique: Decay Options."

She changed her Photon Option's nature with the Grimoire's power. Ark analyses before creating and shooting several fire arrows. The Decay Options fire their dark lasers, that completely smother Ark's fire attacks. Ark levitates his body and avoids the still oncoming lasers. "HELL PLASMA!" He shouts as he forcefully alters the air's state and launches a ball of plasma.

"GE HE HE HE HE!" The Grimoire Skeleton hovers between Carrisa and the approaching plasma and runs its scythe through it once, twice, thrice, before even a second elapses, the plasma was neutralised. Suddenly the ground under Carrisa violently shakes.

The plasma was just a diversion. She surmises before diving to one side before she could be swallowed by the crevice. Carrisa returns to her feet and shoots her Decay Options intermittently, Ark hovers left and right avoiding every attack.

The Skeleton charges at Ark with unbelievable speed and slices his scythe towards him. Ark compresses the air to form a shield. "GUUUHHH!" Although the shield was able to stop the attack somewhat, the after effect caused by the colliding created a shock wave which smashed Ark to the ground. As to be expected of the number one family's Grimoire.

Ark rolls nimbly out the way just before the Decay Option's lasers could reach him. The lasers create small openings in the ground and the stray weeds that are caught in the cross fire instantly wither. They are lasers that carried the very notion of death.

"GE HE HE HE HE!" The Skeleton laughs as it lands next to its wielder, then both it and Carrisa form a hand sign in sync.

"Death Hadou!" Carrisa shouts as a large dark aura ring expands out in all directions with the Skeleton as the epicentre. Ark shoots fireball after fireball along with a tornado. The attacks weakens the dark ring that is fast approaching, Ark as a last effort uses a chunk of earth as a shield. The Death Hadou turns the huge boulder into dust before piercing into Ark.

"GUHA!" Blood pours out of Ark's mouth as he falls to his knees. Carrisa smiles at the spectacle, victory was upon her. Ark returns to his feet and wipes the blood from his mouth. "It's all or nothing." He says to himself. Suddenly a huge pillar of magma rises from the ground and smashes into the skeleton that is knocked into the sky by the burning geyser.

"Magma!? But how? I never felt you invoke a Reaper Technique!" Carrisa is momentarily shocked. "Wait, you used your telekinesis to pull magma out of the Underworld's core!" Ark smiled at Carrisa's correct answer.

"URGGGHHHAAA!" Carrisa too was smashed by a magma geyser. But before she was hit she had coated herself in flames protecting herself extensively from the attack. "GUUHH!" Blood shoots out of her mouth as she slammed into the ground and the dark aura of her Decay Options intensifies. This is bad, that last attack caused me to lose control of the Decay Options, some of the aura went into my body. Carrisa analyses as even more blood flows from her mouth. Carrisa quickly concentrates and regains control of her Decay Options before standing up with shaking legs.

"I cannot lose, I will not lose!" She declares. "I SHALL KILL THE ORIGIN, I WILL SAVE REKTA FROM THE LOSSCHILD FAMILY'S ACCURSED FATE. I SHALL END THE ORIGIN'S STIGMA!" Carrisa unleashes her full emotions, with the possibility of loss, her cool has been lost.

"I too cannot lose, I won't let Nadia be used by him!" Ark gathers all the power within his body. Both parties were on the verge of defeat, the next attack would decide it.

Carrisa points all the Decay Options into her open palm, all the lasers shoot into her hand. Carrisa manipulates the dark light and reforms it into a solid object, a scythe. "The Scythe Of Decay. With this I shall end you." Carrisa declares as Ark creates his own scythe out of the earth.

""UUUUURRGGHHHHAAAA!"" The two monsters scream whilst charging at one another for the last time. All their power, all their emotions, and all their wishes are piled into this final clash.

And like that, the fight between the two prodigies ended.

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Chapter 59D: Battle Between Two Prodigies – The Unknown's Movement (Perspective: None)

Walking past a group of fallen mermen, men who were half human, but fish from the torso down. The masked man sheathed his blade, Muramasa-Masamune. He was in the realm of the Sea's capital, Atlantis. The ruler of the sea was currently absent due to an incident occurring in the Underworld, so now was the best chance for him to strike.

Despite being in the sea the masked man had no problem breathing, and he was moving through the water depths like it wasn't there. This wasn't due to any special power, the water in Atlantis was breathable, even for humans.

"DAMN YOU!" Another merman charged at the masked man whilst riding on top of a shark with a harpoon shaped spear in his hand. When suddenly he felt his bearings being distorted.

BOOM BOOM!

"URGGHH!" Two explosions blasted the merman before he noticed that his position was forcefully switched with the masked man's. In addition, several combustion orbs were left before the switch.

The masked man quickly unsheathed Muramasa-Masamune and sliced the shark he was riding on in half. He then continued walking to his destination at a leisurely pace. When he reached the heavily armoured door he simply forced an opening using Muramasa-Masamune and walked inside.

"Here it is..." Before the masked man was a rumbling cube about the size of a soccer ball, multiple chains were wrapped around it, connecting it to every corner of the room. The restraints held the cube in the centre of the room. The masked man used Muramasa-Masamune and severed the chains before taking the cube into his hands. "….Pandora's Box…."

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Chapter 59E: Battle Between Two Prodigies – Twisted Normality (Perspective: None)

"GUUHHH!" A heavy pant escaped Stella's lips as she woke up in a cold sweat. She took many deep breaths to regulate her breathing.

"A nightmare?" She stated as she sat up in her bed holding her head in her hands.

"Stella?" Cammy who was sleeping in the same bed as Stella also woke up and looked at her lover in concern.

Stella kissed Cammy's lips before quickly wrapping her arms around her in an embrace, her body was quivering outside of her control. "I'm sorry, Cammy. Let me stay like this for a minute." Stella requested. Cammy returned her embrace.

"I had a nightmare about the past, about Eksodus." Stella confessed. Hearing the name Cammy further tightened her embrace.

She and Stella had revealed their pasts to one another, this caused Cammy to have a huge hatred for the boy she hadn't even met.

Stella was born into the family of darkness, the Losschild family. But she was born from an affair between the head of the family's wife and another man. As a result she technically wasn't a Losschild, nor did she possess any of the Origin's blood, likewise nor did she possess the Stigma. When the family head found this out he killed his wife before Stella's eyes. He then proceeded to torture her in various ways, both mentally, and physically. But there was one other Losschild she feared even more than her step-father. A boy who was the same age as her, Eksodus.

He stole her breath by dunking her head under water until she collapsed, he whipped, dislocated, burned, and violated her body. A lot of these things were things her step-father also put her through, yet she feared the boy much more. This was due to an understanding of her step-father, she knew the reason he hated her, and thus could determine the reason for his abuse. But Eksodus was another matter, he drowned her because it was normal, he beat her because it was normal, he ignored her begs and pleas for him to stop, not because of a sense of power, but because ignoring pleas was natural. Torturing and killing was the same as breathing air to him, he didn't feel guilt or even excitement from killing, he just felt it was normal to kill.

The sense of Eksodus' twisted state of normality scared Stella far more than any animosity or grudge held by her step-father.

"Don't worry, Stella. Like you helped me with my revenge, I'll help you with yours, we'll slaughter the Losschilds."

The previous day Cammy and Stella had killed the entire Leon family, with Cammy killing her parents herself. The same parents that drove her to attempt to commit suicide and left her with a scar in the shape of a ring on her neck when it failed.

"I'm thankful Cammy, but there is something scaring me about trying that." Stella replied.

"What?" Cammy asked.

Stella shook her head and smiled through her tears. The Losschilds stole my mother from me. If we were to oppose them, can I guarantee I won't lose Cammy too? She thought. Her fear moved the scales away from enacting revenge.

XXXXXXXXXX

Chapter 59F: Battle Between Two Prodigies – Send Off

A few days have passed since Alicia and Lilicia-chan's confessions. The three of us and Wolfy came to see off Ren, Sakura and Elizabeth. My exhaustion is still far from healed and Lilicia-chan is lending me her shoulder so I can move around.

"So you're going to stay in the Underworld for a little while, Yuichi," Ren asks. Sakura makes a sad face when I nod back.

"Apparently the Underworld's environment is more suitable for my recovery. I'll be back when I can move properly." I reply.

"Oh, that's a shame. I've been given tickets so we could all go to an island beach resort." Ren states.

Wait...Beach? That means, SWIMSUITS. A revelatory spark suddenly hits me. "On second thoughts I've changed my mind. I'll go...GUH!"

Alicia elbows me in the stomach and glares at me. "No you won't..." She declares with cold eyes.

Oh come on, weren't you suppose to have gone dere already?

Ignoring my pained face, Alicia walks to Elizabeth, a long green spear manifests itself into Alicia's hand. "This is..." Elizabeth remarks.

Alicia nods before handing the spear to Elizabeth. "Father has given his consent for us to borrow this. If the last few months has taught me anything, it's we're going to have more conflicts in the near future. Give this to Alma for me." Alicia states.

Apparently that spear is a Pandemonium family heirloom. With our non-aggression treaty in affect, we can safely hand Alma a weapon to replace her stolen Soul Slayer without it coming back to bite us.

"I will definitely pass it on," Elizabeth says as she handles the spear with care.

"Then we're going back then," Ren declares.

"Look after Yuna for me." I give one last request, Ren nods back.

"Sempai, hurry and come home." Sakura says with a meek smile. I smile and nod back.

"Connect!" Elizabeth activates the spell and our friends fade from our sight.

"Alicia, Lilicia-chan," The two girls turn to me at the calling of their names. "Does the Underworld have swimming pools?"

I won't let Ren be the only one who gets the eye candy.

XXXXXXXXX

Chapter 59G: Battle Between Two Prodigies – Situation Report (Perspective: None)

His holiness the pope has passed away. The current Slayers have been arrested for treason against our church and await judgement for his holiness' murder. Apprehending Alma Ivana and Shiori Azusa who maybe co-conspirators has been given the highest priority.

Cardinal Iodine has been ascended to the position of acting pope until a new pope can be permanently appointed.

hyuugalegacy

2018-10-06, 03:53

Here is manga chapter 05

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hyuugalegacy

2019-01-27, 08:15

Here is Chapter 60 the start of a new arc which has Ren as the main character rather than Yuichi.

Chapter 60A: Trip Preparation – Ren's "Bad" Situation (Perspective: Ren)

"I'm sorry, Ren-san," Our class rep, Ryu Ikena-kun, says with a crestfallen expression. "I can't go due to family circumstances."

"Don't worry about it," I say with a reassuring smile and a light wave of my hand.

"Please feel free to invite me again if something else comes up." Ryu-kun says before walking out the classroom.

I give a light sigh. "I guess I'll give up on trying to find another guy to go with us." I had received multiple tickets as well as spending money as part of my reward from the last incident involving the Thanatos coup. With the holiday starting tomorrow Elizabeth and I decided we would go then, but Yuichi and Alicia-san are currently in the Underworld, meaning there are two free passes remaining.

Elizabeth, Sakura, Yuna, Shiori-sempai, Mizuno-san, and Ivana-san, have already agreed to go. Which means that I'll be the only guy with six girls. This indeed may look like a nice situation, but with the exception of Elizabeth and maybe Ivana-san, they're all Yuichi fan girls. Plus, when girls get talking there's no stopping them, and a lone guy just gets sidelined. That's why I wanted another guy to come with us, but that was an epic failure. Could it be that I'm actually really unpopular? The only guy I really hang around is Yuichi.

"No point thinking about it." I shrug my shoulders, "Best get home and start packing."

"Have you finished with your business, Ren-sama?" Elizabeth asks from the classroom's doorway.

"Yep, he turned me down. Well, everyone has their own circumstances."

"The nerve of that boy, refusing Ren-sama's kind invitation." A blood vessel looks ready to burst within Elizabeth's head. "I shall make him pay..."

"Let it go," I pat my fiancé, who is currently making a yandere face, on the shoulder.

"Yes, certainly," Elizabeth's bloodlust face transforms into an angelic one with a slight blush. Note to self, never make Elizabeth angry. It could be the end of me.

As I walk past her, Elizabeth runs to my side and takes my hand. I turn to her and see her face dyed red, I return the grip and continue our trek home. Having a girlfriend is truly a good thing. We've been constantly thrown into one incident after another, this trip will be a great chance to unwind and enjoy our youth.

"But honestly, why did Yuichi Shiro achieve a higher rank of nobility than Ren-sama?" Elizabeth curses, she still has the one sided rivalry with Alicia-san (and by extension Yuichi), even though she clearly likes her much more than she wishes to admit. Both Yuichi and I have become Underworld nobles thanks to our assistance in the previous conflict. But Yuichi became a noble that is a tier higher than me.

"It can't be helped. Yuichi took out two Hex Classes as well as Disturb. He performed much better than me. But you know Elizabeth..." I turn to my fiancé and look directly into her eyes. "Just because I'm lower at the moment, doesn't mean it will stay that way."

"YES!" She replies strongly, "I know you're much better than Alicia's man. The Cerberus family will not lose to the Pandemonium, and the Kirei family won't lose to the Shiro. Therefore Ren-sama..." Elizabeth shows a confident smile. Oh god, whenever she shows that, something ridiculous usually follows.

"You must amass a harem that won't lose to Yuichi Shiro's!" Elizabeth declares. How on Earth did she come to such a conclusion? I can't close my jaw at the ridiculous, but fabulous, proposal.

"There's no way the man I chose is inferior to Yuichi Shiro, and you will show the world this by creating the biggest colourful flower garden. Please be at ease Ren-sama, I shall personally maintain it and remove all weeds. Alicia will see that I'm better than her when Ren-sama defeats Yuichi Shiro, Oh ho ho ho!"

Wait, so Elizabeth thinks I'll be better than Yuichi by creating a bigger harem than him. Has Elizabeth really thought this through properly? If I get more girls than Yuichi, won't Alicia-san just say something along the lines that Elizabeth is just one flower among many? Should I point out this flaw?

"I'll do my best to make you proud!" I declare enthusiastically.

"Yes please do!"

Elizabeth has stated she's okay with a harem. I don't want to throw a wet towel on her master plan. Ignorance is bliss as they say. I'm definitely not keeping it a secret for my own benefit, most definitely not!

XXXXXXXXXXXX

Chapter 60B: Trip Preparation – Sister's Feelings (Perspective: Yuna)

I'm currently packing clothes into a suitcase preparing for our trip tomorrow. I've been feeling a little down with the thing about Ichiyu. He said he was created from Onii-chan's soul fragments. When I told this to Onii-chan he told me about the mysterious man who attacked him and our sempai. The man who most likely made Ichiyu, is our enemy. Then Ichiyu too is… I shake my head to get rid of the thought. If he's our enemy then why did he save me from those twins?

My hands stop packing as I stand up and gaze out the window.

"Ichiyu...Just where do your loyalties lie?" I feel a tear escape my eye, I quickly wipe it clean and place my hand on top of my chest my heart's beating like crazy, I can't control my feelings.

"Yuna, are you finished packing?" Dad asks as he opens my door without knocking. I'm not in the frame of mind to openly curse him, I just quickly clean my face and turn to him.

"Yes, almost." I reply.

"It's going to feel a bit lonely with both you and Yuichi gone for a while. Apparently Yuichi has extended his visit to your cousin over on Jupiter. Although I still have no idea which cousin this is."

Jupiter!? Has Onii-chan completely broke our parents' minds? How can anyone believe such obvious B.S.?

"Well have a good time," Dad says before closing my door again.

I place my hand over my heart again, my pulse has returned to normal. Listening to that stupid excuse has blown all tension out of my body.

XXXXXXXXX

Chapter 60C: Trip Preparation – Ley's Dilemma (Perspective: None)

"URGHH!" Grunts a short white haired girl. Her lilac eyes glare up at her foe.

"Are you sure you don't wish to become mine, Ley-Mistletoe?" Asked a girl in her late teens or early twenties, her height was approaching two metres. She had long scruffy black hair and wore an eye patch over one eye and a monocle over the other red eye. Below her eye was a tattoo of the kanji for "Salvation". A word that strictly contradicted her personality.

"I refuse comma I despise you inquisitors period" Ley answered, "I won't let you have your way comma TSUMI OHNE!" The small girl manifested an axe into her hand and charged at her adversary. But the tall girl, Tsumi, swung her red and blue blade unleashing a wave of water.

"GAHHH!" Ley was sent skidding across the ground from the shear force of the attack.

"Pathetic, I thought a sentient Soul Slayer like you would put up more of a fight. No wonder those Faux Anomalies screwed you over and you had to go crawling to the enemy." Tsumi shot a fireball from her blade, BOOM! Ley swiftly dived out of the explosion's range. "Don't worry though, I'll put you to good use. With both you, and Varunastra-Agneyastra, I'll become the Church's strongest weapon!"

"Varunastra-Agneyastra comma I see comma with the recent loss of so many Soul Slayers Zeus has relinquished more period"

"Correct, after you and your compatriots betrayal by killing his holiness. We, the Inquisition, have been ordered to clean up your mess. We were even granted two more Soul Slayers to accomplish this." The girl before her knew only too well that the Slayers had no part in the late Pope's passing yet she still referred to them as traitors.

That Sky God has probably started to see Ren Kirei and Yuichi Shiro as a threat. Gifting the Church two more Soul Slayers, he's making moves to eliminate them. Ley gritted her teeth. The thought that the Slayers were labelled traitors for such a reason annoyed her. No that can't be the only reason. Iodine must have had a reason to be rid of the Slayers himself. I can't imagine him being anyone's pawn.

The church had many different sects within it, the Slayers being just one, their duty was to maintain the world's balance by eliminating Anomalies. Another was the Inquisition, a ruthless section headed by Cardinal Iodine that eliminated heresy. A sect that had gained a reputation of extremism, burning entire villages for a single heretic, killing thousands for one was nothing out of the ordinary for them. Inciting and authorising the use of unfair witch trials and many other inhumane acts fell to this sect. After the Pope's death and the Slayer's confinement, their former duty as well as their weapons had fallen into the hands of the Inquisition.

"Now come, you allowed a Human Anomaly to wield you before didn't you? So you should have no problem with me."

Ley's face heated up and turned red from recalling that incident. Being held in that boy's hand, for some reason it felt extremely comfortable to her, just recalling the experience embarrassed her. Since that time Ley was unable to fight how she used to and her power had become a shadow of its former self. Somewhere deep in her mind she wished to be wielded by him once again. Tsumi, noticing Ley's expression unleashed another fireball, BOOM! "GAHH!" Ley was thrown into the sky and landed roughly on her back. Being a sentient Soul Slayer and not human no blood came out of her, but her pain was undeniable.

"How low have you fallen?" Tsumi asked coldly as she raised her dual coloured blade. Both fire and water intermingled as they orbited the blade.

Ley noticing the danger with the last of her strength, quickly manifested a small dagger and threw it, aiming for Tsumi's single eye. Tsumi, caught off guard, swung her Soul Slayer in defence, releasing her attack prematurely. Ley dived to one side against Tsumi's misfire, Tsumi charged and sliced at Ley, but before her blade could reach, Ley's body had turned into particles of light and disappeared.

"Tch, she fled through a Ley line." Tsumi glanced at Varunastra-Agneyastra with a smile, "But I'm starting to get the hang of this. Burning some heretics might not be a bad time killer right now."

Tsumi's smile thinned as she walked through the darkness to another target.