The creaking sound of doors echoed through the room. Both the goddess clad in white and the azure former ruler dressed in black and red made their way in.
In the ears of the goddess, she could hear her own heartbeat. Multiple presences were identified, both in the room and nearby. Her mind’s voice spoke multiple thoughts at once to itself.
Shiro: [Mena is nearby, along with a few others. I can’t tell who they are, but they’re much stronger than the others from before. There’s another succubus in the room with us, but I’ll question Nero on that after.]
There was a reason why neither of the two had given any attention to this succubus. Beyond the carpet rolled out before them, the small set of stairs, the throne and the celtic cross behind it, a black cloak could be seen. Beside this cloak was a glass coffin held on a gold table. Inside was a woman that the snow woman was familiar with. The former demon lord of the sands, the loving wife to Nero Virtuoso and mother to Varius Virtuoso, Yoro Kobi. A wound no longer existed on her body, though she still remained dead. On top of the glass was a hand that had moved past the cloak. It was only then that a voice accompanied it.
???: [This world acts on a cruel sense of justice. No matter the difference, one mortal to another will harm or kill for their beliefs. A pathetic display to show that might makes right. Perhaps in order to abolish such a thing, an equal force must be provided. That is why I have chosen my own justice. Each and every last one of these mortals will be exterminated, ridding the world of its filth and leaving only peace behind.]
Shiro: [It’s because of your “new sense of justice” that a whole village of innocent kitsune are dead.]
The upset goddess injected. The man dressed in black had not moved, but continued to speak nonetheless.
???: [A necessary sacrifice for my cause. Had I not done so, I’m sure that monstrous form of yours would have created an irritating delay in my plan. To some degree, it falls on you as well, Shiro. If you had not changed into such a thoughtless beast during our battle, perhaps they could have lived. An image I’m sure would only make matters worse for you, given that you are now also responsible for the war between humans and demons.]
Pushing his cloak away, the man moved past his throne and made his way down the set of stairs.
Nero: [However, this is not the fault of your own. You may view my words as a knife into your heart, but I do not intend for that in the slightest. Those mortals are to blame. Greed and lust fuels their pitch black hearts. Concepts like racism and oppression can be considered correct in their minds, so long as a figurehead supports it. From there, they shall fund their efforts as they see fit, turning the tragedy of others into their pleasure. That is what the broadcast has done. It has brought out those worms from the dirt like fresh rain.]
Close to the carpet was the succubus Shiro had sensed. Her arms and legs were tied back by chain, along with her mouth to prevent her from screaming. Nero flicked his finger towards her, causing the chain on the mouth to break and leaving a scar across her face.
Nero: [This worm served me until only a few hours ago. However, they shall now serve as my perfect example. Their final act before I ended their contract will show you proof.]
His cold eyes moved over to the squirming succubus.
Nero: [Speak.]
Succubus: [I… I-I wasn’t going to do anything! I s-swear–AAAAACK!]
From Nero’s finger came a beam that pierced through her stomach.
Nero: [The next will be far worse.]
Succubus: [Hu… Humans! I was going to listen to what the broadcast told me to do! I was going to have some fun by draining humans during se–]
Her words could not be finished. A head no longer remained, leaving only a splatter of blood behind. The dark gray eyes that were like knives moved back towards the two by the door.
Nero: [Now you see. The words of someone much higher can be whispered into their ears, and they shall listen without a second word. They’ll give into every sin imaginable, so long as it fits their cruel fantasy. These beasts are simply incomprehensible. They must be exterminated.]
Two fingers were raised high by Nero.
Nero: [There were two acts that were required in order to start this plan. The first was the murder of the former eight gods. A simple task, which only became much easier when I had seen the pathetic, vegetative state they were in. The second, I shall admit, was one that I was not necessarily proud of, but my point was perfectly proven with it. I gave the order to create that broadcast, Shiro. However, as you could see, all you need to do is give these lowlifes a word and they’ll follow like dogs.]
Shiro: [You’re a disgusting monster now… I can’t believe the Nero I knew from ten years ago would turn into something like this…]
Biting down on her cheek, Shiro sharpened her eyes as she looked back at him.
Shiro: [Would Yoro be happy about this?]
Nero’s eyes had suddenly widened, only to grow narrow again and a hiss could be heard in his voice.
Nero: [Don’t bring her name into this.]
Though Shiro was now furious, and though she could not view him the same as before, she still could not bring herself to hate him. She knew that somewhere, deep inside his heart, the old Nero was still alive, waiting to be set free. He was terribly misunderstood, but surely he still existed. If he still loved Yoro, then Shiro still believed that a part of him was still there. Thus, the same thought she shared with herself from the battle a week prior returned.
Shiro: [You don’t have to do this, Nero… This isn’t you…]
Again, she was met with the same response.
Nero: [Your foolish naivety will get you killed, Shiro. The world does not abide by only happy endings.]
???: [I was unable to speak in our last encounter, but I’d like to do so now.]
Another voice entered the conversation beside Shiro. Both divine beings moved their gaze over to see the radiant Braveheart. Placing a hand on her chest, Devi continued.
Devi: [Firstly, I would like to apologize for what happened to Mrs.Virtuoso. Under no circumstance did I tell my soldiers to fire their weapons.]
Nero: [Dogs with no reason to use their fangs, yet they brought them in the first place.]
Devi: [It was merely for security. I was unsure of what they may encounter from either of you along with any outside parties that may try to intervene. Both of you held quite the high status, after all. Again, I am greatly sorry for what happened. Her death shall fall on me and I will compensate as best as I can, regardless of what must now happen.]
Nero: [You can compensate for such a thing with your own life. I have no need for your miserable pity after casting this misery upon me.]
His eyes grew sharper.
Nero: [Perhaps if your husband was still alive, I would take an eye for an eye. Slaughtering the fool while you watch in agony.]
Shiro turned to Nero, ready to shout at him to stop. She knew of Devi’s circumstance and how miserable she felt the past several decades. Even if he could not understand, Shiro wanted to try. The two were in a similar position, though Nero would likely never admit to that by saying his was far worse.
But Shiro had no need to. After all, the person to speak was one whose eyes suddenly gained a burning, hateful glare.
Devi: [How dare you…]
Both the woman in white and the man clad in black were shocked. Shiro had never heard such a seething voice leave Devi’s mouth nor was she the kind of person to be affected by insults like this. She was not the only one, as Nero’s eyes had widened in response. This was not a development he had expected in the slightest. Perhaps it was due to how emotionless she had acted only a week before. Seeing this rejuvenated Devi caused Nero’s muscles to tense up, realizing that this was no longer a pest but a genuine threat in front of him. Extending his arm, he called onto a wing-patterned disc from the side room. As it soared into his hand, he uttered a single word to cause a transformation.
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Nero: [Come forth, Martire.]
From a plume of black feathers came the greatsword that the two were now familiar with. As it formed, Nero slowly made his way forward on the carpet.
Nero: [There are quite a number of things I must still do in my plan, but this battle shall serve as the start of my rule. An end to those who stand above, forcing the cockroaches below to bow to their new lord. With this, my goal shall be realized, and the perfect world for my love and I to spend our eternity in shall be born.]
Shiro: [... Tempest.]
Devi: [Extreme Infierno Ardiente.]
With the jagged, electrifying blade in Shiro’s hand and the scorching hot sword in Devi’s own, the two shouted to each other without averting their gaze from Nero.
Devi: [Let’s go, Shiro!]
Shiro: [Right!]
In an instant, both charged towards Nero and dodged his horizontal slash. Shiro had leaped over while Devi ducked down, causing both to clash with him on both sides. While Tempest was safe from the extra damage due to its double impact, Devi made sure to take caution in each strike she made in order to avoid the pierce effect of Nero’s sword. Though they did their best to strike from every angle possible, their efforts were easily met by Nero’s own capabilities. Hopping back a few feet, Devi held her blade high and charged back in, throwing a slash forward from overhead.
Devi: [YAH!]
Nero: [Tch!]
What Nero had once thought was a coward with the sword proved herself here and now. No longer did Devi move back besides giving herself an advantage, as she had no reason to. There was no reason to run from him. There was no reason to fear him. Thus, all she needed to do was move forward, away from her past. The struggle between them brought out an immense hatred in Nero’s heart, as he was now being forced down to a knee by a woman he loathed. Behind him, Shiro quickly charged in with Tempest and attempted to slash him. In denial that he would kneel to them, Nero forcefully kicked his back leg against Shiro’s sword, causing him to stick in place as he clashed with both women.
However, he had forgotten something important. Though Devi had changed, her ability did not. His eyes swiftly changed to view her again as he noticed that she was no longer pressing down against his greatsword and was instead performing a dance with her blade against his. Several rapid attacks were unleashed, which forced Nero to keep his guard up, allowing Devi’s speed to increase with every second. WIth little options left, a pool of darkness surrounded the two beneath Nero’s feet. While they both managed to move away from it, several tail-like arrows were created from this pool and chased them around the room. Some were easily dealt with by slashing them apart, while others that drew close required more evasion. However, Shiro noticed something from the attack, mainly–
Shiro: [Devi!]
Devi: [Hk! Right!]
Nero had moved from his spot without either of them knowing and attempted to pincer Devi. After receiving Shiro’s helpful call, Devi spun in a circle with her sword and scorched the remaining arrows that followed her, along with forcing Nero into the air where he attempted to slam the sole of his boot down to crush her head. Both of their boots clashed as Devi kicked back up at him, leading to a quick step back from both as Devi rejoined Shiro and Nero stood a fair distance away.
Shiro: [You alright?]
Devi: [I’m fine. Thank you. For the time being, we need to keep attacking. Otherwise, he’ll use it again.]
The white eyebrows along Shiro’s head wrinkled in confusion.
Shiro: [Use it?]
Devi: [Charge!]
Shiro: [Sorry! Right!]
Nero’s tongue clicked as he watched the two perform a mad dash again.
Nero: [That annoying woman realized what I was using. What a pain.]
Storing up a cloud of darkness in his sword, Nero held it high, ready to strike down at the ground. Upon seeing the move being prepared, both had jumped out of the way and continued to run from the sides. However, Nero had slowly moved his blade’s position over and struck horizontally towards them, forcing them both into the air in order to dodge it. As Shiro flew up with the wings spread out on her back, Nero made his way over in an instant and slammed in her right shoulder with his leg.
Shiro: [Ack! Ghnn!]
Rolling along the ground, Shiro slammed into a wall and held her arm. Luckily, Tempest had not injured her, as the blade was quickly discarded following the hit and electrifyingly teleported directly into her hand again. By herself, Devi tried to distract Nero from the advantage he now had over Shiro and danced around him with a series of slashes. He attempted to strike down at her head, but Devi’s aflame foot glided along the side of the blade and, after amplifying it with some matōki, was firmly planted into his face. Nero flipped back in the air, his cloak creating an echoed sound as it was moved. Rubbing underneath his nose, he pushed his thumb against a finger and displayed his fangs to the woman. With a smug smile back, Devi gave her reasoning for why he was hit.
Devi: [A matōki barrier only works as a shield if the attack itself doesn’t have matōki! Even a child should know that!]
Annoyed by her comment, another mass of darkness surrounded his sword as he slashed in the air several times in rapid succession. Biting her lip, Devi looked at the approaching attacks with worry.
Devi: [Damn! I need just a few more minutes!]
Using her rapid speed thanks to her ability, Devi moved away from each attack as best as she could. However, with each one she dodge, another drew much closer than the last. This culminated in the second to last cutting the tips of her hair, and the final attack to viciously glide along her shoulder, creating a wound on the same area of her outfit that was ruined before.
Devi: [Hhk! I need to keep attacking, before he uses it again!]
Kicking off the ground, Devi made her way towards the man of darkness. However, Nero had already gauged what her objective was, and saw his attacks as ideal for holding her back and killing her slowly. Another series of slashes were coming her way, once again forcing the Braveheart back. However, this time, she had some assistance, as Shiro shot forward herself and clashed with Nero.
Devi: [Shiro!]
Shiro: [I don’t know why, but you need some time, right? I’ll hold him off as best as I can so he doesn’t use whatever you’re concerned about! For now, do your thing, Devi!]
Even if Shiro was focused on Nero, and even if there were multiple attacks coming close, Devi smiled at her friend. A new air of confidence had burst forth, allowing Devi to effortlessly break the approaching attacks with her own blade.
Devi: [Thank you, Shiro! I shall take your kindness with the utmost respect! Yah!]
With Devi stopping the attacks behind them, Shiro and Nero continued their clash. Shiro forced herself to the ground with her blade, pushing Nero’s own back. In several rapid strikes, Tempest and Martire had met in the middle as the two danced around each other. The greatsword was sent down and stuck between the jagged edges of Tempest, allowing for Shiro to pull back on it. However, both the sword and Nero’s strength were much greater, allowing for him to remove his blade from the trap and strike up at Shiro. With her body now wide open for an attack, Nero placed his hand forward along his sword, ready to gash through her chest. While the blade was thrusted forward, Shiro suddenly became far more serious and rapidly struck at the air with nothing, only for Nero to then suddenly feel the impact of thirty strikes against his blade.
Shiro: [Raijū’s Hunt!]
Nero’s arm was flung back, but he quickly spun around to deal another blow to Tempest. Awkwardly defending herself, Shiro was flung back several feet, unharmed by the attack. Dashing forward again, Shiro’s intuition had caught up with her as she jumped over the greatsword and swung below Nero’s legs, causing him to receive a slash to his thigh.
Shiro: [I get it now!]
Nero attempted to counter with another slash, but was met with an oddity. One he could not have anticipated. Tempest was no longer in Shiro’s hand, leading him to eat the chop from Shiro’s hand against his arm. A paralyzing shock rippled through his veins, which forced Martire to drop to the floor.
Shiro: [I understand why Devi said to keep attacking!]
Abandoning the blade, Nero focused only on his arts as he attempted to claw at Shiro with the Black Rose style. The goddess stepped back to avoid the attack, and then met each of Nero’s follow ups with a slap to parry and redirect them. She then tried to strike him with her legs, but was swiftly stopped by his arms.
Shiro: [There were a few moments last time where you couldn’t keep up with Tequi, but that was because she wasn’t using her arrows normally anymore! Because you didn’t have time to use it, didn’t you?!]
A loud thud echoed out as both of their fists clashed and struggled to push back. As they gritted their teeth and kept pushing, the white and gray eyes reflected each other.
Shiro: [You’ve been using clairvoyance, haven’t you?! Both back then and now, that’s what you’ve been relying on!]
Nero: [Relying…]
Suddenly, Shiro's arm was slapped down by Nero’s other hand, and a fist was welcomed into her chest.
Shiro: [Uhugk!]
Nero: [... is an interesting, yet incorrect choice of words, Shiro.]
Though she had just received damage, Shiro gave a quick back flip and touched the ground, propelling herself forward to clash in arts with him again. The two repeatedly tried to trip each other up and follow through with an attack after, which created an odd sequence that almost resembled a barbaric ballroom dance.
Nero: [You’re correct about one thing, I have been using it. If a tool is given from birth, one would do well to use that tool. However, I’ve never required the need to rely on such a thing. Thus, even now, I don’t need to rely on it to deal with the both of you.]
Blocking Nero’s incoming kick with her wrist, Shiro struck a powerful stance as she struggled against it.
Shiro: [There’s something you’re misunderstanding as well, Nero.]
Nero: [Hk!]
A palm was thrusted into his pectorals, launching him back towards a wall.
Shiro: [You’ll need to use everything you have to deal with us. Otherwise, you’re finished.]
Dusting himself off, Nero walked his way back over to meet her.
Nero: [Allow me to give credit where it is due. You’ve certainly improved, Shiro. However, you’re still far too naive to achieve victory here. Take solace in the fact that you have provided a good fight in retaliation.]
Extending one hand above himself and one below, Nero formed a claw on each. The blue matōki around him grew much larger as he did so. This was it. The stance of his art, the Black Rose style. Moving one palm in front of her and one behind, allowing both to face her, Shiro readied her own stance to counter.
The two met in the middle, with Shiro’s fist being caught by Nero’s hands and Nero’s spear blows being gripped by the wrist from Shiro’s hands. Their legs clashed several times, each creating loud thuds as they struck high in the air. Finally, the two attempted to punch each other, with both hands gliding beside and missing their mark by an inch, drifting along their hair.
It was at that moment that something caught Nero’s attention, which required far more focus than his bout with Shiro. With a knee to the stomach, which Shiro swiftly blocked, Nero glided his hand along the ground and picked up Martire again as he flew forward with his matōki. Shiro’s eyes looked back at him, only to now see he was charging at Devi. Tempest was teleported back into her hand as she desperately tried to catch up in time.
Past the two, an excellent fire was burning around Devi, similar to the red aura around her. Muttering, Devi spoke to no one but herself.
Devi: [Ancestors and descendants, lend me your strength and allow my soul to burn ever brighter… Provide me with armor that shall never falter nor ever break… Become my pride and joy, the piece that shall never change… In my heart and soul, through the will of my flesh and bones, those are all that remains…]
Lifting his greatsword up, Nero was now within range to cut her down. With all his might, he thrusted his sword down and grunted.
Nero: [Hmm!]
Shiro: [DEVI!]
Shiro was too late. Devi would soon be reduced to nothing, with her blood and guts decorating the floor. Shiro would soon witness her close friend and grandmother-in-law perish before her very eyes.
But in the eyes of the Braveheart, in the eyes of the woman who looked back up at the approaching threat, a fire like no other was burning. With a smile latched on thanks to the concern of her close friend and granddaughter-in-law, Devi spoke her final words.
Devi: [... Regalo Infierno!]
A pure white light consumed the room. Shiro could see nothing, but the next set of events unfolded like this. A loud crash rang out beside her, which was made by Martire. The sword had suddenly been forced through the air and planted deep into the wall. Then, Nero appeared, flying back as he tried to put out the fire on his clothes. A blistering, painful screech was in the air throughout the experience of this light, but it only continued to grow louder as the light grew brighter. But then, it all stopped. The noise, the light, all of it ceased in an instant. What now stood on the other side of the room was armor.
Gold plated armor, which wasn’t truly gold but instead, fire that burned in a gold hue. From the leggings, to the armplates, to the breastplate, all of it burned in a bright gold color. Then, there was the helmet, which covered everything but the eyes, lip, and the back, allowing the hair to flow.
Inside this armor was an azure, former ruler of the world who was once and still known as the Braveheart. With her long red lock that flowed in the wind she had created, this woman of blood red features and ocean blue skin confidently smiled back at the two.
This was her ultimate move. Devi Bloodfire’s Advanced Matōki Ability.
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