Seated in a diner of exquisite quality were two nicely dressed women of two different races. One of which had been a succubus who was adorned in beautiful white clothing, while the other was a purple snake woman who had worn a dress of dark gray. It was not a common outfit for the snake woman, however, today had been a rather special day for her. Rather, the day prior was incredibly important within the timeline of her life, and thus, she wished to celebrate with a friend.
While enjoying their meal, the two spoke with each other, in the exact same manner they had always done.
Silvia: [You have not mentioned it to them?]
Shiro: [I just…I’m a little nervous, you know?]
Silvia: [I do not believe it issss ssssomething that issss nerve wracking.]
Shiro: [Look, you had way more confidence than me. Honestly, it kinda shocked me to see you like that when this all started. But it’s something a lot harder than just walking up to a person you don’t know, mentioning THAT, and then expecting a simple “Oh, that’s alright. I am completely okay with this!” after it’s all said and done.]
Silvia: [I think it isss fair to exssspect that, yessss.]
Shiro: [Oh really? And have you mentioned it yet?]
Silvia: [...Your ssssituation issss worsssse than mine…]
Shiro: [And now you’re trying to play it off, huh?]
Silvia: [...I am correct, though.]
Shiro: [Sure, my situation IS worse, I won’t deny that. I went a little too overboard…and now I don’t know what to say when that time comes. However, should I provide a recap of what you almost did?]
Silvia: [...I was under the influensssse.]
Shiro: [You were sober.]
Silvia: [...I did not get very much ssssleep.]
Shiro: [You were wide awake and energized moments prior. The only sleep related thing you mentioned was a minor headache, which came right before your dance.]
Silvia: [...Would you like to go pick out clothing later?]
Shiro: [Sil.]
Silvia: [Fine. I will admit, I felt assss though I wassssn’t mysssself, but alsssso more than I have ever been. If you would like, becausssse you are both a closssse friend of mine, and we are both sssstruggling with thissss, we can do it together.]
Shiro: [You sure?]
Silvia: [Yessss. We sssshall admit the misssstakessss we made sssside by sssside!]
Shiro: [Awww! Thanks, Sil! Let’s go pick out some nice clothing for you!]
Silvia: [Ah! But it issss you that I wanted to sssshop for–]
Shiro: [It’s your big day! Well, yesterday was, and by proxy, so is today!]
Silvia: [But I haven’t repaid you assss of yet! There issss sssstill much more I need to do for you!]
Shiro: [I told you, you don’t need to worry about that! We’re friends! I’ll pay the bill and then we’ll go shopping, alright?]
Silvia: [Ah! The bill! Allow me to pay for the bill–]
Shiro: [I’ll do it this time! Thank you for the food! Let’s go, Sil!!]
Silvia: [Ah! Pleasssse wait, Sssshiro!]
Receiving a kind wave from the cashier, Shiro energetically headed towards the door whilst calling to Silvia.
Hesitating in place with a blushed look on her face, Silvia gave a polite bow of her head to the cashier before slithering behind Shiro.
Though Shiro was confusing at times, and often acted before Silvia could even think, she was still a friend she had cared deeply for. She was a friend that, at some point in time, Silvia wished she could pay back for everything that she had done and continued to do.
△▼△▼△▼△△▼△▼△▼△△▼△▼△▼△△▼△▼△▼△△▼△▼△▼△△▼△▼
In the middle of a sunset, by a cliffside filled with grass stood two powerful figures of the world.
One had been a goddess of white, who was framed for a crime she had not committed.
The other however, was the former ruler of the world, and the woman who had received the title of Braveheart.
With their eyes focused on each other, and tension filling the air, they remained silent as the wind that flowed through their hair provided the words that were needed.
To Shiro, Devi was a woman of many things.
A woman who was loved by many, and hated by others.
A woman who might have been the very same she saw within her visions, or likely was, due to her appearance.
A woman who she was afraid to speak with, given her own situation.
A woman who was likely also hunting Shiro, alongside many others.
And most importantly, the new thought of Devi Bloodfire that was provided to her a few days prior.
Shiro: [...I assume you’re here for me, correct?]
Devi: [Hm. Well, I suppose that is correct.]
A menacing glare started to form across Shiro’s eyes as she tilted her body downwards. Moving her hands to her side, she formed a pose as if reaching for a sheathed sword.
Shiro: [I’ll admit, what you said earlier was a mutual thought that we share. At some point in time, I wanted to meet you, and I even had some things I wanted to talk to you about. But sadly…]
From the thunder that was formed within the air, a sword now appeared in the very same hands that pretended to hold it moments before.
Shiro: [...now I need some answers for what you and your soldiers have done.]
Raising her eyebrows, Devi looked the smallest bit surprised by Shiro’s comment. This look however faded shortly after a mere second, in which she responded to her.
Devi: [I see. So this involves Yoro Kobi, or rather, Yoro Virtuoso, does it?]
Wrinkling her face in anger, Shiro gripped at the hilt of her sword as she bared her fangs for Devi to see.
Shiro: [Of course it does.]
Scratching her chin with her finger, Devi casted her eyes away from Shiro as she pondered.
Devi: [Well, I do find this response to be fair.]
Shiro: [Fair…?!]
Devi: [Yes. A friend of yours was harmed, and thus, you would like for me to provide an answer on why it occurred, correct? I would view such a case as fair. With that said, I do not mind providing answers, but I would like to perform a test.]
Though she had already appeared to be angered, Shiro’s face only grew more enraged as she spoke in a low voice.
Shiro: [Are you treating me like a joke right now?]
Devi: [A joke? No, far from it. I would like to see what you are capable of, if you are alright with that. A simple demonstration of how strong you are is all I need.]
Shiro: [That’s really all you want so you can answer my questions?]
Devi: [Indeed. That is all I require.]
Shiro raised her body, though her expression did not change. Devi nodded to her in agreement, which Shiro responded to with a slight movement of her head, indicating for Devi to get herself ready to fight.
Shiro: [Tch. Fine. Take out your weapon then.]
Devi: [To use Infierno Ardiente against you for a test would be far too cruel. Instead…]
Devi then looked towards the ground below her, walking around to spot the tool she would then use.
Her eyes started to light up as she found her exact weapon of choice.
Devi: [Ah. This will do.]
Once again, Shiro’s eyes were downcasted in irritation.
Shiro: [Hey. Quit messing around.]
Devi: [As I had mentioned, jokes will not be provided here, nor will I treat this fight as one. This shall be my sword for our test.]
Pointing the weapon at Shiro, Devi’s new tool revealed its form.
A long, thin, rectangle of wood was thrusted forward towards Shiro.
A finely polished stick was a much better name for such a weapon.
Shiro: [You’re seriously going to fight me with that?]
Devi: [To use a sword in a test would require that of merit from the one being tested. Without merit shown, there is not a single thought of using one. Without prior knowledge of an opponent, it is unknown how much skill, how much force, how much speed, how much it will all require to take down the opponent. If enough merit is shown, a change in pace shall be provided. I will allow you to begin attacking whenever you choose to. If the smallest amount of effort is shown, I will change the way in which our dance is performed. If the highest degree is achieved, then you shall receive a duel with my sword as you requested.]
Shiro: [You’re letting me attack first? I’m starting to get really annoyed with your antics.]
This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.
Devi: [It is merely a test. I would like to ask that no additional moves are provided other than strikes of your own blade. The movement of feet, hands, and wings are allowed, so long as they are not used in the manner of attacking.]
Shiro: [And that’s it?]
Devi: [That is it, yes.]
With her free hand placed behind her back, Devi adjusted her stick to an upright position. Moving one foot in front of the other, she prepared for her test with Shiro to begin.
A screech of steel was released as Shiro’s Storm escaped the sheath it was once held in. Moving the blade back and towards eye level, she spread her legs far apart from each other as she glared back at Devi.
Shiro: [You better not regret this choice.]
Devi: [I may regret it in some ways, though it will only occur if you are unsuccessful in providing a challenge.]
Shiro: [Cocky little–]
In the blink of an eye, Shiro teleported in front of Devi, and provided a vertical slash towards her…
Only to have it repelled without a single movement provided from Devi.
Shiro: [Wh-What?!]
Confusion rose within Shiro as she felt the force of her sword drift backwards. Devi did not provide a single response, and merely kept staring towards her opponent.
Adjusting her footing, Shiro attempted to provide two more quick slashes towards Devi, only for the same occurrence as before.
Not a hint of damage or a shift was provided to her, with Shiro being the one who was moved.
Shiro: [If you’re gonna use your ability, then it’s fair if I use mine, right?!]
Devi: [You seem to be mistaken. I have not activated a single thing since this test started.]
Shiro: [There’s…There’s no way you’re serious…]
Sweat dripped down across Shiro’s cheeks as she once again charged towards Devi.
Kicking off the ground again, Shiro attempted a slash at Devi’s abdomen, only to then spin across to the other side and aim for her chest.
The same result was produced.
Rapidly moving in different directions, Shiro created a multitude of afterimages around Devi that charged at her.
As they charged towards Devi, Shiro took advantage of the fake versions of herself that she had created to then attack Devi from both her left and right sides, along with in front of her.
Moving her stick to only match in position, Devi repelled the attacks thrown at her.
Continuing her mirage barrage, Shiro moved behind Devi with a slash focused on her back, only for Devi to hold her stick upside down, over her head. Much like every previous attempt, Storm was repelled.
Throwing her sword in the air at an incredible speed, Shiro pretended to attack Devi with her nonexistent blade, only to then jump in the air and catch it, providing a downward strike at the stick.
Not a chip was struck off the plank, nor was it moved.
Relentlessly attacking over and over again as she produced angered screams, Shiro’s annoyed thoughts started to flow within her mind.
Shiro: [Honestly, why do I have to deal with all of this?! Everything with Nero was already too much for me…Then there was that video of me, or I guess the correct way to address them would be the fake me, killing the former gods and starting a war between succubi and incubi against humans, and now this?! I have to deal with this woman…Well, I guess I should call her…No! No, you know what?! Right now she doesn’t even have enough respect for me to call her that! She’s responsible for what happened to Yoro, and technically speaking, she’s also the reason Nero is acting like this!]
Much like when Shiro had provided an interesting comment to her, Devi had started to raise her eyebrows in surprise.
Holding her stick in the same position, Devi began to dance around Shiro, who continued to provide her screamed filled attacks towards her.
Jumping left and right, she performed a dance of true elegance as she parried the slashes that moved towards her.
Shiro: [Worst of all, I still haven’t even addressed THAT yet! I was hoping she wouldn’t get mad, but now, I don’t care who she might think she is, or who she might even be, I won’t show her an ounce of mercy if she gets mad at–]
Providing a slash from the side, then a quick upper to follow through, Shiro performed a move she failed to acknowledge.
In that very moment, Devi’s hand that held the stick, the same stick that continued to torment Shiro, was forced upwards with Shiro’s blade.
Devi’s surprised gaze only increased in intensity.
Turning the blade, Shiro quickly tried to strike down Devi…
Only for Devi to quickly rotate her arm, slashing the sword that approached her.
A loud roar of metal followed, which caused Shiro to focus on what had happened.
Shiro: [Did…Did she just…]
Taking quick notice, Shiro attempted to fix her blade’s position, only for something she did not expect.
Shiro: [Ghk!--Hk!]
Two quick thrusts were forced into Shiro’s stomach by the stick in Devi’s hand.
Winded for but a second, Shiro once again attempted to readjust herself, only for–
Shiro: [Don’t get–GHK! ACK! HK! PLACH!]
In the same fashion that Devi repelled the blade that struck down at her, she rotated her arm in a quick circular motion. A rhythm of four consecutive hits was forced upon Shiro’s face.
From these strikes alone, there were already bruises that started to sprout, and blood that began to fly.
Before she could even counter, two more strikes were provided across her cheeks.
Then, once again, in a beautiful song of pain and misery, four more hits were provided from different directions. Each split evenly among her face and body.
Devi began to pick up the pace of her dance, moving around Shiro as she continued to strike at her from all sides.
Shiro struggled to stand, much less counter, at the unstoppable force that appeared before her.
The woman who was referred to as Braveheart.
The woman who was once the ruler of the world.
It was clear as day from this demonstration alone that her titles were not empty nameplates that she enjoyed displaying.
This woman had earned the names provided to her.
What was once considered a song was merely the intro to a much more grand piece, as Devi unleashed an endless flurry of blows that created music from the force behind the stick along with Shiro’s body. She then ended the entire piece with the final string, in which she struck Shiro's cheek and shifted past her, her back now turned to the woman of white. A radiant pose was displayed as her beautiful face stared at the stick she held behind her. In opposition to Devi’s own appearance, Shiro’s beaten face was swollen in multiple areas. Her mouth remained agape in agonizing pain as blood escaped from within.
Devi: [Magnífica. I was able to perform such a beautiful song from just my attacks alone. It has been quite some time since I was last able to do such a thing. You, however, seem to be unable to move after such a piece.]
Shiro: [I…I can still fight!–GACK!]
After struggling to hold herself up, Shiro released a sluggish slash towards Devi, who elegantly dodged in a spin, and struck Shiro’s stomach.
Using her blade to stick into the ground and act as a cane for her, Shiro wheezed in pain.
Every part of her felt as though it was aching. From her face, to her body, to even the arms and legs that had not been attacked. Her sword felt ten times as heavy compared to when the test had started.
Looking at Devi with her swollen eyes, Shiro spoke with a hoarse voice.
Shiro: [Yoro….I’m….I’m gonna find out what you did to Yoro….and you’re gonna pay….No matter what….you’ll pay…]
Devi: [I see. So I shall pay for what I have done? If that is the case, prove it to me here and now, without a moment of hesitation.]
Shiro: [Tch!]
Grinding her teeth together, Shiro sloppily ran towards Devi. Holding her sword with both hands, she attempted a final slash towards Devi’s chest.
Closer and closer, she started to reach the distance in which she could attack.
Once she arrived at her desired spot, she moved Storm across the air with all of her might…
…Which Devi parried, sending Storm flying into the air in an instant.
As Shiro’s face started to change to a look of disbelief, a stick was pointed to her throat before she could even truly morph her expression.
As her sword plummeted into the soil, so did Shiro, who slumped down in complete and total defeat.
Devi planted her own stick into the ground, with her hands using the top of it as a place to rest, as she looked down at her opponent.
Devi: [Is that all? There was certainly some lacking of skill, but for just a moment in that test, you provided quite the fight.]
Shiro: [I…I can’t win…I can’t protect anyone…All I did was attack without thinking….Damn it….Damn it all….Yoro….]
Devi: [Are you sure? You certainly did attack with only the idea of force put behind your strikes, but there was a single instance where you quickly deduced the ways in which I would guard. It was rather impressive.]
Shiro: [...I’m sorry….Yoro….I’m so sorry….]
Seeing the defeated, crying Shiro with her knees against her forehead, Devi began to think to herself aloud.
Devi: [Hm. There are many ways to show one’s hidden potential…If I recall correctly from the facial expression alone, what had occurred during that moment was…]
Devi then threw her stick to the side, and started to walk away from the gloom-ridden Shiro.
Devi: [Well, I suppose this is all I should expect from a friend of someone as pitiful as Yoro Kobi.]
As her loud words were uttered, the crying behind her had stopped.
What then replaced those cries was a voice filled with rage.
Shiro: [...What did you just say?]
Turning to face Shiro, Devi flailed her arms with enthusiasm as she closed one eye.
Devi: [I am just speaking of the facts. A being as weak as Yoro Kobi would likely acquaint herself with other weaklings. It’s as simple as that.]
Picking up her blade again, Shiro started to rise off the dirt she had sat on.
Shiro: [...Take that back…now…]
Devi: [Ah, yes. I’ve also remembered just now that you have quite the charge against you. Perhaps it would also be best to target your family as well?]
Shiro’s eyes widened, the anger that was previously displayed now faded.
However, to say it had faded, was incorrect.
A display of anger was not shown, and yet, something far greater was portrayed.
A single vein protruded from under Shiro’s left eye and across the side of her nose.
Only for then–
Devi: [...She’s gon–]
Shiro disappeared from Devi’s sight.
However, this did not last long, as she would soon reappear..
Her sword now inches away from Devi’s neck.
Devi gasped before Shiro had even became visible to her, but it was not due to Shiro, but rather—
Devi: [SOL!]
Nearby, Sol halted in place, and was only a few feet away from striking Shiro with her fist. Behind her was a large cloud of smoke, likely created from her launch off the ground.
Sol: [Lady Devi, I will not hear an ex–]
Devi: [You will do nothing, Sol!]
For the first time, Devi shouted towards the woman she considered her right hand.
Sol widened her eyes in shock as she attempted to respond.
Sol: [But–]
Devi: [I have already told you, this is a matter for only the likes of me to deal with! You are to stay out of this!]
Sol hesitated to move, but reluctantly lowered her fist in tandem with her own face.
Devi: [I must thank you for your quick movement, Sol. However an attack following it was something I could not allow.]
Sol: [Quick movement? What do you mean, Lady Devi? Surely that was an attack you could—]
Devi turned her head in response, causing Sol to open her mouth from a much greater level of shock than the shout before had produced.
Sol: [There’s…There’s no way that…]
Devi: [Had you not made that quick leap, she would have not slowed down. It is only natural to then believe that I would be decapitated in less than a second.]
Devi then turned her focus back to Shiro. A bloodthirsty look still rested on her eyes.
Devi: [I am truly sorry for the comments I provided. I was not proud of what I had spoken, and to be quite honest, it has only added more shame onto the immense pile I had already carried.]
Shiro: [If you didn’t enjoy saying any of that, then why did you?]
A chilling voice that Shiro had never produced before escaped her lips.
Devi: [I saw potential in you. Far greater than I could have ever imagined. Your attack just now displayed it in full for me to see.]
Shiro: [And that’s your excuse? What about Yoro then? You still haven’t explained anything.]
Devi: [If you provide me with just a moment to speak, I can provide the answers you desire.]
Shiro: [Why should I? You’re after me, aren’t you?]
Devi: [Indeed. I was searching for you so that we could speak.]
Finally, Shiro’s face changed into a brand new expression rather than her horrifying stare.
A confused irritation took its place on her as she raised a single eyebrow at Devi. Sheathing her sword, Shiro voiced her response.
Shiro: [Speak?! Aren’t you here to arrest me?!]
Taking a deep breath, Devi readied her response to the bewildered succubus.
Devi: [For several reasons, I was well aware that the broadcast shown was fabricated. However, this test was also a means to prove that. You’ve shown that you aren’t weak to a degree that you would use such an underhanded technique to spark a fire, however, you have also shown that you aren’t strong enough as of yet to get away with such an act and not have a single trace of care towards it.]
Shiro: [Oh good. So basically, I’m some third rate goddess, is that right?]
The bruised Shiro scoffed to Devi, who kept her neutral expression throughout their whole conversation.
Devi: [No, I would say it is the opposite. You have shown that you are quite strong, but there is much of your power that is still hidden away. Perhaps it is due to your youth, or the circumstances that fate has put you in, but you have yet to tap into what you have within yourself.]
Shiro: [Don’t you think it’s a little odd to call me young when you’re probably young yourself?]
Devi: [I thank you for the compliment, but I am sixty seven. Did you not know?]
Shiro: [Huh. I didn’t really think about that, but I guess that makes sense.]
Devi: [Oh? Why is that?]
Shiro: [UHHHH–NOTHING! No reason at all! It’s just…I have some parents who are old and I think you were around during their time, so yeah! That’s why!]
Nervously laughing and flailing her arms in the air, Shiro provided her response. Though her actions were odd, Devi accepted the words that were given
Devi: [Hm. I see.]
Walking back to the cliff, Devi continued to speak with Shiro.
Devi: [I believe I owe you an explanation for everything, so allow me to begin. I am well aware of what had happened to Yoro Kobi. The murder that took place was not my intention in the slightest. I had given a direct order to speak with the two owners of that palace, being that of Nero and Yoro Virtuoso. By no means did I have the intention to cause harm.]
Shiro: [I’m not saying I completely distrust your words, but why should I believe them?]
Turning to face the beaten Shiro, Devi turned her eyes to Sol, then turned back to Shiro with one final look towards Sol. The bejeweled woman with bright pink hair nodded in compliance, and moved to Shiro. Placing her hands out, Sol started to heal the injuries on Shiro’s body.
Shiro: [Oh…uhhh…Thanks.]
Sol: [No problem at all, Miss Fuloreen!]
Though she attempted to strike Shiro down not long ago, Sol produced a bright smile following Shiro’s words.
Devi: [I can understand why you would not trust what I say, however, I wished to only speak with the two. Following a chat, I would attempt to find the means for them to pay back any wrong doings with actions. I am not someone who does not view the idea of change in others.]
Shiro: [If you knew so much about Yoro, that means you also knew about Nero, right?]
Devi: [Indeed.]
Shiro: [Which means you know everything about him, right?]
Devi: [Yes. Every report was provided to me, along with a letter from that of Daroma the Dark.]
Shiro: [Daroma?!]
A smile was then formed across Devi’s face.
Devi: [Yes. The very same that you so valiantly defeated.]
Shiro: [...You sure know your stuff. Still, even after seeing all of that, you were fine with the two of them?]
Devi: [Yes. As I had mentioned, I am not one who does not believe that change is possible.]
Shiro: [Ah. Ok. Keep talking.]
With her body being fully healed by Sol, and receiving Devi’s words, Shiro quickly slumped to the ground with her legs crossed and her arm held out. The reaction caused both Sol and Devi to stand in surprise over her quick compliance.
Devi: [...Ahem, right. Due to my forces and connections, I have already been made aware of a supposed plan that is now underway.]
Shiro: [Oh, come on! You mean to tell me that even though I was trying to escape and thought I was doing well, you knew the whole time?!]
Devi: [I was not aware of that. I was only made aware of a point in which many forces would stop before moving forward together.]
Shiro: [Oh, I see. Forget you heard that.]
A small laugh escaped Sol’s mouth as she pointed to Shiro.
Sol: [I like her!]
Smiling with confidence in reflection to Sol’s own smile, Devi continued.
Devi: [I, along with one of my associates and their own army, would like to join in on this plan. There is a matter I must deal with to begin with.]
Shiro: [And that is?]
Filling her chest with air, a long exhale was produced from Devi who had closed her eyes from the world. Slowly opening them up, she stood silently until her gaze was visible in its entirety.
Devi: [I would like to speak with Nero Virtuoso. I must both apologize after what has occurred, and ask for a possible change from him. Even if imprisonment shall be performed after what has happened, I will do as much as I can to protect his remaining family, and allow for his image to be tainted no longer once he has served his time.]
With an air of resolve surrounding her, the red Braveheart, Devi Bloodfire, spoke these words.
Though she could not stand Devi mere minutes before, a new light started to shine within Shiro’s mind.
Devi Bloodfire…was the exact type of person Shiro had hoped she would be.
A woman, a succubus at that, who valued others in the same way Shiro had done.
△▼△▼△▼△△▼△▼△▼△△▼△▼△▼△△▼△▼△▼△△▼△▼△▼△△▼△▼