Tall. A castle much taller than any of them had seen now stood before them. Each had been familiar with the idea of a castle in some way, as they had seen one with their own eyes at one point in their life. However, this castle scaled even higher than those ideas or memories. This was a building that housed something greater. Someone who imposed a sense of power with their presence alone.

After exiting their carriages a fair distance back, as to not alert those inside of their presence, the group continued to look on at the structure. A long stone bridge was extended out in front of them. On the sides of said bridge were countless demon beasts that loomed in the area. Creatures that were dark in appearance with two eyes on both sides of their jagged, block heads. Some stood on two legs, while others were solely quadruped. Though these beasts were often hostile in nature, they refused to attack anyone within the group. Perhaps it was a difference between their strength that created a primal fear in them. However, a much more clear answer was given by a goddess in white.

Shiro: [He knows we’re here.]

Indeed, a fear existed. However, it was not directed towards those on the outside. There was someone far greater, far stronger, whose presence alone caused this fear to spark in their cold hearts. A statement without being truly spoken, as if telling the beasts “These are my prey. Stand down.”

There were many things that had bothered the group. The fact that the demon beasts acted this way, the signatures within the castle, the memories from their previous battle. However, there was one final piece that bothered a select few regarding this place. The look of the castle itself.

It was familiar, incredibly so. Red and gold. A color they had remembered from visiting a couple who just so happened to be close friends with these few. The succubus goddess twitched her eyes at the sight of it. The motherly kitsune dropped her ears low, along with the kitsune who looked similar in appearance and the muscular maroon one behind the two. The beautiful snake closed her eyes, irritated that she was forced to recall such happy memories in a cruel time like this.

The one who cut through this tension like a knife was the revived Braveheart. Directing the group with her fingers, orders were given on where each of them would be positioned.

Devi: [My troops, set yourselves up around the front door. Split the amount, with a majority on the outside and some inside the castle to provide alerts if needed. Stay on guard in case more people show up, whether it be ally or foe. Kōkatsu and Silvia’s troops will also be joining you, in case you are concerned that we are not enough. With the remaining forces of those two, along with ourselves, we will move into the castle. Is that understood?]

Bloodfire Soldiers: [Yes, Lady Devi!]

Devi: [Good! Move!]

Kōkatsu: [Ya heard the lady, brats! Get into position!]

Silvia: [Thosssse who have chossssen to sssstay out here among my own, do sssso now!]

As the troops positioned themselves for defense, the four women continued to stare at the castle in front of them along with their remaining crews. Though Devi was unfamiliar with a castle like this, she turned to face Shiro with a kind look.

Devi: [I suppose this is a similar palace to the one you had spent time with Yoro Kobi in, correct?]

Shiro: [... Yeah. I only visited on Nero’s birthday a couple weeks back. That was the one time and only time I ever entered their home. That same night….]

The statement did not require an end. Devi was already familiar with where it was headed. She understood the terrible scene that had soon occurred after, which led her eyes to now focus on the grass in front of her.

Devi: [... I have no place to state this, but knowing now that you only visited them on a singular occasion… The error that was made feels far more cruel…]

Inserting herself into the conversation was the orange kitsune from before, who slowly moved beside the two along with the purple snake woman.

Kōkatsu: [I watched a small brat go from sleepin’ in a crib to standin’ on her own two feet in a place like this. It makes me upset to think ‘bout every time, but s’crazy to me that the next time I visited that place after the big party, two of them were gone and the remainin’ one was under arrest.]

Silvia: [... And now, here we are again. In front of a casssstle ssssimilar to that, with the ssssame people misssssing.]

Hidari and Migi stood close by to Shiro, yet did not provide their own inputs. They felt this was a situation they were incredibly unfamiliar with, thus their words had no weight in the matter. Even providing some relief, whether comedic or sympathizing, likely wasn’t correct here. Though these two had not spoken, there was one that did.

Bachi: [Schmiro.]

Shiro: [Hm?]

Turning to her left, Shiro looked at the yellow-haired cat girl below her.

Bachi: [The guy in there is a friend of n’yars, right?]

Shiro: [Yes. Well, at one point in time, he was. He and I were very close.]

Bachi: [I don’t get it. Why is he doin’ all of this if n’yar his pal?]

Hidari and Migi: [Bachi!]

Finally, the two spoke. Even if her name was shouted, Bachi gave a look back to the two men beside her. There was no anger behind her eyes, but there was not a trace of anything else either. It was as if the girl just wanted an answer to her question.

Shiro: [... He lost the things he cared about most. Even if they wanted him to keep moving forward, he couldn’t bring himself to do so.]

Bachi: [... Hm.]

Receiving her answer, Bachi fell silent. The only sound that now surrounded them was the wind. That was until–

Shiro: [Bachi.]

Bachi: [Yeah?]

Shiro: [If there’s anything that you want to protect, no matter what, and you end up losing it, keep moving forward, alright?]

A retort should have been given. The girl’s personality for the longest time had been a brash one that insulted those around her. However, the past week, or rather a singular day in this week, had taught the girl much more than she had known. Slowly, her brash nature towards those who were kind to her had died down, resulting in a new Bachi. She was still flawed and her brashness had not faded entirely, but something special was beginning to burst forth from inside.

Bachi: [... Got it.]

Shiro: [Let’s go.]

The large group made their way into the castle, ready for the battle ahead. Thanks to a battering ram from the Bloodfire soldiers, the less risky option of opening the doors like any ordinary home was replaced by an immediate entrance via destruction.

This was the correct choice. Several enemy soldiers on the other side had retaliated back with a charge of their own, beginning the clash between them. As a result, Shiro and her group rushed in as quickly as they could to both support the troops and make their way to the throne room.

Swift kicks and chops from the hand were given to the soldiers that attempted to attack them. Some were even blocked by a barrier provided by Kaoru Teppen. Two of the girl’s mighty sisters, Kagami Zennami and Kiyomi had already entered the castle prior to them and charged further ahead.

Though there were many that tried to attack the group, resulting in an immediate defeat, there was one who charged much further than others. One who was blocked by a familiar opponent of theirs. With a knife in each hand, along with one in each boot and a final one in their mouth, the sharkman-oni hybrid gave a smug grin to the angel who blocked his advancing attack at the white goddess behind.

Knife: [Well now! I wasn’t expecting to meet you again! You seem a bit stronger too!]

Shaking the bladed foe off with his arm, Hidari formed his new stance and looked over his shoulder.

Hidari: [Lady Shiro, leave him to me!]

Shiro: [Right. I’m trusting you with this, Hidari.]

Hidari: [Understood!]

Looking back at his opponent, Hidari provided a stern look as he readied himself for battle against Knife once again.

Hidari: [This won’t end the same way this time.]

Knife: [Good! The fact that I got called off by the boss man was kinda unfortunate. We didn’t even get to decide which of us was stronger. Let’s fix that now, shall we?]

The knives in his hands were slowly moved to his mouth, which were then licked by his tongue as he entered a stance of his own. Holding the blades close to his face while keeping a leg in the air, the dangerous man prepared himself for the battle ahead.

While their battle would soon begin, Shiro and her group continued moving forward. Several soldiers still charged at them, only to be met by other soldiers within their group or by a devastating attack by one of the three goddesses. Further and further, they ran towards the throne room, only being abruptly stopped by a castle wall that had suddenly shattered.

Taller than any other was the being that appeared before them. Someone who wore heavy gladiator armor that was chipped and torn in several places, yet the armor continued to hold together. There was not a single discernible feature on them. Whether they were male or female, their age, their height or weight. Nothing was made clear. Even their voice was merely a heavy groaning sound hidden behind a large demonic helmet. At the sight of such a barbaric man, only one viewed this as a perfect opportunity to demonstrate the beauty of technological advancement.

Migi: [Hidari got his time in the spotlight, so now it’s my turn! Keep movin’, Lady Shiro! I’ve got this one!]

A nod was given back to Migi, resulting in the shine of his smile. He turned back to face his primitive foe, adjusting the sunglasses on his face and giving a smug look back.

Migi: [You don’t have nearly enough rockin’ power to handle me! Come on!]

The beastly foe bellowed back an echoing groan as a large battle ax was pulled out from the destroyed room beside them. Safety now ensured for a second time, Shiro and the others continued their determined sprint. In the midst of doing so, something had caught the attention of Bachi by her whiskers, resulting in a change in course.

This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.

Shiro: [Bachi? What’s wrong?]

Bachi: [Don’t worry ‘bout me! I can tell someone is hidin’...]

Pouncing, Bachi charged towards a nearby painting within the castle.

Bachi: [... behind this wall!]

An extreme slice was let loose from her claws that struck through not only the painting and the wall behind it, but also the person that had hid for a surprise attack much further. With a spray of blood and a scream of pain, the muscular man dressed in black and white and claws strapped onto his hands made himself known.

Chima: [Gaaaaah!]

Landing back down, Bachi gave a smug grin back.

Bachi: [I thought I smelled somethin’ similar to shit. I was right to think it was n’ya.]

Chima: [You cocky little brat!]

Attempting to strike Bachi back, Chima sliced towards the ground the cat had stood on. In a single backflip, the attack was easily avoided. Bachi then turned to look at Shiro nearby before jumping back into battle.

Bachi: [I’ve got this dickhead, now go!]

Though Shiro trusted the other two, Bachi was still young. She was strong, fast, and incredibly skilled but still naive. So much so that the words were visible on Shiro’s face. Thus, after seeing such a look, Silvia turned to one of her troops that followed beside her.

Silvia: [Poi. Ssssupport her.]

Giving a firm nod back, the blue snake woman moved from the group over to where Bachi had been.

Poi: [Yessss, Lady Ssssilvia!]

Silvia looked back to Shiro and saw a smile on her face, giving the thank you needed without saying it. With the many foes now out of their way, the group was nearly halfway to the throne room in this massive castle. It had felt almost endless, but they would keep pushing forward no matter the cost.

For several minutes, they were able to continue running without any interruptions. There had certainly been a soldier or two that attempted to charge at them, but in one way or the other, they were often dealt with swiftly. Not a single foe now stood in their way. It was a free path upward towards their final destination. However, there was one crucial detail they had forgotten. There were foes they were unfamiliar with, but there were also those they had known.

Thus, what came next was a sudden change for many of them. A loud ringing similar to metal being hit together pierced their ears within the halls, causing them to cover them to avoid going deaf.

Shiro: [What’s that ringing?!]

Kōkatsu: [I don’t know but s’pissin’ me off!]

Devi: [Ringing… Hk! Damn! I had forgotten about–]

In an instant, an explosion of debris was made a fair distance in front of them followed by the shouting of soldiers being blown back. Many had tumbled or were thrown towards the group, but there was one who jumped back after receiving the attack. That being–

Kōkatsu: [Kiyomi!]

Rushing to Kiyomi’s side, Kōkatsu looked at the woman’s injuries along her body. She was still standing and even had her guard up. Her teeth were grit however as whoever she had fought managed to create some shallow wounds along her chiseled body.

Kiyomi: [Be careful, Lady Kōkatsu. That guy up there is insanely strong. I tried my best to protect the others, but I’m not sure I can handle him.]

Kōkatsu: [Him?]

From beyond the clouds of smoke, the group witnessed a silhouette being formed. One with spiky long hair and an oddly shaped weapon. What then came was a voice to match this figure.

???: [Not bad, tough girl! Your attacks there were pretty scary! If I didn’t use my ability, that probably would have hurt like hell for at least a week!]

Long black spiky hair. A smug face. A long fur coat with nothing underneath except a pendant in the shape of three hannya masks. Ripped jeans with wallet chains. Fingerless gloves. Geta on his feet. A sword that was similar to both a scythe and a cleaver.

This was a man many of them had seen, yet only a singular person had fought.

Devi: [Ryuusei Ryoma.]

Ryuusei: [I’m honored that you remembered my name, former ruler. Maybe not, actually. Last I checked, you weren’t exactly the best in terms of people I met. That’s saying something, seeing as my standards are pretty low. Anyways, as you’d expect, we don’t intend to let a single one of you assholes through. Tough luck.]

As the man spoke while gesturing his free hand around, the snake goddess picked up on something within his words.

Silvia: [We?]

From behind the man, another clang of metal echoed out. The group then noticed the miko-dressed kitsune with short white hair flipping through the air in a jump and holding a pair of kunai close to her face.

Kagami: [My sincerest apologies, Lady Kōkatsu. I was unable to push forward against the oni ahead.]

Once her reasoning was given, an explosively energetic voice spoke out to her.

???: [Damn right you weren’t! Don’t come at me with some half baked shit or I’ll kick your ass in an instant! Besides I’m not interested in any of you, so where the hell is–... Ah? Ah?! There she is! Shiro!]

Emerging from the cloud of smoke was another oni. Younger than the one before, the girl presented a similar appearance to her sibling. Long jet black hair, the same smug look, a coat that hung over her shoulders and a sarashi underneath it, black pants with wallet chains and geta by her feet. The final piece that completed her look was the katana resting in her right hand. The younger sister of Ryuusei Ryoma.

Shiro: [Ryuka…]

Ryuka: [I was waiting for you, Shiro! So? What’s it gonna be?! I’m gonna join, right? You’ll let me join, right? Oh! Oh! We’ll have a cool battle first and then I’ll join! Is that it? That’s awesome! You’re really smart with this stuff, Shiro! I get to prove my worth here and now!]

Ryuusei: [Chill, Ryuka. They aren’t here to do anything like that.]

Ryuka: [Ha?! The hell do you mean?! She’s totally here for that! Isn’t that right, Shiro? You came here after thinking about what I said and now you’re gonna let me on the team!]

Standing on the opposite side of the enthusiastic girl, Shiro was bewildered.

Shiro: [Well… Not exactly. I didn’t think about it very much this past week.]

Ryuka: [W-what?! B-but I asked you to and everything! You didn’t think about it once?!]

Ryuusei: [Ryuka. We’re here to fight them. Don’t get distracted.]

Ryuka: [The hell do you mean don’t get distracted?! This is super important! I told you about it when I got back! Stay out of this!]

Ryuusei: [I’m telling you to not get distracted because we’re in the middle of an ongoing battle right now!]

Ryuka: [Oh, well, sorry! My bad for trying to find a better place for us!]

Ryuusei: [That’s not why I’m saying that!]

Ryuka: [It’s totally why! Don’t act like I’m dumb!]

Ryuusei: [I don’t need to act when I can tell!]

Ryuka: [You wanna fuckin’ go, asshole?!]

Amidst the constant yelling between the two, Kōkatsu slowly approached Shiro’s ear.

Kōkatsu: [Leave the big guy to me. Sisi will take the other. The two of ya keep movin’.]

Shiro: [Right. Thanks, Kō.]

Wiping the bottom of her nose, Kōkatsu placed her hands by the katanas at her side and slowly pulled them out.

Kōkatsu: [Alright, tough guy. I’m yer opponent for this dance.]

The oni’s attention was turned from his sister to the kitsune in front of him and a smug grin was given.

Ryuusei: [Good! I could use a new one! You seem capable enough so I’m fine with it!]

Kōkatsu: [Damn right I'm capable enough! I'm the strongest kitsune out there, Kōkatsu the Almighty!]

Ryuusei: [Oooo! Well now I've got some high expectations, Miss “Almighty”!]

From the sidelines, Silvia witnessed the banter between the two and smiled.

Silvia: [And sssso, it beginssss.]

Shiro: [Begins? What does?]

Silvia: [Nothing. It isssss a matter we sssshall learn more about with time, mosssst likely. Asss for now, keep moving, Sssshiro. I will take the girl.]

Shiro: [Thanks. Let’s go, Devi!]

Devi: [Of course!]

Without a second thought, Shiro and Devi rushed up the stairs with Silvia following close behind. As they ran, Ryuka quickly shifted in an instant to the platform before them and readied her katana.

Ryuka: [No leaving until I get an answer! You’re my opponent, Shiro!]

Shiro: [I don’t have time for you right now! Move!]

Ryuka: [We’ll fight that bastard together! Just give me an okay!]

While moving up the stairs, Shiro realized that now was as good of a time as any. A strong foe stood in front of her, even if she did not wish to fight them. It was exactly for that reason that this was the perfect moment to use it. A move she had prepared for the past few days.

In her hands, her blade was called. Without a word given, Tempest appeared. She did not perform her usual starting call to the blade nor did she summon Storm prior to it. Only the jagged legendary blade was what appeared in her hand. At the split second entrance of the sword, Ryuka gave an excited reaction.

Ryuka: [Tempest! Holy shit! You can call Tempest without that whole thing now?! That’s so coo–]

Ryuka had continued to speak, blissfully unaware that Shiro’s attack had begun. Moving the blade from high up to down below, Shiro crossed it over to her left side ready to swing towards the right. A powerful build up of electrifying matoki traced the lines she had made. This was it. Her most powerful move she had created with her blade. It was fast, strong, and did not require nearly as much energy as other moves like her Great Raijin Wrath. In this instance, she chose to put more electricity behind it instead of providing a more sufficient wound. Both at the same time would be possible, giving a shock to the opponent while also cleaving them in half or piercing their body with the blade. However, there was a part of Shiro’s mind that did not wish to hurt Ryuka too much, thus she chose a shallow wound that would knock her out from the shock instead. With all of her might, Shiro shouted her attack as she zipped past and sent a raging shock through Ryuka’s body, causing the girl to fall backward.

Shiro: [Tempest Cross!]

Kneeling down on the ground after the attack, Shiro quickly stood and made Tempest disappear again as she and Devi ascended the stairs in front of them. Whilst they did so, Ryuka suddenly stomped the leg that was held in the air onto the ground and gave a wicked smile back to Shiro.

Ryuka: [Cool! That was so fuckin’ cool! Again! I wanna see it again! Wait! Shiro, wait! Come back! Fight me!]

Silvia had moved in front of her, causing the katana in Ryuka’s hand to once again be raised.

Ryuka: [I’m not interested in you, snake lady! I’m tryna see the cool move Shiro did again!]

Even if a powerful resolve could be seen on Silvia’s face, her mind found the oni to be quite perplexing.

Silvia: [This girl really is a strange one…]

Now, it was just Shiro and Devi. Not a single foe was left to welcome them. They had transcended the stairs and reached the final long sets in front of them. The last floor was here. Past the hundreds laid out before them, they would be met with the foe that they were destined to fight.

At this moment, Shiro recalled everything from her past. She remembered the days of her youth in school, meeting Kōkatsu the Almighty, Silvia Hemobi, and most importantly, Nero and Mena Virtuoso. She had even recalled Helig Gammal, though Helig did not get along with her despite Shiro’s hopes to do so.

Together with Kōkatsu, Silvia, and Nero, the four of them had conquered the trials and set out to complete the fourth. There, the quartet had made countless memories, both good and bad, as well as meeting others who they now called family. Kaoru Teppen, Kiyomi, and most of all, Yoro Kobi. With the defeat of Daroma the Dark, the group had completed the fourth trial and returned to the school to finish the fifth, before ascending to their status as gods and goddesses alike.

Ten years had passed since then and many things had changed. Shiro, Silvia and Nero had all started families of their own. However, due to the events of the past that Shiro was not made aware of until recently, Nero and his family were visited by the Bloodfire soldiers. Despite Devi Bloodfire’s orders against such a thing, Yoro Kobi was unexpectedly shot and killed by a soldier. From there, Nero Virtuoso had transformed into a monster and Varius Virtuoso had gone missing. Though her safety was once assured at one point in time, this was not the case at the present as the person who had taken care of her suddenly went missing. On the same night as Nero’s demonic transformation, Shiro Fuloreen was framed for killing the previous eight gods. A crime she had not committed. Thanks to the help of Kōkatsu and Silvia, she was able to escape temporarily and make her way to the rendezvous point of a small kitsune village. On the way there, she met Devi Bloodfire and Tequi Tensetsu who wished to join in on the plan. While traveling, Shiro gained her own team in the forms of Hidari Monjo, Migi Paribozijiou, and Bachi. Once they had arrived, the group was met with an unexpected twist of fate. Nero and his soldiers were well aware of their presence and thus attacked without warning. Shiro went through her own series of battles, including a pair of succubi sisters, Ryuka Ryoma, and Nero Virtuoso himself. The battle had ultimately ended with the death of Tequi Tensetsu along with almost every kitsune within the village and a horrifying transformation from Shiro herself.

Now, she stood here. After reliving the traumatic experiences on a hospital bed and–

Devi: [Shiro.]

Shiro: [Huh?]

Shiro looked up at the face in front of her. A smiling former ruler of the world, with the title of Braveheart.

Devi: [It’s not good to dwell on the past, you know. I can tell by your face that you’re thinking about it.]

Shiro: [R-right… I know… It’s just, we’re standing here, ready to fight and possibly… probably kill an old friend of mine. It’s not even just that. I’m nervous if we’ll even make it out of this alright.]

Gripping her pants by the knees, Shiro bit her bottom lip.

Shiro: [I’m nervous. Really nervous. I’m sorry, Devi. I was prepared up until now, but I’m scared.]

Devi: [... I see.]

Devi’s eyes drifted over to the door in the distance.

Devi: [I suppose I’ve never had an experience like that before. I’ve gone on many expeditions, but never one where I had to confront an old friend. I imagine that it’s far more painful than anything else. I do however know what it feels like to cause something like this now. I’m the reason that this has started and now I stand here, ready to put a cruel end to it. It’s a disgusting feeling, I must say. It’s similar to… Hmm…]

Shiro: [Throwing up?]

Snapping her fingers, Devi spun to look at Shiro again.

Devi: [Yes! Throwing up! It’s as if that taste is remaining in my throat permanently. I dislike it greatly, but it’s sadly a bitter pill that I must swallow. Except I cannot. Much like you, I’m rather worried about confronting this issue. Perhaps not for the same reason, but for the simple idea that I have caused this misery. I loved and still love my husband greatly, thus I cannot imagine robbing someone of what they cherish.]

Shiro: [Devi…]

Devi: [But one way or another, we are here now. So as such…]

Taking a deep breath, Devi closed her eyes and smiled.

Devi: [If you fear how cold a pool is, you jump in without thinking, correct?]

Opening her crimson gaze back up, she looked at Shiro firmly.

Devi: [Then for the first time in my life, with a friend by my side, I would like to rush towards this risk without a second thought!]

Shiro’s eyes widened as she heard Devi’s confidence in her voice. With her hand, Devi pointed towards the door several steps away.

Devi: [Together, the two of us will rush into that room and challenge our foe! No thinking of the past, no thinking of our wrongdoings, just the future! The future of us, our children and the generations that have and will continue to come! All who have placed their hopes in us to defeat the one who intends to destroy that future!]

She turned back to Shiro.

Devi: [Together, we shall take on that future! As friends, as comrades, and as family! From a close friend, grandmother-in-law to her close friend, granddaughter-in-law! What do you say, Roro?]

A hand was extended back to the goddess.

The memories of the past week came flooding back to her.

Devi eating at the same table as her, training with her, Devi’s praises during their training.

The day they had spent together, getting their appearances changed alongside her, the market, the carnival, the restaurant, the dance and the fireworks after.

With a stream of joyful tears moving down her face, Shiro gave a firm smile back and clasped the hand with her own.

Shiro: [Let’s do it, Vivi! We’ll take him down together!]

Devi: [Excellent! That’s what I like to hear!]

Thus, they ran. They ran and ran, standing side by side and ascending the stairs in front of them. Together they would do it. Together they would conquer this fear. They would conquer their past, they would conquer their mistakes. Together, they could change the future.

No. Together, they would change the future.

Together, they ran towards their destiny.

Together. Always.

△▼△▼△▼△△▼△▼△▼△△▼△▼△▼△△▼△▼△▼△△▼△▼△▼△△▼△▼