...

Come on, Hel. It's not that bad.

...

Look, Eros and I know how you feel. We had a bit of a reality check too when we spoke with The Hunter.

...

Really, though, how the heck did he even manage to hurt you? I mean, your wound's already healed up but...shouldn't that have been impossible?

...

Uh, come on, Hel. Talk to me! You know I'm not as good at this as Eros is. But she had to go off and let her Cupids, Houri's, and Asparas know that we're gonna be switching things up. And get some stuff ready for when we go talk to Druella.

...

Hel, please. Why's it got you so down anyway? It's just one-

There was a man named Peter.

Huh?

Peter. He was a simple boy. From somewhere in the Order. A place that wasn't small enough to be a town but wasn't big enough to be a city. He left the place and decided to visit a village that was a weeks ride away from it. There he met a girl, Jessie. The two hit it off. He chose to stay there and marry her. The two hoped to have kids and start a life out there.

OK, but what-

One day, it rained in their village. Hard. The two of them got caught outside, because they were trying to have a picnic. They managed to get home. Made love while their bodies were soaking wet. But...but when they woke up...Jessie had a cough. They didn't think it was anything serious. But it got worse. Day by day. Until it turned into a fever. Then shortness of breath. Then aches and pains. One day, she couldn't even get outta bed.

...

Peter became desperate. He asked the village healer, but she was no mage. She could only use herbs and had the bare minimum in terms of knowledge when it came to the human body. So, he hopped on his horse, and rode home. He didn't stop. Day and Night he rode his horse as hard as he could. He managed to complete a week's journey in two days. When he got to his hometown, it had grown into a small city. A small city with more than a few mages in it. He managed to convince one, an old friend of his, to follow him back to his village. But the mage was old. He needed to rest more than Peter did. So, what once took him two days, now took him another week.

And when he got back?

...It was too late. His wife was gone. The mage didn't know any resurrection spells. Peter was devastated. When they buried his wife, he sat by her grave and cried his eyes out. Wailing for three days and three nights. I saw it all. From start to finish.

...What did you do?

What else? I brought his wife back as a zombie. The two seemed to recognize each other immediately. They wasted no time having sex and going at it like crazy. But, eventually, someone from the village found out. They were driven away...but they stayed together through it all. Got to a Demon Realm even. Have a family now.

And...why did you mention this?

...When I brought Jessie back, I always thought that I just brought her back fully. That the zombie I created was her. That she was still the same person she always was. Same soul, same mind, different body. But...Koga. He made it clear that's not what happened to him. He...he hated being Kogero. He doesn't even see his life as Kogero as a life at all. I thought that...that he would be the same. That his soul and mind would be the same, just in a different body.

But...?

But that's not what happened. He was trapped, Ares. I trapped his soul and mind in a body that wasn't his own. Even if he is just one instance, who's to say he was the only instance? How many have I subjected to this fate? How many of the undead out there are actually the people they were when they were alive, and how many are completely separate beings that only share memories with their previous selves? How many of them are souls that are forced to watch as something that isn't them makes them fuck and rape strangers they don't know? How many men are forced to watch as their bodies are used in ways they would never accept when they were alive? How many women have been forced to watch as men that aren't their loved ones take them as husbands, unable to say no because they're not in control anymore?

...Hel...I...I-

Ares...how many people have I tortured?

...

...

...OK. Alright. I tried being soft. Time to do things my way.

Huh?

Hel, listen: You messed up.

I...I know-

Let me finish. You messed up. But so did I. And so did Eros.

But your mistakes aren-

Who's mistakes are worse doesn't matter! What matters is this: We made mistakes. Now, what are we gonna do about them?

Huh?

Eros? She's fucked up by focusing on Mamono and Human relationships, forcing them on others, and giving blessings to the Mamono. What's she gonna do about it? She's telling all of her servants to cut that shit out. Then, she's gonna start having out blessings to both sides equally.

Me? I fucked up by only giving any of my own blessings to Mamono warriors, stopping humans from being able to save their friends when they get caught in the middle of battle, and being too afraid to let even a little bit of blood fly which only gave Mamono an advantage. What am I gonna do about it? I'm being equal from here on out. Whenever I see a warrior I like that's fighting for the good of others, they're getting my blessing. Neither humans nor Mamono are getting special treatment here. No more shields stopping people from saving their friends when they get caught in battle either. And...and I'm gonna have to start letting at least a little bloodletting happen during battle. I'll do what I can to avoid it though. Without giving the Mamono any advantages.

That's what we're doing. So, Hel. You fucked up by making undead that might have the souls of others locked in perpetual torment. So...what are you gonna do to fix it?

...Well...I don't...I don't know.

You don't know? You're the Goddess Of Death Hel! How can you not have any ideas on how to fix it?

I mean...I can't just stop making undead.

Why not?

Because if I do, then what about instances like Peter? People who could've been happy, having their lives ruined by circumstance? If I have the chance to make someone's life better by bringing someone back from the dead, shouldn't I?

That's something you need to answer for yourself. But, I do have an idea: Why not just ask the souls what they want?

...What are you talking about?

Oh, come one Hel. I've seen you're realm. I know you keep the souls somewhere. You're telling me you can't take a couple of seconds out of your day to speak with a few of them before you throw them back to the living world?

That'll make things take longer! I already takes me a few minutes to get through all the souls that get sent to me on a day to day basis. If I do this, then it'll take even longer!

Hel.

What?

You're DEATH!

Uh...uh...oh.

Yeah. Also, can't your banshees assist you?

...I suppose. They'll have to leave their duties though.

How many banshees do you have?

...Hundreds.

There you go.

OK but...do you really think it'll work?

It's better than just sitting around here and sulking for who knows how long. And, besides, wouldn't it make it easier for you to figure out what to bring someone back as?

...Yeah. I guess you're right.

Good.

...Can I stay here for a bit longer?

Sure thing. Take as long as you need. We literally have all the time in the world.

...Thanks, Ares.

Anytime.

...

Hey, you want to come with us to talk to Druella when we go?

...N-no. I'm...I need sometime before I can confront someone like her right now.

Alright.

----------------------------------------

"Hey, Jeremy!"

Jeremy jumped, his helmet clanking around his head. Disoriented, he started pointing his spear around him as he tried to find the source of the voice. He was soon brought to a halt as something strong gripped his spear. He looked up to see the familiar scarred face of Hagar staring at him with his singular eye.

"Were you sleeping on the job, again, boy?" the old miner said, his calloused hands easily holding the young man's spear at bay. Jeremy, barely able to see through his helmet, struggled to pull his weapon from the older man's grasp. Hagar rolled his eyes and let the nineteen year old's weapon go.

...Right as Jeremy started to pull back on his spear. The young guard fall onto his back, helmet falling off and rolling across the rocky plain around him. Hagar sighed while shaking his head at the young man. Jeremy got to his feet and dusted himself off. He tried to appear unphased by the older man's actions. But his soft, freckled face did little to make him look intimidating. His voice cracked as he spoke, "I was not! I was just...uh...resting my eyes a little!"

"15."

"Oh don't start with that!"

"I told you, I'm gonna keep track of every time you use an excuse. That was number fifteen," Hagar moved over to a particularly smooth rock. He dusted off a part of it, then sat down while glaring daggers at Jeremy, "Don't want me to do that? Stop messing up when you've got guard duty."

Jeremy flinched at the man's voice. He turned to his right, eyes falling on the mining village he was guarding. Mountain's surrounded the place on all sides, with one in particular being where the mine had been set up. Men and women walked in and out of of the mine with bundles of rocks and ore in their arms. Usually they came out covered in dust or carrying a tool of some kind.

Jeremy had settled down in after what happened in Lescatie. He grimaced at the memory of losing his family to those creatures...and how he left them behind so he could get away. Now, he was here. In this place with no name and only the mine filled with iron ore to keep any form of currency flowing in. Which usually came from caravans and traders sent from either the Order or Pran.

He sighed before turning back to Hagar, "What does it really matter? We're two days out from Lescatie, and those monsters are too focused on enjoying their new Demon Realm to come out this far."

"You act like Mamono are the only problem we could face out here," Hagar says, one hand going to the patch over his missing eye, "People can be just as bad as those things."

Jeremy scoffed, "As if bandits would even be a problem. Any that tried to make a name for themselves would be taken out by Mamono in a heartbeat."

"Don't have to be bandits. Just people getting desperate," Hagar turned his eye towards Jeremy's fallen helmet. He waved a hand at it, "Go get that, will ya? Need some kind of protection in case someone with particularly good aim decides to throw a rock at your head."

Jeremy looked between Hagar and the fallen helm. Then he looked up to see the sun beating down on the rocky plain in front of him. He briefly thought about arguing that it was too hot to do so...but one look at the unamused look on Hagar's faced made him think better of it. With a sigh he walked over to his fallen helmet, spear still held in his hand. When he reached it, he stooped over to pick it up. The iron helmet was conical in shape, offering good protection to the top of his head. But...the places meant for the wearer's eyes were too thin. He could hardly see anything out of it. He had tried to get someone to fix it, but their only smith left weeks ago. Said he wanted to get farther away from Lescatie now that it was Mamono Territory. Jeremy didn't blame the man. He was thinking of doing the same thing soon enough. Just had to hold out and get enough gold.

You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.

He shook his head and placed the helmet in the crook of his arm. Standing up straight he turned back towards the entrance to the mining village...but stopped when he spotted something in the distance. Frowning, he put a hand over his eyes and squinted at the horizon. There he swore he saw the shadow of...something heading for him. But he couldn't make out what it was from where he stood.

He briefly entertained the thought of checking it out. Then he discarded it and shrugged. Whatever it was, wasn't any of his business.

He turned around and started walking back towards the mining village.

When he was half way there, Hagar shouted at him, "Put the damn thing on! It's not that hard to see out of!"

"Speak for yourself!" Jeremy shouted back. The look Hagar gave him made him flinch. Grumbling, he did as the old miner told him, "Fine. Fine. Fucking old bastard. Think you know better just case-"

As soon as the helmet fell on Jeremy's head, he heard and felt something ding off the side of it.

He blinked in surprise. Then he looked down at the ground to see what had hit him.

What he saw was an arrow with a shining silver tip.

That's when he started to hear it.

The sound of an army on the march.

Along with loud, feminine battle cries.

A shiver went down Jeremy's spine as his face went pale.

He turned around and saw that the shadow he had seen was far closer now. Close enough that he could make out what was coming their way.

What he saw made his blood run cold.

An army of bronze skinned women, covered in tribal tattoos, and carrying nets and other primitive weapons. They hooped and hollered as they ran forward, scores of them rushing across the rocky terrain like it was nothing. Their hair flowed through the air behind them as they moved with a wild gait to their stride.

Jeremy felt his body start shaking. He wanted to run but his feet wouldn't listen to him. He lost his grip on his spear, hands shaking too much to keep the weapon held. Even as the woman got close enough that he could see the lust in their eyes, his body wouldn't move. It wasn't until he heard a shout from Hagar that he finally got his senses back.

He finally turned to run.

But it was too late.

Something tackled him to the ground a moment later. He was forced to the earth, his helmet falling off and rolling away. It was soon lost in the tide of Mamono rushing passed him and into the village. He lifted his head, gasping for breath as his mind screamed for him to move. He tried to stand, but felt something fall onto his back. It grabbed his arms and tied something around his wrist faster than he could react. A moment later he was turned around and was able to behold his tormentor.

One of the many bronze skinned women. Her skin was covered in off-white tattoos that run over her nipples and crotch. She had short brown hair while her eyes were a sharp magenta. Her lips were curled in a predatory smile as she took a few steps away from Jeremy's prone form. Her eyes roamed his body as she spoke, "Thin arms, not a lot of muscles, soft face. Oh, you're just my type~! I am taking you before any of my sisters get to you."

"N-n-no! No! Get away!" Jeremy shouted, struggling against his bonds. His eyes darted around, trying to find something his could use to get away. They managed to fall onto his still free legs...and the fact that the Mamono was far enough away for him to try for a kick. With another shout he quickly pulled his legs back and launched a double kick at the woman.

...Who merely grabbed his ankles with one hand. She lifted him up until he was hanging upside down, laughing with glee as she threw him over her shoulder, "Still got some fight in you! Good! It's a lot better when they struggle!"

Jeremy screamed in fear as the Amazon turned around and ran towards the village.

Where the rest of her sisters were already capturing men and transforming women.

----------------------------------------

I...I can't believe it.

My Lady? Does something trouble you?

No...No, Velte. For once, it's the opposite.

Did something good happen in the world?

You bet it did! The Outsider? The woman we've been so worried about? She managed to get through to Ares and Eros! And, if I'm hearing right, maybe even Hel!

Truly?!

Well, she didn't have anything to do with Hel, but still! That's three Gods no longer helping the Mamono!

That's excellent my Lady! Should be open up a channel to speak with them?

Uh...uh...n...no. Not yet.

...But...why not?

I'm...I'm still not ready to talk to them. Not yet. I...I need time to get ready.

...As you say. Then, what about the Outsider? Surely you wish to go thank her?

You bet! But...I'm also...kinda...maybe...sorta...scared of her.

...My Lady-

Don't give me that look! You've seen what she can do! In my injured state, one touch from her will be all it takes to kill me! I can't just go down there and talk to her like the rest! And I can't use any telepathy or anything. Who knows what's rolling around in the mind of something like her.

...Then...perhaps you could send one of us?

...That's...actually a good idea. Yeah. Yeah! Get one of our best Valkyries and send them to talk with the Outsider.

As you-

But not now! Not yet! Wa-wait until she's on her way to Lescatie. That way you won't cause too much of a scene.

Why do you wish for us to avoid causing a scene?

I don't want her to think that I'm trying to bring the Order to her. She's...not on good terms with them right now.

...As you say, my Lady. Would you like your hot cocoa now?

...Yes, please.

----------------------------------------

"Akuri."

Koga's voice made the Mamono stop in her tracks. She turned to see the Ochimusha working on the map again. Most of his limbs had healed up, with the only exception being his left wrist and hand. For whatever reason, those seemed to be taking a longer time to regrow. It didn't seem to slow the Ochimusha down though. He still moved with the same purpose he had when they left Pran. Still kept his eyes focused forward. Still took time to train whenever he had a moment.

"Yes, Koga?" Akuri asked, bowing her head slightly to her traveling companion. They had set up a temporary camp at the top of a hill overlooking their surroundings. Behind them was the forest they and recently left, with Pran a beyond the large trees. In front of them the rolling plains began to turn into gray, rocky earth. Mountains lay in the distance, their shadowed forms sitting ominously on the horizon. To their left and right were mixtures of the two. Tress were sparsely dotted along the landscape, branches sagging and trunks cracked with dryness.

Koga pointed the charcoal behind him, "Go back into the forest and gather more water for Nobu and Mimi. We will be heading towards those mountains, meaning we won't have many chances to do so later on...please."

"Yes, Koga," Akuri stood up and moved to where their horses were grazing. She ignored her own steed's whinnying and attempts at teasing her to grab the water skins. Then, remembering her training in her homeland, she dashed to a tree branch and began to jump to the stream Koga had mentioned. They had spotted it earlier but refrained from stopping to make up for lost time.

Her skills and speed made the trip take no time at all. She landed on the edge of the riverbank within a few seconds. She placed the three water skins on the ground, holding one and opening it with her teeth. They only had three as Koga's nature ensured he didn't need any water. Thus it was mostly used to hydrate herself and the horses. She swiftly filled up the first, Nobu's, then moved to the second, Mimi's. Then she began to fill up her own water skin. She nodded once it had been filled.

Then she leaned back and placed the object in her lap. She reached into her bosom and produced a small vial filled with pink liquid. She popped open the stopper, the sickly sweet smell hitting her nose a second later. With a happy sigh, she started pouring the liquid into the water skin. Now, all she needed to do was get Koga to drink it an-

She threw the vial at a tree.

Teeth grinding together, she ignored the pain shooting through her heart as she grabbed the water skin. She poured the now pink water in it out onto the forest floor. Then she took it, placed it in her lap, cupped some of the water in the river in her hand, then put it in the water skin. She kept this up until it was filled once more. Then she poured what was left of the aphrodisiac out onto the forest floor.

She berated herself while moving to put normal water into the pouch. What was wrong with her?! She nearly broke her promise to Koga! Yet, no matter how much she beat herself down, a significant part of herself kept telling her she was wrong to pour it out.

Koga could be hers. He's obviously suffering through serious mental pain. Pain that could be healed, if he just started loving her. But he won't do it on his own. She needs to make him see that the only way to happiness is with her. For the two of them to connect, heart and soul. Physically and spiritually. For him to fill her with his viril-

She splashed the cool water of the stream in her face.

That...made things slightly better.

With a frustrated sigh, she picked up the water skins and made to leave...but stopped when she heard a rustle from the bushes.

"Who's there?!" Akuri got into a battle stance, her singular hand going to the blade sheathed at her back, "Show yourself."

Another rustling came from the bushes. Then, a second later, someone stepped out from the underbrush.

Someone familiar.

Akuri shook her head in astonishment, "It can't be...Cor...Corelia-san?"

"Akuri?" the Dark Mage Corelia looked up at the Kunoichi. In one hand she held her singature staff, the tip pulsing with mana recently spent on a spell. In the other...she held a bubbling vial of liquid.

----------------------------------------

Koga put the map back into Nobu's saddle bag. He patted the horse on its flank and smile at it, "I apologize in advance, Nobu. We're going to be heading into terrain that won't be kind on your hooves."

His horse whinnied before going back to grazing.

Koga frowned, "Because we have yet to discover anything worthwhile. So far, all we've seen is basic woodlands and plains. Nothing of particular interest. To us, or to Pran."

He turned around and looked towards the mountains in the distance. He kept one hand on Nobu as he spoke, "Those mountains though...they may hold something that could give us an edge against Druella."

Another whinny from Nobu.

Koga turned back towards the horse and shrugged, "I'm unsure. A mine with ore we can use for weapons? A cave system we can send civilians to or use as a fallback position? Or perhaps a place to hide an ambush from the oncoming army?"

Nobu shook his head, mane flying every which way as he did.

"I'm going to pretend you did not just insinuate that I am in anyway attracted to Akuri," Koga's voice was sharp as a knife's edge, "Else, I may need to look into ensuring a certain someone can't procreate."

Nobu didn't make a sound after that.

Koga nodded then went back to looking through the saddlebags. As he did, he took a moment to stare at the only part of his body that hadn't regrown. His left hand and wrist. While it was still missing, it certainly didn't feel like it. He felt like he could still flex the muscles and bones within it. Like he could still grab things with it. Like it was till there. But...he knew it wasn't.

Not yet, anyway.

He did question why it was taking so long to grow back. His right hand was already back in working order. Perhaps Hel's attack did more damage than he initially thought? Or maybe something else was holding him back? Should he try to force the issue? He wasn't really sure how to do that though? Maybe he could ask Akuri if this had ever happened before and-

Koga paused.

He felt his instincts kick in.

With a sigh he placed a hand on his blade's guard, "I don't suppose that's you trying to sneak up on me, Shadow?"

There was no response.

Lips curling into a frown, Koga slowly turned around to see who had arrived at their makeshift camp.

When he saw the person, for but a moment, he didn't know who they were. But one look at her translucent, bat like wings made all the memories rush back to him. He frowned as he turned to regard hi...Kogero's former Mistress.

"Silvia Scarlet," Koga said, hand not leaving his blade.

"Kogero," Silvia said, hands on her hips as she beheld the Ochimusha.

The two stared each other down for a few moments. A tension passed through the air as Koga's blazing blue eyes met her ruby red ones.

Silvia broke the silence first, "So...what do you go by now?"

"...Koga," his voice was devoid of emotion, "Why are you here?"

Silvia looked up at the sky with a frown on her face. She reached into her bosom and pulled out a vial of liquid. Purple smoke flew from beneath the stopper onto the ground below. Koga caught a whiff of a sickly sweet smell that made him gag. He became on guard as the vampire held the vial up to the sky, "Officially? I'm here on orders of the White Lilim. I'm meant to convince you to drink this potion made by The Black Goat. It's meant to make you lust after a little girl to love. Likely one apart of the Sabbath."

"I see. But if that is the case," a click indicated Koga pushing his blade slightly out of its sheathe, "then why are you telling me this?"

"Because, unofficially? I don't work for Druella."

Silvia threw the vial at the ground beneath her. She raised a foot while it still falling and smashed it underneath her heel. The liquid spilled over the forest floor, causing it to seep into the earth below. The plants took on a greener hue as they absorbed the mana rich liquid. Silvia took a step towards Koga. She waved a hand at him, "Truthfully? I simply wanted to see my servant again. Where is Akuri, by the way?"

Koga let his blade click back into its scabbard, but he didn't release his grip on it. He moved so that his left side was facing the vampire, "Off to get our horses water. Are you alone?"

"No. Corelia should be around here somewhere. You...remember Corelia, correct?"

Koga shook his head.

"But you remember me? And Akuri?"

Koga nodded.

"Hmm...what exactly do you remember?"

"Akuri told me of how you found me. But it wasn't until I saw you that I remembered fully. I remember the day that you fully accepted me as a servant. An Adventurer had come to your castle, looking to slay you. I dueled him and struck him down using my Demon Silver blade. I was ready to send him away...but you came out of the castle. You told me you would take this one as 'He would make a good thrall.'"

Koga took notice of how a blush started to grow on Silvia's face. He continued nonetheless, "A few days later, Akuri informs me that you are with child. A few years later, I see you carrying a swaddled babe out of the castle and-"

"Th-tha-that-that's enough!" Silvia shouts while waving her arms through the air, "You don't have to describe every detail! Geez!"

She crosses her arms and pouts.

Koga just chuckles, "Still so easy to tease, Silvia Scarlet."

Silvia blinked. Then she turned back to Koga, "That's it? Just, Silvia Scarlet?"

"Yes," Koga's mirth disappeared in an instant.

"Then...you really have found a new Mistress."

"Yes, I have."

"Would this woman...happen to be the same one that took Akuri's arm?"

Koga nodded.

Silvia remained silent for a moment. Then she spoke, "Just tell me this, Koga; What about the woman makes her worthy of following in your eyes?"

Koga was silent for a minute. An errant breeze blew across the hill, sending the grass bending westward. Koga looked at the ground then began to speak, "Ever since I have awoken, the Good Hunter has been nothing but kind and honorable towards me. When I asked for a name, she let me choose my own. When I almost let myself be overtaken by anger, she admonished me. She told me to temper my emotions. And it's thanks to her that I have far more control over them than I once did. And, even when I swear to follow her every lead, she doesn't chain me to her. When she realized that I wished to be free to roam the land, she let me go."

"She has given me something that none else truly have. A true second chance...and the ability to do with it what I see fit," Koga looked up, his expression never once wavering, "Thus, I pledge my undying loyalty to her. And I will die a thousand times over, if it meant that she could make use of me in anyway, shape, or form."

"Then...you love her?" Silvia ventured.

"No," Koga's voice was firm, "Not in the way a Mamono would love someone. I have no desire to share a bed with the Good Hunter. The love I feel for her, is the love one would give a worthy sire. The love one gives to a mentor or master. My love is that of loyalty and devotion. Not anything as base as carnal desire."

Silvia was silent for a few moments. She merely stared at the Ochimusha that was once her servant. For the briefest of moments, she swore she saw Kogero's form superimposed over Koga's.

But the image was fleeting.

And their expressions didn't match at all.

Kogero had a look in her eyes that spoke of longing. Of trying to find a place where she belonged.

Koga's eyes had a look of certainty and purpose. He already knew where he belonged. And he wouldn't give it up for the world.

"...I see," Silvia let out a long sigh, "Then you have made your choice. I hope you realize, that this means we must be enemies. For I will not forgive your Mistress for what she has done to my servants."

"I am aware," Koga's grip on his weapon tightened.

Silvia's expression turned serious as she reached behind her back...but then softened as she pulled out a large sake bottle, "However, for today, would you humor me? As a friend?"

Koga blinked in surprise. Seeing it, Silvia continued, "This is a sake bottle. You gave it to me when you joined my entourage. You said it was given as thanks for giving you a place to stay, and made me promise to share it with you one day. If we are to be enemies after this...then I'd like that day to be today. If you don't mind. I...I'm just trying to be nice and-"

"I'd like that."

Koga walked over to Silvia and took the sake bottle from her hand. He looked the grayish contain up and down, paying special attention to the kanji on the right side. His eyes moved to the vampire, "I don't suppose you brought sake cups as well?"

Silvia, stunned at the turn of events, blinked in surprise. Then she slowly shook her head, "I...I didn't expect you to say yes."

"Ah. Oh well. Bottoms up."

Koga took the stopper out of the bottle, then started to chug the sake inside.

Silvia's jaw fell open in shock.