-Shadow-

Strange. I could hear music coming from somewhere. It looked to be coming from the boss, but I didn't know why.

Did it have a boom box somewhere, or something more modern, like a Bluetooth speaker paired with a smart phone?

It also sounded familiar. The song was somewhat dramatic. Kind of like…. “Why do I hear boss music?”

It seemed a bit late for it to suddenly start up, but surely enough it was boss music.

In fact, I’m pretty sure this is the one that plays whenever you fight a hidden boss. It’s a special boss that can only be fought once you meet the right requirements.

Usually something simple like knocking over a grave, or doing a hidden puzzle. Some even appear when you complete a quest in a special way.

You know now that I look at it. There’s smoke coming from the boss. Did someone attack it? Probably a player or something. Maybe their strong.

I didn’t have time to focus on this. It wasn’t important, just very strange is all.

The current plan was to advance and kill the bugs as we go. Every block we would set up another wall of interlocking quarantine shields, but only if the monsters had been pushed back and the area was secure.

This would give us somewhere to fall back to without losing progress and it would help keep the monsters contained.

The issue we had was communication. That part was solved by Rosy. She had the brilliant idea to use flares as a way of sending signals.

They would use red flares in case they ran into a monster they couldn’t defeat. Like the level 50 centipede squad 12 was fighting.

In which case it would be my job to move in and clear the high level monster out. Once cleared out a yellow flare would be fired. Then another yellow flare to signal that I’d made it back to 10th squad.

Green flares meant the area was completely clear and ready for a quarantine shield.

In the event that a shield was broken orange flares were fired and the adjacent squads would need to move in and help clear the street.

If we lost someone a white flare would go off. If we lost more than half the squad, a black flare would be fired.

Once we lost over half a squad we would need to start relocating troops. The blue flares were for the boss.

If they run into the boss then they needed to fall back to the last shield and Rosy would buy its upgrade - specifically boosting the vitality and defense of the shield, followed by the thorn upgrade - Then they would wait and protect the shield as best as they can.

The thorn upgrade would create sharp curved blades on the shield laced with a type of magical poison.

I wasn’t sure how effective it would be on a bug that specialized in poison, but the added damage from the blades was probably a good idea.

I also wanted it in pain for killing Luca. I’ll make sure it suffers until it’s last breath.

I saw a few green flares flying through the sky. It was almost time to set up a new barricade line.

The setup of shields was done all at once. This way there wouldn't be any gaps for the centipedes to escape.

It was pretty genius. Rosy said she got the idea from an anime she watched about a world full of giants that eat people.

I think I remember that one. Master said it was good, but I don't really like the way the monsters looked. They’re a bit strange. Monsters should be scary looking not just plain creepy.

So far everything was going smoothly. There still wasn’t any sign of my litter. The thought made me want to cry.

I pulled myself together not wanting to collapse into a crying mess. I still needed to save Alice and Master.

I'm really sorry Luca. I should have looked for them harder. I should of held onto them. The thought made me violently angry.

I wanted so bad to sink my claws into something, but the exp was meant for the soldiers.

Even though there was a party slot available. Joining would be a bad idea.

My assassin level might be maxed out, but the exp would still be granted to me and go absolutely no where.

The squad was currently working as a team to take out what looked to be the 50th wave of monsters.

They just kept coming, and the deeper we went the more there was. They were even starting to get stronger. Most of them were in the level 40s now.

A lot of the front fighters had already reached level 7. Even the champion who was a level 1 not that long ago had grown to level 4 in no time.

It's amazing what a well balanced team could do even at a low level. They made up for each other's weaknesses. Creating a perfect balance of precision and death.

Kind of like what my guild did for me. I wish they were here. The boss wouldn’t stand a chance.

Luca was gone though. The raiders would forever be one short. I would never be able to hear Luca talk about how her homeroom teacher hated her, or what happened at school today.

What about…… her parents.

If I ever make it home, I’ll have to find them, and tell them what happened.

I felt a wave of frustration growing inside me.

Yeah, sure! Like they would believe me!

By then Luca would have been missing for a bit. She would have already been fake buried. All I would be doing is opening freshly stitched wounds.

They would probably cry and yell at me. I would try to explain only for them not to listen.

I’ve seen movies and TV shows like that. Where the one responsible feels horrible, and tries to apologize to the victims loved ones, only to get punched and told to never come near them again.

That never helped anyone. It was just a way to try and get rid of the guilt they felt, but they deserved to know what happened to Luca, even if they don't believe me.

I couldn't even take proper punishment for getting their daughter killed. Even if I did, what would happen to my boys?

Could I really go to prison and leave them behind? I might have been over thinking it but how else was I supposed to move forward without trying to feel and express this pain.

This is stupid. The whole thing was stupid. I wish I had time to cry.

I don't understand, back in the old world I always had time to cry. Yeah, maybe back when things weren't currently still happening, and I had people around me that could take care of things.

Right now I had to hold it all in, so I could kill that monster. Luca was my responsibility.

I let her die. She was a child, my responsibility, and I killed her. I wanted her to feel what it was like to be an adult.

To learn how it wasn’t all about freedom. A hangover, sure. Talking to other grown adults and being treated as one, okay, but this was too much.

I should have treated her like Master. I should of slowly poked at her shell until she cried. Then comforted her and made her feel safe.

It’s the only way to really control them. The only way to raise them into what the should be. I felt a little woozy as the world began to spin.

My body wanted to throw up again, except I’d already done that, and there was nothing left to hurl.

I looked at my claws. They were shaking almost as much as my heart. Frustrated, I did the only thing I could. I roared.

The sound resounded through the street. Somehow, it had a strange effect on the centipedes.

The two monsters 10th squad was fighting rushed towards me. My body was a blur of violence, as I pounced on the first centipede ripping off its head, and using it to beat the other one into the ground.

As both HP bars reached zero their bodies disintegrated leaving behind the all familiar dust.

Once dead, I roared once more before breaking down. “I'm sorry… I’m so sorry Luca!” My tears mixed with the dust as my claws dug into the ground beneath me.

“Lady Shadow, please get a hold of yourself. This is no place to lose your composure.” The cleric of our group put his hand on my shoulder and activated cleanse.

My body was washed in a frosty blue cleansing light. All of a sudden, I felt cleaner than I've ever been.

Maybe Master was right about it cleaning you down to the bone. I still didn't like it.

The light washed away all the nasty demon dust that seemed to cling to my robes.

Even the tears and sweat that seemed to be never ending were disintegrated in an instant.

The cold light was refreshing. Slowly, I got to my feet, and actually managed to pull myself together.

The experience was a bit like having your friend slap you out of a panic attack, except it was more gentle.

“Sorry about that, August.” I wiped away the bits of moisture left over with the back of my hand. August was level 5. Sadly, clerics got less exp because they didn't attack as much.

It was actually kind of rare to find a cleric in TEO. Most clerics you see actually main something else. Well, that didn’t include Clara, she was a cleric through and through.

August held his cross and smiled as he said “It is okay to morn for those we have lost, but before we do, we should make sure not to neglect our duties. Only once this is over should we give ourselves to our emotions. After all, we can not bury the dead if we are sobbing messes.”

What he said sounded right, but it wasn't how I did things. You should always cry if you feel like it, but in this case it was a little hard to do that when so much needed to be done.

Born yesterday August was younger than me. Yet somehow, he already had the opinions of my ex-husband.

It begged the question. How do the NPCs know so much? Does August even know he is apart of a video game?

If I ask him about his childhood, or where he’s from? Would he have an answer, or would he break down, unsure if the world is even real?

Maybe I shouldn’t say anything. It can wait until this is all over. Besides, I need to focus.

I rubbed my temples in an attempt to clear my head. I didn't have my ex husband here to fix everything. Like I need that idiot!

Actually… he was good under pressure. A lot of the time when stuff went wrong, or there was an issue he was the first to take action. Dave was pretty traditional when it came to that kind of stuff.

That was part of the issue though. He tried to turn our own children into unfeeling psychopaths.

I was starting to envy his ability to shut off his emotions. It was wrong, but if I could do it even for just today. It would be a blessing.

Was it really wrong to not feel anything, when the immediate benefits were amazing? Probably not, holding your emotions in is bad in the long run.

That’s why Master is the way she is. But… it seemed to work for my ex, so what was the difference? I didn't get to finish that thought.

A loud explosion went off, as green flames washed over the melee fighters. Our tank and berserker were both disintegrated before our eyes.

The monk was also hit, but managed to get away with nasty burns all over his legs.

August tried to heal him, but the healing green light of his sacred art did nothing against the burns.

That’s when I noticed the black mist that seemed to be coming from his chard legs. That wasn't smoke. It looked like a Deadman’s curse.

The curse prevented him from healing. “August you need to use purification!”

He shook his head as the monk screamed in pain. “I can’t! I don’t have access to that sacred art!”

“Then use holy light, or curse break! Anything that can break curses!” I looked around, but I couldn’t see our attacker.

It couldn't be a centipede. They don't have this kind of attack. Not a player. Couldn't be.

This was jade fire, right? Strange, I’ve only ever seen this stuff casted by liches. Was there a lich somewhere?

Our archer was looking around, frantically trying to spot the attacker, but his perception wasn’t high enough.

My eyes were no good, so I closed them and opened myself up to the frequencies of the world. Immediately everything went dark.

The ripples in the water… Not quite that. Ripples in space would be more accurate. They bombarded me from all sides.

From my teammates to the giant centipede looming over everyone, to the faint familiar reverse frequency of stealth.

Immediately I turned around roaring. to everyone else it looked like I was mad at the open air.

The frequency from my roar slammed into theirs, and the stealth shimmered away like I was blowing out a candle.

I couldn’t believe it.

A tear rolled down my face as I saw one of my litter standing there afraid and hurt. She was all scratched up like she’d been attacked by a pack of chola cat girls.

“Master!” I ran to her and hugged her. She was still wearing her white dress. Her tights were gone, and her little blue bow clung to her hair for dear life.

“Shadow? Shadow!” Master cried like a lost child. Which technically she was.

“It’s alright. Don’t worry everything will be okay now. I’m here to save you.” I picked her up, holding her close.

She wasn’t fighting me at all. She continued to sob in my arms. No matter what happened, she could cry it out on my shoulder.

Crying isn't a bad thing. Crying makes you feel better, and cuddles make you feel loved.

I knew Master wasn’t a monster. I would love nothing more than to go home, but we still had a boss to deal with.

Master seemed to have gone through a lot. I’m not sure what, but getting mad at her for running off like that seemed like something that could be saved for later.

Besides when has Master ever let me hold her like this? I was going to abuse the hfil out of her current vulnerable state.

I patted her back. “There, there Master. It’s okay. I’m here now. Everything is going to- ow!” I felt a sharp pain in my gut.

That’s when I realized… I messed up.

The girl in my arms started to laugh. It wasn’t a regular laugh. Nothing like the innocent giggling of a little girl. No, this was the laugh of a possessed hyena on crack.

Master pulled away showing me a pair of blood red eyes, and a smile that couldn’t possibly be human.

Slowly I looked down only to realize she had stabbed me with a kitchen knife. I couldn't believe it. Before I could say anything, she tore the knife out causing the pain to flare.

I screamed. “aaaaaargh!” My vision began to tunnel as it was too much for me to bear.

The girl swayed back and forth hugging her body with one arm like she was drunk, while playfully waving the knife in the other.

Blood covered the front of her dress and started to spread. The red took over her entire outfit making the entire thing look like a rose. What wasn’t red turned black. Somehow, Masters cute bow had melted off.

August quickly healed me as Master threw the knife. I wanted to save him, but the pain was hindering my ability to move.

The knife hit August in the chest. Master laughed again before saying. “Always take out the white mage first. No wait that's…. Uh” She looked around then said “fourth? No that guy only counts as half alive so 3.5th?”

The wound in my gut finished closing thanks to August’s last act on this world. “Master, what’s gotten into you! Stop killing people!”

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She seemed to only laugh producing a ball of jade fire. With a flick of her wrist, she tossed it at the archer.

I used a knife throwing ability to intersect the blast. My blade appeared in my hand glowing a light blue.

Activating the ability Arial blade, I tossed it like a dart. It slammed into the bottom of the fire ball causing it to erupt on impact.

The spell might of gone off prematurely, but the flames still managed to reach the archer lighting him ablaze. “No!” I cried.

My knife disintegrated in the flames only leaving the handle behind. Throwing knives were a dime a dozen. I still had my main knife and my sub knife.

I was frozen. I couldn’t believe she would do all this, but Master wasn’t a monster! She was mentally ill. Alice really wasn’t lying.

I rushed forward grabbing both of Masters arms. “Stop it! You’re killing them!”

Master struggled against me like a fussy child, but it didn’t feel like she was actually trying.

All of a sudden she looked afraid and confused, as tears started to drip down her face.

Her eyes went back to that beautiful blue. “Shadow? Help me! I don’t want to kill people!” her tears were genuine. She was absolutely terrified.

Somehow Master was being controlled or possessed. Most likely both. “Master don’t worry! I’m going to save you!” She went still. I felt no resistance from her.

There was this look of being hurt. Her eyes drifted down to her feet. “Oh… you’re here for someone else… That’s okay… No one ever comes to save me.” In that moment she sounded so very tired.

Like a person that had lost one too many times… I felt like that once. Back when my life fell apart.

Both when my parent's abandoned me, and when my husband left me. It is a horrible place to be.

I don’t know why, but I started crying alongside her. “Hey, that’s not true. I’m here to save you.”

She looked confused then smiled. It was the most hopeful smile I’ve ever seen. “Do you… mean it?” She cried.

I felt like I wasn’t talking to Master anymore. Still I think whoever this person was, she really needed a friend.

“Of course. You deserve to be happy too.” I knew I was going to regret it, but it felt necessary.

I wrapped the small girl up in a hug full of warmth and love. The kind of nurturing hug that could fill a hole inside you. she cried some more, as if it was the first time she'd ever felt human contact.

“Thank you…. but-“ A chill ran up my spine like I’d just been splashed with cold water.

It started low but slowly grew in frequency. The girl sobbed some more before a concerned voice spilled from her quivering lips. “You should run.”

My body tensed and I pushed her away. I jumped back to get some distance as the feeling of fight or flight took over, and my body did its own thing.

Slowly the skin on Masters forehead dried up and started to crumple away as two devilish horns broke through the surface. It was like watching the time-lapse of a growing sapling.

As I focused on her, her name tag popped up. It read Centa, but only for a moment. Her name tag flickered and changed to the name “Squirmy”

I hadn’t actually seen the name tag before. The moment my body tensed up and focused on the frequency, the tag toggled on.

10th squads mage freaked out and fired a shadowbolt at the demon.

“No!” I cried.

I moved forward and tried to deflect the shot with my knife. My blade met the spell. It tried to break through my knife, but the enchantments held everything together.

Somehow, I managed to deflect it. The shot hit the ground beside me causing rock and dust to fly up.

I quickly turned my attention to the mage. “Don't hurt her! What’s wrong with you that’s Master! Lady Aku!”

I held my arms out in an attempt to act as a shield. The mage looked like he was ready to fire another spell.

The assassin appeared out of the shadows. They both looked confused for a sec.

That was until the mage spoke up. “That thing is a demon and is the source of all this destruction. We must kill it now!”

What? Didn’t they realize this was Master? I didn’t get to finish that thought before two more green fire balls flew through the air.

The assassin jumped away, but was still caught up in the flames. His legs were engulfed by green fire, as he tried to roll around on the ground.

The second fire ball slammed into the mage. He had very few points in dexterity and wasn't able to avoid the spell at all.

What was I supposed to do against such strong magic. If I got hit I’d most likely die. Either by the flames, or the Deadman’s curse. Most likely both.

Both the monk and assassin cried out in pain. I turned my head to Master only to see an evil grin on her face and a fresh jade fire ball.

I didn’t know what to do. I didn’t want to hurt Master, but she was also killing people. I have to restrain her.

Moving forward I tried to grab Masters arms, but she threw the jade fireball at me. I activated after image leaving my illusion to take the hit.

Appearing behind her I tried to take hold of her, but she jumped up into the air avoiding my hug.

Master did a back flip and kicked the back of my head causing me to fall forward.

I could feel the vibration of a freshly conjured jade fireball crackling to life. I might not be faster than Master, but when on all fours my speed was almost double.

Before I could land on my face both my hands were thrust to the ground. As soon as they made contact a cloud of dust erupted into the air, as I put all my strength into it.

My body vanished in a burst of speed, zigzagging as I moved away from danger. I could feel the heat of the fireballs colliding with the ground. Hitting places, I had been.

My body whipped around and I finally got a look at the melted glass behind me.

Master already had two new jade fireballs ready to be launched. What was with that spell? How was she even spamming it like that?

No cool down, and she could cast it multiple times without the use of Snowball. This is kind of like what happened back at the Fish Tank.

It was more in line with a hacker. Back when this was a game they were pretty common, though their accounts never lasted, since they were usually banned as soon as they were discovered.

If I can just wrap my arms around her, or hit her with a knockout gas, this would all be over.

Focusing my 6th sense on her, I looked through my inventory. Now I could move stuff around, and not be too distracted.

Come on it has to be here. I know I had a few. Surely enough there was two knockout bombs in my inventory.

They worked like smoke bombs, but instead of letting out a stream of smoke it was an instant expanding white cloud.

Quickly I slotted them into my hot bar, getting rid of a wind spell called platform. Platform was basically an extra jump, but that wasn’t too useful in this situation.

Scratching the ground I positioned myself with my butt in the air. It felt like the easiest position for a take off. I needed her to fire one of those fireballs.

Once moving at full speed it would be harder to avoid her spells. If I can get her to fire one off, then I can close the gap before she has time to fire the next one.

Except something else happened. The fire balls just floated there. Staying in place as if Master had nothing to do with them.

They were acting similarly to the fire like wisps you might find floating around a fox spirit. Only these were of a different color.

“Hehe” She giggled. “What’s the matter Mommy. Don’t you love me anymore? Don’t you want to groom me into the perfect little girl?”

I was taken a bit by surprise. A fire ball was one thing but the words coming out of her mouth made me question reality.

Hearing Master refer to me as Mommy made my heart flutter, but at the same time I knew she would never ever say that to me. Also, what’s this about grooming?

“I don’t groom children, I help them express their feelings!” I can’t believe her. Spreading horrible rumors like that.

When we get home I’m going to ground her for saying such awful things. She sounds just like my ex-husband. There will be none of that.

Her giggles were cute, but they also had a darker tone to them, that I couldn’t quite put my finger on.

“Suuuuure, you do. That’s why your children live with their dad.” She started walking towards me, while I stepped back.

“That’s why you had to move towns so that your former friends and neighbors would stop looking at you like a monster.” We took the same amount of steps, but hers seemed to carry her farther.

“That’s why when you moved into that house, you had to go door to door warning everyone about what you did. Isn’t that right-” She leaned forward getting right in my face. “-Holly?”

Her gaze was like a wolf about to rip out my throat. Despite my all of a sudden dry mouth, I still managed to ask “How do you know all that? I never told anyone my real name, or about all that…. stuff.”

She pulled back giving me some breathing room. “I am a demon. A special kind of demon. Something known as an Ōmukade. Well, the type of demon doesn’t really matter in this case.”

I had no idea what that could mean. She smiled. “Demons know things. We're the most empathic species in existence.” The self-proclaimed demon started to walk around me. Eyeing me like a hunk of meat.

She sniffed me licking her lips “I know everything about you. How you feel, what your children think about you. I know you better than you know yourself and it's all just so very tasty.” She skipped away swooning, as she hopped around like an over excited puppy.

The Ōmukade skipped back around flailing her arms like a child playing a game of pretend.

She smiled an unnatural smile sending chills down my spine. Her frequency had become erratic and unnatural.

She was a liar. “Your wrong! I’m a great mother! My boys love me!” I shook my head. Everything she said was a lie!

That’s what demons do. They twist things and make them sound horrible. I can’t let her twist my mind.

She laughed again “Oh, is that so, but what about poor little Luca? You were looking after her and then what happened? She died in your care.”

She poked me in the stomach. “You call yourself a mother, yet you let horrible things happen to the children you claim to love. I wonder if Luca felt loved when I tore her soul from her chest.”

“Shut up! Shut up! Shut up!” I held my head hiding my face in my lap as I shrunk down into a crouch.

Without thinking my claws dug into the sides of my head. I didn't care, I just wanted her to stop talking!

My tears were running once more, as the pain of losing Luca rushed to the surface. It was all my fault.

She flicked my ears causing them to recoil. “Do you want to know what she felt when she died?” I felt her little hand on my head, and a memory that didn't belong to me, permanently branded itself into the front of my mind.

I saw things from someone else’s perspective. I knew as soon as the memory entered it was Lucas.

I felt alone and scared. I felt like I’d been betrayed by everyone. Abandoned and forgotten by the people that were supposed to guide me through a big and terrifying world.

Even after trying so hard to save someone I failed. I wasn’t an adult. I was just a stupid child that wanted to have fun. No one cared about me enough to show up.

The fear and pain that ran through me as a hand tore through my chest was like nothing I had ever felt. I was a rodent in the mouth of a starving monster.

It was too much! I couldn't take it! I can't believe it! Luca felt so alone, she was terrified!

She cried out to us. She called for help. She begged for her parents, for her brother. For anyone to come and save her.

I could feel the hatred she had for Master. For murdering not just her little friend Vincent, but her as well. She truly hated Master in her last moment. She hated me too.

“I’m sorry Luca! I didn’t hear you! I’m so sorry!” I cried. I wish I could have hugged her. I wish I could of made her feel warm and safe. I wish she knew that everyone really did love and care about her.

It was too late… I couldn't fix anything… not only am I the worst mother ever. I’m also the worst friend. My boys are better off without me.

Wait….

That face…… the hunger and greed…… the joy it felt at taking Lucas life… It was all her. She did this!

I yelled back at the Ōmukade trying my best to shift the blame. “You killed her! It was you!” I couldn’t take it.

I didn’t want to hear her! I didn't want these memories in my head! Haunting me for the rest of my life!

I felt her lean in and speak in a much softer voice. “Where is Alice? Did you lose her too? I wonder when she’ll die. It’s only a matter of time. We are about to reach the crescendo after all.” She circled me again running her hand over my head like she was playing a game of duck duck goose.

“I’ve already talked to her, you know. She was so cute.” She giggled. “What was it she said? Please stop hurting me! I’m sorry! I won’t try to send you away again! Izzy please stop! I love you!” Her laugh became so much darker cutting a new wound inside me.

She can’t get away with it! She can’t toy with people’s lives like there nothing! I have to stop her! She’s wrong! She’s a monster! Master is a monster!

My anger rose and I lashed out, clawing at the demon. The Ōmukade avoided my swipes, walking backwards, and sidestepping my claws.

All I could see was red. How dare she call me a bad mother! I’m the best mother! My children love me! I make them feel safe and happy!

These memories can't be real! They’re fake like her fucking smile! She’s wrong I’m the best mom! My mom…. my mom was the bad mom!

“Whoa! Almost got me that time.” She laughed as she ducked under another claw swipe.

“Shut the hellllll uuuup!” I tried again, but it was the same. Again and again, she avoided me. Until finally, my claws hit, stabbing deep into her abdomen.

I smiled as finally I’d be able to see her in pain. “How the fuck do you like it!” However, I was wrong.

She looked at me with a sad expression. Her eyes went back to that familiar gentle blue. “I’m sorry…… I just wanted to make friends. I didn’t mean… to become a monster.”

The innocence in her eyes, and the feel of my claws behind her ribs. It was all so wrong. To add to that, the moment just before my claws dug in, there was a sudden change to her frequency.

It was the same soft and bubbly frequency from when I broke her out of stealth, but different… this time, it was full of fear, but mostly….. guilt.

She was sorry and felt an unimaginable amount of guilt. The whole thing brought new tears to my eyes.

Was this a trick? Was the demon planting these feelings inside me? I’d be a fool to think that. Her frequency told me everything I needed to know.

Maybe… I was the monster all along…. I wasn’t supposed to hurt Master. I was just so angry. “I'm sorry.” I cried as I fell to my knees unsure of what to do anymore.

Her frequency changed again, the demon taking over once more. Her eyes turned to that blood red, her lips curling into a wicked smile.

The waves produced by the frequency were one thing, but When I looked into its interworking’s.

There was no emotion. At least not like that girls frequency. It was as if I was staring into an all consuming hungry void. A void that could, and would eat the entire world. Maybe even beyond that.

Even now I could hear the sound of people being ripped apart. Screaming, calling for help. They circled around that darkness. Like little stars being torn apart by a black hole.

Before I knew it a thin black sword had appeared in her right hand. “Yes, that's it! That despair is so beautiful! Your already broken. I didn't even have to use the mage all that much.”

She giggled as she bounced in place in excitement. “You humans are so weak willed. All I have to do is poke at your beliefs, and you fall apart so easily. Its kind of sad really.”

I was tired of hearing her talk. Lucas memories kept playing over and over in my mind. I just wanted it to end already.

She lifted her blade ready to strike me down, but before she could a powerful frequency started to grow from behind me.

“Don't you fucking touch her!” it sounded like-

I didn't get a chance to look as who ever it was blurred past me. The demon did the same muttering “Shit!” before vanishing in a blur.

My eyes were unable to follow as the two of them clashed weapons in mid air. I only knew that due to the sound of metal clanging against metal, and the locations of their frequencies.

I was startled as what looked like half of a broken iron sword struck the ground embedding itself in the stone.

Right after that, explosions of red, blue, and green flames erupted above me, followed by the impact of the demon slamming back first into the stone road.

She wasn't really injured, but she certainly was in pain. It was made evident by how she struggled to get back up.

My attention snapped to the other person. They landed right in front of me. Their feet impacting the ground like a bolt of lightning.

There was this beautiful light. It was a sparkling light blue. The power seemed to be pouring out of them, forming some kind of cloak around their body.

It seemed to collapse and reform over and over. Each time it reformed itself, it seemed to come back in better focus.

I knew this person. Their frequency was as light and soft as a cloud. Yet sharp like a blade. It was warm and welcoming. Yet it could also be described as fury in its purest form.

The energy seemed to subside going from a struggling flame in the wind, to the gentle soft glow of a distant star.

She wore a white dress with blue frills. Her hair a dark brown styled in a Bob. She also had a big blue bow on top of her head.

“Master…” I couldn’t believe it.

She looked back at me, an adorable smile blooming on her face. “Sorry I’m late. I was trying to figure out all this aura and magic stuff.”

I wanted to run and hug her, but I didn't deserve it. How could I have made her out to be a monster.

I should be ashamed. “I’m sorry!” I cried as I slammed my head into the ground begging for forgiveness.

I killed Luca and possibly Alice. I’ve taken these people away not just from their families but from Master as well. She should hate me. I deserve to be hated.

Somehow Master was by my side. I felt her standing in front of me. “You have nothing to apologize about.”

I lifted my head and there in front of me was Masters outstretched hand. She was still smiling even though so much had happened.

“You've done pretty good. You evacuated the civilians and closed off the area. We might of lost some people but you were absolutely amazing Shadow.”

She simply didn’t know. She has to know. “You can’t say that! I killed Luca!”

To my surprise. Masters smile did not falter. Instead, she said “It’s not your fault. If you want to blame someone then blame me. I brought that demon to this world, but right now I need your help to get rid of it. Preferably before more people die.”

I knew on some level the demon had something to do with Master, but to have it confirmed was something else. I love Master. I might get angry, but I could never truly hate her.

How is she okay right now? She should be crying and looking for comfort. Master isn't a strong person, so why is she fine right now?

I took Masters hand and got to my feet. “Master!” Her expression changed as I took advantage of her kindness and wrapped my arms around her, pulling the small girl into a hug.

She immediately started squirming and yelling. “Let me go Shadow! I’m married!” I did not let go. In fact, I started grooming Master by licking her head.

She had been running around for hours through all this destruction, getting who knows what all over her.

The demon gave us a strange look almost like it was judging us. This wasn’t strange! It was perfectly natural!

For some reason even though Master was struggling and screaming in disgust she wasn't really doing much.

Her struggles didn't have any strength behind them. It was almost as if I’d actually gotten my hands on a toddler.

Out of happiness and joy, I lifted Masters dress and blew a raspberry into her tummy. She laughed at first then cried “Shadow don’t do that!”

Master held her skirt down and turned a little red. It was so cute. “Aww, Master, your so modest for such a little girl.” I teased.

She was so flustered she could hardly speak. “Wh-What’s wrong with you!? What if someone saw!?” she cried. Bullying her was so easy.

“Oh, there's no one around. Besides most people wouldn't bat an eye. Even so, you got those little bloomers on.” I hugged Master some more nuzzling my cheek with hers.

“Shadow stop it I’m trying to look cool!” Master cried.

“But Master, I can’t stop. Can’t you see how happy I am to see you?” I could hear her starting to growl. Well, more like a soft purr.

About thirty seconds into the whole thing Master had finally had enough, and bit down on my arm.

I yelped in pain to which she escaped and ran about 20 feet to my left. Anymore and she’d of gone through a building.

Well, at least I was sure this was the real Master. Oh, what I wouldn't give to have that cute girl I first encountered. She was so cuddly.

This Master wasn’t bad either. Watching her get all flustered was half the fun. That’s what made her so fun to tease.

The demon had been sitting on a big rock watching our whole interaction. “You two done with your weird skit, or do you need another minute to do more perverted stuff.” She looked almost board.

“Hey, its not like that!” both Master and I yelled. The Ōmukade was trying to get under our skin again.

I need to watch out for that. It nearly broke me last time. Actually, it did break me. But Masters adorableness patched me back up.

“Shadow, see what you did!” Master whined.

“It’s not my fault you’re cute, and I haven’t seen you in forever! Its been over 14 chapters - if you count the flash backs – uh…. I mean it’s been a few hours. Fo-Forget what I said, now, are we kicking her butt or what?”

Master sighed as that strange power from before flared to life once more. The demon got to her feet in response.

“Who the hell do you think you are my better half?” said the demon as dark power seemed to wrap around her similarly to Masters.

Master smiled then stepped forward. “I'm not your anything! My name is Isaac Smith and I'm here to kick ass and eat lots of candy and I'm not allowed to eat candy.”

Strange. “Master, language! Also if your hungry I have some cookies if you want? I know you didn’t eat lunch, so you can have some.” I reached into my inventory and pulled out the bag of fresh cookies I’d taken from Master yesterday.

Master seemed to get visibly upset. “Shadow I was trying to be cool!” she whined.

“So… does that mean you don't want cookies?” it was a fair question, but Master seemed to pout and cross her arms.

She mumbled something I couldn't make out. “What's that Master?” she murmured again, but I still couldn't understand her. “a little louder please.”

“I said I want them!” She cried. The issue hadn’t been that I couldn’t hear her it was that I couldn’t understand her because for some dumb reason she decided to talk like a gremlin.

Why couldn't she just say that. “Okay but I’m only giving you two. It'll be dinner time soon and I don't want you spoiling your appetite. I’m giving you two since you haven’t eaten.”

Master whined again, but came to my side for a cookie. I handed her two of them then petted her head as she ate.

“Can I have one too?” asked Squirmy.

At first, I thought it was a trick, but she genuinely looked like she wanted one. “If I give you one will you stop killing people?” I had to ask.

The Ōmukade looked upset at my terms then shook her head and stuck her tongue out at me. How rude!

“Sorry only good children get cookies.” I smiled smugly at her.

She huffed rolling her eyes. “Whatever I'll just loot them off your corpse.” She smiled devilishly.

As Master finished her cookies the demon pulled out a strange looking flower.

The petals and stem were made of crystal. The whole thing was a beautiful violet. For some artistic reason the flower was only a bud though.

The artist was probably trying to symbolize something stupid like fertility, or a girl on the cusps of becoming a woman. You know dumb artsy crud my unsupportive high school art teacher would say.

What a strange design. Wouldn't a flower in full bloom look better? I looked to Master who seemed to have a look of horror on her face.

Seizing the opportunity, I playfully pinched her pink marshmallow-like cheek, but she swiped my hand away.

The demon started to pour dark looking energy into the flower. The power turned the crystal black momentarily, before exiting the other side as black ooze. It gathered on the ground like a gross looking slime.

I felt dread creeping up on me as the blob’s frequency started to resemble someone I knew.

Throughout the whole process the demon seemed to be struggling. As if doing this was taking an actual toll on her.

The blob started to form into a person. First I saw the formation of black bones. Then the wrapping of gray muscle and pale skin.

It resembled a naked woman, so I covered Masters eyes. Long violet hair started to rapidly grow out of her gray scalp. Finally black robes of pure darkness grew from shadows.

The newly formed person opened their eyes and gave a smile much like the demon. The violet coloring. The hair. The cowlick. “Luca?” I nearly ran to her.

If it wasn't for the fact that her skin was so pale and her frequency was so strange I would of hugged her.

“That's not Luca!” said Master as she pulled out a decently sized mana stone and started to form spells with its power.

The Ōmukade laughed. “This is what's left of poor little Luca. She's not quite a demon, she's more of an evil spirit. Though you could call her a demon. After all to be a demon one simply needs to fall.”

“Luca I'm so sorry” I cried.

“Shut up!” she yelled. “If you're really sorry you'll give me your life! An eye for an eye.” She formed a shadow lance mid air.

Should I let her? Would that make us even. I was about to walk forward when Master stopped me. She tugged on my robes.

I looked back to her. Master looked scared. “Don't do it Shadow! She's not Luca you see that flower over there!” Master pointed to the crystal flower in Squirmy’s hand.

“That's Lucas Soul. Not just her soul. That's Luca. The most important part at least. That thing you see in front of you is nothing more than an Imitation.”

How did Master know all this? I didn’t know, but I trusted her. “Okay, then we’ll get her soul back and figure it out from there.”

I hadn't even noticed it, but my claws had finally retracted. My head was clear. I knew what I had to do.

I'm goanna save Luca.