Fallen Stars

Mystery Eighteen

It’s Dark And Hell Is Hot

[Flashback: Eighteen years ago…]

In a fiery wasteland. Fiery like hell. Deep inside a burning castle, there’s a red fiery portal. Inside it, a female demon is yelling out in pain. She resembles a female human, but she has three horns on her head. Other demons circled her, with water and towels, laying their swords on the ground. One demon yells to two other demons to get the lord.

Flying for about forty minutes, getting through the portal, they make their way to the Emperor’s chambers, they come in quickly. Kneeling before the emperor. Maalik is a red demon, having short horns, and black wings. Wearing casual formal attire.

Maalik: My lord, she’s giving birth.

The emperor sighs.

Nagi: Ok, I’m coming.

Nagi is a demon of tall stature, resembling a human, having a helmet that’s custom-made where it allows his two horns to spring up, but also having a design that covers his forehead. Wearing armor, and a black and red cape.

Another demon stops him before he goes.

Procyon: Brother-in-law. You know what will happen if you go.

Procyon is of the same stature. He has a single horn. Nagi touches Procyon’s shoulder.

Nagi: I know. Don’t worry, Procyon. If I die, all I ask is you take care of my son.

Procyon: … I will.

Nagi: Raise him correctly. He’ll be the next emperor.

Procyon: (...)

Nagi makes his way to the birthing hall, followed by the demons. Walking through the portal, forty minutes later, he makes it to the birthing room.

He gets beside his wife and holds her hand.

Nagi: I’m here, Nami.

Nami is heavily breathing in and out.

Nami: I’m glad you’re here. I needed you with me.

Nagi: I needed to be by your side.

The two kisses and Suto try to control the room.

Suto: I need you to push, Empress.

Nami yells out in pain, pushing as hard as she can!! Her body begins to catch on fire!! Nagi continues holding her hand, even through the fiery pain.

Nagi: I wouldn’t miss my son’s birth for anything.

Nami begins to burn Nagi’s hand.

Nagi: (I know I will die here, but at least I know my son made it.)

She pushes the baby out, but her body lashes out killing alot of demons in the room!!

The baby comes out on fire, heat blazing off of it, and it unconsciously with the heat, burns a few demons to a crisp, including his father, he forced the swords to heat up and slice through all the burnt demons and ones still alive!!

The only survivors in the room left, are the baby and Maalik. The baby floats back down and cries in its dead mother’s arms.

The room is filled with lifeless bodies, the emperor is dead, and the empress is dead.

Maalik is almost appearing drained of vitality at the horror in the room.

Maalik: (This kid not only killed his father and mother during birth, but he also killed everyone in the room?!)

Maalik falls and coughs up from the heat.

Maalik: (Why was I spared?!)

Maalik slowly stands up, looking at the baby crying in its mother’s arms.

Maalik: Is this how a Kagutsuchi birth always happens?

Maalik grabs the baby, coddling him. Soothing him to stop him from crying.

Maalik: I knew what your name was planned, and I shall give it to you. Vega Mazoku Purgatory. Welcome to the Purgatory Clan.

Maalik looks around at the corpses in the room.

Maalik: Though you already killed twenty members of the clan.

Maalik reaches over Nami’s body and takes the red stone necklace. It catches the eye of Vega. He places the necklace around Vega’s neck. Vega stares at it with his red eyes.

Maalik takes baby Vega and flies to the emperor's chambers. Maalik gets before Procyon.

Maalik: This is-

Procyon: Did my sister survive?

Maalik looks down.

Maalik (saddened): No sir…

Procyon grips his fist.

Procyon: And Nagi is dead also?

Maalik: Yes, sir. Vega killed everyone in the room beside me.

Procyon turns and walks over. Looking down on a sleeping Vega. Procyon appears heated and frustrated.

Procyon: (So this bastard is the reason my sister is dead…) I shall be taking reigns as Emperor until Vega is of age.

Maalik: Yes, sir.

[Five years later.]

In the courtyard of the burning castle.

Vega: Grandma! This sword is too big for me.

Mago: Oh it's alright. Try again, sweetie.

Vega understood how his grandmother's cheerful expression at him. Mago is an elderly demon around 5’6, but the intensity around her is strong. She has horns going up, in red leather armor, and hints of fur around it. Resembling a human in looks, besides her short horns, and red skin.

Veg struggles.

Vega: I got it!!

Mago: *smiling* That’s my grandson!

Vega continues to struggle with the sword.

Mago: Vega, this could help you out with your sword training.

Vega: Hm?

Mago: From our homeland, there’s a word of resolve. It’s “Yaksha”. Scream it out within and it’ll broaden your will and help calm your soul.

Vega: Okay.

Mago: Now, learning the way of the sword. You’re lucky, you’re learning from a great swordswoman like me!

Vega: Wow! Really?

Mago: Yup! Swordsmanship has always been in our family. You should ask Procyon more though, he’s better than me.

Vega: …Uncle…?

Vega looks up at the emperor's chambers, and Procyon is up there, looking at him with his arms folded, giving an intimidating look.

Vega: …I don’t think I could ask him…

While two demons talk in the background.

Maalik: Procyon is so cruel to Vega but respectable to everyone else.

Aoxes: He’s still mad about losing his sister. Give him time.

Maalik: …Why? Why should I? He knew exactly what his sister and Nagi were going to end up like, and he wants me to allow him to pout?

Maalik balls up his fist and strikes a wall.

Maalik: I refuse.

[One year later.]

At the same location, the fiery wasteland, with the castle in the background. In an open field that is also on fire.

Vega is yelling in the field, swinging his sword with all his might! The red stone around his neck swings.

Vega: AHHHH!!!! I will be the greatest swordsman ever!!!

Vega struggles as he’s using the sword, but yells out Yaksha!!

He continues to hardly swing his sword, while Mago is watching him from the background.

Mago: That’s my grandson!

Vega: I got this grandma!

As he says that, he continues to struggle to swing it. Barely getting the hang of it. Procyon is in the castle, with an annoyed expression. Watching Vega struggle and Mago notices it.

Mago: (I’ll have to talk to him about Vega… This is no way to treat a kid…)

Vega feels like he did a monstrous swing! But he looks up and Procyon is not impressed.

Procyon opens the castle’s window and jumps out. Landing right at Vega.

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Procyon: You said you were going to be the greatest swordsman? Show me.

Vega: Huh…?

Procyon takes out his sword. It reflects the sun.

Procyon: I challenge you. Handle your sword.

Procyon goes in to attack Vega!!

Mago: Procyon!!

Vega is frightened!! Procyon knocks out Vega’s sword and puts his sword right before his neck.

Procyon: (I should just do it.)

Vega falls to the ground. Procyon slowly puts up his sword.

Procyon: Live by the sword, die by the fire.

Vega looks up at Procyon, overwhelmed by what he said.

Procyon: This is what she was sacrificed for? Pathetic.

Vega: …!!

Vega takes off running into the castle.

Mago: Wait! Vega!

Mago looks up at Procyon.

Mago: (Grrr.)

And she takes off chasing after Vega. Making it into the castle, she looks around but can’t find him.

Mago: Vega! Where are you?!

Vega whispers.

Vega: Here…

Mago turns to look and is surprised, finding Vega curled up into a ball, hiding in the shadows.

Mago: (He blended right in.)

Mago grabs Vega’s hand.

Mago: Come out of the shadows, Vega. I’ll protect you.

Vega sniffles.

Vega: Alright.

Mago takes Vega to his room. And she immediately storms to Procyon’s chambers. Bursting in…!!

Mago: What is wrong with you, Procyon?!

Procyon is looking out the castle’s windows.

Procyon: I guess I’m not over it yet.

Mago: It's been six years! I’m not saying get over it, but don’t take out your anger on Vega!!

Procyon: I promised to raise him… But I don’t think I can. I lost the only two people who had my back…

Mago: That’s not a reason for you to act like this to Vega! You lost a sister, I lost a son! But those actions don't lie on Vega!

Procyon: They do. He's the one who did it. If he was never born…

Mago: Don’t even speak like that!!

Procyon turns to Mago with a cold demeanor.

Procyon: Leave me alone, Mago.

Mago: (His eyes are dead cold…!!)

Mago storms out slamming the doors on her way out.

[The Next Day.

Nighttime.]

On a rainy day, Mago watches as Vega continues to train in the rain. Mago is in a yellow raincoat.

Mago: Are you sure you want to train today??

Vega has no coat, only a shirt, and pants.

Vega: Yes!

Vega trains his sword, concentrating, and doing techniques with his sword.

He does a powerful thrust! And accidentally looks up at the castle window. Procyon is at the top again, looking down on Vega, with the same unimpressed expression.

Vega gets mad and throws his sword to the side and takes off running from the open field again.

Mago: Wait! Vega!

Mago looks up at Procyon and gives him the bird! And takes off after Vega.

She sees he doesn’t run into the castle this time, but into the poverty residential.

Mago: (Not that way, Vega!!)

Mago chases after him but loses him.

Mago: No, no, no. Vega! Where did you go?!

Vega is far from Mago, hiding in the shadows again. Watches the kids play with a flattened soccer ball. None of the kids or parents can see Vega.

They have fun and walk away. Vega is left alone, but the roof above the shadows breaks apart. Rain comes pouring down on him.

Vega: *sigh* I deserve that…

Vega stays balled up while rain pours on him.

Vega: (I did nothing to him…)

Suddenly, the rain stops pouring on him.

Vega: Huh…? Did it stop raining?

Vega looks up, and Maalik is holding an umbrella over him, while he smokes a cigar.

Vega: Maalik…

Maalik only covers Vega, while the rain pours on him. He takes a puff and blows out a smoke ring.

Maalik: Vega. Don’t let someone like Procyon get in your head.

Vega hears those words and his attitude completely changes. He stands up. Starting to walk with Maalik following him with the umbrella. Leaving the Yōko* Quarters.

AN* Yōko means demon fox.

Them leaving, and someone steps out of the quarters watching them leave. A child fox girl, with silver ash-like hair, and a silver tail. In a dirty dress.

Vulpecula: I wonder who that was.

Vulpecula wipes her eyes, just waking up.

Vega meets back with Mago, and she hugs him. But she notices he has a cold demeanor now.

Mago: Were you the one who found him, Maalik?

Maalik: I was.

Mago: Thank you.

Maalik: It was no problem. Let’s go back now.

They leave heading back home.

[The Next Day.

Daytime.]

Vega is once again training in the open field. The energy around him has changed.

Mago: (Vega…)

He continues to swing his sword. Then, suddenly loud noises go off, like alarms and trucks riding in.

Mago: Huh?

Dune buggies come rolling in, and demons start to scatter, flying through the sky, but some begin to get shot down!! Landing right in front of Vega and his grandmother.

Mago (frantic): Come here!!

She yells out to Vega, and grabs him, hiding away from the events transpiring. Vega sees his uncle, walking out of the castle, standing on the ledge. Having his sword on his side, a stern look. He slowly takes his sword out of its sheath, and jumps into the sky!! But immediately comes crashing back into the castle!!!

Procyon: *holding his head* Ah.

A person looming in the sky, he looks in his teen years, but you can’t see his face, only his rainbow-colored eyes. Wearing an army uniform, he says, “Did you think you could beat me? You aren’t on my level of swordsmanship.” Then three other people appear, and they chain up Procyon.

One of the people who chained up Procyon speaks to the teen in the sky.

Wezen: That’sss a foul thing to say.

The teen responds, “No, that’s reality.”

Vega sees the rainbow-colored eyes teen in the sky.

Mago takes Vega and hides out from being seen, as the three chain up Procyon to a mountain.

**Mt. Fujitora**

On the mountain top, chained up, Procyon hangs there as a slight breeze comes by. Wisteria plants are around the mountain, beautiful purple. Blood splatters across the flowers.

Procyon: Ha. Is that all you got, Wezen?

Wezen wipes off his sword while smirking.

Wezen: All you have to do is tell us where the myssstical relicsss are.

Procyon: You fucking snake.

Wezen stands with the other two who chained up Procyon in the shadows. None of them are wearing army uniforms strangely. The person who Procyon briefly fought in the sky still floats about them. He says out to them “Don’t worry about him, Wezen. Your boss is in charge of this place. Round up the others, the fat cats will love them.”

The three of them scatter, leaving Procyon all alone, but a hawk comes swooping in!! Flying directly to his stomach and eating his intestines!! Procyon screeches out in pain!!

The teen in the sky says, “That will continue every day till you tell us. I know you Kagutsuchi can regenerate your stomachs.” Procyon who’s still in pain looks up at the teen who’s looking down on him.

Slightly tilting his head, the teen says, “Remember when we tortured your family for three hundred years? Do you want that again?”

Procyon: *smirks* It was three hundred thirty-three years to be exact.

[A few days later…]

Even more dune buggies come rolling into the territory. People hanging outside the passenger side loud and belligerent are singing,

Niko: Stop! Drop! Shut ‘em down, open up shop!

Sason: Oh, no! That’s how Ruff Ryders roll!!

Running alongside the dune buggies are blazing dogs, hellhounds. They bark constantly while running. Creating a frightening atmosphere.

Niko: Move out! Move out! Hunt ‘em down, dawgs!!

And the hellhound chases down demons, biting and tearing their wings and flesh.

Most of the demons are gathered in a certain location underground, chained by their wings, hanging, and also chains around their necks. Behind a secret glass window, are rich tycoons. Getting jittery at the sight. One of them says, “We can do so much” and another says, “We can do anything we want” while one smokes a cigar and says, “Set up the video camera” while rubbing his hands.

[In a hidden location]

Vega and his grandmother are hiding from everyone in a very dark room.

Vega is getting angry, yelling out ‘We need to save everyone!” His grandmother covers his mouth as soldiers walk by.

Mago: Sssh. Be quiet. We need to get out of here, we have to fend for ourselves now.

In Vega’s head, he hears his uncle screeching in pain for the past few days, he starts to tear up.

Vega: *sniffles* I just want to save him. To prove to him, that I’m strong.

Mago cuddles him.

Mago: In due time. But for now, we must stay strong. *wiping a tear from him*

Vega: Mhm.

Mago: Procyon is strong, this won’t even phase him.

Vega: Right.

A few more days go by, then weeks, all while, every single day, Vega hears his uncle yelling out in pain. They also heard rumors about tycoons having a “great time” down below from grunts.

[One year later…]

After surviving for so long on crumbs and leftovers, Mago says the time is now to leave the continent.

Mago: The army has left, and the demons in charge have become lax. Wezen has become lazy. The time is now.

She looks over to Vega(same height). In the shadowy room, he’s sitting down, tightly gripping his sword, his eyes are closed, unable to be seen hidden in the shadows. Then Vega opens his eyes looking straight forward with his red eyes beaming with anger. His tears have disappeared over the year. His red stone twinkles a bit and under his breath…

Vega: It’s dark... and hell is hot...

Mago looks at him concerned and scared but gets everything together to run. They both cover themselves in dirty sheets, covering their faces.

Mago peeps out of the door, seeing two people by the front gate, and a hellhound, she storms out with Vega following her, but suddenly Vega starts outpacing her and gets close to the demons and slices them in half!! He turns and cuts the hellhound in half too!! Shock is over her face, but she remains focused and bursts out of the door with him.

Mago: Hold my hand!

Vega does and she grows wings and takes off into the sky!

Mago: We have to get off the continent.

But on Mt. Fujitora they’re seen by Procyon. He’s bruised and bloody, leaking from both sides and his mouth. The full moon is shining down on him.

Procyon: *Huff* You were… alive... this whole time… I was aware all along that sacrificing for you wasn't a wise decision.

Vega locks eyes with his uncle while his grandmother carries him off.

Procyon: You don't deserve to live, Vega. You killed my sister… and my friend. After I die. I'll wait on you. I'll see you in hell...!!

Vega is stunned by the words, becoming saddened. But his grandmother covers his ears.

Mago: (Procyon you idiot! That’s not what you tell a child!!)

She flies for a countless amount of time, but makes it off of the continent and is headed to a new one. Resting at a location, hiding out from the army, she talks to Vega.

Mago: We’re going to the Void continent. I heard the army doesn’t go there. Plus I have-

She looks over at him, but he remains silent, in a world of his own.

Vega: I’m going out for a while.

Mago: What?!

She reaches out her hand, but as she gazes at him, his red eyes put fear in her heart.

Mago: Just stay safe.

Vega: …

He walks out, slamming the door. He has the sheet covering his face, dragging it across the ground. A villager sees him and starts laughing, “Hah hah, whatcha doing there buddy?”

Vega looks at him, takes his sword, and stabs him through the throat!! The man begins to choke on his blood and falls over. Mago comes running out of the worn-down house grabs Vega and takes off.

Mago: You can’t be doing that!!

They move from location to location over the next few months, just being cautious of not being tracked by the army. Vega cutting down anyone he sees fit.

Some late nights during these months, their houses randomly caught on fire. One night, Mago is seen running out of a house with Vega, who’s looking back, and always hears the same thing from the fire…

Procyon: Live by the sword... die by the fire.

But finally making it to the outskirts of the Void continent, on the back of Mago is Vega sleeping. Her wings flap quietly, coming up to the continent, she forms violet cosmos on her hand and does a swiping motion, creating a hole to fly through, making it through, the hole immediately seals back up.

Someone is standing on the beach watching her fly in.

Caffua: Can I help you with something?

Mago: *Huff* Yes, I have a child with me and we’re on the run from the army.

Caffua looks at her and looks at the child sleeping.

Caffua takes a second to scan her.

Caffua: (She isn’t lying…) Ok, you can pass. Do you have somewhere to live?

Mago: Yes, my family had a place in Proto City.

Caffua: Ok.

Mago takes off, flying from Caffua. After some time, she gets to a house that belonged to a family member, gets inside, and makes sure the coast is clear. She wakes up Vega, introducing him to their new home.

He looks around, not impressed, and goes to the backyard to swing his sword around. Mago goes to the table to gather her thoughts.

Mago: Hopefully a fire doesn’t start here. Everywhere he goes, a fire out of nowhere happens. Is he a cursed child? Is it worth saving him...

All while Vega is still in the house, and listening to it all. Days go by, with him still training his swordsmanship. But Mago comes to the backyard with a tablet.

Mago: Ok, a few things.

Vega: Hm?

Mago: You will be going to school here. You’ll be in elementary school.

Vega: …. I don’t want to go to school.

Mago: Not up for discussion. I already signed you up.

Vega: What?!

Mago: And, no more swords. Especially not in school.

Mago grabs his sword from him.

Vega: No swords?!

Mago: Here. *hands him the tablet* Play with this. And there’s one last thing. *she kneels over, getting close to Vega.* No... killing, please.

Vega: Huh?

Mago: Please, don’t kill anyone when you go to school. This can be a new life for us. I don’t want that messed up.

Vega: ...

Mago (sad): *gets up from kneeling* You start school next week. Be ready. *she walks away into the house*

Vega: What do I do with this?

He opens up the tablet. Viewtube opens up and the first recommendation is a Viewtuber named “MangaBean”. Vega clicks on it. He opens up the video by saying,

MangaBean: Oh... shit! Will my boy join the gang? Well, we’ll find out soon. I don’t really like the direction this story is going in, but we have to take it with a grain of pepper.

Vega laughs a bit.

After watching numerous videos, he gets to another one.

MangaBean: What are you saying?

OrangeRanger: I’m saying, wouldn't you be curious?

MangaBean: Nope. Curiosity killed the dog!

OrangeRanger: That doesn’t sound right.

MangaBean: Hm. It does to me.

Vega continues laughing, binge-watching the viewtuber. By the time Vega realizes it, the school week is upon him.

Getting to school with his grandma.

Vega: Tartarus?

Mago: Yup. *She gets close to Vega, kneeling in front of him.* Ok, I want you to put a smile on. And make a lot of friends, say something funny.

Vega: ...

Mago: Now go in, second grade.

Vega: *pout* Ok.

Getting into the school, making it to the class. The teacher welcomes him in.

Teacher Gabrielle: Class, we have a new student. Go ahead and introduce yourself.

Vega stands in front of everyone with his red eyes and necklace with a red stone on it.

Vega: (I have to say something funny.) Uhh, sorry to be talking to you all from up here, Ahaha. Seems I have the lemonlight.

Ms. Gabrielle: ...The limelight?

Vega: Nah, that can’t be right.

Ms. Gabrielle (hurrying): Just be quick about your introduction, please.

Vega: I’ll keep it short and sour.

Ms. Gabrielle closed her eyes for a long period. Having an unpleasant face.

Vega: Hi, my name is Vega. I’m new to the city, but people don't seem to be that smart here.

Jack reacts. Draco reacts but just responds to the name.

Jack: (Huh?)

Draco: (V-Vega…?)

Vega: Anyways, what I’m getting at is….

Vega *pauses for a second* (serious tone): I’m better than all of you, and I’m gonna take that number one spot.

As Vega points to a random girl in class, Draco turns his head around to look at Vega and chuckles a little bit.

Draco (amused): (This guy is interesting.)

[End of Flashback]

Ogma: I’ll see you in hell!! Ihahaha!!

Ogma has an arrogant smile.

Ogma: Do you not know my title?! I’m Ogma! The Lord of Slaughter, motherfucker!

Ogma: Now, DIE!

Ogma with one sword swings it down fast onto Vega but is stopped by Vega’s sword.

Ogma is surprised by Vega holding back his sword. Vega stands up with his face covered in flames…. not being able to see his expression.

Vega (aggravated): I’ll Be Taking That Title of Yours, You Will Feel This….

Vega’s forehead starts twitching, and his red stone necklace twinkles a little bit…

[Oh, No!

Something’s Changed!!]

Mystery 18 Fin