Demon Shadow (Akuma no Kage)

Demon Shadow (Akuma no Kage) By: Corey Person

*This is meant to be an action adventure. Sadly, that is not a tag in the fiction section.

Chapter 1- The Dreams We Make

Li tried to lift his head off the ground. Bleeding and in pain, he forced himself to his knees. His green hair hung loose over his face. He could see the forest, which now was in ruin. His friends, those he swore to protect, all lay scattered and lifeless. He tries to bring himself to his feet, but the pain from his wound brings him back down to his knees. Looking up again, he sees her…

?: You should have known this would be the outcome.

Li: (In pain) Th… This isn’t over!

He tries to stand again, but it’s no use. She let out a soft laugh.

?: Stop fooling yourself, Li. The was over even before it began.

Unable to move, all he could do was watch as she lifted her left hand and aimed it at him. Suddenly the pressure in the air changed drastically, it was almost too much to bear. She gently flicked her hair with her right hand as a red energy swirled and condensed around the left.

Li’s eyes shot open, only to close again as the sunlight hit his eyes.

Li: (Wincing) That dream again…

He couldn’t remember how many times he’d had the same dream. Watching everyone die, only to finally die himself. Over and over. Still laying against the tree he was sleeping under; he thought to himself.

Li: Why do I keep having it? Who is that woman? And who were those people?

He rubbed his head, trying to make sense of things.

Li: The only one I recognize is…

His thought was interrupted by a sudden impact on his chest that forced the air from his lungs.

?: Don’t tell me you’re going to sleep all day!

Li groaned and opened one eye.

Li: I thought I told you not to wake me up like that, Sachi?

Sitting on his chest was Sachi, a young fox demon with pink hair that was pulled into a ponytail, and fluffy pink tail. She had a look of disappointment that barely hid her joyful excitement.

Sachi: But we’re going to be late! And we came all this way!

She hopped off his chest as he sat up stretching his arms, his green hair glistened in the sunlight.

Li: Is it really that serious? It’s just a festival.

Sachi: Yes! This is the only time you can get Nazaki oranges without having to travel halfway around the world!

Li closed his eyes, shook his head and chuckled.

Li: And what’s so special about these oranges?

Sachi: Are you serious? They’re so sweet, and soft! And the peel just comes right off!

The more excited she became, the more Li laughed.

Sachi: And they’re so cute and small… Stop laughing!

Li: Sorry, sorry! You really love your oranges, don’t you?

Her eyes gleamed with excitement and delight as she vigorously nodded her head.

Sachi: Mmhmm! So come on!

Sachi began to playfully pound on Li’s chest with both fist as he laughed while rubbing his head.

Li: Alright, okay! But I’m getting one.

Sachi: Not a chance!

Both of them laughed as they headed to Chūō-mura.

Just outside of Chūō-mura.

An elegantly designed carriage was traveling towards the village. Rather than being pulled by animals, it was being pulled by servants. Inside sat two demons, one man and one woman. The woman was looking out of the window in disinterest as the other spoke to her.

?: Are you alright you highness?

She continued to look out of the window, seeming to ignore him. Her crimson hair gleaming in the sunlight coming in through the window.

??: How many times must you ask me?

Her pale blue eyes shifted in his direction.

??: You’ve asked at least thirty times. You should know the answer, Heizu.

He lowered his head and smiled.

Heizu: It’s just that you haven’t spoken since we left…

??: And? What of it? Or am I supposed to speak at your command?

He was no longer smiling. He raised his head and looked her in the eyes.

Heizu: There’s just this air around you that you only seem to have when you are angry is all.

She turned her attention back to the window, sighing impatiently.

??: ... I’m not. I’m simply bracing myself for the inevitable.

Heizu: You mean the common folk?

She scoffed at his words. Her eyes were turning indigo.

??: You do know what happened the last time I was around the “common folk”, don’t you?

Heizu’s eyes dimmed.

Heizu: I… I’ve heard. However, this shows compassion and understanding. That you don’t judge them for the actions of the past. Plus, you’d get to receive the love and admiration they’d have for the powerful and beautiful Empress Kyo-Suki. It would be foolish…

It happened faster than anyone could have seen. As Heizu was finishing his sentence, he suddenly found himself pinned to his seat. Kyo-Suki had her hand around his throat, squeezing with a look of hatred and contempt in her eyes. Eyes that turned from indigo to a dark crimson that nearly matched the color of her hair.

Kyo-Suki: What was that?

He could barely speak due to the overwhelming force of her grip.

Heizu: I… my apology… y-your highness…

Her grip tightened.

Kyo-Suki: Do you imply that I am a fool…

Just then, the carriage came to a sudden halt. Kyo-Suki maintained her grip, staring daggers into Heizu. She finally released him, flicking her hair with her left hand before opening the door, stepping one foot out. As she did…

Kyo-Suki: Don’t make the same mistake again. Because even though you have a certain usefulness…

Heizu spoke up nervously.

Heizu: (gasping) I… I understand perfectly, your highness.

She glared at him exiting the carriage, taking one step before turning back to Heizu.

Kyo-Suki: Don’t Interrupt me again!

With that, she began to walk towards the front of the carriage where she was met by one of the servants.

Kyo-Suki: Why have we stopped?

Servant: Forgive me Empress, but the road is blocked. We need to clear out the bodies before…

Kyo-Suki: Bodies?

The servant led her to the front of the carriage. Several feet ahead lay a multitude of corpses in various states. Ones chest was ripped open. Another was missing half of their face. Everywhere she looked she saw broken and lifeless bodies. One of them had their head embedded into a tree.

Servant: As you see, it’s quite a mess. But we should be able to clear a path.

She continued to walk amongst the bodies, examining them over one by one. She had no concern about being attacked. Only a fool would dare, she thought. Then one corpse grabbed her attention.

He was missing his right hand. The arm was bent at an awkward angle. His chest was caved in, as well as the right side of his face. She noticed a strange liquid pooled next to him. It wasn’t blood. She knelt to get a closer look when the scent of it graced her nose. Her eyes widened, turning a deep purple.

Kyo-Suki: Don’t bother. Leave them as they are and just keep going.

The servant looked at her with nervous confusion.

Servant: I… forgive me for asking, but how…

Kyo-Suki: Just walk over them!

Without hesitation, he gathered the others as Kyo-Suki reentered the carriage. A moment later, the carriage was moving again. Looking out the window, Heizu caught a glimpse of the chaos outside.

Heizu: Who or what caused that?

Kyo-Suki: Never mind.

Heizu: But if it is a threat…

Kyo-Suki: I said never mind!

Heizu realized they were still headed towards Chūō-mura. He didn’t want to risk agitating her further, yet he felt the need to ask.

Heizu: Forgive me for asking, but why are we going to Chūō-mura?

Kyo-Suki: The Nazaki Festival. I’d like to try one of the oranges.

Shocked by her answer, Heziu was at a near loss for words.

Heizu: I… I had no idea you liked oranges.

She didn’t respond to him, simply gazing out of the window at the carriage continued.

Back in Chūō-mura…

The village was alive with the sounds and smells of the festival. Merchants had shops set up all over. Sachi was dragging Li from shop to shop, cheering with delight as Li grew more and more annoyed.

Li: You know we don’t have any Okane to buy any of this, right?

She looked up at him, her bright eyes wide with glee.

Sachi: You don’t, but I do!

He was in awe as she revealed a small pouch full of Okane.

Li: Where’d you…

Sachi: My grandpa gave it to me. He knew how upset I was that I missed the last festival. He wanted me to enjoy myself, so he gave me this!

Li: I see. So, you can buy me one of those oranges then, huh?

Sachi: (gasp) No way!

Li: Oh, come on! If you’re gonna drag me all over the place, then at least…

Sachi: Not listening!

Sachi playfully ran off as Li chased after her. Moments later, they found themselves in front of the Nazaki orange stand.

Li: (out of breath) It’s… about time… you stopped! I…

He could tell something was wrong, as Sachi looked to be on the verge of tears.

Li: You alright? What’s…

Sachi: They… they’re all gone!

Her eyes welled up, and tears began flowing down her cheeks. The demon working at the shop took notice of the commotion.

Worker: Why, what seems to have you so upset?

He leaned over the counter and smiled. As he did, Li noticed something just behind him.

Li: We’ll have two oranges please!

It was then that the worker realized he had been blocking the last two oranges from view.

Worker: Oh! Oh my!

He quickly turned to grab the oranges. Sachi tried to hand him the Okane for them when he turned back.

Worker: Oh no, little Miss. These are on me. Here you go, enjoy!

As she reached out to take the oranges, someone ran by, snatching them from the worker’s hand.

Thief: Thanks!

Before anyone could react, another ran by, taking Sachi’s Okane.

Thief #2: Yeah, thanks!

Both ran off towards the forest at the edge of the village. Li began to chase after them.

Li: Hey! Get back here you bastards!

Sachi: Wait for me!

She swiftly ran after them into the forest. A short while later, the two thieves are resting in a clearing.

Thief #2: (out of breath) You… you think we lost them?

Thief #1: Calm down Kaza! They’d have caught up by now…

They both heard the sound of crunching leaves. Looking around, there was no one in sight.

Thief #1: Shh…

Kaza: (whisper) Maybe we should go, Garzo.

Garzo: Shh!

Examining the area, he noticed Sachi. She was looking around cautiously.

Kaza: Think she’s alone?

Garzo: Will you shut up!

Li: That would make it harder to find you!

Li managed to get the drop on them. Where he came from, they didn’t know. In the confusion, he punched Garzo in the face. The oranges fell from his hand, rolling towards Sachi. Look to her, he yelled.

Li: Run!

He turned back to the others to continue the fight. He held his own well enough, for a while at least. But their teamwork began to overwhelm him. Garzo managed to put Li into a full nelson as Kaza proceeded to hit him with punches and energy blasts. When Garzo let go, Li fell to his hands and knees.

Kaza: Not so tough now are ya?

He kicked Li in the ribs. Then, he raised his right hand and formed an orb of energy.

Kaza: You should have just let us…

Kyo-Suki: What do you think you are doing?

Garzo: Mind your business lady! Or you’re next… Uh, Kaza!

Kaza looked in Garzo’s direction. Upon seeing who Garzo had been speaking to, his arm went limp, the energy he formed fading away.

Kaza: Th… They stole our oranges and…

Kyo-Suki held up a hand, silencing them.

Kyo-Suki: The shop worker told me he gave the last two oranges he had to a young fox demon, but two thieves stole them from her. You don’t seem to be foxes…

Kaza and Garzo looked at each other, then back to her. Her face was expressionless.

Kyo-Suki: Do you know who I am?

Kaza & Garzo: Y… Yes, your highness!

Kyo-Suki: And yet, you were about to lie to me. Is that correct?

Kaza: Well, you see…

Her eyes turned from violet to pale red.

Kyo-Suki: If one can’t protect what is theirs, then they deserve to lose it. Especially if it can be taken so easily. However…

Her eyes turned a darker shade of red.

Kyo-Suki: The fact that you thought lie despite knowing who I am…

The air began to thicken from the pressure resonating from her. Li, still regaining himself, felt an odd sense of déjà vu. Her eyes were now a glowing crimson.

Kyo-Suki: … Do you think that is something I can allow?

She flicked her hair with her right hand while raising her left, palm facing towards Kaza and Garzo. The pressure grew more, causing Li to shiver. Kaza and Garzo were pleading with Kyo-Suki as a small crimson orb began to form in her left palm.

Li was now paralyzed by fear. This very scene seemed all too familiar to him. He could feel the pressure suddenly surge the orb double in size.

Kyo-Suki: Shinku no nami…

The orb flew towards Kaza and Garzo. Their screams were quickly silenced as they were instantly vaporized on impact. Dust and debris flew in the air. When it settled, all that remained was a small crater. Kyo-Suki took slow, measured steps, stopping in front of Li as her eyes slowly tuned back to violet. Li was staring at the crater.

Kyo-Suki: Can you stand?

Li: Y… Ye… Yes, I think so.

Kyo-Suki: You should pick your fights better. That kind of foolishness will get you killed one day.

At those words Li looked up at her, meeting her gaze. The instant his eyes met hers, panic flowed through his body, eyes full of fear and dread. She noticed right away.

Kyo-Suki: …Have we met before?

He couldn’t speak. Her eyes began to turn from violet to a pale blue color.

Kyo-Suki: I know that look… Fear, contempt. Have we met? Have I wronged you?

Li remained speechless. She raised her left hand, pointing her palm towards Li’s face. Her eyes slowly turned from pale blue to pale red.

Kyo-Suki: I won’t ask you again…

Li: I’ve… I’ve had dreams about you.

The words surprised Kyo-Suki. She raised an eyebrow, curious by his meaning. Li’s hands clenched into the dirt as he spoke.

Li: You… you always kill me. I don’t know why, but…

Kyo-Suki: What is your name?

Li: Li.

Just then, the sound of small frantic footsteps could be heard. Sachi had ran to Li’s side. She fell to her knees, holding the two oranges in each hand.

Sachi: Please, take them. And please forgive us! He…

Kyo-Suki calmly took one of the oranges. She looked it over, then looked at both Sachi and Li. Expressionless, she then turned to walk away.

Sachi: They’re both…

Kyo-Suki paused, looking over her shoulder at Sachi.

Kyo-Suki: I only wanted one. I’ve never had a Nazaki orange before.

She looked at the orange for a moment, then turned her attention towards Li.

Kyo-Suki: He was ready to give his life for one of these, for your sake alone… Is that correct?

Sachi stared into her eyes, which were now a swirling mixture of violet, blue and green.

Sachi: When you say it like that, you almost make him sound like a hero.

Kyo-Suki continued to stare at Li.

Kyo-Suki: But isn’t that what heroes do? Fight to protect, even if they know they will lose?

Li: I wouldn’t call myself a hero, but you aren’t wrong.

As she stared into her eyes, she felt a sense of recognition she couldn’t place.

Kyo-Suki: Are you certain we’ve never met?

Li: I’m sure. I’d remember if we did.

Kyo-Suki: Because of your dreams?

Li: Y... Yes.

She looked him over for a moment before turning her head forward.

Kyo-Suki: You’d do well to make sure those dreams don’t come true, Li.

And with that she walked away.

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