Demon Shadow (Akuma no Kage)

Issue 4- Pray Not for the Vengeful

Kyo-Suki’s carriage rests at the side of the road it had been travelling on, having allowed her servants to take a much-needed break to regain their strength. Both her and Heizu stood outside the carriage. She was observing a bird flying overhead when he spoke to her.

Heizu: Someone’s approaching, your highness. Would you like me to…

Kyo-Suki: No. They are no more a threat to me than that bird in the sky.

Before he could respond, a young female demon wearing what looked like ceremonial robes was shouting for their attention. She was running in their direction, waving her arms in the air. When she finally made it to them…

Robed Demon: (Out of breath) Pl…please! You…you have to help!

Heizu: Miss, I’m sorry. But whatever it is…

Kyo-Suki: Let her speak.

Kyo-Suki had not looked down from the bird.

Robed Demon: A short while ago, a demon came to our temple. I don’t know why but he suddenly started killing the others. There are some trying to stop him, but they just aren’t enough!

Kyo-Suki: Why are you telling me this?

Robed Demon: I left to go find help. That’s when I saw what you did to those bandits up the road a ways. I would have called to you, but…

Kyo-Suki: You were afraid...

Robed Demon: Y-yes. I’m sorry, I mean no offense. It’s just… I’ve never seen or felt power like that before. I’m certain you’re strong enough to stop him. We can’t offer you much, but would you please help.

Kyo-Suki maintained her focus on the bird. As she did, she contemplated the young woman’s plight. Truth be told, the matter was beneath her. What good would come of it, she thought. Finally, she turned her gaze to the young demon, studying her closely.

Kyo-Suki: Heizu, stay with the carriage. I’ll return shortly.

Heizu: But your highness…

She cut him off with a glance. Swallowing his words, he did as she asked as he watched her walk off in the direction of the young woman’s temple. They walked in silence, eventually crossing a small wooden bridge over a stream, and climbing a short hill before reaching the base of the steps leading to the temple.

Robed Demon: We’re here. You...

Kyo-Suki began climbing the stairs, ignoring what she was saying. As she climbed, she thought about who this demon could be. She could feel their pressure if she focused but felt no concern.

As she was reaching the top of the stairs, the body of one of the temple priests came tumbling down. Continuing on, she saw the bodies of other priests and worshipers scattered around the temple grounds. Blood was everywhere.

To her left she noticed a commotion. She saw several demons fleeing for their lives being pursued by a heavily scarred demon wielding a sword that looked to be carved from bone. He had a bloodthirsty expression and was laughing maniacally.

Scarred Demon: That’s right! Runaway you cowards! Run… Oh? Looks like someone isn’t afraid of me!

He had noticed Kyo-Suki staring at him, her eyes glowing violet. He licked the blood from the blade of his sword before laughing.

Kyo-Suki: Why have you slaughtered these demons?

Scarred Demon: Why? Do I gotta have a reason? Maybe I just felt like it. You got a problem with that?

Kyo-Suki continued to stare at him. One of the priests ran by her in an attempt to escape. As he did, she grabbed his hood with absurd speed, preventing him from going any further.

Kyo-Suki: Has anyone at this temple given him a reason to attack?

Temple Priest: N-no! He just showed up here and…

Kyo-Suki: What purpose does the temple serve?

Temple Priest: We worship the Three Original Demons; Awaremi, Kēosu, and Saiketsu. Also, we send half of the crops we grow to the palace as an offering to the Empress, even though she never asked us to.

Her eyes narrowed as they turned a pale blue. She released his hood, allowing him to scurry away. Without warning, the scarred demon rushed towards Kyo-Suki, sword ready to strike. He closed the distance quickly, swinging the sword as he passed by.

Scarred Demon: Too easy!

He looked over his shoulder only to see Kyo-Suki still standing, her back facing him. He turned to face her, excepting her to turn around or fall when she suddenly vanished. Before he could look around…

Kyo-Suki: Would you like to try again?

Scarred Demon: Wha?!

She was standing behind him. He quickly turned, taking aim at her neck as he swung his sword. Again, she vanished, appearing just to the left of him. He leapt at her swinging his sword wildly, only for her to vanish again. This time she appeared behind him with her back facing him.

Before he could attack again, he felt an intense pressure build up around him. It shook him to his core. Then, he was hit by an unseen force that sent him flying back. He hit the ground hard and went crashing into a pillar.

Scarred Demon: Gah! …You’re no priest! Just who the hell are you.

She glanced over her shoulder at his direction.

Kyo-Suki: Someone who doesn’t have to answer to the likes of you…

She turned towards him, as the pressure she was giving off grew stronger.

Kyo-Suki: But if you truly must know…

She lifted her right arm, aiming the palm of her hand at him.

Kyo-Suki: …I am Empress Kyo-Suki, and you are less than dust in the wind.

He was then hit with a powerful invisible blast one that caused the pillar to shatter as his body flew several yards before landing on his stomach. Realizing he had dropped his sword, he tried to raise himself up, but he could only manage to get to his hands and knees. He could feel his ribs were broken.

Looking up, he could see her looming over him, her face emotionless. Her left palm was pointed at his face. He shook under the ever-increasing pressure as formed a Shinku no nami. Without a word from either, she fired it, obliterating his body in an instant. The only thing left was ash and a small smoldering crater.

Meanwhile in Chūō-mura…

The festival was still in full swing as Itsuko and Kenji arrived. They stopped by one of the many food stands for a quick meal, before heading directly to Ori’s home. Itsuko didn’t even so much as knock as she entered, telling Kenji to wait outside. Once inside…

Ori: I’m afraid you’re a bit late…

Ori was standing with her back to Itsuko, looking out through a window. Itsuko scoffed at her words.

Itsuko: Save the subtleties for someone else. And it’s no thanks to you! I would have been here earlier if you didn’t send assassins after me.

Ori: I didn’t send assassins. Had I, they would have been powerful enough to actually kill you.

Itsuko: Oh? So, you didn’t tell them they’d be rewarded for bringing Kyo-Suki my head?

Without speaking, Ori turned and approached Itsuko, placing both hands on her face. Itsuko began having a vision. In it, she was facing off against Kyo-Suki just outside of Ori’s home. She saw Kenji die defending her from one of Kyo-Suki’s attacks. She saw herself in utter defeat, laying broken and bloody on the ground. She saw a deep crimson flash as everything went black.

Ori: As you saw, things would have ended in disaster for you. Besides, I lied to them.

Itsuko: …Why would you…

Ori: As your elder sister, isn’t it my job to protect you? By any means at that?

Itsuko rolled her eyes while sucking her teeth.

Itsuko: Please! If that’s how you truly felt, our family…

Ori: I warned father long before that day. The only blame I bear is telling him exactly what would happen if he did what he chose to do.

Itsuko had no words. A combination of sadness and rage began welling up inside her. She turned to leave when a thought occurred to her.

Itsuko: What aren’t you telling me?

Ori: Had they delayed you just a little longer, you’d have met a very special young man. That’s all.

Itsuko considered those words and how to respond but thought better of it. She silently left meeting Kenji outside. Together they walked away, heading toward the east end of the village.

Kenji: Did you find your answers?

Itsuko: You know Ori as well as I do. So, both yes and no.

Kenji: I see. Where…

As they passed by a bar, Kenji began to feel a powerful yet strange presence. The sensation appeared to be coming from a young female. As she drew closer, the feeling grew stronger. Every part of him wanted to attack her while at the same time, wanting to flee.

As they passed each other, she seemed not to notice or care that he was staring at her. Others took notice of her as well, a look of caution in their eyes. He watched her closely as she approached the bar.

Itsuko: Are you even listening to me Kenji?

Kenji: Sorry, lady Itsuko. But, that woman…

Itsuko: Kenji, I know you’re a man. And yes, she wasn’t wearing a shirt. But you can’t go around getting distracted by things like that.

Kenji: It’s not that. That pressure… it’s odd.

Itsuko laughed.

Itsuko: Is that it? So? Sure, she might be strong, even more than what we can sense. But she’s not Kyo-Suki. So, I see no reason to be concerned about her.

Kenji simply nodded. He remained silent as they left the village.

A short while later in the forest just outside of Chūō-mura…

Li and the others were racing towards the village when they stopped at what appeared to be the scene of a recent battle. There were several broken trees, and splashes of blood scattered around.

Gray Fox: Be on your guard, Li. And stay close to me Sachi.

Li: I don’t see any bodies. Do you think…

?: Where are you! Come on out you coward!

The voice they heard was coming from the village. Once there they were met with the sight of a heavily scarred demon harassing the villagers. He was holding a child up by the collar with one arm while threatening her with a sword held in his other hand.

Scarred Demon: You tell me where she is right now, or so help me…

Sachi: We have to do something!

Li: Stay with Sachi.

Gray Fox: Li, wait!

He wasn’t listening. He rushed towards the scarred demon. As he did, he tried to form an attack with his energy. While he could channel his energy into his palm, he couldn’t get it to take form. With very little distance between him and his target, Li was pressed for options.

Li: Screw it. Bakuha Furea!

Li hit the demon in the chest at point blank range, his attack detonating on impact. The force of it caused him to drop the child while flying back several feet. Li was able to catch the child before she hit the ground.

Small Child: Th...thank you!

Li: Don’t mention it. Are your parents okay?

Small Child: Mm-hmm!

Li: Good! Go find them and hide. Hurry!

Scarred Demon: Why you!

The demon was rising to his feet, still gripping his sword. Li could tell from that distance the blade looked sharp.

Scarred Demon: You dare stand in my way! All I want is the girl who did this to me!

He pointed to the slash marks on the left side of his abdomen, as well as a wound to his chest. His right eye was bloody.

Scarred Demon: But if you insist on interfering…

He bolted towards Li swinging his sword. Li was able to dodge, but just barely. He avoided several more attacks when he eventually lost his footing and fell to the ground.

Scarred Demon: Got you now!

He swung the sword down towards Li. Realizing he still had the sheath he had found, he used it to block the sword. To his surprise, the sheath didn’t receive any damage. He struggled against his opponents’ weight, until he managed to push him off.

Getting back to his feet, Li brandished the sheath as if it were a sword. Looking behind him, he noticed the area outside of the bar had fewer demons, and none were children. He backed his way towards the bar, parrying attacks as he did.

Having never used a sword before, he struggled against the scarred demon. He narrowly dodged an attack aimed at his neck. He swung back with the sheath, hitting the demon in the head. Blood began to trickle over his face. He licked someone of it as it reached his lips.

Scarred Demon: You’re going to pay for that, you little shit! Be glad my brother isn’t here to see this. We’d make short work of you and that bitch!

At that moment, the doors to the bar flew open as several demons ran out. They seemed to be running away from something, a look of pure terror on each of their faces.

Scarred Demon: Looks like they got the right idea!

As he spoke, one of the bar windows shattered as a bottle came flying out of it.

Scarred Demon: Just how long do you think that sheath is going to hold up?

More demons fled out of the bar. One of them bumped into the scarred demon as they ran past. They were so frightened that they didn’t even seem to notice. Several seconds later, Li heard a voice yell out.

?: You think you can just run away like that!

As the scarred demon was about to speak, a clawed hand tore through his chest. It was clutching onto his heart. Li was paralyzed by fear as he made a realization. The pressure they had sensed wasn’t coming from the scarred demon, but from the one who just ripped his heart out.