Demon Shadow (Akuma no Kage)

Content Warning: This chapter features depictions of graphic violence, alcohol use, and one mention of partial nudity. Reader discretion is advised.

To Vocal: The story is written by me, and not A I. I have the text file to prove this.

Chapter 5- Blood and Wine! Enter the Chaotic Princess

The atmosphere inside the bar was lively, for the most part. The place was nearly filled, save for two empty seats by the bar. The air was full of laughter and friendly bickering. The bartender was polishing a glass while the others drank with delight. It was safe to say that these demons were having the time of their lives.

That’s when the doors were violently kicked open. All talk and laughter came to a stop as everyone turned to look toward the door to see her. She was standing there as the doors swung back and forth to a stop, with the most joyfully carefree look on her face.

She walked towards the bar in a way that screamed confidence and freedom. The gourd hanging from the belt of the short tan skirt she was wearing, was swinging gently with each step.

The others looked on in awe and confusion, owing mostly to the fact that she was for some reason, topless. She seemed to either not notice, or care. She was humming to herself. The odd pressure she was giving off didn’t help any.

She reached the bar and sat in one of the empty seats. She looked around, seeming to become sad and confused. Then, her eyes beamed with joy as she saw the bartender at the far end, and using one finger, waved him over. The other patrons went back to talking and laughing.

???: I'll have one Dragon Wine, please!

Another hush fell throughout the crowd, even the bartender was taken aback. He had the most bemused look on his face.

Bartender: I... I'm sorry, what did you say?

She looked at him, blinking twice with a confused expression.

???: Umm... One Dragon Wine, pretty please!

He stood there for a moment as she smiled at him before he went into a room in the back. She tapped her fingers on the counter while she waited for him to come back. A short while later, he returned, holding a very dusty bottle. He blew the dust off, causing them both to cough.

???: Geez, how long has that been back there?

Bartender: I'm not quite sure to be honest. The case was here when I started, so at least three hundred years or so.

Her eyes widened and lit up with excitement.

???: Ooh! That's when it starts to get really good!

Not sure how to react to her he simply did his job, opening the bottle and pouring some of the wine into a glass, then sat it in front of her. He sealed the bottle and went to return it to the back room. She looked at the glass in disbelief.

???: Uh... What the hell is this, and where do you think you are going with that?

Bartender: The glass isn't dirty, is it? If so, I can...

???: No, I wanted the whole bottle!

His eyes widened, and he trembled slightly.

Bartender: Th-the whole bottle?! You can't possibly be ser...

???: Seriously! How is a girl supposed to enjoy herself with this tiny excuse of a drink?

Bartender: I don't think you understand Miss, that stuff is...

Before he could finish speaking, she reached out her left hand and placed her index finger on his lips. At the same time, she threw a small bag of Okane onto the counter.

???: That's enough, right? If not I, have more!

Bartender: That's not the issue...

Random Demons: Hey, let her drink!' 'I can't remember the last time I saw someone drink that stuff!' 'Didn't they die? ' Just look at her, trying to act tough…' 'I bet she doesn't make it past the first sip' 'Drink! Drink! Drink!'

The entire bar was cheering her on. Defeated, the bartender placed the bottle in front of her. She lifted the glass he had poured and held it under her nose, smelling the sweet, enticing aroma.

???: Ahhh! This is going to taste amazing!

She closed her eyes and put the glass to her lips. Total silence fell throughout. Instead of drinking, she opened her eyes and looked at the crowd.

???: What? You guys’ act like you never seen a girl take a drink before

And with that, she threw her head back, and emptied the entire glass into her mouth. She held it there for a second, letting it roll on her tongue before swallowing. She became still. Someone gasped, another was asking if she was ok, until...

??: Ooooooooh!

She then grabbed the bottle so fast, it was as if she never moved. Quickly put it to her lips, she turned it up and drank without taking a pause.

Random Demon: N... No way!

???: Mmm-mmmmm! Whew! I have not had Dragon Wine like this in a long time! Hey, didn't you say there was a case? Bring it here, could ya?

Just then...

?: What’s with all the ruckus? Who started a party and didn't invite me? I... The hell?!

His eyes landed on her as the bartender was coming from the back room with a box and setting it in front of her. She grabbed and opened the second bottle and began drinking. The others were split between cheering her on and being concerned for her as the newcomer approached with malice and determination.

?: Hey!

She turned her head to look at him. Still drinking, and with a sparkle in her eyes, she playfully waved at him her free hand. She then turned and continued drinking.

?: Don't ignore me! Do you have any idea who I am?

Still drinking, she looked at him again, this time as if in serious thought. She shook her head no, never taking the bottle from her lips. Then, she turned back around.

?: Wh-!! Who the hell do you think you are brushing me off like that!?

She was just finishing the second bottle, placing it on the counter, giggling as she grabbed and opened the third bottle. She looked at him with a playful look in her eyes and a cheerful smile.

???: I'm Devin! Nice to meet'cha!

She then started on the third bottle.

?: Well, Devin! You're sitting in my damn seat!

Devin stopped drinking and began looking at the seat. Even going as far as to get on her hands and knees and look at the bottom. She stood up, took a sip, and began to look really confused.

?: What the hell are you doing?

Devin: Well, I can't seem to find your name anywhere. Are you sure this is your seat? Ummm, what is your name?

He grew more agitated.

?: Tonchiki! And what do you mean 'my name isn't on the seat'?!

Devin: No seriously! You can look for yourself, but you'd be wasting your time! Besides, I already got comfy!

She sat back down, and was about to continue drinking, but before the bottle could reach her lips, Tonchiki had snatched the bottle from her.

Tonchiki: Well, if that's the case then I'll be having my drinks on you!

He took a mouth full of wine from the bottle. The instant it touched his tongue, his eyes widened as if in pain, and he spat it out. He was choking and gasping for air, all while on the verge of throwing up. The bottle fell from his hand to the floor and rolled along as it spilled wine.

Tonchiki: GAH! The hell is that stuff!?!

Bartender: It’s Dragon Wine.

Tonchikis' eyes closed tightly, and he continued to choke. The crowd whispered among themselves. Devin hadn't moved an inch since he'd taken her bottle. She turned her head to face him, with eyes full of shock and rage. Once her gaze finally settled on him, her right eye a few times.

Her teeth clenched and a vicious growl began to come from her. Without word or warning, she grabbed Tonchiki by the back of the head, and slammed it into the counter. She pulled his head back, blood now spilling from his forehead.

Devin: Grrrrrrrryaaaaaa!!!!

She slammed his head twice more. His face was now covered in blood, and he looked at her with pleading eyes.

Tonchiki: St...Stop! Please!!! I'm sorry!

Devin: Please!? (Head slam) You're 'sorry'? (Head slam) That was rude!! (Head slam)

By this point, no one knew how to react. They looked on in disbelief as the chaos ensued.

Devin: You (Head slam) could of (head slam) asked! (Head slam) You (Head slam) big (Head slam) stupid (head slam) ugly (head slam) smelly (Countless head slams) jerk!!!

Random Demons: Uh... is anyone gonna stop this?' 'I'm going nowhere near that!' 'Seriously? How many times has he helped us out! We need to...'

Devin: I woulda shared! (Head slam, head slam) But no!! (Head slam)

Blood was splattering everywhere, his face barely recognizable. Devin was breathing heavily. It seemed as if she was done, and the worst was over...

Devin: You... you know what makes this so bad?

He looked at her through swollen blood-soaked eyes. His broken jaw causing his pathetic no to be barely more than a gargled mess.

Devin: You spilled my damn wine!!!!

The next slam was the last. She used so much force, that his head broke through the solid stone counter. She let go as he slumped to the floo, lifeless.

Random Demons: 'She...killed him!' 'Don't me stupid, Tonchiki's not gonna be taken out by a little...' 'That's a lot of blood, and he's not breathing...'

Murmurs filled the bar. The bartender was frozen with shock. Devin, who was still looking down at Tonchiki's body in triumph, turned back to the bar. She grabbed the next bottle and opened it. Closing her eyes, she put the bottle to her lips and threw her head back. Just as the sweet liquid touched them…

SMASH!!!!

Her eyes shot open, and everything moved in slow motion. The shards of glass were passing by so slowly that she could count them. As the glass returned to normal speed, she placed the bottle onto the counter, having taken barely more than a sip. She turned halfway around, tilted her head to the side, and smiled a warm and welcoming smile.

Devin: Did you just break a bottle over my head?

The culprit was standing there in awe, unable to move. He was shaking.

Attacker: Y-y-yes!

Devin: Uh-huh! Thought so!

She turned to fully face him, while reaching behind her for the bottle. She then drank the entire thing in what seemed like two gulps.

Devin: Ahhhhhh!! Now that hit the...

As she spoke, she changed her grip on the bottle, now holding it by the neck. She raised her arm over her head and swung.

Devin: Spot!!

THUNK!!!!

The bottle did not break.

Devin: Huh? What the hell?

She looked at the bottle, then back to him, and swung again.

THUNK!!!

Devin: Oh, come on!

She swung again.

THWINK!!

The front of his skull caved in a bit, blood splattering everywhere. Still the bottle didn't break. Devin became frustrated.

Devin: Gnnnnyaaaaaa!!!:

Over and over, she hit him harder and harder each time. Each blow spreading more and more blood. She reached back for one final swing.

Devin: Raaaaah!!

SMASH!!!

At long last, the bottle shattered, along with what was left of his skull. Blood, glass and bone flew through the air as he fell to the floor.

Devin: Finally! Geeze! What are these bottles made...

Random Demons: 'Who the hell do you think you are! You think you can come in here and start killing folks!?' 'Someone needs to teach her some respect!'

They were rallying together. Most had gotten to their feet by this point.

Random Demon: We're gonna make you pay for this!

Devin: See, I’m kinda low on Okane after buying the wine, which...

She grabbed what would be the fifth bottle, opened and drank it in a matter of seconds.

Devin: ...It's so worth the price! Uh...

She looked at the bartender with joyful concern.

Devin: You can put this on my tab, right??

Bartender: You don't have a tab Miss, and you overpaid for the wine.

Devin: Oh! Well, in that case, I...

Random Demon: Screw this!

One of the others had rushed towards her before anyone could stop him. He raised his fist, and with all his might, punched Devin in the face. Her expression remained joyful, barely moving from the impact. She didn't even flinch, only let out a small chuckle.

Devin: Excuse me a sec, Mr. Bartender!

Her attacker was backing away as she stood and faced him. She walked towards him faster than he could back away. When she closed the distance, she delivered two punches in quick succession, one to each kidney.

Attacker: GAH!!!

He buckled over and started to cough up blood. Devin knelt to meet his gaze, seeing the look of pain and fear in his eye. She gave him a pleasant smile as she landed another punch to his stomach.

There was the sound of a loud snap as his body rose a few feet into the air before crashing to the floor unable to move. His spine had been broken.

Devin: You stay right there!

She returned to the bar, placing her gourd on the counter all the while humming to herself. She took one of the remaining seven bottles, opened it, and placed it upside down into the gourd.

Devin: When that one’s done, start on the next. And don't stop until they're all empty, got it!

He nodded yes. She winked at him, then turned away to gleefully walk towards the crowd. Everyone wanted her to pay, no one wanted to be the one to make her. Someone pushed the smallest of the group in her direction. He tried to fight, but it was no use.

He was shaking as Devin got closer. Her joyful face seemed to frighten him more. She stopped just in front of him, putting her face so close, he couldn't avoid smelling the Dragon Wine on her breath.

Devin: Can I ask you something?

He was on the verge of tears, possibly even wetting himself.

Scared Demon: Y-y-y-yes!!

Devin: Are you even old enough to be in here?

He couldn't answer, he was that afraid. Only the sounds of panicked whimpers escaped his mouth. He saw the door, and taking his chances, he ran for his life. Devin watched in confusion.

Devin: Ahh crap! HEY!! Come back!!! That's not what I wanted to ask! I said come ba...

Random Demon: I got her! I got her!

Someone had grabbed her from behind. He had a firm grip. However...

Devin: Aww! How'd ya know I needed a hug?

She threw her head back, headbutting him. He let go immediately. She turned around.

Devin: Hey! I thought you wanted to cuddle! You can just leave a girl hanging like...

He cut her off with a headbutt of his own. The sound of their foreheads colliding filled the bar. Her head flew back, his hurt like hell. But the pain was almost worth it until she started laughing. She placed her hands on his shoulders.

Devin: Now that's more like it!

She then swung her head forward. The force of the blow was so great, his face had caved in, and one of his eyes popped out. Devin was unharmed, though her face was now covered in blood.

Devin: Damn it! Just my luck, there's never a cloth when... oh!

She saw that the shirt he was wearing was a lot cleaner than anything else. She ripped it off him, and vigorously wiped her face clean. When she was done, she looked around to see everyone staring at her.

Devin: Oh, please don't tell me some got in my hair! You have no idea how hard this stuff is to get out!

As she checked her hair, the others began to talk about a plan, but she heard none of it. She finished just in time to see two demons rushing toward her, and she just smiled the same joyful smile.

Devin: Aren't you guys sweet! Coming to my rescue and everything!

She started to walk toward them.

Devin: Sooooo...

She suddenly stopped, and her smile faded.

Devin: Wait. Wait, wait, wait, WAIT!!!

The two froze, and looked at each other, as well as everyone else, then back to her. Her expression changed to that of one that was soft and slightly embarrassed, as she scratched her head.

Devin: Ummmm, do any of you know how to get to the palace?

She let out a chuckle as everyone stared in confusion.

Devin: You see, I'm lost and that's kinda the whole reason I came in here. Well, that and the Dragon Wine. Oh yeah!

She looked towards the bartender with a pleasant smile.

Devin: How's that coming along?

Bartender: Two bottles left, Miss.

Devin: Sweet! Toss me one will ya!

He did as he was asked. Devin watched with excitement as the bottle flew towards her. She reached up and caught it in her left hand.

Devin: Thanks! You really...

Her words fell short as she noticed the two had started to flank her, one managing to get behind her while the other stayed in front. She began to duck and turned to the right, all while opening the bottle in one fluid motion.

She put the bottle to her mouth while simultaneously elbowing him in the stomach and taking a drink. The other one was now in front of her. She bent her knees and jumped into a back flip while kicking him just under the jaw. His head snapped back, breaking his neck.

Still in motion from the jump, Devin was flipping backwards. Her eyes met those of the demon behind her while she was upside down. His were full terror, hers full of glee. She was still drinking the entire time.

She managed to land on his shoulders, her legs hung over onto his chest, his head snugly trapped between them. She grabbed his hair with her right hand and waved her left in the air, still holding the bottle.

Devin: WOOOO! Giddy up!

He struggled to get free, but it was no use.

Attacker: Get... Get off me!!!

She didn’t hear him. She took a drink and continued to hoot and cheer. The more he struggled, the more fun she seemed to have. In her excitement, she accidentally squeezed too hard, crushing his head between her thighs.

There was a sickening sound, a mixture of cracking and squishing. As his body collapsed, she fell to the floor with him. Confused, she looked down, and became flustered.

Devin: Oh C'mon!

Picking herself up from the floor, she looked down at the carnage. Blood, bits of bone and brain tissue clung to her legs, knees and thighs. Her skirt was soaked in blood.

Devin: Ugh! This is worse than getting it in your hair!

She started wiping the mess using someone's shirt again, becoming increasingly worried.

Devin: Ohhhh! I really hope this doesn't stain!

Drinking more wine, she began wishing the skirt would magically come clean. She had just started to notice the commotion around her.

Devin: Huh?? (Finishes the bottle) Hey! Where's everybody going!?

Everywhere she looked, demons were running for their lives in the direction of the door. One after the other, two or three at a time, they piled out, never looking back. Devin looked at the empty bottle in her hand, then back at the fleeing crowd, and threw it.

It sailed through the air, and through a window, shattering the glass. That caused them to pause for a moment, before continuing their escape. Devin was taken aback.

Devin: For the love of...! How'd I miss?!

Getting up, she took a step but staggered a bit. Though she kept her balance somehow.

Devin: Oh yeah! (Chuckle) Damn good wine!

She looked back at the bartender, who was just now putting the stopper back into the gourd. Quickly walking over, she snatched it off the counter. He looked on nervously as she shook it next to her ear.

Devin: Mmmm, still room for more! You are the best bartender ever!

He smiled hesitantly at her and gave his thanks for the compliment. Opening the gourd, she took three huge gulps. As she swallowed the third, she heard a door close. Her eyes looked in the direction of the sound to see a demon who had just exited the bathroom. Her eyes widened, and in an instant, she was standing next to him placing her arm over his shoulder.

Devin: Heeey buddy! (Takes a drink) Maybe you can help me! I need to get to the palace, but ya see (Chuckle) I don't remember where... Huh?

He had fainted. Either from the scene before him, or the scent of Dragon Wine on her breath. He landed on the floor with a thud.

Devin: Seriously!?!?!?!

Bartender: Ummm, Miss, if you mean the Empress's palace, you need to head to Roiyarubarē.

Devin: Oh! I know where that is! Thanks, I... ummm…

She looked around at blood and bodies.

Devin: ...Sorry about the mess!

Bartender: It's alright! I wasn't expecting to sell the wine, and they were troublemakers!

Devin smiled, winked, and gave a thumbs up! Then, she turned away and walked towards the remaining demons who had not yet made it to the door. One of them looked back, saw her approaching, and pushed his way past the others. By the time She reached the door, the last one had just made it out, door shutting behind him. She kicked it open.

Devin: Get back here! Agh!

It was much brighter outside than it was in the bar. As her eyes slowly adjusted to the sunlight, she could just start to make out at least two figures before her. One had their back to her.

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

Her right hand morphed into a claw like appendage with sharp pointed talons in place of her fingernails. She thrust the clawed hand through his back and out through his chest, now holding his beating heart in her talons.

She removed her arm from his now dead body as it fell to the ground, tossing his heart to the side as it did. Her vision fully cleared as she set her sights on the figure now in front of her. Upon seeing them, she paused.

Li stood before her. He had picked up the scarred demons’ sword in the chaos but was unable to move for some reason. He seemed frozen in place. Devin found herself pulled towards him. She didn't know why, didn't fight it.

Devin: Well, aren't you a cutie!

She put one finger on the tip of his sword and smiled seductively.

Devin: Is this your sword, or are you just excited cus’ of me?

Li: I... I-I...

She stepped closer, sliding her finger along the blade. It did not cut her. When she was just inches from him, she placed a hand on his cheek.

Devin: Awww its ok sweetie, you don’t gotta be nervous. What's your name?

© 1999-2023