Ch. 3

Miyako pedaled across the streets. Before doing so, she pried into her pockets and fished out her phone. She did a soft gasp upon seeing the text message she just received. So she hopped on her bike.
She made her way past the blocks when she arrived in her destination.
"This is..."
She stood in front of the Kujyou residence. Seeing the surname etched beside the gates, she suppressed the tension rising up. Miyako entered past the gates and stood on the doorstep.
"...umm, excuse me."
The door opened and Sora appeared behind. Miyako stared in shock.
"A visitor!!" the aquadite cried as Himeka approached with her arms folded on her chest.
"Go to our room, Sora."
Sora frowned in a childish manner and sighed in defeat. Himeka shook her head and turned to Miyako.
"Ah, Miyako-chan, come inside."
The girl nodded timidly. "...ah.. thank you." She stepped inside and sat on the living room couch.
"Ne, Ryuu-kun, she's here."
The girl twitched and flinched as she kept her composure steady. She heard footsteps, knowing that Ryuu is coming.
"You must be prepared."
Kuro's voice echoed as he made his corporeal appearance seated a few meters away from Miyako. The girl lowered her head.
"I hope I am..."
Kuro's glance went towards Ryuu who arrived eventually. "You know what to do now, Kujyou-kun." The heir nodded in reply as he approached.
"How are those Stakes taking care of her?" Ryuu asked.
"Asmodeus is in charge of her imprisonment."
"I've just received tidings from the ruler about Yagumi's vessels at loose. This will be another game of zombie tag."
"I'll talk to Saku about that matter." Kuro replied when he glanced at Miyako. "While Nyx is making her preparations, this young lady deserves guidance in order for her to take the path."
"Fine with me."
"Ryuu, shall we initiate this?" Tyson suddenly came as Ryuu nods.
"Let's proceed."

The entire family and Tyson prepared themselves before the ritual proper. Ichirou signaled the initiation. Aika's corpse is encased by a white gleaming aura with light particles dancing around her body uncontrollably.
They contributed one fourth of their life spans whereas Tyson gave almost half of his. Saku watched the spell progressing as she glanced at Aika's afterimage. The girl's soul started to fade as it is absorbed by the corporeal body. The body glowed and shimmered until the bright light burst into light particles.
They stood there... waiting for the result.
A few minutes later, the girl's fingers began to twitch. A groan was heard. Her cyan eyes have opened miraculously when she sat upright on the bed.
"Where am I..?" she blinked her eyes as she looked at each one of them. "Dad, Mom, onii..." she turned her glance on Tyson. "...Tyson?"
The saffron-eyed demon couldn't believe it. Aika has been successfully revived. He fought the urge to cry as he smiled.
"Milady..."
Himeka placed her hand on her chest and wiped off her tears with the other. "Thank the gods.."
Saku, who teleported herself outside, looked up on the sky as she smiled... with her eyes closed.
"Thank you very much, our beloved Creator."
Aika blinked twice. Her vision is blurry. She groped around searching for her glasses. Tyson suddenly remembered as he fished them out from his pocket before handing it to her eventually. Aika shoved them on her face as her vision became clear.
"Oh... this is a surprise.." she said in a deadpan manner.

******

She exited the campus and brought her stuff with her. Koide walked on the streets. It can be presumed that this girl spends most of her time alone especially during non-school days.

She happened to see Kaito's ice cream shop after a few walks. She remembered receiving a text from Mirouni saying that she and others are dying to try Kaito's ice cream treats. 

Koide proceeded and entered inside the shop. The small silver chime rang when the door opened to get the attention of the customers and the shop owner.

"Ah, Koide-chan, you made it~!"

Mirouni cried in delight. Koide soon joined them as she sat on a stool. 

"Did I miss...anything?"

"Like tons of crap...yeah." Ruko replied while eating the cherry of his sundae. "My duel with Ryuu was delayed."

"After this, we're off to see Mizu-sama. It's been a long time since we've last seen her." Amy says. "I'm also worried about Kiran-chan and Len-kun lately. I'd never thought that Len-kun would be a lightning elementalist."

"Yeah, yeah... responsible for the out-of-this-world technology..."

Meanwhile, Ash sank deep into his thoughts regarding the casting ritual... and obtaining the other fragment of Travix's core subsequently. But there are other things that have crossed his mind. 

Warlocks and practitioners of magic and of all elements have forbidden the next generation in making their attempts to practice the Dark Arts, especially the ones under Kuro's power. That thought suddenly popped into his head. Travix has been telling him repeatedly about the forbidden use of Dark magic and such.

But why are the warlocks included?

Ash has to know more...

"Oi," Mirouni nudged her brother. "You're spacing out again. Is there something wrong?"

Kaito glanced at them. "It seems that your warlock siblings has his own incentives."

"Says the lost son of God..." Ruko added as if mocking him. "Ash has been like that ever since that genius Deity made him his vessel."

The demigod put his finger on his chin. "Hmm... to focus on other matters, it seems that Father had sensed a small group using necromancy yet he considered it... how unlikely."

"Necromancy?" Ash stood from his stool. "Isn't that illegal?"

"Yeah, it really is. However, this one is the light kind compared to those about the Dark Arts. I'm sent here down to Earth to send the goats to hell and the sheep to heaven."

"Necromancy!" Amy exclaimed. "That is... raising the dead back to life! That couldn't possibly mean..."

Mirouni gaped when she placed her hands on her lips/ 

"Let's check it out." Amy ordered.

They finished their sundaes right away. Kaito joined them as he closed his shop. The group ran when they made it back to the Kujyou residence. 

"Ryuu!" Ash called for his friend's attention. Ryuu looked over his shoulder as he sees them.

"I see you've returned."

"Is Aika still lying on her bed??"

"Not anymore."

Amy gasped when she ran ahead of her companions and knocked on the door. Meanwhile, Kaito took this opportunity to approach Ryuu.

"Kujyou Ryuu," he said as he lowered his voice. "Was it necromancy that you've applied?"

"Yes." the demon heir admitted.

"I.. I need to know the procedure."

"Dad and Mom borrowed the forces of Light. Basically, necromancy is a matter of Dark Arts yet this one is a harmless and rare type and surprisingly, God had given us the chance."

"I see..." Kaito nodded slowly. "Please tell me the incantations. I need to know them very well."

Ryuu then whispers the words. While listening,Kaito's grey eyes widened and his mouth gaped. He sighed.

"Thank you. I'll take that into consideration.."

"Necromancy is indeed forbidden.. as it was said from the Otherworld laws. As for you, Amadari, the saod second son of God, you absolutely forbid those who practice an those who attempt to... and everything that pertains playing God."
"That's right," the demigod replied. "I balance Heaven and Hell; thus, gaining my authority to send the sheep to paradise and the goats to hell's furnace."

"Perhaps we should talk about that in the Altar, shouldn't we?"

The voice of Travix echoed in the air as the Deity of elements appeared to them, startling Kaito as well.

"Kaito Amadari-kun, if you won't mind."

Kaito needed not to think twice as he nodded. Then he was enveloped by faint aura, encasing him completely. Right in front of Ryuu, the demigod faded. Travix turned to him and bowed.

"My apologies if I have caused some disturbances."

"Not at all." Ryuu replied in his usual casual tone as the Deity faded. 

Aika came out of her room after she'd dressed. Tyson waited for her while seated on the couch with Miyako. She averted her glance as her cheeks turned beet red.

"I'm glad you're back, milady." Tyson says, making her flinch upon his addressing.

Suddenly, the door opened as Ash, Ruko, Mirouni, Koide and Amy barged inside. The five of them stood frozen upon seeing Aika.

"Aika...chan?" Amy's voice quivered. Her eyes suddenly leaked tears when she lunged at her, pulling her into a tight hug. She leaned her chin on Aika's shoulder and cried. Mirouni soon joined in as she also hugged Aika. Koide stood there, feeling out of place.

"What's going on?" she asked.

Ash replied. "It's a very long story."

Nevertheless, he told Koide everything. Yagumi's existence, her battle with Aika before poisoning her to death and Ryuu's confrontation. Koide's expression changed while listening. 

"Aika's mirror image.." she muttered.

Ash nodded. "Indeed. You can tell by the way she acts.."

Amy and Mirouni let go. Aika then sat on the couch when Taisuke came. He shouted in delight as he pounced on Aika.

"Ah...Taisuke." the girl smiled as she slid her arm around the little boy's back while her other hand stroking his hair.

Saku and her fellow Deity Guardians watched the heart-warming scenario as she closed her eyes and smiled.

"We can now begin."

Ch. 2

"That would be seventy-seven yen."
Miyako searched into her purse and fished out her crisp bills. The cashier received the value before handing the change. Miyako bowed gratefully and took her goodies. She hopped on her bike and pedaled to the town where she could hardly cross the streets.
She isn't used to peddling on the streets to begin with.
Miyako made it back home several minutes later. Her parents were out of the country for a vacation for three months now; technically, she lives alone. She unloaded her grocery bags and neatly placed them on the counter.
After doing her chores, she heard a knock on the door.
"Oh, coming!" she hurriedly ran towards the door and opened it. An old woman wearing royal blue kimono and grey ankle-length skirt came on her doorstep. Her long silver hair glided down her back \.
"Mizu-sama..." Miyako muttered when she smiled in complete shock. "H-How did you know where I live?"
"I know everything about the newly appointed Guardians especially their estates." Mizu replied as the girl welcomed her in. She served saucers of cookies and tall glasses of iced tea.
"What makes you here?" Miyako asked.
"Nyx is concerned about you so she'd sent me to check on you." Mizu stated. "So far, Ryuu-kun cannot deal with you momentarily."
The blonde-haired girl frowned as her lime eyes averted. "Um... yeah. I hope Aika-chan will be all right.."
"But that is not important, Miyako. Nyx has great concerns about you and your... dividing powers."
The girl stared at the guardian incredulously. "What do you mean..?"
"There are things that only you and Ryuu should know and you're the only one who can control it. He'll be the only aide who can help you cope with your other entity."
Miyako's eyes widened upon hearing this.
Other entity... my other side?
"I... I don't understand."
"Let me explain to you the full details."
A voice echoed as it blasted the entire living room. Miyako remembered that voice. It was then an invisible dark aura emanated from space when it slowly grew visible, taking form into black snake-like beams entangling themselves next to Mizu. The beams shattered as it is replaced by a dark glowing light until it faded.
Kuro appeared seated a few meters next to Mizu. He wore the same black ruler-general attire with the Dragon crest on his left breast. His grey eyes stared unnervingly at her, thus, making Miyako flinch.
"I guess Kujyou-kun hadn't told you a single world about it. Well, it's about time I do it as I must." Kuro stated as he begins. "You were told that Nyx, your patron, is the goddess of the moon and goddess of the night. That is the most common detail about her. What the ancient ancestors have coined centuries ago that they've kept hidden are her dividing powers  -- there are two kinds of entities sealed within her which you've inherited from."
"H...How can that be? Two entities at once?"
"Yes.. Miyako.. Nyx's true identity is being the harbinger or the forerunner of Light and Darkness. The Light I am pertaining to has significant differences with Hikari's. Nyx's force is fatally dangerous when dealing with the opposite."
"Light signifies purity, benevolence, peace and support," Mizu added. "...whereas the Dark entity shows aggression, vengeance, malevolence and death."
"But since you've acquired the core, we'll leave the rest to you, Miyako." Kuro finished his statement before crossing his arms under his head. "As for now, Kujyou-kun is on a duel with Tsukiro-kun; I'm quite impressed with the shrubby boy's tenacity.."

*******

"Oi, why don't you use your daggers instead?" Ruko asked just as he was brandishing his naginata. Ryuu carelessly spun his own without dropping it.

"They're too poisonous.." he replied frankly when a dagger slipped onto his other hand with a flick. "It's venom-endowed, so I can't use it." 

Ruko then scowled. "That's ridiculous! You can simply extract it!"

"I can't do that."

The duel initiates as Ruko makes the first move by lunging towards his opponent. He roared when he jabs the blade of his naginata, aiming at Ryuu's rib cage. Ryuu leaped backward to evade, which surprised Ruko.

He's good at dodging... interesting. he thought as he changed his pace.

"Oi, Ryuu, gimme a counter attack just once!" he demanded.

All of a sudden, he gasped and hurriedly dodged a dark spear that swooped over his shoulder, stabbing a tree eventually.

Crap... he almost got me.

Amy sighed. "Ruko-kun, if only you have a stable presence of mind...."

"That was a hell spear he summoned," Tyson stated. "It can easily slip away from the naginata with one strong thrust. Luckily, Tsukiro-san managed to dodge it."

"I'd never thought Ryuu is a dangerous opponent.." Ash said. "Based from my observations, he and Yagumi-san have symmetrical agility and vitality."

This gave Ruko some pressure upon hearing those even from a short distance. He pulled himself together and lunged again. He exhibited his stealth movements whereas aiming to corner Ryuu. Pretty soon, he ran around like the fastest living carousel as Ryuu, standing on the center, watched him warily.

"Tsukiro, please put your showing off on a minimum." Zik reminded as he groaned. 

"Relax, Daddy-O, I know what I'm doing~!" Ruko responded haughtily as he smirked. He skidded his feet across the ground and rushed forward... when he suddenly halted.

Ryuu is nowhere to be found.

Mirouni gasped and stared wide-eyed. "Amazing..."

Tyson stands up from his chair in surprise. "How... How did he do that..?"

Ruko's tension grew when he looked either sideways, front and rear. In the back of his head, he earned the fear that his opponent might slit his throat or even impale him.

Far from his sight range, a seductive flash of a naginata caught his vision. Ryuu reappeared as his presence had caught him off guard.

"It's my turn now."

"Uh-oh," Ruko muttered under his breath. He quickly ducked before Ryuu sprinted over him while engulfed in extremely dark shades of power. Ruko rolled over to his side and got up.

"What was that for?!"

Ryuu landed on one knee up. "I knew you would say that." 

Then his own naginata dissolved into dark violet particles as Ruko got the thought of him finishing this fight... not until a pair of daggers slipped on Ryuu's hands with a flick.

"Wait! I thought he's not supposed to use those." Mirouni screamed in horror.

"I have given him my permission." Zik said, causing quivers and 'seizures' to flow onto them.

"You don't do that to me!" Ruko complained, pointing his forefinger at the Deity. "Since when did you learn how to contact with an unrelated mortal?!"

"I think I'll go check on Aika." Tyson proceeded and walked past the audience. He entered back into the house when his path is blocked by a long trail of toilet paper as if he's an uninvited guest for a reservation.

"What the--"

"You shall not pass!" Sora appeared wearing a pair of matrix sunglasses and an officer's cap. A toy whistle hung dangling around her neck as her hands are on her waist.

Tyson scowled. "Let me through.." Part of him wondered how this aquadite got in there all of a sudden..

Sora blew the whistle. "What's the password?"

Himeka's footsteps approached as she arrived into the scene. Upon seeing the toilet paper scattered all over the floor, she folded her arms on her chest and scowled.

"Sora, what is all this? And I thought you're supposed to be at the treehouse!"

The midget aquadite turned around and beamed. "I'll be your security guard~!"

"And what is Taisuke-kun doing under the table?"

"Huu~ Taisuke-chan wanted to play with the praying mantis that I've caught for him. Now he has a new friend!"

The shocked Himeka quickly looked under the table. Taisuke squished the green insect on his hands when he saw his mother. Himeka swatted his hands and pulled him out.

"That's not a toy, Taisuke-kun. Now go to the dining room and eat your breakfast. Your bacon and eggs are getting cold."

She tugged on his arm as Tyson sighed. He glanced at Sora and lifted the toilet paper, passing through it and making his way towards Aika's room. He entered inside to watch over the corpse of his consort lying on her deathbed.

He sat on a chair and glanced on Aika's pale face. His glance then went towards her pair of glasses sitting on the small table beside him and the small purple ribbon which she clips on the back of her dark hair.

Meanwhile, a translucent figure of a girl with long dark hair and a pair of cyan eyes stood next to the demon. Tyson doesn't seem to see her; technically, it is the soul of Aika.

It is somehow her temporary afterimage.
"So I'm dead..." she mumbled while watching her corporeal body. "...not a surprise.."
"Yes, and you'll be living as an afterimage momentarily before your revival." Saku says. "Last year, you've despised Tyson because of your unrelenting rivalry. As time have progressed, he slowly had grown fond of you."
Aika frowned when she glanced towards Tyson. She saw the great resentment deep in his heart because of his absence, thus, bringing her to the inevitable. She had also seen the bitter mourning of her first best friend, Amy, because of it.
She began to wonder.
Am I really... that loved?
"Now that you are Tyson's about-to-be legitimate partner, you are about to undergo the next step. But in that age, we cannot permit you just yet."
"I'm a student." the girl spoke. "I'm not ready for those stuff. I won't wait for it either... because there is always the, not necessarily perfect, right opportunity."
"That's very nice to hear from you, Aika-chan. To change the subject, they have found the pathogen, or simply the agent that poisoned you created by Yagumi's hex."
Aika's eyebrows narrowed. "Huh? You mean..."
"Your father did a rough examination, though. In the meantime, you will have to watch. The ritual will begin shortly."

*******

Beldum Institute welcomed the new freshmen and transferred students for the upcoming academic year. Koide went alone to fill up a registration form and file as assessment. As she was filing up her form, her eyes went towards the three figures standing with their backs turned. She quickly recognized the trio as they read the papers pinned on the bulletin boards. They were the three rebellious fallen angels in rivalry with their own race and ruler. It can be presumed that they are willing to enter this school to start anew and live as normal human beings.

"Ah, Koide-san!"

Solaris spotted her when the mage excitedly went towards her.

"Oh... Aris," Koide said.

Solaris beamed. "I'm so happy to see you again! I was worried about you... how did you get out of that white abyss?"

Koide opened her mouth when she caught Hikaru and Altaria approaching.

"It's a long story, Aris..." she simply replied as she went back to writing on her form. "I'm enrolling for second year. I don't wanna fall into a hassle."

"Ohh~ I see," Solaris nods as she glanced at her elder sister. "Onee-chan, shall we stop over at Mizu-san's place? I wanna see that cute little alien, Rozum-chan~"

Altaria shrugged at Hikaru and replied. "Well.... okay."

The tri left Koide later as they exited the lobby. Altaria sighed.

"Hikaru, now that Zarafyn is dead, who will take her stead? I cannot do that..."

"We'll just see and find out..." Hikaru replied. "Ever since Ryuu-san and I had settled on a treaty, I've thought that he was giving me enigmatic ideas.. but now I'm starting to understand his point.."

"I...I was wrong all along. Ryuu Kujyou-sama is different... and my opinions towards him have changed drastically in spite of the things we've expected him to be. We have to know him better!"

"And his father as well," Hikaru added her sentence. "For some reasons, he has caught our interests as well. Goliath had told that he was supposed to be the original ruler."

"Right. But due to justifying reasons, he wanted to live a normal life as a father and husband... like a normal human being like we are aiming to be.."

"Onee-chan, onee-chan!"

Solaris called for their attention. She somehow found the city's amusement park as she waved at them excitedly.

"C'mon, we should at least enjoy ourselves for a while. There're tons of popcorn and cotton candy~!"

********

The Deity Guardians' spirits appeared -- apparently, the only ones who are absent amongst them are Cain and Phoenix. 

"It looks like they're in the middle of a showdown." Micah contemplated when she glanced at Ruko. "As always, Tsukiro-kun exerts too much."

"...and I'm afraid I agree with you." Zik replied with traces of displeasure. "He never changed at all."

"When will you two ever get along..?" Hikari asked sadly. 

"In the meantime, Yukira-kun and Len-kun are not present," Travix stated. "The meeting won't be held here. I've found a perfect place." He turned his glance on Saku as the Deity of justice stood a short distance from them with Aika's afterimage.

"Saku, has Kujyou-chan prepared herself?"

Saku replied with a nod. "She has. And she has to be revived as soon as possible."

"Very well.. we'll wait a little more."

Meanwhile, Ichirou and Himeka entered the room where Tyson is. Ichirou nodded at him.

"May we ask for your cooperation, Tyson?"

The saffron-eyed demon nodded reluctantly as he stood up from his chair. He stared by the window to peek through. "Ryuu should be here by now.."

Ichirou then closed his eyes as he spoke. "Ryuu, I'm afraid you have to cancel the duel."

It is presumed that Ryuu must have heard it... due to the fact that they share the demon blood. In a few minutes, Ryuu entered the room empty-handed as if nothing happened.

As for the others, Ryuu ordered them to stick to the Guardian path lessons instead. This way, Ash's abilities can be enhanced especially as well as the others.

The doors and windows are sealed shut. Sora and Taisuke stayed in a separate room. Ichirou, Himeka, Ryuu and Tyson channeled their powers. Aika's afterimage approached as she watched her family and her consort channel on their power to kill the pathogen. 

"Ichirou had figured out that the pathogen cannot be extracted through the use of medical assets. It was Yagumi's fatal hex that created it... and therefore the presence of Dark force will destroy it albeit it has high risks." Saku narrated to give Aika some useful information. The four altogether chanted the latter incantations. Ryuu felt the tension rising into him and felt the pathogen wriggling and squirming. Tyson fought his fear... knowing that the poison will destroy Aika's entrails.

By the time they have reached the crucial part, Tyson took the next part as his. He chanted the spell carefully and slowly. The next turn is passed to Ryuu... as the spell for excruciating will be his role. The glow of his crimson eyes darkened.

While he chanted the torture spell, Himeka supported it with her charm and at the same time shielding Aika's entrails from the relentless pathogen. Ryuu then gave it his all just as he is reaching the end, and altogether they chanted it subsequently. 

The pathogen wriggled violently. Ryuu's spell for tormenting had enfeebled it until it is dispatched.

Upon succeeding, Aika's limp body twitched when it calmed. Tyson hoped that the hex's pathogen will be gone by now.

"We'll give her a few minutes to rest before the revival," Ichirou announced. "Ryuu, tell that young lady to come here at once. Do what you have to do."

"What's with the sudden cancellation?" Ruko complained as he and the rest of the crew stopped by Kaito's ice cream shop. Ash reserved a seat for everyone on the counter.

"Oh, this is a surprise."

Kaito encountered them as a grin spread across his face upon seeing Ruko.

"Oi, Tsukiro-kun~ what makes you guys here?"

"We're dying for some ice cream. Serve us your yummiest treats!" Ruko replied. "And ooh, give Amy-chan the banana split, her favorite~!"

Amy concealed a blush. "...Alright, I'll go with that."

Kaito gave a smug. "How are you two lovebirds doing in your commitment?"

Mirouni gasped in shock. "You two are what?"

Ruko's face flushed while scratching his head. "It's a bit hard to explain..."

"How naive!!" Kaito suddenly punched his cheek as Ruko growled while touching the injured spot.

"What was that for?!?"

The demigod's gaze darkened as he exhibited a posture showing sort-of superiority in character.

"A man should not conceal his relationship with his woman!" he raised his voice. "Yet you waver and cower!"

"The story's too embarrassing!!"

Ash sighed as he gave Kaito their orders. 

"So, how's Lex doing?" Amy asked.

The demigod stayed silent for a couple of minutes while preparing their orders. "Well.... I haven't heard a thing from and about him ever since we're all returned to Earth. I guess he's feeling dizzy right now."

Ruko toyed with his fingers and whistled when he asked:

"...who is Musume?"

Kaito froze upon hearing the name as Ruko's question quickly backfired. He fell silent.

"Umm... sorry. Didn't mean to freak you out..."

The demigod smiled sheepishly. "Nah, I'm cool. I've suddenly thought of someone else, I guess."

Ruko simply shrugged that reply. He couldn't understand the meaning behind that dream he had not a long time ago...

*******

Meanwhile, deep into the dark and desolated forest, a vulnerable mammal is seen running. She is escaping from the clutches of her pursuers. But in this case, the animal is seemingly running away... running away forever. It then grew tired as it paused and panted. Then its body begins to take form. Its paws transformed into hands and feet. Its fur soon faded into human skin and its purple locks grew longer. Its pair of strangely long ears shortened until on the mammal's place a little girl stood there. She acquired a pair of short fox-like ears and a long fluffy tail.

The girl's naked glory hid in the darkness as she looked over her shoulder.

"I made it..."

She knew to herself that she is free.

Ch. 1

"Oi, get up!!"
Ash groaned on his sleep when he turned. Mirouni slammed the door open as she placed her hands on her waist. Seeing her brother still asleep, she pouted and suddenly had an idea.
A loud shrilling cry -- a howler -- was heard in the background as the pictures shook, sending the birds flying  out of their branches and the cats scampering away. Ash's figure went disarray as he went into shivers. He eyed Mirouni and threw off his pillow.
"What the heck was that for?!"
"I presume you know what today is." Mirouni folded her arms on her chest and gave him a mother-like glare.
"Huh??"
She sighed loudly. "I've packed your things already! Get dressed!"
Ash rolled his eyes and lazily hopped out of his bed. He stepped inside the bathroom, took his pajamas off and soaked himself into the shower.
"Moving, huh? That would be great..."

Lex arrived in the dormitory and gently opened the door. He sighed as he was exhausted from another long day from school.
"It's good to be back..." he muttered. Lex went towards the small couch where he meets his friend eyeing him with tearful eyes.
"Lex-kun..."
The bioweapon smiled, approached and put his arms around the little girl. She whimpered and grabbed his shirt.
"W...Where have you been...?"
"I went to school, Musume." Lex replied as she put the little girl on his lap. Musume whimpered and rested her head on his chest.
"I won't leave you again, Musume. I'll take you with me."
Musume cooed. "Hauu... I want some crepe..."
"I'll take you out today~"
The girl's sapphire eyes glistened in awe as her frown was replaced by a beam.
"Really~?"
"Yah. That's how I'll make it up to you~"
Musume's fox ears twitched slightly to signify her happiness as well as her tail wagging briskly.
"Unfortunately, Lexi-kun is tired~" Lex teased, making Musume pout and punch him playfully.
"I hate youuu!!!!"
Lex hugged her. "I'm just kidding, Musume~ hihihi~!"

"Ne, ne, Ruko-kun, are you done?"
"Just a sec..."
Mirouni waited outside the dressing room. Somehow, she and Ruko happened to meet along the way as they stopped by a fashion closet. For some reasons, Mirouni wanted him to wear something new for his sake.
"Seriously, do you really want to buy this for me?" Ruko asked.
"Mouu, you have to start anew!" Mirouni replied. "Now hurry up before Ash snaps on me."
"Ei, what's taking him so long?" Ash came and made his entrance.
"Sorry, Ash. Ruko-kun somehow fell in love with the new collared shirt I've chosen for him." Mirouni replied as she placed her leg over the other. "Luckily, we've ran on to him before Amy-chan would."
"Well.... I suppose.." Ash's voice went lower as he secretly looked away. "It's surprising that our new home will be two blocks away from the Kujyou estate.."
Mirouni stared at her brother wide-eyed. "Really?? We get to hang out with Ryuu-kun and Aika-chan??"
Ash suddenly felt tensed. "I-I guess so.."
The girl's expression changed as she crooked her brows. "Eh? What's with you today?"
"Nothing..." he replied as he changed the subject. "Let's go! Mom's waiting for us."

*****

"Ohh, your new home, eh? Sweet!" Ruko complimented when Ash and Mirouni made it to their new estate. They unloaded the van from boxes containing their stuff. Ruko helped them.

"Make sure the game consoles are properly placed." Their mother told them while unloading the back compartment. This surprised Ruko as he is given some adrenaline.

"What games do you have?"

"Plenty," Ash replied when he entered into their new living room. "Ryuu has influenced me into these stuff since middle school."

Ruko's gaze darkened as he is suddenly dressed in a grayscale detective.

"Ryuu Kujyou... interesting."

"That's weird. Aika-chan's not answering her phone." Mirouni redialed her phone and placed the receiver on her ear as it rang. "Ne, Ruko-kun, try calling Ryuu-kun." When she saw Ash, he is suddenly returning to his sulky state. "Ash, what's wrong? You seem distracted."

Ash sighed. "Aika's not answering her phone because it ran out of batteries.."

The girl pouted. "You're messing with me, aren't you?"

"Yoh, Ryuu~!" Ruko grinned as he began talking to Ryuu on his phone. "How are you doin'?"

Ash sighed in relief. "That was close..."

"Say, Ash and Mirouni have just moved recently, and guess what? They're just two blocks away from your house!"

"How about we go to their place?" Mirouni suggested as she continued unpacking the things. Ash shrugged and finished their work as well. 

"Aaaand... we're done!"

Mirouni looked at the final outlook of her new room. Her character figurines were placed neatly inside the shelves with sliding doors made of glass. Her dresses and costumes were neatly hung inside her wardrobe and her make-up kit and other products are placed on her wide dresser. She grinned and excitedly ran out of her room, knocking on Ash's room.

"Oi, hurry up!"

"I'm right here!"

Mirouni looked over her shoulder and spotted Ash sitting on the couch, distracting himself with a PS2 game. Somehow, he and Ruko are in the middle of a 2D fighting game.

"Ne, Ash, why were you acting strange all of a sudden?" Ruko suddenly asked as Ash's mood changed drastically.

"It's... one of us has fallen..." 

Mirouni and Ruko eyed him in shock. Then Mirouni realized the truth behind..

"Was that the reason why you've sent us back?"

"Yeah..." Ash replied when he put his game controller beside him. 

"So Aika-chan wasn't answering her phone because she...."

Ruko put his controller down as he stood up. "Well, then, there's no time to lose! Let's go visit them." he ordered. "Come to think of it, we haven't seen Ryuu and that meganekko for quite a long time!"

Mirouni rolled her eyes and shook her head. "We'll be visitors of a home funeral. Ash, you should have told us sooner."

"In fact, Amy was the first to receive the news.." Ash said. "But Aika won't be buried. There'll be a long process of extraction before reviving her."

Ruko put his finger on his chin. "So Aika was killed, huh? Whoever killed her shall be crushed!" He pounded his palm with his knuckles. "We're gonna avenge for Aika-san!!"

After putting the game console back to the small cupboard, the three of them set off to observe their new neighborhood. After taking several walks, they stopped by the Kujyou estate.

"We're here!" Mirouni said gleefully. "Ooh, this is my first time going to their place."

"I wanna see Ryuu's games!" Ruko shouted giddily.

"...Eh..? Ruko-kun..?"

They jerked behind them and saw Amy a few steps towards them. The girl's long pink hair is tied into a pair of twirled pigtails. 

"Wow, Amy-chan~" Mirouni greeted her friend cheerfully. "You're coming over, too?"

"Yeah..." Amy nodded as she looked down to her shopping bag containing fruits and snacks. "It's been a while since Aika-chan caught a fever."

"You don't have to lie, Amy..." Ruko suddenly stated, causing her to flinch. 

"W...What are you talking about?"

"I've told them already," Ash admitted. "It's for the best.." He turned his head and flinched as a large bead of sweat appeared on his head. Ryuu was listening to them all along. 

He sat on a small garden bench where he and Tyson are engaging into a private conversation.

"I-I didn't know you were there." Ash said awkwardly.

Just then, Ruko lunged towards Ryuu and gave him a laser-eyed glare.

"Ryuu..... tell me about yourself....."

"Ain't nobody got time for that.." Ryuu slammed his hand on Ruko's face and shoved him away. This gave Ruko a challenge.

"Alright, I'll challenge you for a duel!"

"Ruko, this isn't the time to mess around!" Amy scolded him. But when she observed Ryuu's face, it suddenly twisted into a sadistic and exultant smirk.

"How interesting...I accept your challenge."

"That escalated quickly..." Mirouni commented with a small bead of sweat on her head. 

"Oh.. Tyson-kun slept over?" Amy asked.

"Yes.." Tyson replied. "...I decided to sleep in her room where she is."

"I see.. so, where's Sora-chan?"

"She's with Mizu in the treehouse. She'll be staying here as a normal human being for good.."

"While you pay 'imouto' a visit, I'll be dealing with this derp over here." Ryuu's emerald glance went towards Ruko, who paid him back with a child-like pout.

"Mouu, you better watch that talk!"

"You better not mess with him, Tsukiro-kun," Himeka came towards them as she greeted them. "It seems that we'll be having a few guests today~"

"That kid's putting too much pressure onto himself lately.." Zik commented as he sighed. "Kuro-kun... I have a bad feeling that your heir might take this seriously."

"Apparently not," Kuro shook his head in reply. "If Tsukiro misbehaves, it will be your liability."

"Ryuu-kun, make sure your daggers are not poisoned." Himeka warned her son as Ryuu nodded in reply.

"Daggers are too dangerous. I'll stick with this instead." he brandished his naginata which materialized from dark particles, leaving behind dark purple dust dancing around his hand wielding it. Ruko showed an impressed smirk.

"Naginata, huh? I'll be using mine as well."

*******

"What did you put in here this time?" Nataliya asked when she observed today's dish. She and the Seven Demons are gathered around a poker table where Beezlebub is serving his favorite course dishes.

"Turkey and veggies, dear~" the Demon replied as he added. "Blood will be our beverage. I won't mind if you'll be fussing for water instead."

"He's gonna put saliva instead!" Leviathan cackled. "Watch out, Nataliya-chi, you might get the HIV~!"

Nataliya rolled her eyes when the Demons laughed in unison. Beezlebub finished his serving as they started eating. 

"Ne, ne, Luci-nii, what are you up to this time?" Asmodeus asked his brother who is suddenly sulking on his food. The Demon of pride grimaced in reply.

"That's none of your business.."

"Ohh, what is this?" Satan raised his voice and smirked. "My dear brother is scheming for another useless action to motivate himself!"

"You better not put us into trouble again..." Nataliya hissed.

"Anyways, how goo were you during your good time with Gumi-chan?" Leviathan asked Asmodeus the Demon of lust sighed softly.

"I'd never thought she is that persistent. But I had a good time, indeed. I think I'll give up on Ichinose-chan since she fancies someone else."

"Whoa... that's very unlike you." Mammon commented. "You're interested in Yagumi all of a sudden?"

"She's trying to give me conditions. But I don't trust her at all. All she ever wanted is to be free. So today will be the third round."

"Ohh no..." Leviathan raised her voice. "By this time, your third unprotected round.."

Nataliya sighed in relief. It's a good thing she had kept the Nyx domain locked. Satan placed his feet on the table and snorted.

"To get back to my goody-goody rival, Luci-kun has guts~"

The Demons glanced at Lucifer, who fumed in disgust and lost his appetite. 

"Luci-nii's amusing me, hahahahaha!!!" Leviathan laughed merrily when he placed his arm around Lucifer's shoulder. "So, what is it this time?"

Lucifer swatted his arm away. "Shut up. I don't have all day."

"Luci-nii's being a selfish baby~" Mammon teased in a singsong tone.

"In that case, you won't be getting any dessert." Beezlebub changed his mind before giving Lucifer a saucer of chocolate pudding, pissing him off as well. Lucifer banged his hands on the table and stood up from his chair. His red eyes are filled with an unquestionable grimace.

"Why do you demand so much?! Do I have to tell you everything?!" he growled angrily as he bored a disgusting glance on Satan. "I won't be dealing with you any longer."

"Lucifer, sit down!" Nataliya scolded him. "No yelling at the table, please!"

The Demon of pride grimaced as he slumped back on his chair. Belphegor yawned and played with his food.

"This happens every day, you know. Every day Luci-nii flips out when things are not going according to his favor..."

"SHUT UP!!" Lucifer growled once more. Before he could rant some more, Goliath entered into their banquet as the whole dining room was silenced upon his presence.

"How are you enjoying your fiesta?"

Satan downed his glass of blood as he gulped it noisily. "Not much, your Majesty. Luci-kun decided to go banana during our leisure."

The ruler sighed. "I don't care what the reason is. I'm more concerned in terms of our prisoner's charades."

"Ahh... Gumi-chan, I see. Asmodeus locked her up really tight. Kujyou-sama has breached her powers to turn her into an ordinary human being."

"Just as what I've told Ichirou to do... great." Goliath slowly nodded. "However, she might had contact with her vessels to use them as her vassals to set her free..."