Demon Sovereignty: Retake Our Freedom

[Era of Old Demonity] Part 46: A Group of Love and Black Fire (2)

In the depths of Twilight's embrace, a secret assembly of congenial demons gathers. Their meeting place remains hidden, veiled from the prying eyes of the world. An enigmatic connection binds them, their purposes whispered only in the secrets of shadowy alleys. Their laughter carries a note of mystery as if they are privy to cosmic truths unseen by others. Each member exudes an aura of an enigma, their motives obscured behind cryptic smiles. They share tales untold, weaving a web of intrigue that binds them tighter with every passing night.

The God Demon Powers shimmer in space, their spherical forms a tapestry of mystery. On their surface, patterns of three half-moons emerge, alight with hues that dance in celestial patterns. These carvings are no mere happenstance; the patterns mirror demons' emotions when they become God Demons, where red, blue, and green hues ignite the core feelings of anger, sadness, and fear.

In fleeting moments, these ancient stones reveal more. Five colors awaken, adding yellow and orange to the powers, indicating the emotions of love and joy respectively. Yet, legends whisper of those rare few who've unlocked a sixth half-moon, an elusive symbol hinting at a realm beyond comprehension.

TWO MONTHS LATER AFTER KODONA'S DESTRUCTION

An island, distant by about a thousand kilometers, lies deserted, forsaken for ages. A wasteland of decay, shattered structures, and a desolated city tell a tale of abandonment. The name whispered here is Kirai, cloaked in perpetual fog and darkness, its once vibrant life reduced to debris weaved by overgrown vines.

Within this melancholic atmosphere, a towering entity emerged. Its shadow cuts through the desolation, moving deliberately. His steps echo an aura of anger, causing deteriorated structures to crumble in his wake. Unhurried and half-lifeless, his journey culminates at an abandoned edifice where eerie hues emanate from its interior.

Crossing the threshold, he encounters another shadow, a smile dancing upon their lips. "At last, I've secured it, Azrael."

Naru's proclamation hangs in the air, met with a disinterested gaze. "Indeed? And what now?"

"The pieces are in place, Azrael. We can now weave our long-envisioned creation into existence."

ISLAND  HOSHI 

Onyx's behavior grew increasingly peculiar, an unsettling blend of distress and urgency. His pleas echoed in the air, beseeching Aiden to guide him in mastering his dormant abilities and often punctuated with tearful outbursts akin to a child's tantrums.

Aiden, ever the sensible one, responded with a roll of his eyes and a sigh. Patiently, he tried to reason, so he started the talk, "Onyx, I've dedicated these last two days to your training. Yet, mastering your God Demon Powers demands years of practice. It might even be expedited if you possessed a more robust physique, yielding an additional power boost."

"Years of practice? Patience isn't exactly my strong suit," Onyx retorted.

Aiden's smile turned awkward, and he sheepishly scratched his head. Just then, the cadence of footsteps announced Xerxes' arrival. The two exchanged glances, and Xerxes offered, "How about sparring to hone our powers?"

Onyx's eyes which were once a tumultuous ocean of emotions, now blazed with an otherworldly intensity. The fiery yellow hue seemed to flicker like the unstable flame of an old lantern, casting eerie shadows on the contours of his face. As his gaze lifted, fixating on Xerxes, those eyes held an unsettling gravity, akin to the eerie glow of a predator lurking in the darkness.

Without hesitation, they charged and clashed, creating a small shockwave. Onyx unleashed his yellow-infused punches, met by Xerxes' deft blocks. The tempo escalated as they clashed, their powers dueling in mid-air. Xerxes then employed a skill, "Gravity Crush," catapulting Onyx earthward, bones fracturing on impact. The fierce exchange continued, blows interchanging in a symphony of might and skill.