Madness: DxD

Long Live the Queen

The festival looked like someone had upended a box of fireworks and dumped whiskey over it. Lanterns, drums, singular, all for Yasaka's big return. I'm not one for applause, but apparently slitting Phobos's throat buys you a front-row ticket to a party you never asked for.

I didn't mingle. I parked myself in the corner, stole the nearest bottle off a table, and started drinking. This wine tastes like paint thinner.

Good. Let it burn you from inside. Makes them pity you and makes them come closer. Don't let them take you.

I hear footsteps closing in. Yasaka. The way she walks intrigues me.

She walks soft for a predator. Don't let that trick you. Predators wear silk.

She slid in next to me, smile sharper than the blade I buried in Phobos.

Yasaka: So this is where the great Hellfighter hides. I expected you'd at least enjoy the festival you made possible.

Legend: I'm enjoying it. Quiet corner, bottle in hand, no one screaming in my ear.

No one but me. I always scream. I'll drown them out for you if you want.

Yasaka: You saved me, you destroyed our enemy, and now you brood like a man cheated of his reward.

Legend: Wrong there. The Chaos Brigade and AALN are still at large, already repairing the damage I made, no doubt.

She leaned closer, like she was about to whisper me state secrets. Instead, she smiled with that fox-trickster glint.

Yasaka: I know the truth, Hellfighter. You didn't fight through Phobos's army for politics or glory. You did it because you couldn't bear to lose me.

Lies. She will tell you lies that taste like honey so she will swallow you whole. Remember me. Remember what you are.

Legend: I barely know you.

Yasaka: You deny it, but you're too stoic to admit your feelings.

Legend: Or maybe I'm too sober to believe in fairy tales.

She laughed softly. The sound turned heads nearby, but she only kept her golden eyes locked on me.

She laughs like she owns the world. Take that laugh and tear it out of her throat. Make her silent for you.

Yasaka: Your words say no. Your actions say otherwise. Tell me, would you risk everything for just anyone?

Legend: Depends on the payoff. Or if the alternative is dying. Sometimes saving the fox queen and humiliating a mad scientist just so happens to check both boxes.

Yasaka: Cold as ever.

Legend: Warmer than I like, actually. Your wine is mediocre.

I finished my bottle. She didn't leave. Just sat there, watching me.

She's watching you like jewelry. Don't let her put you in a display case. You belong in my hands.

Yasaka: One day, you'll admit it. I can wait.

Legend: Might take an eternity. Doubt your lifespan will keep up with mine.

Eternity is nothing to me. I'll wait longer. I'll carve time into something that bends for you.

The drums got louder, fireworks split the sky, and the crowd cheered her name. I just took another bottle.

Obviously the Youkai took an interest in me too. Two girls specifically, young kitsune, cheeks flushed, breath stinking of booze, fox ears flicking nervously.