Chapter 356
Zack released the bindings on Ryoko as she charged forward. Ren had enough of the bratty attitude, and a simple glare halted her in place. Feeling her aura flaring it was clear Ren meant business.
"But Otou-san wo.."
"I know, but that's our problem." Ren declared.
Watching the battle from a safe distance was the merchant Zack bartered with. That display reassured his belief in returning promptly. He approached Zack carefully and displayed a ring.
"I managed to get everything as well a few bottles to sample." The merchant stated.
"Thank you." Zack stored it away.
"Not gonna check it?" He asked.
"Do I need to?" Zack glared.
"No sir." The merchant replied.
"This is for the stand, and your assistance." Zack exchanged a few bags of gold.
Now that the commotion was settled there were a few glares in Ryoko's direction. In the heat of battle, she destroyed a good portion of the market. Only one person received compensation, and they had no intentions of asking Zack.
They crowded around, but Zack made sure the matter was dropped. To avoid further issues they vacated the area. The only way to prevent retaliation was to help with damages. Once they reached the housing area Ryoko began apologizing to Zack.
"Still clumsy I see." Ren teased.
"I've seen you do worse." Zack bumped into her arm casually.
"That's only because we get outnumbered every time." Ren smiled.
"I was talking about the arena." Zack teased.
Watching the way Ren smiled in his presence Ryoko felt a little jealous. It's been so long since they have seen each other, and now she was whipped. He wasn't bad-looking for a human, but still too small.
'Maybe nee-chan quit fighting to lay low and became a gold digger to support her drinking...If that's the case I have to wait around till the baby is born so we can escape.'
"It was nice seeing you again, but we have to find our friends." Ren embraced Ryoko.
'A hug?' Ryoko wanted to squeeze but recalled the baby.
"I'm coming with you."
---
"Are you even looking?" Lilith scolded.
'It's not my fault your sensory skills are on par with a child.'
"I know I felt Ren for a few seconds," Crowley replied.
"I'm no expert, but that wasn't Ren." Lilith scoffed.
"It was someone else, but I felt her power too." Crowley tried to hold his complaints.
'It was only for a few seconds, but I know it was Ren.'
They could see the market being cleaned by the merchants and a destroyed building. Lilith gave little praise to Crowley as they landed to investigate. Prowling the streets was another interested party, and even the demons steered clear.
'What has that brat gotten into now?'
Leading a band of Oni wearing a black gi is Ryoto, and he was following the damage. Anyone confronted with questions by this domineering figure promptly answered. Even Lilith decided it was wise to investigate discreetly.
'That many Oni in one place is never good.'
"We should get going." Lilith turned towards Crowley, but he was missing.
'Damn it. Oh well, he can just sense me, and catch up.'
Lilith slipped into the crowd and tried her best to not draw their attention. Without the use of her powers or wings, Crowley didn't have enough to go on. This left him alone in the citadel with no knowledge of the districts.
Being a young demon in a market made Crowley an easy mark. Several unsavory characters have already begun stalking him in the crowd. They stopped to window shop and blend when his head pivoted for Lilith.
'Bet she's not even looking.' Crowley sighed.
Approaching Crowley was a young succubus with curly black hair and a red victorian dress. He couldn't help but admire the ruby eyes glowing in the dim streets. She was prepared to lure him into a dimly lit corner for the others.
"I knew it was you!"
A large demon rapidly seized her by the arm and reared back his hand. Watching a sword appear Crowley lunged forward. Before the blade could reach her it was split in two as he collapsed.
The observers noticed the spear in Crowley's hand and its immaculate craftsmanship. Typically a weapon of this caliber was in the hands of an elite or city lord. How a scrawny child got a hold of it was unknown to them, but the stalkers smirked.
"Are you okay?" Crowley asked as the weapon dissipated.
"I'm f-fine." She averted her gaze.
Noticing the others watching Lucille knew they wouldn't let it go. Helping these men was not something she wanted to do, but it was better than the brothel. The younger generation that gets left behind in the citadel are orphans from the assembly.
Surviving a culling after your family lost was already considered lucky, but you were stuck here as a result. Most would never make it back to the citadel, and those that do had more hardships. This city was ruled by anarchy, and only the ruthless could survive.
'Why did you have to act? They could've just robbed you, and beat you a little, but now they will kill you to get it.'
Knowing she would face punishment Lucille still turned around. She tried to get away from Crowley, but he continued to follow. The others believed things were going as planned and readied their weapons.
"Just run away before it's too late." Lucille relayed.
"What are you talking about?" Crowley asked.
"Good work." A demon announced.
Crowley turned around to see eight demons snickering with weapons drawn. Not wasting any time he began chanting as they charged. Crowley just barely conjured his weapon when a thief swung his ax. He managed to block it in time, and force them off, but two more attacked.
'Damn it.'
A whip of lightning wrapped around a thief's wrist before administering a strong pulse. After the demon seized up he was yanked forward. Upon meeting Lucille's gaze he threw himself in the way of Crowley. His own companion accidentally ended his life but didn't mind. For them, it was just fewer people to cut in.
"It won't work again now that they're expecting it." Lucille cautioned Crowley.
"Kill them both!" Their leader shouted while hurling a fireball.