Kuroko Interlude

My name is Kuroko Tojo. I am a Nekoshou, as well as the princess of the clan. My mother's name is Fujimai Tojo, she is the leader of the Nekomat clan. Nothing is known about my father, since my mother does not say anything about him, and other Nekomat are also silent about my father. So I decided not to get involved in this case. I also have a younger sister, Shirone. She is my most beloved little sister~. Mom always told me to protect and protect my younger sister Shirone, as this is the duty of all older sisters.

Also, all Youkai live on a separate continent, and there are many islands near it. We just live on a fairly large separate island, called "Tamoken", this island is a separate territory of our Nekomat clan.

Previously, because of different types of Youkai, there were many wars, for the most part it was discrimination. But a very long time ago, a new leader appeared in the Youkai Kingdom. Then all the Youkai were divided into clans of their kind and affiliation. He also gave each clan enough territory to live and feed. He also forbade the creation of mixed clans from different types of Youkai.

At first, I didn't like the idea of creating a separate clan for each type. Since only the same Youkai as you can join it. There were many rare types of Youkai that had 2-3 clan members, this was due to the rarity of some types of Youkai. At first, of course, there were attempts to revolt against the new leader, but after a couple of centuries, few people object, since very strong clans have appeared that supported that leader.

After a couple of hundred years, a new leader of the Youkai was elected, his name was "Nurarihen Nura". But he has already allowed the creation of mixed clans.

After Nurarihen's decree, immediately no one wanted to create mixed clans, but over time they have already begun to appear. But since their clans have not lived even one century yet, their influence is very weak or the clan members themselves were weak. But it was a long time ago, now there are a couple of strong mixed clans.

Our clan was far enough away from all these problems with clans and conspiracies. Our clan lived peacefully and hardly got involved in the politics of the Youkai Kingdom. Of course, Mom said that only at the meeting of all the "higher clans" did our past leaders of the Nekomat come, but only for the sake of formality and so that they would not be considered "incompetent" in order to have their own clan and territory.

There was also a decree that each clan should benefit the Youkai Kingdom. Someone creates weapons, someone makes amulets, someone knowledge. And then all this is brought to the rulers of the Youkai Kingdom, namely the Nura clan.

Our clan creates the best sealing seals and amulets based on vital energy. Such seals and amulets last for quite a long time, and can be used by almost anyone with sufficient mana control. But it is because of them that our kind of Nekomat was practically a slave in the past to create such seals. But now we are a clan capable of defending ourselves and far enough away from the capital of the Youkai Kingdom and most of their problems.

Until I was 11, I did nothing but study and spend time with my younger sister Shirone. Shirone and I also played together on the island with other Nekomat girls. Due to the peculiarities of our kind of Nekomat, we can only have female representatives, so we don't have boys. Therefore, Shirone and I had only friends. Of course, Mom gave us explanations about men and how they differ from girls.

Although when I turned 11, my mother did nothing but teach me Nekomat magic, as well as a couple of secret techniques of our clan. But as I found out, I have a clear talent in senjutsu and yojutsu, as well as in space magic. Because of my great talent, my mother said that in a couple of decades, I will be able to become strong enough to fight even with the heirs of the highest clans.

Sometimes I taught Shirone the techniques of our clan. Over time, Shirone was able to awaken her KI, as it should be at the age of 9, since mana has not yet awakened, she cannot use magic properly, but the clan's techniques have been difficult for her so far. Life was quiet.

---

But the day came when it was time for all good things to end. One night, when there was a strong thunderstorm and rain, and waves raged around the island and lightning struck. Without any warning, our clan was attacked by unknown people.

First, a couple of trees suddenly burst into flames in the forest. Some thought that the lightning just struck, but then after a while the houses of the Nekomat began to burn. Then, due to the fact that many houses were already burning, a huge fire turned out, everyone began to panic. This is exactly what the unknown took advantage of, at first they could have been mistaken for bandits, but bandits cannot be so well equipped and have so many experienced people, and only the highest clans and a couple of small clans with whom we keep friendly relations know the way to get through the magical barrier of the island.

There were sounds of explosions and screams, as well as battles. During all this chaos, Shirone and I were looking for our Mother. At first we were looking at home, but then we realized that she might still be in the house of the head of the clan. She sometimes stays there and does some things.

Although there is a barrier over our house, but I doubted that it would stop the attackers if they were able to pass through the barrier of the whole island, which was much stronger and larger.

Shirone constantly asked to see her Mother, but she can be understood, she is still small, and we got into this situation for the first time. Then I hoped that Mom would come back soon and pick us up. I hugged Shirone and tried to calm her down:

- Hush, Shirone, soon Mom will take us away from here, you just calm down and everything will be fine, because your older sister is with you. -

But, suddenly I heard the glass crack:

-*Crackling*-

-*Crackling*-

-*Crackling*-

-*Crackling*-

Suddenly, I felt like the magic barrier over our house was forcibly destroyed. I quickly took my sister in my arms and ran to the emergency exit from the house. While I was running, I could hear footsteps all over the house. Necomat has a very sensitive hearing and it was not a problem for me to hear this in our larger house. I accelerated my run, trying to get to the exit faster.

-*Top*-

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When I found myself with Shirone at the back exit, I quickly opened the door and, together with Shirone, ran to the forest. It was raining heavily outside, and a thunderstorm was raging. But I managed to take only a couple of steps from the house, when suddenly I felt a huge pressure on my body. Because of this pressure, I fell to my knees unable to move. Shirone couldn't move either, but it's a lot harder for her, because she's still small and weak. I gathered all my strength and raised my head to understand who is causing this terribly strong pressure.

I saw a dark figure come out of the woods. It wore black clothes, where there are a couple of red patterns. He's wearing a big red belt. It wore a big straw hat. It held a katana covered in someone's blood in its right hand, and a long staff in its left.

When the figure came too close to us, I felt even more pressure. The figure itself now definitely belongs to the male sex. But I still couldn't see his face, both because of the weather and the darkness. When he stopped, he spoke:

- Weak bugs, how dare you stand in my way. Die. - In an arrogant tone, and then swung the katana over us to kill us.

I also took out my Mother's amulets with my free hand, which she always kept for us in case of danger. Quickly touching them, I quickly poured KI into them. Such seals can be activated quite simply, but this requires at least a basic level of control and a reserve of KI in order to activate the amulets correctly. When they activated, a green magic barrier appeared around Shirone and me. I also felt the pressure on us abruptly disappear.

-*Ding*-

The man's katana hit the barrier. He looked at the katana, and then at the barrier, he spoke:

- Interesting... your barrier is strong enough.... but I'm stronger. - after that, his katana began to glow with yellow energy. He started raising his katana over us again, for a swing. I felt pressure inside the barrier. I have a feeling that if he hits the barrier with this attack, we will die!

"Die, you miserable Youkai! - The man said, before the attack, I had already pressed Shirone to me for protection, when suddenly:

- STOP! idiot! -

I heard a man screaming from the direction of our house. When I looked there, I saw a lot of men in masks and cloaks with hoods. They quickly ran up to this man with a katana and the pressure disappeared. Then one of them started talking:

- Idiot! What are you doing? Your task was to help kill the head of the clan, not to kill the living Nekomat! We need live Necomats as much as possible! - In an angry tone. I shuddered sharply when I heard about the "head of the clan", because only our Mother is the "head of the clan" here. The man answered him:

"I helped kill her, but this woman killed the others!" She also used some strange spell, after which there was nothing left alive within a radius of 1 km! You said that she is the weakest among the "higher clans"! The man with the katana replied in the same angry tone.

- That's right! Did you think that the heads of the "higher clans" are all weaklings? Okay, about this clan head, but you had to take all the books and knowledge of their clan! The masked man said.

- She destroyed everything within a radius of 1 km! And we all fought just in the main house of the clan! She destroyed: buildings, books, secrets, artifacts, land, in general EVERYTHING! This clan has lost its history and secret techniques. I went to the shore after that battle, but these pathetic weaklings got in my way! The man with the katana replied in an arrogant and annoying tone, and then pointed the katana at us.

I realized that our Mother was attacked and... killed.... whether.... and sde...Lal it's HIM! I couldn't even hold back the tears. Shirone also started crying when she realized who they were talking about.

He killed Shirone and my mother! I WON'T FORGIVE YOU!

- I WON'T FORGIVE YOU! I'LL KILL YOU! - Shouted in a voice full of anger and hatred! I didn't even notice the tears in my eyes.

Hearing my words, everyone turned to us, and the man with the katana suddenly said:

- What are you talking about, you pathetic insect? - in an arrogant tone.

"I'LL KILL YOU!" I'LL KILL YOU! DAMN YOU! -

"Shut your mouth, you pathetic Youkai. He shouted back and raised his katana and covered it with yellow energy again. I quickly covered Shirone with myself, from a possible blow.

- Idiot! Stop it! I hope you haven't forgotten who hired us? The masked man said in a serious tone.

- Shopping center... I haven't forgotten who hired us. But I can't just ignore being cursed by pathetic weaklings! After all, if you kill them, the weather will not change. - In an arrogant tone.

- We were able to catch too few Nekomat, and killing at least one will only make it harder for us to pay for such work. So stop acting like a child and go to the boats. Oh yes, before that, break this barrier." Said the masked man.

Then when the barrier was broken, I tried to attack our Mother's killer, but suddenly I was paralyzed, just like Shirone. Without having time to really understand anything, I slowly lost consciousness.

---

I woke up already in an iron cage, and by the sensations and sounds, I'm on a ship and it looks like I'm on the open sea. Next to me was Shirone and a couple more Nekomat. And we are in the hold of a ship. And after some time, I realized that a "Master and Slave" contract was imposed on us. To withdraw such a contract, without killing or the consent of the "Owner", was a lost cause. I was trying to find out how much time had passed while I was unconscious. Nekomat was told that they had been sailing for about 2-4 days.

The chances of escape were slim. Our forces were completely sealed because of the contract, and the order of the "Master". Our attempts to run were also limited by the order. Although we were fed, they gave us the bare minimum so that we could only live. I tried to give more food to Shirona so that she could hold out, since she is still small and she needs to eat more. Also, while we were sailing, none of us were touched, or sexually raped, this causes a dangerous premonition. After all, this means that we can be led for something even scarier than rape or simple bullying.

Over time, I heard the sounds of seagulls, and also felt how the ship stopped sailing and stopped. Then a couple of hours later, a couple of masked men came down to us. They ordered us to follow them. Because of the contract, we couldn't put up much resistance.

When we were outside, I saw that the ship was moored to some old pier. I also saw a forest nearby. Shirone walked beside me like the other Nekomat. When we went down to the pier, we saw other masked people. Then we were loaded into carts and sent somewhere.

A couple of days later we found ourselves near strange ruins, and there we were all teleported directly to a place unknown to us, but by the temperature, I can say that it's cold here, although not very noticeable, but my feelings do not deceive me. There is also a lot of ice mana here, which means we are somewhere in the winter region or in the snowy mountains.

Shirone and I and the other Nekomat were sent to some crazy person. But first, the transfer of the magical rights of the "Owner" was carried out over us. Of course, we didn't expect anything good, but the worst thing came true! They put some experiments on us!

Every day was a difficult test for all of us. Each time he poured something into other Necomats through his own devices. Some Nekomata eventually died after a couple of experiments by this person. He muttered about something every time, about some mergers and a new race. I always tried to take most of the experiments on myself, so that he would not use Shirone, but he did it anyway, but in small quantities. Sometimes when no one was there, Shirone cried in my arms, but I tried not to cry with her, so that she would not be afraid.

It's been a long time, the Necomat has become less and less. I started to feel like I was slowly losing my "KI". While my mana was getting much bigger, and for some reason it was difficult for me to control it in my body. Every day and night was like HELL for us! It didn't stop, over time I even began to think that if I died, then this whole nightmare would end. But when I looked at Shirone, I immediately realized that I was just "running away" and "abandoning" my younger sister.

I won't leave my sister in this HELL! I will definitely protect her, as well as find and kill our mother's killer! I SWEAR I'LL KILL HIM!

Then this madman started to create something new. He took and injected us with some strange remedy. Over time, I began to feel like the "KI" stopped leaving my body, as well as mana stopped being uncontrollable in my body. Shirone's condition has also become much more stable than before.

I, like Shirone, expected new experiments and pain. When the door opened as usual, and after a few seconds the crystals lit up, we opened our eyes and lifted our heads, and suddenly we saw something that we did not expect.

There was a little boy standing at the entrance. You can say he's about 13-14 years old. He had slightly long golden hair. But my sister and I were scared by his aura and his very presence, we didn't even understand why we were afraid, but one look at his eyes dark as the abyss, it became scary. Half of his body was covered with something dark and creepy-looking. But the scariest thing is his dark mark on his forehead, looking at it, I feel fear and despair, and a little desire to kneel. My instincts tell me that "DEATH" itself is in front of me!

When he spoke, his voice was creepy, my sister and I felt only fear, but I tried to cover my sister from him if he had evil intentions. Shirone has already experienced too much to be killed by this "creature" in the body of a child. I decided to find out who he was, but he suddenly stopped talking and froze. I was waiting for him to do something, but he just stood there for a couple of minutes, saying nothing. I already thought that I offended him with my question or something, but suddenly I saw a dark "thing" begin to disappear on his body, and the mark on his forehead also disappeared. His eyes turned green like an emerald. Now my instincts stopped screaming that "death" itself was in front of me, but the sense of danger did not leave me.

Then he spoke in a more ordinary and calm voice, which did not create a sense of danger and fear. Then he came over and started breaking the cage with his hands. When he finished, he offered to help us escape from here, but in exchange for help, we will belong only to him.

If everything is considered correctly, then I do not know what kind of "creature" this is, but it is unlikely that it will be worse with him than with that psycho who put experiments on my sister and me. But I still can't forget the feeling of his form that he was a couple of minutes ago. Of course I can refuse, but it is unlikely that we will be able to escape with Shirone from here in this state. Even if we restore our strength, they still won't be enough. There is no choice. I'll have to agree. I need to avenge my mother and our clan, as well as protect Shirone. But before that, I gathered all the strength and determination in myself, and warned that if he touches and offends my sister, I will personally kill him! Even if it's the last thing I do!

When I was about to take his hand, Shirone suddenly decided to stand up for me. It was so brave of her, but I didn't let her take the burden on herself. I don't care what this boy does to me, the main thing is to protect Shirone. As an older sister, I have to protect and protect my sister at all costs.

Then we started to leave this place, but before that, a boy named Alucard, as he introduced himself, gave us healing potions. At first I decided to test its authenticity on myself, thanks to KI I can feel the healing properties, but because of my condition, I can only through touch. Dripping on my wound, I felt the wound begin to heal quickly. The potion was real, and then I gave it to Shirona.

Then we came to a large hall where there were a lot of corpses and blood. After so many cruel experiments, such a picture was commonplace for me. But I noticed that Shirone hid behind me, so she still can't recover from all this, poor thing. But Alucard told me to keep an eye on my sister so that she wouldn't make a mistake in a fit of emotion.

Then we went to look for a map of this place. At first it was difficult to find anything resembling a map in such a pile of books and papers, but soon Shirone and I found a couple of papers that resembled maps. When Alucard returned, he checked what we found, and then went to the "Hall of Grimoires".

While we were walking, we met all sorts of scoundrels who ordered us to undress and spread our legs! I wanted to kill them all, no one dares to touch Shirone! But Alucard was killing them as fast as they started talking.

When we got to the "hall of grimoires", we were waiting for Alucard to finish doing something with the magic ball. From this object, mana is so full of mana, I hope he doesn't accidentally ruin us by digging into such a dangerous and powerful object.

After an hour of waiting, Alucard finished and made sure that the whole place was covered with a barrier, as well as this room. So no one will be able to leave and escape from here. When I realized that he wanted to kill everyone here, I immediately objected, but he presented a weighty argument. And it was difficult to object to him. When he left, for some reason, Shirone and I said at the same time, "Come back alive."

---

A couple of hours later, Shirone and I were hiding in this old library, or rather in the "hall of grimoires". Then we heard the sound of the door opening. We heard a voice, he was familiar, then we heard him call himself Alucard. Although it may be a trap, but as I noticed, that boy rarely responds to the name Alucard, which means that this name is not real, and only we can know such a name. So it's definitely him.

He returned unharmed, and it was strange, because after looking at that map, I can say that somewhere 200-400 people should live here. At first he said a stupid joke, and then he became serious and led us to some kind of arena.

Then we walked through the corridors of this place. I've been trying to figure out who Alucard is, he's full of many secrets, but I need to keep my curiosity in check.

And over time we found ourselves in a big arena, there were 15-20 children here. Alucard spoke about them, said he wanted to "save" them, a very kind act on his part, but why are there so few of them in such a big place? There was too much room for so many children. It will be necessary to find out about this in the future.

Alucard began to draw a strange pentagram with his blood. He was also looking at a book. But after about two hours, he finished. Alucard gathered everyone in the circle of the pentagram and began to work magic.

But before that, Alucard suddenly started talking about what we on the other side would call him "Meliodas Diablo". That's what his name is! Beautiful name. Then he told us not to talk about his abilities. And also so that we can get a meeting with the "Diablo" family. So he's a nobleman? I don't know much about demon culture, so I could be wrong. And he also asked me to send a message that will help confirm that we are not enemies. Then Meliodas lost consciousness, and the teleportation began.

---

When I opened my eyes, I saw everything blurry. It looks like it teleported us far enough, since it affects the body so much, or Aluk..., but no, Meliodas somehow did not draw the "teleportation" pentagram correctly. The first thing I heard was:

- Kyaya!!! -

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At first it was the sounds of a woman screaming, and then the sounds of footsteps that got further and further away. After a couple of minutes, vision returned to normal. The first thing I saw was a huge empty hall, as well as many stone columns. There is almost no light here. There was also no one alive here except us. But after a couple of minutes I heard the sounds of footsteps again:

-*Top*-

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People in black armor started coming out from different directions and halberds were in their hands. They surrounded us in a couple of seconds and pointed their weapons at us. I quickly started looking for Shirone, but immediately found her next to me, as well as Meliodas. Both were unconscious, as were the other children. Probably because I am a space magician, and therefore survived the consequences of teleportation much easier than they did. Without even having time to say a word, we were all detained and shackled.

When they reached Meliodas, some of the guards started talking about something, and then one of them quickly ran somewhere. We were all put in prison. It was damp and dark here. Shirone and the other children were kept separately. I tried not to give Shirone to them, but they were stronger than me.

- I hate being weak. I need strength. But Shirone... and Meliodas...* Sigh * I hope you're all right. - She said in a sad tone, sitting in a dark corner.

---

I don't know how much time has passed, but it's definitely about a couple of days. I tried to ask for a meeting with the Diablo family, but they wouldn't listen to me. All this time I was also worried about the condition of Shirone and Meliodas. I don't know exactly what social status Meliodas carries, but I hope he didn't accidentally kill himself in the process of using such a complex magic circle.

As usual, I could wait for the guard to bring a plate of food and leave, but suddenly someone else came here.

It was a tall woman. She had long golden hair like gold. Red eyes. She was also wearing rich clothes. The woman herself was emitting a frightening aura. Her face expressed anger.

My instincts were telling me about the danger again. But I almost didn't have the strength to even fight. Yes, and the collar that completely sealed all my powers hinders me. I was too worried about Shirone and Meliodas that I can't continue to resist at all. The woman spoke:

"I'm going to ask you an important question, Yokai. If you don't answer, you will tell me already under torture. - In a threatening tone.

- Please tell me, how is my sister feeling now? -

- Here I ask questions and get answers to them. Answer mine first and if I like it, I'll answer yours. - The same threatening tone in his voice. And then she continued. - How did you end up with Meliodas? And how did you get here with him? -

Then I began my story about how we met Meliodas. During the story, I remembered the words of Meliodas about not revealing his abilities. When my story was almost finished, I decided to ask something:

- Who, do you belong to Meliodas? - As I spoke, this woman's facial expressions changed from anger, to anxiety, worry, relief, joy. So she's connected to him somehow. The woman replied:

- Obviously, I am the Mother of Meliodas. The demon queen, Amy Diablo. The head of the house of Hiroko. And also the wife of the Demon King, Noriva Diablo. Meliodas is the Prince of the Demon Kingdom, the future heir to the throne. - With a proud expression.

What!? Meliodas is the son of the Demon King! But after all, I thought that he was at most some kind of noble, but not a prince! How did the prince end up in that place?! We need to calm down! It will be necessary to ask Meliodas personally about everything. Then I said:

- Meliodas, I asked you to tell a member of the Diablo family these words: "The Labyrinth of Orcus in the 11th spring" - After my words, a woman named Amy suddenly looked up in surprise. She just stood there for a couple of minutes with a thoughtful expression on her face.

- Okay, hmm... now I understand everything. To answer your last question. If that little girl with white hair and ears and a tail is your sister. Then I hasten to please you, she is safe and sound, only crying and constantly saying that she wants to go to her sister. And don't make such an evil face, after that message from my son, you will all be released soon, but only from prison. The two of you will be in custody elsewhere until Meliodas regains consciousness. And when he regains consciousness, we will sort everything out. I have to go. Amy Diablo said, and then started to leave. She reminds me of my Mother, she is just as strict, but in her heart she loves her children very much. At parting I said:

- thanks. -

- There's nothing to thank me for. -