Quick Finish

The capital of Absentia. A truly well structured place, but lacking in many departments. In truth it was very crude. The castle was jagged and pointy, the capital was a barren land filled with demons. Shops and vendors were just little booths. Not stores in buildings and such. There was no good scenery. Well…the capital as a whole retained a good skyline. At least there was that.

Illyana entered the capital with her platoon of soldiers. They went in a straight line towards the castle, crowds of demon residents cheering and watching the procession. The princess casually rode her steed until she neared the castle. 

Upon reaching the drawbridge, she greeted the knight captain who was standing guard. The demon knight bowed with his fist to his chest. It was a clean display of reverence. 

"Your highness." His rough voice sounded. 

"At ease, Captain." She responded. 

The princess continued on her way. Stopping at the castle front entrance, she dismounted her steed and strolled up the steps. There was an alignment of maids bowing as she walked through. Illyana ignored everyone else and went straight to her room. 

After kicking off her boots and removing her armor, she laid down on the edge of her bed. What a long day it had been. Her tense muscles slowly relaxed.

"Ahhhh…." She sighed.

'That beowulf was tough…but not as tough as that man. Speaking of Shin…' She thought. 

Rising from her bed and opening the balcony door, she could see the Nahobino standing on a nearby spire with his arms behind his back. He gazed at the city below, unimpressed. The flow of wind rattled his hair. There was no change in expression during the entire journey.

"So? What do you think of the place?" She asked. 

The princess was curious about his opinion. Illyana hadn't spoken with another person like him in a long time. Most people were either bootlicking, or it was Belasco giving an order. Shin didn't even bother looking at her. 

"...I'm unimpressed. This capital reeks. None of these demons can clean the stench. The buildings are cheap imitations of the real thing. The sooner we leave the better." He responded. Illyana gave a wry smile. 

"I see. You must dislike demons immensely…Though I do agree that there isn't much to look at."

"We are similar. I was stuck in a demon realm for a long time as well. Luckily, I found a way out. You are unlucky. You can't control your ability to traverse dimensions." He explained. 

"What? I don't have such an ability. That's the first time I've heard of such a thing." The princess responded with a frown.

"You do. It just hasn't made itself known to you."

"Shin, I think I'd know if I had such an ability."

"Apparently not." The Nahobino mocked.

"Are you making fun of me?" With an angry expression, she leaned over the railing. Her face neared his.

"...No."

"Are you sure? It sounds like you are."

"......................." His face fell flat. After a few seconds of her staring at the side of his face, she smiled. 

"Lighten up. I'm only messing with you." 

"...I know." He answered quickly. Illyana raised an eyebrow. 

"Did you?"

"Yes." His voice was firm. Too firm.

"Ok…Whatever you say. I truly don't know about this ability that you speak of, but I'll give you the benefit of the doubt."

"........................" The Nahobino continued gazing at the horizon. 

He was like a statue. The blonde Russian sauntered back into her room. Before closing the balcony door, she spoke. 

"I'll be resting now. The king will summon me in a few days for a report of today's events."

".........................."

"Siiigh." After not receiving a response, she closed the door. 

Tsukuyomi would remain there for the entire duration of her sleep. The princess even woke up once halfway through and checked to see if he was there. To find him still in the same position and posture…calling her surprised was an understatement. 

He thought about many things. What path should he take with his new life on Earth? Should he still go on slaying demons? There wasn't a need for him. From what the Ancient One taught him, there were many people saving the world at all times.

Maybe he would just live his life quietly. Refrain from using his powers and live like a mortal. He could also go on a journey. Traveling the world didn't seem too bad. The Nahobino had all the time in the world to think about it. 

…

…

"Shin."

".................."

"Shin?"

".................."

"Shin!" Illyana yelled directly into his ear. 

The young man's eyes grew clear as he left his thoughts. He turned to her without a break in expression. The princess wore a new set of similar clothes and her face was…very close. 

"Yes?" He answered. The blonde Russian couldn't help but roll her eyes. 

"It's a new day. Were you really standing here the whole time?" She asked. Shin looked towards the city below and sensed that the demon residents were active again. He then turned back to her. 

"...Yes."

"You didn't sleep?" She frowned in disbelief. 

"No. I would never sleep in a realm of demons." He revealed. 

"I-I see." Illyana didn't really know how to respond. Shin looked her in the eye.

"Do not worry about me. I will be fine."

"Alright."

Time passed as the two conversed. Illyana would find any chance she could to speak with him. Shin didn't move from his position a single time. It was strange but she grew used to it. The princess would complain about not being able to do things she assumed princesses did. 

Having tea parties with other noble women, going horseback riding for sport, hosting auctions, meeting a prince of a neighboring country, and many other things she'd only seen in movies. In a demon realm where there wasn't anyone else of the same standing, it was a worthy complaint. Shin was a good listener…his voice gave her a sense of calm.

Eventually, a week passed. A maid knocked on the door announcing the king's summons. After hearing a response from the princess, she left. Illyana approached the standing statue for the gazillionth time.

"Well I'm off to see Belasco. Didn't you want to take a look at him?" She poked his cheek. The Nahobino nodded, ignoring her closeness. 

"Go ahead. I will follow." He spoke before vanishing. 

The princess clicked her tongue before moving on. Many castle residents greeted her along the way to the king's private study. They wanted to bootlick, but the blonde politely explained that she was in a rush. It didn't take too long for her to reach her destination. She knocked on the door. 

"Enter." An aged voice resounded from the other side. 

After passing through the door, Illyana walked into the middle of the room and sat on a pillow. It was set out for her and seemed to be a normal occurrence. An aged demon man could be seen flipping through a book. 

His skin was a pinkish white, with brown hair and pointed ears. A royal red cloak covered his shoulders alongside golden jewelry and robes. His lower half was covered by a battle skirt. Two small horns grew from his temples.

"My apprentice returns from her journey. Did you find the beowulf?" He asked. The princess bowed her head. 

"I found the beast, my king and master. It was slain with no trouble on my end." She spoke in a cordial tone. 

"Hmm. Good. Your battle skills are improving. Know that you've barely broken the surface of your skills. In time you will become incredibly strong. Be sure to make me proud." 

"I will, master."

"There is one thing I wish to tell you. I've been working on a project and your presence will be needed later. That is all. I won't take up your time." He finished. 

Illyana bowed once more and left without saying a word. There was a swiftness to her steps as she returned to her room. As soon as she entered, she opened the balcony door. The Nahobino was already in the same spot. He gazed at the city below. 

"Well? What did you think?"

"...He seemed very adept with sorcery. I'm sure he's very strong. Although, it won't matter if I catch him unaware. It would only take a second."

"W-Well, he didn't seem to notice you. Though you would still fail to kill him. He's immortal." She responded to his treasonous words.

"It matters not. I also noticed that a small portion of your presence was mixed with his own. He had something on him…" Shin trailed off. 

The princess' eyes widened. She didn't expect him to notice something so small. Still, this gave her hope. 

"I'm surprised you noticed. That was a bloodstone…he is never without it. A part of my soul lies within it. As long as he has it, I must do his bidding. Now do you understand why I can't leave?" She revealed with a sad smile. Her gaze went to the ground. 

"Hmmm. So that's what this is." He hummed while eyeing the gem in his hand. 

Hearing his words, Illyana's gaze snapped toward him. Her body froze upon seeing the bloodstone in his grasp. When had he snatched it? How?!

"What-How-Y-You…give it here!" She exclaimed. 

Her body reached over the balcony as she tried to take it from his hands. Shin moved it away from her hand, a slight smile appearing for just a second. This journey was just about over. The young man didn't plan on staying in Limbo much longer. He preferred to get things done quickly.

"Why should I give it to you?" He said. Her face scrunched up. 

"It literally belongs to me! Belasco will notice that it's missing. Give it to me! Give me my soul!" She pleaded. 

"If you ask politely, maybe I'll give it to you." He quipped. This was his revenge from her earlier teasing. 

"Please…Shin, please give it to me. Give it to me, please?" She begged. Her eyes looked into his. She knew exactly what effect her words were giving. 

The Nahobino hummed before placing it in her hand. Illyana immediately began to integrate with it. It didn't take long at all. The gem eventually shattered into dust. Her soul was fully whole. She was free. 

"I'm sure he's noticed. Why don't you go see what he's up to?" Shin suggested. The princess' face turned pale. 

"Why would I do that?! Do you think I'm suicidal?" She squealed. 

"Don't you want to know why he kidnapped you? I'm sure the stone plays a role. Maybe he'll let something slip in his rage. Go." He said. 

Illyana grit her teeth before dashing out of the room. Returning to his private study, she could already hear him on the other side of the door. The king wasn't happy. 

BAM BAM

"WHERE IS IT?!" He roared. 

"Y-Your majesty, maybe it fell out of your pocket along the way-" A demon researcher could be heard.

BANG

"Impossible! I keep it perfectly secure!"

"Maybe-" Belasco grabbed the researcher by the scruff. Veins were visible on his forehead. 

"Do not give random suggestions, boy. You and I both know we cannot open that damn portal without it. Invading Earth will be a pipe dream without it! Even if that human filth dies, we must find it! She can serve me even in death."

"You are totally right, Your Majesty! I-I'll help you look for it!"

BAM

The door flew off its hinges. Illyana walked through the entrance, an expression of rage on her face. She couldn't believe what she'd just heard. 

"Is that true? You would command my soul even in death?" Her voice was barely holding in the fury. 

Belasco looked at her with a solemn expression. His emotions slipped through too much. His intentions were revealed. He kicked himself mentally. Things just got a lot more tedious. 

"Illyana." He said. 

"Human filth huh? You want to use this ability of mine to conquer Earth? Even if I die beforehand? Bastard…I'll kill you!" She exclaimed. 

Her soulsword materialized in her hand. Not wasting any time, she charged toward the king. Belasco couldn't hide the smirk that appeared. 

"You are too eager, apprentice." 

BADUMP

Illyana's heartbeat resonated in her ears. Her body froze and she fell to her knees. The king's hand was glowing red. 

"Did you think that your soul was the only leverage I had on you? Always do your research before committing. You've left me no choice, woman. Now I leave you unconscious until the portal is open. Sleep." He said. 

The princess couldn't stop her eyes from closing. Everything went black. Belasco sighed in annoyance.

"Forget the bloodstone. I'll forge another one from her soul." He muttered.

As he stood over her unconscious body, he failed to notice the glowing hand pointed at his back. 

VRRMMMM

The photon blade ignited through his chest, frying his heart. Shin then swiped his hand. The saber cut through his ribcage until exiting the other side. There was no blood. Only a burning trail. 

"...Strength means nothing if you can't sense death's approach." The Nahobino said.

Belasco crumpled to the ground unable to respond. His lungs were burnt to a crisp. Only one thing constantly repeated in his mind. 

'This is how I die?! Unable to even use my vast array of spells? I'm supposed to be immortal. How?!'

The light soon left his eyes. Shin turned to the other demon in the room. The demon researcher was trembling in a corner. His yellow eyes bore into the cowardly man.

"P-Please don't kill me! I have a family." He pleaded. 

Tsukuyomi stared at him for a while longer, eventually turning away. Illyana lay on the floor unattended. He gently picked her up in a princess carry and casually left the room.