Episode 104: THE EMPRESS

{At the Spirit Realm}

While astonished by the new view, Zefarih and Hoshi kept their priorities straight and head towards Nhairon, who would learn about basic knowledge about the two demons to find their weaknesses if ever they have ill intentions. Making sure they will be trustworthy enough, he comes first to Zefarih.

ZEFARIH: Class-A DEMON. Specialty: Speed and Predictability.

I can hear movements from miles away, making any moving thing towards me predictable and easy as a target. Combined with my speed, and power of electrification, I won the title of one of the seventeen fastest demons in all of hell.

Nhairon seemed impressed, but hid his worry beneath his stoic face. Zefarih was very strong indeed, so he ordered Humility to always trail behind.

Then he comes forward to Hoshi. Giving great interest in the way he stood and present himself.

The boy even have the same braided hair like his! But that naughty smile on his lips gives Nhairon second doubts about his personality.

Hoshi can be a bit too proud of himself though, so he might fabricate some of his abilities since he's kinda boasty. To avoid it, Zefarih told them about his abilities before Hoshi can even open his mouth.

ZEFARIH: Hoshi, is a shapeshifting demon. He can turn into a dragon, or a half one at that. His biggest strenght is his light radiation, that he can only use once every hour, and can only last for 5 minutes. He is a son of a succubus, Amanda Rofainne. She uses many aliases, but you can spot her easily if you see the snake tattooed on her neck.

NHAIRON: Unfortunately, it has been a long while since I stepped foot in the human grounds.

Nhairon looks at the crowd of reapers behind him, then pointed at Humility, who he knows have visited Japan more frequently than he ever will be.

NHAIRON: Have you heard of Amanda? Amanda Rofainne as he says?

HUMILITY: No. Female demons have been so rare. I barely see one lurking.

HOSHI: My mom has been missing in hell for years now. I thought she was in the human realm. I haven't seen her around here too...I mean the mortal realm, since there's no way...Heheh she'd be here...*fake coughs* so I was hoping at least one of you spotted her.

ZEFARIH: I'm sorry, maybe she's really missing after all. I was hoping one could find her too. I used that tactic to at least have a hint of where she went, but seems like it was merely a dream for us both. Since she could be anywhere.

NHAIRON: So you came here to seek for her too?

ZEFARIH: That, and to help my son. I mean, it's a waste not to do it. Hoshi has been missing his mother now. She turns into a beautiful white dragon, with incredible light radiation that will blind enemies for days.

NHAIRON: I see. So that means Hoshi, can turn into a dragon too, right?

ZEFARIH: I'm sure he'd be very proud to demonstrate that.

Hoshi smiles and proudly turned himself into a yellow dragon. He spread his wings that glistened in the realm's sunlight, beginning to glow and turn into rainbow colors.

VIXEN: Amazing. I've never seen one before.

HOSHI: Thanks.

The reaper, Fae, who came late from work was curious at the piling crowd of reapers. She thought that a yellow reaper was showing off or something, but when she tried to take a peek, a yellow dragon with big black horns showed up. Do reapers have horns? Do reapers usually show off their skills like that? Why hasn't she saw that beautiful dragon before? Is that a new reaper?

Confused, she tried to get closer, until she reaches Harry's side. Harry looked annoyed, when he noticed that an arm clung unto his shoulders, he grew even more annoyed. He looked at her eyes, and she was staring and marveling at how beautiful the new face was.

FAE: His form looks beautiful. Even more magestic than your dragon form. And well...I love yellow too!

HARRY: Oh please...mine's better, you know? He just looks flashier. And besides, my eyes are yellow, why haven't you complimented me yet?

But she still didn't break her focus, and that made Harry even more jealous of the attention Hoshi was given. Even Fae was impressed? Just by a mere dragon? Pfff, please.

Hoshi transforms back into his normal form, a handsome man with a seductive grin. That was when Fae looked completely won over.

FAE: How tall, and handsome...

However, upon the sight of him in his form, she felt something whispering in her conscience to not trust the man before her.

FAE: Why...why am I feeling like this?

Harry looks at his dear friend, patted her back and gave a long sigh.

HARRY: I hate to break it up to you but...that's just body telling you he's a demon.

FAE: A...what??

HARRY: Yeah, you're crushing on a demon. So you like bad boys, huh?

FAE: What? It's not like I like him. I'm just shocked.

Her voice may have been too loud that Hoshi quickly recognized her.

HOSHI: Hello.

Fae's blue eyes playfully looked at him. She was even more mesmerized. Hoshi looks at her softly.

Nhairon noticed the possible attraction between them, so he looked at Harry, giving him a warning.

NHAIRON: Take your friend a bit farther. These guys are still demons.

Harry obliges. Forcing Fae out of the scene.

Hoshi felt a bit sad seeing her go, and Zefarih noticed that he was heavily distracted. So he pulled him towards Nhairon's steps, which was coming to a big plate of rock.

Other reapers were heavily unallowed to step here unless summoned.

Humility followed them quietly, stepping to the plate and signalling the two unsure demons to do the same. Nhairon looked at them very keenly.

HUMILITY: Hoshi, Zefarih, whatever you do, when we reach he Empress's chamber, do not tell her lies. Lies will get you both killed instantly.

They both gulped. They have never met the Empress of Souls. But she came from the heavens, so she might be pretty strong.

The thought of being eradicated made them sweat a lot.

When they reached the ground of the royal chamber, they could feel shivers down their spine.

Right.

This is no place for a demon after all.

They grew more and more afraid with each passing second.

Hoshi even clung unto his senior, a thing he rarely do since he doesn't like any weaknesses. But he feared for his life dearly now.

He could smell something threatening, just a few more steps away.

The two finally reached the chamber.

Where a big yellow lady was seated on her throne.

She was shining brightly, her amber eyes looking down on them like little kids.

ALICE: Now...if you could kindly, come a bit closer.

Her voice spoke gently, but each word ring a warning to their ears.

ZEFARIH: Hoshi, don't show fear.

HOSHI: How??? This... this lady is huge and...well, she's looking pretty tough too.

ZEFARIH: As long as we're true, she won't harm us.

ALICE: What brings two demons here?

Zefarih comes closer, trying to swallow his pride and fear. It has been so long since he saw someone from the heavens.

ZEFARIH: I...it's been years since I followed the ruling of Lucifer. I...I do not follow him anymore and just wanted to look out for my son. My only son. Because...he..*fake coughs* wanted to get a girl friend. Not that I'm gonna force her to! I just wanted to help him like any normal father would.

HOSHI: I despise demons too. Please, deem my, uh...words true...yer.. I mean Your! Your...majesty.

Alice gave a little smile, can't help but giggle a bit since they both looked too afraid and tensed talking to her.

ALICE: Stop being so tense, I won't harm you for nothing.

Humility even laughed to himself after witnessing the two stutter and mix their words. Nhairon remained stoic, but inside he was dying of laughter as well.

ALICE: Can you two give me your hands?

HOSHI: Are you going to cut them off??? Please don't, I love my hands.

ALICE: Uh, no?

HUMILITY: Just give her your hands, she won't hurt you both.

Hoshi tried to think positively and handed the Empress his hand. Same with Zefarih.

Nervous and unsure, they looked at each other one last time and just knew what to do best.

They closed their eyes as the Empress glowed and continued to hold their hands. Her eyes glowed, and she continued reading their minds if their words are true.

Her light escaped the room, and to avoid blindness, even Humility and Nhairon took cover with their arms. Bowing down to avoid getting hurt.

The Empress opened her eyes and smiled brightly.

ALICE: You two, are true to your words. Please open your eyes now.

They both opened their eyes in relief and quickly pulled away their hands.

Hoshi felt so ecstastic he couldn't help but rejoice.

'They're alive! Thank Satan! I mean...the Heavens!'

Alice looks at Nhairon and Humility.

ALICE: You both did well. Now, go and put these guests on where they should be.