Fiends

"I understand." Ryu said after listening to the story of the nine figures. 

"You were already aware of this, little boy?"

"My master has told me about the Phoenix Sky God before."

"Your master?"

"Fading Star."

There was a tremble in the air, and the nine figures seemed to understand. 

"I see… Your master is quite pitiful."

Ryu nodded. He understood what they meant. From what he knew, his master's world had been destroyed, cutting off the cycle of reincarnation for anyone who survived the catastrophe. It could be said that Fading Star, her husband, and even Hope weren't welcome on this plane at all, as they weren't born beneath its cycle of reincarnation. 

"Since Fading Star is your master, that explains quite a lot. There's even less to worry about you, then."