A Devil's Sins

"Me? I'm just a pervy guard dog. Woof!"

He said, chuckling immediately after. Keeping a steady pace and eyes trained on the demon as Karna became gradually further from the girls, watching the demons glowing palm follow his movements.

"He...already sees himself as some kind of monster."

Miyaura mustered her strength to say, earning the other girls attention. Tears streaming down her face.

"He feels like he's something horrible, he can't remember but he feels the rage, sadness and pain that's never left him. He's *Sob* suffering so much inside yet he wore a smile because we trusted him. There's just so much pain."

Aisellia noticed Miyaura sobbing prohibited her from speaking anymore.

"Miyaura, in that flame...you connected on a deeper level didn't you? You were able to temporarily feel what he held inside..."

Miyaura began nodding her head in confirmation to Aisellia's thesis. Leiliana approached them and took a knee at their side.

"Those flames that gave you strength, it seemed to be too much agony it negatively effected your body."

"It's my fault..."

Miyaura said.

"I couldn't control it, I want to be there for him but...I couldn't even b.a.r.e more than small bit of his pain. So much he holds on his own shoulders."

"As a captain of experience, this whole thing is still quite confusing to me. Just why is a demon defending us?"

"Because..."

Aisellia began to say.

"He believes his a monster...we've seen what l.u.s.t demons do on their own will to women like us...but we still chose to care about him. At first, I thought I did just for protection to make it home safely but I realized. No matter what he's done...we've decided none of that matters.""The demon fights...because you've chosen to still care about him."

Leiliana said questionably, looking over at Karna.

"That's more than enough for him to face such a dangerous threat to protect you. He's more than just a demon to you two. He is...different. A person, fighting for someone other than himself."

Leiliana watched Karna walk, having a revelation of her own, unable to shift her gaze from the man. Soon only able to look at the girls and chuckle on her own.

(Sifu...you were right again. My hate for demons may have clouded me from life changing experiences. These girls...they have experiences that allowed them new perspectives and experiences one can only obtain when they let hate go.)

Suddenly her eyes fired wide open.

(The shaman!)

Quickly she looked over to Karna and immediately screamed out.

"Be Cautious! It wasn't capable of mass domination of the goblins! It dominated their shaman connecting it to the others. Shaman's are intelligent, everything the goblins have learned in their lifespans all transferred to that demon! It understands our language!"

Just as she finished speaking, the demon's eyes immediately locked onto Leiliana and immediately aiming the charged attack at her and the girls, instantly releasing the blast once its aim was locked. Unleashing the orb charged in it's palm manifested a massive red beam of light that easily scorched the earth of the large scale radius of the attack. Leiliana could not even react, her eyes only having enough time to witness she had dropped the Angelo as it lied further away from her. The speed of the attack closing the distance between them almost instantly. Before her eyes could shift again to face the attack, it's light and warmth had already overtook her field of vision. Without warning, Karna tossed his Katana with such a speed, it plunged into the ground directly in front of the young women. Making it just in time for the blast to crash against sheathed blade. His weapon seemingly automatically erecting a flowing barrier of azure flame. Protecting the women from the blast, allowing the excess energy slightly deflected around their frontal shield-like barrier. Just as its attack appeared to fail, the superior demons eyes returned trained on Karna who in its own surprise, had already closed the distance separating them. Karna's fist launching forward and violently smashing into the demons face send it flying backwards. Once the blast had cleared from the girls field of vision, they were able to witness Karna's strike just in time. Their eyes held wide open, mouths agape in shock of what they had witnessed. All but Miyaura, who lied in Aisellia's l.a.p smiling.

"W-what just-?"

Leiliana said, unable to fully process what she just witnessed.

"H-how?"

Leiliana said only able to question more of the sight.

"Without Miyaura, we wouldn't have been able to have him."

Aisellia attempted to answer, leading Leiliana to turn and meet eyes with her, her expression displaying her confusion.

"No...how did he obtain such power so close to the strongest of captains?! Only Legendary slayers and the more powerful captains have been able to even take a superior classed demon alone much less alone even land an effective attack."

"Wait Leiliana, you are already incredible skilled, you aren't the strongest captain?"

Aisellia questioned, her surprise evident on her face.

"There are thirteen squads. Number doesn't determine skill level but of the thirteen captains i'm ranked only above one other. There are others more powerful than I, the strongest have never lost their positions as captains. The strongest of us rivaling legendary slayers of old, their skill and power even said only to be challenged by demons so powerful their abilities are mythological in nature. Demons in history who allegedly fought against the angels. At least...that's how the story tells of their terrible power."

The demon stopped his flight path, performing a back flip and coming to a sliding stop and lifting its head to catch Karna once again in front of it. Being in mid-air already performing a horizontal kick aimed for the demons head. Only to be contested by the demons lifted arm, causing a collision with the demons forearm, being instantly stopped. It was then both of these powerful being locked glares. The impact of their attack causing a audible boom followed by a gust of wind that reached even the girls. The demon immediately grabbed Karna's leg with both hands before he could react. Quickly slinging Karna over its shoulder and viciously slamming him, smashing through the grounds very surface. Karna's face displaying the intense pain the slam had caused him yet he did not yield. Using the impact of the slam to bounce upward aiming a skyward kick to the demons chin but it proved quick enough to lean back outside of the attacks range. Leaving Karna to perform a back flip, landing on his feet once more. His eyes widened with surprise as the demon had flipped tactics already being nearly face to face with him. Its hand straightened to a blade of which it thrust it towards his c.h.e.s.t. This attack evaded by Karna stepping to the side just in time for the attack to miss but not completely, its hand grazing his side. In the same evasive step, his other leg lifted from the ground and rammed against the demons stomach. Unfortunately its heels dug into the ground preventing its movement from its footing, Karna able to see it grit it's teeth from pain.

Before it could grab his leg again, he quickly withdrew his foot, using the momentum to spin backward and aiming a spinning round house aimed for the demon who to Karna's surprise, had predicted his attack. Their feet colliding in the middle above eye level for both combatants. The demon hopped off its grounded foot, its other which was used to block Karna's kick f.o.r.c.i.b.l.y pushed Karna's foot downward. Executing one fluid motion, the demon guided Karna's leg down into the cuff of the back of its leg. Locking its opponents leg, holding Karna's leg curled and locked between its own calf and t.h.i.g.h. Elevated in the air the demon swung its free leg towards the head of Karna. Quickly smashing the side of his face and sending the man sideways rapidly spinning through the air, with Karna quickly extending his hands towards the ground. His fingers tore through the ground unable to fully stop his momentum but allowed him to slow down just enough to stop his forced spinning and quickly adjusting his body. Performing a flip to correct himself to a upright position that allowed him the plant his feet onto the ground. Karna lifted his head looking for his opponent. Blood dripping from his face and his opponent not in sight yet not needing to see the demon for the sense of its demonic energy was behind him. Without haste he rolled to the side just barely evading the demons straightened hand swipe downward at him. Karna immediately stood up in time to raise his hands and begin stepping backwards enabling him to deflect the incoming series of strikes from the demon with his hands and arms. Soon given an opportunity to throw his own series of strikes causing the demon to begin stepping backwards as Karna pushed on, the strike evaded and block by the demon in similar fashion. The exchange became mixed with an multiple strikes and kicks. Both combatants alternating between being the pushing force causing the other to step in retreat. Unfortunately within their vicious exchanges some of the demons attacks would connect yet not ceasing their battle of power, speed, and combat technique. Their final strikes collided, f.o.r.c.i.b.l.y pushing both being backwards, the feet firmly planted to their sliding stops.Aisellia looked into the distance, her eyes looking but unable to see the two battle. Looking towards Leiliana, Aisellia took notice of her eyes, rapidly shifting quickly in what seemed like random directions. From her eyes alone she could tell the combating demons were sporadically appearing in one location then another with each sudden eye movement.

(They're too fast for me but she see them.)

She thought before looking forward once more only catching sight of them once their collision led them to slide apart. Each new collision between the two creating its own boom that was easily heard by the girls. In the clash Karna and the demon continued to strike, evade, and counter each others attacks. Initially the demons combat skill appeared superior, several strikes slipping through Karna's defenses, resulting in him being dealt powerful blows. Karna swiftly blocking, evading and launching counterattacks of his own. Although not able to slip any past the creatures guard. Catching and locking both of Karna's hands before delivering a fearsome headbutt, temporarily knocking the signs of life from Karna's eyes forcing him to began falling backwards. In the split second prior to his feet leaving the ground, Karna seemed unconscious. Suddenly life returned to his eyes, now baring an intense red coloration. Gritting his teeth through the pain and with an anger filled expression on his face, he used his backwards momentum to swing a foot skyward, crashing into the demons chin from under. The blow sending it back into repetitious back flips same as Karna. Both quickly separating and flipping back onto their feet simultaneously. Both quickly standing up right, immediately moving at such a speed causing them to vibrate briefly before disappearing from the n.a.k.e.d eye. The two beings clashed once again, hands entangled with each others, both headbutting the other leading them to f.o.r.c.i.b.l.y attempt to force the other back. Growing intensity from opposing forces caused the ground underneath them to fragment and splinter yet neither faltered. Their faces displaying the sheer force they each fought with accompanied by bulging veins visible on their heads and exposed arms. Gradually a violet colored aura emerged from the superior demons skin, soon bulking an aura fully enveloping its body, gifting it the strength to gain power against Karna. His feet beginning to be pushed into the ground and forced backwards.

"Ghaaaa!!"

Karna yelled. Having a black color aura erupt around himself of similar size thus allowing him to equalize the pushing force between them. Aisellia and Leiliana watched in amazement at the power struggle happening before their eyes.

"I can't believe it. I've known about him but...its terrifying."

Aisellia said.

"You should be more than fearful. He's not strong enough to defeat it."

Leiliana announced. Aisellia could only visually show the fear in her expression, her heart practically dropping from what she was just told.

"No no no! It can't end here right?!"

She questioned, moving her gaze downward to see a unconscious Miyaura.

"...Right?"

"Listen Aisellia. If he loses...take her and run, I'll buy you as much time as I can."

"But its too powerful-!"

"I know! I know more than anyone!"

Leiliana interrupted angrily, slamming her fist onto the ground in frustration.

"We have to be realistic and that demon...your friend just isn't strong enough either. Shingen and Eleanor should have made it by now. They're likely already sending scouts and fortifying their defenses."

"Leiliana...I-I don't know how else to tell you...we were ambushed on the way back and-""No more Aisellia...please no more. I've had my guesses. But someone with Eleanor's kindness wouldn't have allowed you to come here on your own. She had her fears...but she braved anything for her allies. Even if that mean't...dying."

Aisellia could only look as Leiliana went through her own despair over her lost subordinate. Looking down to Miyaura silently for a few seconds then looked out at the battle. Seeing each person physically and emotionally defeated as Karna struggled against the great threat facing them all.

"You all gave everything...no matter what it cost you. Protecting what you care about even if it leaves you all broken and bloody. If this is how it's supposed to end...I'll put myself on the line too. For everyone. Miyaura, i'll need a little help with this."

She said, reaching her hand out for the katana pierced into the ground which protected them while the other rested on Miyaura's head.

"If you can hear me...I'll do it. If being a regular girl will cost my friends lives...I'll throw being normal away! Hear me now! I'll do it!"

Aisellia yelled, prompting Leiliana to turn and look at her, confused on the words she spoke and more so whoever she was speaking to. Meeting eyes with Aisellia both could see the tears coming from each others eyes. Just then the Katana began to shift around in the ground, suddenly disappearing and reappearing into Aisellia grasp. Appearing with a small burst of azure flame as it materialized in her hand.

Taking the demon off guard, Karna lifted his feet from the ground paired together. Both feet lifting eye level with the demon and f.o.r.c.i.b.l.y delivering a drop kick to its face, forcing the demon to release one of Karna's hands. Yet it didn't move from its position. Quickly swiping Karna's legs to the side, stepping forward and pulling on the arm still in its grasp. Pulling Karna in with one hand as the other slammed downward into Karna's stomach sending him crashing deep into the ground. Using the same grip on the man to pull his body up from the sky, releasing him and allowing his body to seemingly hover in front of it. The demon rapidly unleashed a series of powerful gut punches to the man, each one lifting Karna back into the air allowing the demon to continue his combo. Drawing its straightened hand back, the demon thrust his palm forward, aiming to deliver a devastating blow to Karna yet just before it palm was able to connect, Karna gripped onto its wrist stopping the attack just before impact. Expecting to catch the demon off guard again, Karna visually became confused as he saw a smirk begin to form with the demons lips before a bright light began emitting from its palm. Karna's gaze shooting downward but not quick enough to stop the following pulse wave of energy released. Instantly shredding most of what remained of Karna's attire while simultaneously creating multiple gashes all over his body. Damage being done in the instant it was released the secondary effects initiated sending Karna flying backwards through the air.

Leiliana watched as Aisellia hunched over, her c.h.e.s.t practically smothering Miyaura, who even while unconscious proved able to crack a smile in joy of it. Aisellia sat crying in pain, faint whimpers quickly turning into withheld agonizing screams through her closed lips. Aisellia's free hand held firmly onto Miyaura's. Without warning the back of her attire blew off her back into shreds leaving her entire back exposed to the air.

"Aisellia...what are you doing?"

Leiliana questioned before going speechless, witnessing the azure flame that protected them painfully scorch lines into her lower back, burning an insignia into her flesh. It was then she could no longer hold the painful screams any longer. On the back of her hand, another symbol appeared painlessly compared to her back.

Without hesitation the creature immediately aimed its palm at him once more. Its free hand gripping onto its wrists as it appeared to take a more stable stance, firmly planting it to the ground. In his palm an orb of concentrated energy began to form, its charge being much quicker than before. Soon releasing a massive beam of energy easily double in size to its first one that had been aimed for Leiliana. Karna's eyes once again faded, unable to move or much less react for the incoming blast. In the final second before impact, a pulse surged through his body. His eyes shifting to the side almost automatically fixing on Aisellia who now threw herself upright and in similar fashion her eyes met his. It was then the words of the mysterious voice replayed in her mind.

(That's the only way I can offer. It'll cause you extreme pain, but the pain it will cause him will be unimaginable. Its not like Miyaura's power up. More than that you'll be forcing him to endure. The madness inside of him will begin pouring out of him uncontrollably. It's beneficial he can't remember much as of now for the full weight of madness...is irreversible. Or so I thought, only I have been able to pull him back but I believe you two have what it takes. To call upon his inner darkness and bring him back. You'll be binding your soul to his meaning life for you will change permanently...if your will wavers, you could lose your life before anything happens. It'll only be temporary but you all will have a better chance to survive this battle. You may make the choice as I have before you. Your life is at stake so please consider carefully if its really worth your life.)

Just as their eyes met, Aisellia blue eyes began to glow causing the red color and pupils of his to disappear from his eyes. Robbed of visual sight, a vision entered Karna's mind, Seeing his vision as if he were viewing through someones eyes during his experience.

He found himself standing at a cliffs edge, high noon sunshine illuminating the vast landscape before him.. Hearing footsteps, the person turned to gaze over their shoulder, seeing an older male slowly approaching them from behind. The older man had gray hair atop his head matching the long beard descending from his chin, which waved by the graceful breeze currently blowing. The elder male silently stepped up beside the younger person. His vision having to look upwards to meet eyes with the man of whom shifted his own gaze to meet with his before returning to looking beyond the cliffs edge. In their sites, a large village surround by vast grasslands. At the villages back was a single large building. In front of it a large group of young teens undergoing training exercises, lead by another elderly man. In a separate group of sparring individuals a young girl engaged against several other students surrounding her, being visibly one of the youngest there yet her skill depicted she was one of the best present. With an excellent display of her martial arts ability, defendeding against and neutralized each of her attackers quickly. Letting out a deep exhale, bringing her hands together in focus while her classmates laid on the ground around her. Relaxing herself, she smirked looking at her success. She began walking off to the side, being finished with her exercise, a sight of Karna and a elderly male standing at the cliff overlooking the village.

It was then the vision escaped the first person perspective, allowing Karna to view the vision as a spectator, seeing a younger him standing beside the elder male.

"I hear you refuse to train with the others?"

The elderly man questioned.

"We both know i'm stronger and faster than any of them..."

"Given your demon genetics I would think so too. Well as far as the students go anyways. I also couldn't help but notice you haven't been very social. Thinking about it I guess you've never been quite social since I found you and brought you here."

"Sensei...according to the other masters you're pretty good at isolating yourself too."

"That's different. They just want to talk about old people things. The masters and I joined together to form this village. Training slayers of various walks of life and suffering. Half of the students here have come from some tragedy and brought here for a second chance. Passing down centuries worth of Artes from many different traditions and teachings of slayers from across the world. However I work more efficiently alone. All these years I had refused to take on an apprentice until I found you of course."

"Why choose me as an apprentice? Every master will turn against you if they ever found out what I am."

"We both only discovered your genetics together just a few years past."

The elderly man said, placing a hand on his c.h.e.s.t.

"The scar has healed but it's strange. No matter what someone may categorize you as...you are my student...and just as human as the rest of us as far as i'm concerned. Ya know, minus the glowing eyes."

He ended saying with a smile, prompting Karna to share in the laugh himself.

"Yet I think it won't do well for you not to be so isolated from the others. Which is why I've decided to join the Masters Council of the village and personally select the students who will participate."

"You're acknowledged as the best of Slayers, you're practically a legend. It doesn't sound strange they would let you pick from their students."

"What? I expected more of a protest?"

"Hm? Why would I? I won't be there."

"Oh yes you will..."

"What?!"

"You may be naturally more physically gifted but your technique is still flawed. You're still a novice compared to me, but you and the ones I've selected hold greater potential than any of the masters or I."

The elder man said as he spun around and began walking down the hill.

"Plus a new student arrived two weeks ago...We'll see how long you remain the best of my apprentices. Oh! but if I recall someone swore they would be stronger than even myself and kill every demon in our world."

The man stopped for a moment, taking a second to stroke his beard in thought before simply shrugging his shoulders.

"Oh well can't remember! Must have been some weak chump Ohohoho!"

Karna watched the elder male walk away laughing but his humor brought a smirk to Karna's face.

"Hm. That's right...I will. Sensei, you told me your power comes from protecting those you don't want to lose...but i'm a demon so...I can't have that..."

The vision of Karna ended, the color and pupils returning to his eyes. Gaze meeting instantly with Aisellia's whose hand stretched out for him.

(No, it didn't work! I'm too weak after all. I'm sorry everybody...I-I couldn't do it. I knew someone like me couldn't form a contract!)

"What? What is this horrible pain! It feels like something is burning inside me! Ah!"

Spontaneously Aisellia appeared calm.

"No...stupid girl, she has made a contract with a demon for her soul. I thought it impossible..." Gently removing Miyaura from her l.a.p and onto the ground. Leiliana watched in silence, seeing Aisellia own eyes glowing.

"She's calm? No looking at her eyes...this is possession, but I don't sense any sin like in the other girl. Is she being possessed by a user of artes? I've never heard of such an arte capable of possession like demons."

Suddenly something pulsed deep down inside Aisellia as she stood, her hand extended towards him, a graceful aura of light flowing around her body.

(I can help you...)

A voice within her said.

"I am thou, thou art I..."

On the back of her hand, one part of the symbol faded from her skin.

"Wings of my rebellion that shall breakith thy chains of captivity! Embrace your oath and annihilate all who hinder my path. Spirit and sin by command of your Queen, WRECK THIS BITCH!"

Karna took in his final sight of the girls, before the demons beam enveloped his entire body. Leiliana turned away from Aisellia. Quick;y enough to catch what final glimpse of Karna she could before sight of him was overtaken by the beam. Her eyes shifted towards the distant ground where he formerly stood, something immediately shocking her once she took notice. Below the beam lied deeply imprinted, footprints of something far from human, watching the steam rise from the azure scorched earth. The shock almost causing her to miss the sudden appearance of another print on the side of the beam. Immediately footprints began appearing rapidly, the source invisible to the n.a.k.e.d eye. Yet she proved barely able to keep up with their pace. Soon multiple steps behind as they appeared beside the beam, curving all the way back to the demon it'self just as the beam began dissipating. By the time she could tell where the prints were leading she altered her gaze directly at the demon. Seeing it staring down another demonic creature in front of it. A creatures whose body was engulfed in a deep shroud of darkness. Lacking facial features save for white lights seemingly peering through its own darkness shaping eyes. Its mouth only shaped by darkness giving the appearance of jagged teeth. In the second Leiliana laid eyes on them, the creature of darkness swung its hand, the aura shaped into claws of which it used to swipe at the demon. Without hesitation its body appeared to vibrate and disappear from sight just before the attack landed. Leiliana fell onto her rear next to the other girls at what she saw next.

The evaded swipe did not go without effect. Slicing not just through the air but also carving an incredibly four deep slashes in the earth. A result from the being's sheer power alone before it disappeared in chase of the other demon. Aisellia suddenly dropped to her knees panting heavily.

"Aisellia?"

Leiliana called out, shifting onto all fours next to her.

"I...I...I"

Aisellia muttered.

"Shh, just rest. You've exhausted every ounce of stamina in your body...and even that's an understatement. The same happens to those of us who use too many or too powerful Artes. You should be dead using something that far beyond what your body and spirit can create."

Aisellia who appeared drained of all energy fell back from her knees down onto her rear. Her lips quivered fiercely as she attempted to speak but evidently she had no energy for words to even be spoken. Leiliana crawled behind her, gently pulling her back against the hunter's c.h.e.s.t, allowing Aisellia to rest on her.

"Don't try speaking, even that may be the death of you. You're lucky to be alive right now as we speak. That demon...or man you trust. You two obviously trust him with your lives...it's up to him now..."

With Leiliana's words spoken into her ear, Aisellia's body began relaxing. This allowed her weight to fall completely against Leiliana, almost passing out on the spot, yet she fought to hold her eyes open, looking forward to where the battle commenced.

Scorched footprints rapidly moved around the battlefield. Every other second they would stop just before an audible boom filled the air and space followed by shock-wave that even the girls could feel the resulting breeze created from it. Immediately after the footprints quickly traveled a moderate distance before such effects occurred again. The pace in between rapidly shortened, although none of them could visibly see what was happening, they all knew without thought.Each made by the two demons clashing against one another. By the time the collision created physical damage to the earth, they had already collided in another area.

"I can't keep up..."

Leiliana admitted hesitantly to herself. Her own inferiority quickly became irrelevant. The sounds of Aisellia's growing labored breathing became prominent, breathing from her mouth but with each breath a painful groan escaped her lips.

"Ai-"

Before Leiliana could finish, she caught the sound of something flying through the air towards them. Turning her head to see the oncoming debris from the battle flying towards them. She quickly used her body to cover Aisellia, causing the debris to repeatedly strike and be deterred by the hunters back. Each rock tearing away at her uniform, scratching and bruising her back before the final one struck the back of the head causing her body to go limp. Her tenacity allowed her to catch herself slipping out of consciousness but through will power alone she regained herself back.

"Are you hurt...don't answer that."

She said before a feeling left her with a curious expression. Reaching her fingers towards her head she realized, by the blood on her fingers, that she was bleeding. Looking down into Aisellia's eyes she could see the girls eyes focused on her own.

"Really, I've survived worse than this."

With her words she could see Aisellia begin calming down physically. Her eyes slugishly returning to the direction of battle. Leiliana quickly got behind Aisellia to let her rest against her once again.

"I see. You want to see it to the end as well-"

Sudden movement in the corner of her eye caught Leiliana's attention. Miyaura struggling, crawling beside them. In one final stretch, lunging herself as much as she could, successfully grabbing onto the sword embedded in the ground. A gratified smile on her face before allowing her head to drop to the ground.

Suddenly Leiliana felt a surge of terror flow through her body as a horrific screech entered her ears instantly making her turn to the battle. The azure flame covered humanoid unleashed a horrific shriek before lowering itself onto all fours. Immediately the beast kicked off the ground. Unleashing a burst air beginning it's full charge towards the demon who in turn calmly flew backwards through the air just above the ground. It's eyes locked onto the flaming demon charging for it. Extending a hand forward, energy began condensing into an orb in its palm once again unleashing a condensed ray of energy. The blast released his way, the azure demons eyes glanced over, it's attention caught by Miyaura rising to her feet with his weapon in hand. In the glance alone, its sight fixated on Miyaura and Aisellia lying just behind her. Being witness to Miyaura's injuries and soon after Aisellia who struggled to even breath triggered something inside of the azure demon. Leiliana stood with her gifted angelo. Taking her weapon in a reverse grip as she lined her sights on the enemy demon. Getting into stance she raised her weapon to near eye level, lining up her shot before launching the weapon with what remained of her strength. Flying true, the demon being distracted was the opportunity she needed for her spear to find its way. The demon unleashed it's attack but was swiftly interrupted by the spear piercing clear through its body, temporarily stunning the creature. Having a hole created through its torso. Karna seemingly entranced before looking forward, discovering enough time to instinctively attempt slowing himself down but it proved futile as the ray aimed to overtake his body. With the unleashed rays path altered only slightly Just before impact, the flame enveloping Karna flickered. Karna throwing his body sideways, being mere inches from evading the attack. The flames substituting his body overtaken by the energy ray. Karna's physical body back to normal, shedding his cloak of flames and save for his crimson eyes and slightly elongated teeth. The ray merely inches away from his body, keeping the momentum from his charge leaving his moving forward through the air. When the ray dissipated Karna's eyes caught sight of the demon looking towards the girls. Before it was able to react to the girls, Karna unleashed a burst of flames from his soles. His flames propelling him forward and adjusting his body upright placing his feet onto the ground. Not ceasing in his rapid dash forward earning the demons prominent attention over the girl and the blade protruding from its side. The demon aimed both palms forward, performing its own hardened war cry and with haste began rapidly charging and firing a volley of condensed orbs at Karna.

Karna fearlessly dashed forward, evading multiple orbs fired at him. Visibly angering the demon more, it increased the rate of creation and firing of the orbs. Karna weaving and acrobatically evaded the orbs, leaving them to explode on impact on other surfaces surrounding him. With the sudden increased output from the demon, the destructive orbs became more difficult to dodge yet it did not stop him from improvising. His body flickering in and out of sight while dashing forward appearing in one spot then the next. Seeing its destructive assault failing, the demon aimed it palm, using the other hand to grip onto its wrist quickly charging its next blast. Just as the orb decompressed into the large blast the demon winced in pain, looking to see a swords sheathe had struck its side. Slowing its speed yet not well enough for its feet to remain off ground. It's eyes quickly finding the culprit, seeing Leiliana leaning forward from the follow through of her throw. Her distraction drawing the demons attention away from Karna long enough for him to evade the blast and quickly close the distance, forcing the spewing flames from his feet launching him forward accessing an incredible speed. Mid-air, Karna twisted his body, allowing the flames to erupt from his hands as well. Not just pushing him forward but also due to the way he positioned his body while casting the flames causing his body to rapidly rotate. Once within range, utilizing his rotating momentum, leading into an azure flamed kick, his leg smashing into the demons torso. The attack connected further pushing the demon back who hardened his stance to resist the kick pushing against him. With a determined outburst from his mouth and a great burst of flames enveloping his leg, Karna pushed forward completing his kick and sending the demon soaring backwards at even greater speed. Slowly spinning from his kick, he turned slowly in the air, rotating and facing towards the demon once again the instant one of his toes touched ground and instantly disappearing from sight once again.

Karna moving quickly but not quick enough for the demon to lose track of him. Timing a swing of its clawed hand, its eyes tracking his movement to right in front of it. Just as its claws began to pierce Karna who suddenly entered everyone's sight again, his body suddenly combusting and being replaced by an azure flame leaving the demons hands to unexpectedly swipe through the body of flames. It's eyes widened,the flames causing a small explosion increasing the speed of its flight path and quickly began engulfing its body. Visibly causing pain and damage to its body, its attempt to defend against the flames by moving its limbs rapidly were futile. The demon remained too preoccupied. Oblivious to the man who's body remained cloaked by the azure flame standing a short distance away, behind the demon on its incoming flight path. Karna's silhouette remained visibly through the flames surrounding his body. A demonic red eye peering through the darkness of its figure. His left hand gripping tightly onto his sheathed katana, his thumb pressed underneath the weapons tsuba.

"...Dark Slayer..."

Karna spoke out, his voice having a demonic affliction behind his normal voice. The demon being too occupied with the flames on its body to acknowledge its path enclosing on Karna. Taking in a breath while blinking, a final memory played in his mind. A dark rainy night within his small village. Flames that had engulfed the homes surrounding him persistently surviving the downpour of rain. A young Karna stood in the middle of residential area, standing silently in the rain with his head hung low. On his body he adorned custom light armor built for him specifically. On the ground lied many corpses at his feet and throughout the area. His mentor approached from behind, calmly walking past the small sea of bodies. The corpse blood mixing into the rain covering more of the ground they stood on. He could only bring himself a moderate distance away, his eyes looking down to see the young man's b.a.r.e feet singed by what azure flame resisted being taken out from the rain. The elderly man calmly stroked his beard Karna continued to stand in silence a few seconds more before lifting his head towards the sky, allowing the rain to fall on his face.

"Whatever I may lose, you will find it again..."

He spoke.

"But what you throw away you will never get back Xaer..."

His teacher replied. In the present time the flames surrounding Karna suddenly dispersed into the air. Shedding the flames from his body just as his eyes began opening, already having the incoming demon locked into his sights. Taking a step forward towards the demon who now would be no more than a few meters away.

The instant his foot touched ground Karna straightened the thumb he held pressed against the tsuba of his katana had caused it to extend slightly from its sheathe. Just as the click of the blade being partially freed emitted a sound, time visibly stopped around the two beings. Their altered time/space having a blue hue to it. Slowly from the sky fell bright azure feathers shaped from his flame. Their descent graceful in nature being a source of illumination for their surroundings and only movement occurring in the zone. Quickly traces of lights rapidly appeared being riddled across the demons body

"Zero..."

Karna said in a barely audible voice. Restoring their perspectives of time once more as time itself continued as normal. Karna now stood ahead of the demon who released a vicious roar as it now glared at the mans back. Its body became simultaneously sliced at various angles. Visibly cut apart as the azure flame burned its remains into air as they continued flying from the demons momentum and extinguishing themselves once nothing remained to be burned from existence by the azure flame.

Leiliana stared in awe and confusion about what she had witnessed. Miyaura falling on her rear next to Leiliana. Miyaura simply laugh, looking out, gazing happily at Karna who stood victorious on the battleground soaked with rain and blood. Suddenly surprising Miyaura and Leiliana, Aisellia inhaled a very deep breath and on exhaling she began proving able to control her breathing. Regaining enough of herself to push herself onto her rear with Leiliana's assistance. After catching her breathe Aisellia lifted her head smiling at the two of them, causing them all to giggle and smile at one another. Having the ability to share a peaceful moment pleased them all. Enjoying the moment of ease until Karna appeared in front of them all.

"Never again...I deserve hazard pay. I'm still getting my reward right?"

He said, standing before them all. They had heard his words but their attention was obviously elsewhere, their extremely blushed matching cheeks revealed all in their heads. Leiliana appeared awe struck at the sight before eyes, curiously leaning forward before quickly shielding her eyes and leaning away from him.

"W-w-whatever! Just Please have some decency l.u.s.t demon and put conceal that monster!"

Leiliana blurted out shielding her eyes with her hands. Taking a second to peek over her hand to look Karna in the eyes, using her hand to block the rest of him.

"How rude, I'd rather go with being called a demon than a monster. Makes me sound less horrible thank you very much."

He replied while chuckling, playful crossing his arms and adjusting his standing position. Leiliana subconsciously looked down as he moved, prompting her to once again lean away covering her eyes once more.

"Ah! Stop moving that's dangerous!"

She cried out.

"What?"

He replied looking very confused. Miyaura however rested on all fours looking directly at his body, saliva dripping from the corner of her mouth having an intensely l.u.s.tful gaze on her face.

"I want all the danger...hee-hee."

"What?!"

Miyaura chimed in with her opinion on the matter with Leiliana only able to question what she had heard, seeing this woman openly enjoying it. The more the girls commented the more he became visibly confused. It was then Aisellia spoke out, being embarrassed by having to deal with the situation and how close he was to them.

"Shut it and puts some clothes on perv. The rest of your clothes burned the away in the fight."

Karna was able to lose his look of confusion as he glanced down before breaking into nervous laughter.

"Ha ha! Believe it or not i'm incredibly uncomfortable right now."

He said with a smirk that portrayed otherwise. Without a hint Karna suddenly lost consciousness, leading his body to fall forward. Leiliana and Aisellia instinctively screaming and reaching out to protect themselves while Miyaura reached out all the same except with a l.u.s.tful smile.