Chapter 2: Chapter 1: Kyoto

 

Appearing just above the smoky sunset sky, Viola is greeted with a bloodied battle down below. Without even bothering to open her eyes, Viola knows that whoever is fighting the abomination down below isn't having the best of time. 

"I see the bug," Viola says,  not to herself but to her daughter Yahweh, as she scans the abomination that used to be a Yokai.

"It seems like some Devils fiddled around with something they shouldn't." Viola said exasperatedly.

Yahweh, Primordial Goddess of Order and Chaos that's now reduced to an incorporeal being that is residing inside Viola, interjects.

[Well, if there's one common trait about the Devil race as a whole is that they thirst for power. Though they either get power by going about it smartly or idiotically, this is the latter case, I'm afraid. One that resulted in a corrupted Yokai that grows incessantly stronger by absorbing life energy, ki, over time. At this rate, that bug will consume the magical side of Kyoto and invade the mortal world. Those Yokais have been trying their best to stop this former comrade of theirs but it seems like they're not gonna make the cut.] 

Nodding to Yahweh's words, Viola says. "Seems to be like that but let's wait for a bit before jumping in."

[Right, since this is a gigantic mess that the Devil race of this world has a hand in, they will no doubt send a representative to take a look at the situation. It's best that we get all the relevant information first from witnessing how all the parties act.] Stopping for a bit Yahweh adds. [Though we have all the power in the world, there's no fun in using all of them.]

Chuckling, Viola comments. "Truer words have never been said."

With the plan of action figured out, Viola proceeds to just wait high up in the air and chat with Yahweh as they watch the struggle of the Youkais below.

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*BOOM* 

Yasaka is blown backward after protecting her subordinates from a dangerous aura blast. This leaves her kimono worse for wear but honestly, it's the last thing on her mind right now as her ki is approaching a dangerous level. And that goes to say how hopeless the situation is when she is of the Ultimate-class in terms of power. The abomination in front of her though is most probably on par with Satan-class in terms of combat capability. The only silver lining here is that the former Youkai doesn't seem to retain any semblance of reason which has allowed them to plan around it, until now.

"Lady Yasaka!" A Tengu shouted for her as he witnessed her being blasted away.

"Focus!" Yasaka warned. "I'm fine! I can still fight!"

The last thing they need right now is for the fragile defensive line they made, destroyed by a moment of hesitation. 

"Continue using long-range attacks! Don't ever let it grab you!" Yasaka ordered as she rejoins the fight, her nine tails lit up in white flame before shooting out massive fireballs to bombard the abomination in front of them.

That thing used to be identified as an Oni now looks no different than a vengeful Rakshasa from the Hindu faction for it has consumed too much malice and ill will that flows in the world. It's still unclear as to why the Oni has become this way but it's crystal clear to them that they must put a stop to it before it kills everything in its path. 

"Hold the line! Hold it until reinforcement arrives!" Yasaka reiterated to her dwindling number of elite Youkai. Under her tenure as Kyoto's Yokai faction leader, Yasaka has invested heavily in the formation of an elite unit that's comparable in strength to the ones under the Abrahamic factions. But, as if chortling at her attempt, the corrupted Youkai is slaughtering the elites under her like cutting weeds. Even if they all make it out of this alive, Kyoto will be a shadow of its old self. But that is a problem for the future Yasaka to deal with, right now, she got her hand full.

Under the constant magic bombardment of the Youkais, the abomination that stands more than six meters tall finally buckles with its knees touching the ground. With its intensity falling, the Youkais can't help but raise their morale, thinking that finally, just finally, the enemy is exhausted at last.

"Do let up the pressure, keep attacking it! Those that are incapable of doing so, use this chance to fall back to the second line and recuperate!" Yet, Yasaka wasn't willing to lower her guard. For an enemy that they have struggled to even put a scratch on, the abomination falling now is an unimaginable thing.

Her worries are not unfounded for the abomination suddenly lets out an earth-shaking roar toward the sky, filled with intense malice, before from the depth of its throat, hellfire surges. With its mouth opening as wide as a person, the abomination spats out a burst of hellish flame, cutting across a majority of the Youkais, their ki and magic barriers notwithstanding. 

"Do not block it, fall back!" Yasaka ordered, her face marred with an expression of absolute frustration and regret. Too many have lost their lives in one attack and she doubts they can hold out for another five minutes.

"Come on, Serafall... Where the hell are you?" Yasaka mutters under her breath as she uses her agility and helps the slower Youkais get away from the flame of Hell.

After a minute, the abomination stops its flaming breath. It then stands up to charge at the fleeing Youkais, a sickening grin adorning its scaly mouth, seemingly promising endless suffering to the ones it's chasing. Yasaka is about to resolve herself to block it using her entire might as a Nine-tail Fox Youkai when suddenly, a new present appears right next to her.

"Tada~ Levia-tan is here!" Coming out of the teleportation circle is a beautiful girl; looking in her late teens with black hair, tied into twin tails and blue eyes. She has a childlike body albeit with an envious pair of breasts for a girl her size. The girl, Levia-tan otherwise knowns as Satan Serafall Leviathan, has arrived to reinforce the falling Kyoto Youkai.

Though she has a cheerful introduction upon arrival, her face never shows a hint of joy or teasing, much unlike her usual self. Rather, she is sporting a very serious look right now with her business suit. Knowing full well that the troublesome thing ahead of her is a byproduct of a Devil at work, Serafall isn't too happy that she is forced to go and clean up the mess. A mess that will no doubt cause a fracture in the relationship between the Devils and Youkai. Hopefully, Serafall won't be losing her friendship with Yasaka over this. Anyway, with her here, the Youkai won't have to sacrifice themselves anymore.

Stepping forward, Serafall interrupts the abomination's charge by conjuring a thick slab of ice right in its path. When the thing smacks head-on with it, Serafall can't help but show a frown before making a horizontal hand motion to cause the ice slab to explode, knocking the abomination back. Not stopping just yet, the crystallized particles of ice reform into multiple ice blades before launching themselves toward the downed abomination at supersonic speed. The impacts generated from the blades crashing into its enemy knock a few Youkai over, the damage from them also freezes the surrounding area, temporarily sealing the cut-apart abomination.

"This is but a temporary solution." Turning over to the wearied Yasaka, Serafall says. "That thing is gradually growing stronger, presumably by absorbing the malice of the world, and is approaching the peak of Satan-class. I can still handle it now but the damage will no doubt cause a portion of Kyoto, mundane and magical alike, to vaporize."

Hearing the grim outlook, Yasaka can't help but flinch. Knowing that it's inevitable, however, she can only bite her lower lips and says. "We will focus on extracting the non-combatants out while we still can then. And for what it's worth, Serafall..."

"Yeah?" Tilting her head, Serafall asked.

"It's not your fault." Yasaka shows a sad smile as she addresses the Satan. 

Serafall can't but jerk up for a second, then, she adopts a wry but grateful smile. "Thanks, Yasaka, a part of me was afraid this ordeal would have cost us our friendship. I really don't want to lose the chance of being embraced by those fluffy tails of yours."

Lightened the mood by pointing her dainty finger at the lightly swaying golden tails, Serafall earns both a chuckle and a bonk from Yasaka. The former holds her head in faked pain while the latter smiles before giving out instructions to the Youkai to start evacuating.

As if signifying that the upcoming battle is inevitable, a cracking sound is heard coming from the ice sealing the abomination. Though Serafall can extend the sealing duration, it will also allow the abomination to grow stronger given enough time. It's best if they deal with it while it's still at the Satan-class.

"Whatever comes next, I just hope casualties will be kept at a minimum with our actions." Yasaka said wistfully to Serafall.

Nodding, Serafall says. "It would have been great if there was a barrier that can contain the destruction caused by our battle."

Chuckling wryly, Yasaka responds. "That would've been easy if you both aren't Satan-class."

Speaking to hear, Serafall is about to say something when another voice decides to chime in.

"Perhaps I can help you with that."

Shocked, the pair of Youkai and Satan turns around to see what's seemingly a normal human female, if you discount her attractive hair and closed eyes.

Befuddled by the purple hair girl's entry, Serafall can only eke out.

"Sorry, but who are you?"

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[They're fucked.] Yahweh dryly commented when she and Viola saw the kneeling bug.

"Yeah, that's an apt remarked." Viola agreed for she knows that the abomination is not faltering, no, it's charging a devastating attack. 

Indeed, when the abomination, the bug in Yahweh's system, spats out hellfire, the Youkai soldiers are caught off-guard and many die miserably. Things would have been much worse if not for the arrival of Serafall Leviathan.

"Smart move." Viola complimented Serafall when the latter sealed the abomination in an icy tomb.

[Though the bug is steadily growing stronger, it's still not near the Leviathan's power level, yet. By sealing it now and stopping its rampage for a short while, the Devil is allowing the Youkai to evacuate the populace out of the projected battle area. The Devil got a heart.] Yahweh offhandedly said with a mocking tone, to which Viola laughed for she knows the common trope that God never gets along with Devils.

"Anyway, it's high time I step in. Can't let them handle a job that's supposed to be ours in the first place." Viola prepared her gear when she sees Serafall was about to commit herself to an attack.

Yahweh interjects. [While you're at it, restore the slate back to how it was in my stead. Consider it my repatriation for having the system buggy.]

Shrugging, Viola responds. "Sure, should take a minute at most to do that."

In addition to her usual bartender attire, Viola is now sporting a black holster, a white trench coat, and a pair of white wrist gauntlets. Viole's weapon for the day is a silver Angel Arms .45 Long Colt revolver, stored in the holster, while her wrist gauntlets are capable of shooting wired daggers that can also perform additional tasks should she require it. Granted, the dashing getup is not needed when she or Yahweh can just flex their metaphorical muscles and the world can be erased in a snap. Yet, and they heavily emphasized this, where's the fun in that?

Teleporting herself right next to the nine-tailed Youkai, Viola makes her presence known.

"Perhaps I can help you with that."

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"Sorry, but who are you?"

The surprise is evident on both Serafall's and Yasaka's faces, they truly didn't notice the new intruder appearing right next to them. Yasaka may be losing her touch due to battle fatigue but Serafall also? Yeah right, it's either the new arrival has the means to conceal their presence perfectly, or they're much stronger than Serafall to pull that off. Either answer is bad in its own right.

"Allow me to introduce myself, fair ladies." Performing a curtsy at the two wonderful women. "I'm Viola, just a random bartender that's running a job around here."

Seeing Viola's charming actions, not counting her tomboyish look that begs for attention from the fairer sex, Yasaka and Serafall are a bit stunned with a bit of flush on their cheeks. 

Chuckling at their reaction, knowing full well the devastation of her Ex-rank charm, Viola pulls them back to reality, ignoring the. [Another pair bites the dust.] Coming from Yahweh.

"As I was saying, I can help you deal with the troublesome task at hand. After all, the job I have right now includes cleaning up that bug over there." Viola gestured toward the sealed abomination, now almost breaking free. "And if you're worried about collateral damage, don't worry. I can set up an isolation barrier to prevent destruction from spreading outside."

"W-wait! Hold up! That ain't right!" Serafall stopped Yuki's spiel by waving her hands around. "What you said didn't explain anything at all!"

With a wry smile on her face, Yasaka follows by saying. "What she said. Though I can see that you're confident in your strength and you seem to be here to help. I can at least trust you on that, right?"

"Umu. As I said, I am here to help you clean up the mess.  As to how I will do that, it's better that you see for yourself." Viola stops before looking at Serafall who is scanning the bartender inquisitively. "Though as insurance, may as well have this fair maiden here tag along."

Although Serafall and Yasaka aren't able to trust Viola, yet. They will take all the help they can get right now. Hearing Viola's comment about herself though does place a smile on Serafall. "Yup, yup! It's great that you can see that I'm a maiden at heart, Viola-tan!"

The Satan then goes on to run around Viola, checking the latter's attire out and commenting. "Though I'm not an expert, even I can tell that you have a great sense of fashion. I approve!" Serafall gives Viola a thumbs up. She doesn't say it aloud but each piece of equipment Viola is sporting right now is laced with power and authority. Each piece is equal to the entire treasury of a Devil's noble house.

Goes to say that the self-proclaim bartender may be able to back up her words.

"If you would like, after this, we can discuss the latest fashion trend." Viola joked along, earning a grin from Serafall while Yasaka interrupted them.

"Girls, there are time and place for everything but not now! We have a city to save here!"

Throwing their hands up Viola and Serafall stop their banter with a smile while the former saying.

"Ok then. I will start by setting up an isolation barrier, you both can either join me inside the barrier or outside. Either way, it will take me minutes at most to deal with the bug."

Serafall shakes her head, not willing to leave Viola alone. "I will join you. No offense by saying this but I will be there, just in case you fail."

Shrugging, Viola says patiently with a small smile. "None taken, you're just doing your job and I can respect that."

"Then I guess you won't mind if I also do the same." Yasaka asked, her reasoning is also in line with Serafall's.

"Sure, the more the merrier. Regardless, I must warn you to watch yourself out there for I may not be able to protect you both." Viola advised kindly, to which the other two nodded.

"Great! Then," Holding up her right hand, Viola snaps her fingers. "Camelot~" Calling out the name of the greatest castle in Arthurian legend, Viola conjured the shadow of the renowned castle over the battlezone. This effectively places a sealing formation in the area, forcing the spectators out while also trapping the abomination inside. Right now, only Viola, Serafall, and Yasaka are left in the shadowy courtyard of Camelot if you don't count the abomination.

"This is..." Yasaka said as she looks around the phantasmal scenery.

Serafall finishes it for her. "Majestic." They're both deeply entranced by the feeling of benign power and the twinkling visage of the grand castle, even forgetting briefly the existence of the abomination.

Viola says. "Fascinating right? To see the heart of Artoria's operation from an age long past."

Serafall and Yasaka can only nod at her words, not knowing how to respond to that nor how to react to Viola's apparent familiarity with the figure in legend.

Chuckling at their reaction, Viola advises. "Anyway, we will have all the time in the world to discuss after this, preferably at my bar. Now though, it's high time I end that thing's miserable existence."

At the drop of her words, the abomination breaks free from the ice encasing it with a mighty roar. Sighing at the disturbing sound it made, Viola pulls out the revolver from the holster attached to her right hip before pulling the trigger.

*BANG*

Leaving behind a powerful shockwave, the bullet hits the abomination squarely in its chin, slamming its screaming mouth shut while causing it to stumble backward.

"Can't you see that you're being a nuisance, bug?"

Serafall and Yasaka can only sweatdrop at the apparent ease Viola is sporting right now.

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