User blog:Shadowblade777/Fanfic: Demonic Pair

Prologue: Duty Still Calls
In the Monster Lord's Castle, a human wearing dark clothing and hood entered the Hall of the Heavenly Knights. He stood before the only Heavenly Knight in the room: Tamamo, the kitsune/animal queen. "How are you feeling today, Shadow? Already seen the new world?" the nine-tailed kitsune asked the human. "Yes. Knowing Yamatai Village for so long, it undergone a big transformation." the human, Shadow, replied. "Haha, we owe all our thanks to Luka, and to you too our Fifth Heavenly Knight! But enough pleasantries, even after the downfall of Ilias, evil still has a chance of resurrecting in some way. As a matter of fact, I have a task for you."

Tamamo handed the human a paper that said: "Wanted: Solomon, Enforcer of Truth. Alive. Armed and Dangerous. For crimes against the Monster Lord during and before the Assault of Ilias. Last seen in Southern Sentora."

"...Solomon? Him again?" Shadow said aloud in thought. "I fought him during Ilias's second full scale war. He's quite a formidable opponent, but I'm sure he'll give me more trouble if a rematch occurs. He's Promestein's aid, but he's still active even with his masters gone? I need a background check and a report on the other Seekers of Truth." the human asked. Tamamo then handed Shadow two documents.

The first document was about Solomon's background: he was a knowledgeable unbaptized "hero" fixated on the truth, a well-known mercenary within southern Sentora. He also had no qualms against monsters and preferred a peaceful world. He was captured by Promestein two years ago at the Haunted Manor and taken under her wing. "That's quite a contradiction... A peaceful world while serving under the sadistic angel who interfered with it." Shadow muttered as he skimmed the first document. The second document had details of the other Seekers of Truth:


 * Promestein: Angel scientist who "gave humans fire", and the leader of the Seekers of Truth. She experimented on all creatures in order to achieve her goal of finding the truth of life. Status: Deceased.
 * Lily: A human experimenting on other humans at the Witch Hunt Village, was rooted by Luka and later swallowed by Lucia, but spat out and was imprisoned for her crimes. Status: Active. Threat Level: None.
 * Lucia: A human captured and experimented on by Lily, but was freed by Luka. She was soon recruited by Promestein into the Seekers of Truth, but defected after Luka defeated her. She now uses her scientist studies for the good of the future. Status: Active. Threat Level: None.
 * Laplace: A chimera created by Promestein to monitor the Drain Lab. She was infused with human intelligence and even wished to live in the coexisting world, but remained a follower of her creator, even after her defeat by Luka. Status: Deceased.
 * La Croix: A monster formerly known as Shirome Artiste, the elder sister of Chrome Artiste. She became undead due to an unfortunate incident and wanted to revive herself, and thus joined the Seekers of Truth. A highly skilled assassin who murdered queen-class monsters for her trump card, she was put to rest by Luka and Chrome. Status: Deceased.
 * Solomon: A human, former mercenary and "hero" who had a desire of knowing the secrets of the world, thus leading to his recruitment after an unfortunate run-in at the Haunted Manor. He was very active since his recruitment, performing duties to enhance the Next Dolls, acquiring the power needed to create the fake Four Spirits, and even leading the chimera forces during the war. His body possesses a murderous alter-ego named "Hyde", who brutally destroyed Oremist Village and killed and/or injured many civilians. Status: Active. Threat Level: Red; Extremely dangerous and must be captured at all costs.

Shadow quietly folded up the report and wanted poster into his pocket and nodded at his mistress. "Tie up all loose ends? Understood. I'll investigate and take care of it immediately." the human said. "Furthermore, if you come across any signs of trouble, deal with it immediately. A few of Black Alice's former followers still hold resentment to us, especially the Canaan Sisters and the Spider Princess. They're being watched very carefully, but even in the peaceful day we should never let our guard down." Shadow nodded at Tamamo's warning. A darkness surrounded the human's feet and glowed lightly as the he sank into the ground.

I am Shadow, a masterful Dark Assassin and a member of the Five Heavenly Knights. I worked for many years to serve the Monster Lord and Tamamo, helping to maintain the peaceful world; I even partook in the final battle with Ilias and helped defeat her. Now, the world still needs me more than ever... And I still have to keep fighting to help maintain that coexistence; my journey's still far from over...

Chapter 1: First Investigation - Natalia
According to the reports, Solomon was last seen in southern Sentora: the Natalia region. Furthermore, Port Natalia was said to be his hometown, so it seemed like a good place to start searching.

I reappeared out of an alleyway in Port Natalia; it's been a while since I've last been here, a mission to hunt down a monster, which turned out to be a giant shark, raiding the seas. But now the town seemed a lot more open to monsters; in addition to the numerous mermaids, I could see a few deep sea monsters like a Jellyfish Girl or Sea Anenome Girl hanging around the edges of the shore. There was also one particular sign that pointed to "Crab Girl's XXX Bubble Wash!" The town's really become more accepting to the monsters, and likewise the carnivorous monsters didn't seem to have any intention of eating the humans.

But I had no time to admire the scenery; I had to check out about Solomon right away. I went to the nearby pub and asked for a cup of tea. "Ah? It's been a while... Shadow. Whatever you want, it's on the house." the mermaid bartender said with a smile as she slid the cup of tea to me. "Mm, yes. You gave me the necessary tools to help me defeat that shark monster. It really helped my mission, thank you." I replied. "No problem. So what brings you here, today? On another investigation?" the mermaid asked me. I nodded and looked around me; there was no one to my sides or anyone close enough behind me. I took out the wanted poster and presented it to the bartender. "I'm here to investigate this man, do you have any information on him? And you did say whatever I wanted was on the house." Her eyes grew wide upon seeing the poster. As I put it away, she quietly pondered a bit before speaking up. "... I see. Back then, he was well liked around here. He even helped to defend this town from the angel assault. He must have done something very bad to have a wanted poster of him. Unfortunately, he left long before you got here, but his family doesn't live very far from here. Also, before he left he was talking to Queen Mermaid. That's all I know about him, sorry." the mermaid replied. Finishing my drink, I simply nodded to my helper. "Better than nothing, at least. I appreciate the information." I said as I left.

Solomon's family still lives here, so they must have some knowledge of him. Queen Mermaid was also a defect from Black Alice's group, too. But what struck me odd was Solomon actually fighting against Ilias's forces; if he were defecting against her why is he still rebelling against us? That answer would only come once he's captured...

I went over to the house that belonged to Solomon's family. After sensing that no one was present in the house, I quietly used Shadow Meld to sink into the shadows of the floor to slide underneath the small door crack to enter the house. Inside were several pictures of Solomon, his parents, and his sisters, along with many trophies dedicated to the "hero Solomon". Respected as a hero, huh? I should have ran a background check on him... I quietly examined the room for anything related to Solomon's whereabouts, but there weren't any hidden documents. I went upstairs and checked the individual rooms, but his family didn't have anything of interest either. I then looked into Solomon's room, but that too didn't have anything unique; no machines, no papers, no nothing. "... So he never visited home during his time with Promestein... I guess there's no clues here..."

"Die, burglar!" I heard a voice shout from behind me. I instinctively turned around and saw a man lunging at me with his sword, but I immediately caught it between my two fingers and yanked the weapon off my attacker, disarming him. The man looked at me in surprise. "Solomon's father? Shadow Snare..." I muttered as I pushed him out of the room as the darkness behind him swarmed his body, imprisoning his body. "No... You...! I won't talk!" the man in front of me shouted. Solomon's mother and sisters ran up the stairs and were shocked to see what happened; I quickly used Shadow Snare on them and kept them in place. "Hmph. That's fine..." I said, approaching them. "N-no! Stay away from them you monster!" I heard the father shout and struggle, but his efforts were futile. The females looked up at me; I could see the fear in their eyes. "B-brother...! No I won't break!" one of the sisters said. "I... I won't let my brother be in danger!" shouted the other sister. "... How boring. You aren't worth raping, anyway. I don't like interrogations, either." I muttered. A second later, the whole family suddenly fell unconscious in a flash.

The lack of any vital clue plus the family's lack of cooperation proved that a search in the house was nothing but a waste of time. There was one more business left to take care of in Port Natalia: a word with Queen Mermaid. The mermaid with a tragic story, now finally found her resolution and wishes to make amends with the humans.

Queen Mermaid's palace was a small temple-like area with a dock right next to it. She stood at the edge of the dock, staring out into the open sea; I quietly approached her from behind. "My misanthropy cannot be changed now. But there's no reason for me to pass it down upon my descendants... So I've decided to migrate here for the sake of my family. I will let them experience for themselves, and let them decide on their own. I'm also here to ensure a tragedy as what happened before doesn't arise again." the Queen said aloud as she turned around to face me. Her entire body, including her upper human and hair, was colored blue, and she wore a golden crown with blue rings and pearls as well as gold rings and blue pearls around the center of her fish-like tail. "Shadow, was it? Black Alice gave a little speech about you." the Queen said as she gauged my body. "Queen Mermaid Laura, you know why I'm here. You've been offered a second chance; I advise you don't blow it." I sternly said to the mermaid, who nodded. "I understand. Another tragedy shall not be repeated. After the war, Solomon left the town. I don't even know where he went, but I believe he went west." the queen replied. "... He left...? ... Did you tip him off?" I asked. The queen hesitated to answer but I cut her off. "Save it; I can understand informing an ally but that makes you an accessory. However, it's not my place to make judgment, especially if it makes you an enemy again. You did give me a vital hint to his whereabouts and that's good enough for me. Once we capture him though, you may need to provide testimony about Solomon." I told her. The queen calmly looked at me, unfazed at my warning. "Yes, I understand. You're only relaying the truth. As I said before I have no intention of making more enemies."

I quietly nodded, accepting Laura's acknowledgement. "Moooother I'm hoooooome~" a singsong voice came from behind me; a little mermaid ran down the dock, approaching me. "Eh? Who are you?" the mermaid said as she looked up at me cutely. Along with many pearls around her wrists, top, and head, she also had a starfish strapped to her waist. "Shadow, the assassin of the Five Heavenly Knights. I was simply discussing with your mother." I told the little mermaid, petting her head. "A-ahh! Amazing! You're Alice the Eighth's 'one true love'! She said so when she was talking all about you! I'm El, the princess mermaid, it's nice to meet you!" she said, happily hugging me; I turned my head to see Laura smiling. "Oh, oh! I want you to have this!" little El reached into her starfish and pulled out a shiny pearl. "This will be the symbol of our friendship! Please take it!" I gently kissed El's forehead and took the pearl from her, thanking for her kindness. "Yay~ I'm friends with Shadow~!"

Unfortunately I didn't have a lot of time to stay. I told El I would 'play' with her whenever I got back, making a pinky promise. I waved goodbye to the royalty mermaids and exited the town. If he was going west, there's a good chance he'd stop by San Ilia. I reappeared in one of San Ilia's alleyways; I've only been here once to take a request to investigate the Haunted Manor two years ago. It was ruled by the necromancer Chrome who tried experimenting on zombies and ghosts, but a background check showed that she descended from the Artiste family who served the Monster Lords and her recreations were to simply revive the lost honor of her family. She also was aided by Promestein, but claims that she only sent her supplies for her experiments. However, Solomon was captured at the Manor some months before I defeated Chrome, so the two were probably acquainted.

Throughout San Ilia were numerous human ghosts, fairies, and even angels. A young-looking archangel passed by me, lamenting on what to do since she always looked up to Ilias. Before I looked up Chrome, I also heard Sylph was in the kingdom; I've 'met' her during my interactions with Luka, but not once have I ever talked to her. I went inside the castle and headed to the church; along the way a knight recognized me. "Hey, I know you! You were the mercenary who went into the Haunted Manor a few years ago!" it was the guard captain, who dispatched the request. "Yes... What happened to Chrome now?" I asked. "Well... even after your heroics, the rumors didn't die down. However not long ago the ghosts suddenly flocked here! Eventually the rumors changed and we accepted the ghosts. Even Chrome came to live in here and accepted her wrongdoings, now trying to do things to restore the order of those who died. If you're looking for her, she's at the church outside." the knight said. "I see... I appreciate the information, I'll be sure to stop by to visit her."

The inner chapel still resembled a typical Ilias-worshipping shrine. However, the people in the room weren't bowing before the statue at the back of the room, but a very tiny figure in front of it: Sylph. "Have some candy!" a worshipper said as he offered some candy to the fairy. According to history, she was worshipped a long time ago but that tradition was eventually forgotten; now the priests are trying to revive it. "Oh? It's the assassin! He fought alongside my recent master!" Sylph exclaimed when she noticed me. There were a lot of murmurs within the worshippers before they all started asking me about my journey with Sylph. "... I don't like being put on the spot. Sylph, you explain." I sighed a bit. After Sylph told the story, she turned back to me. "I can hear the voice of the wind from within you. I spoke to the wind and she told me so much about you; you're quite compatible with the wind~" Sylph said to me with a giggle, flying around me several times before settling on my finger. "Heh... I wonder what would happen if I acquired the Four Spirits instead of Luka...? You're a very playful and energetic fairy. Unfortunately I can't stay for long, I have to take care of something." I replied, gently stroking the tiny fairy's hair as she sat on my finger. "Okay~ Be sure to visit again~"

As I left the castle, I noticed the sun beginning to settle. The end of the day's nearing, so I quietly went to find Chrome. However, the church's doors were locked and the window curtains were rolled down, but I heard a very very faint noise coming from inside. I Shadow Melded inside the church and looked around. "Ahh... M-more... S-shadow...!" moaned a voice within the church. What little visibility in the dark church showed a young-looking succubus on all fours at the altar, with what appeared to be a human-sized marionette-like figure on her rear. After a few seconds, Chrome let out an ecstasy moan and collapsed forward, with the marionette falling on top of her. "H-haa~ M-my sex doll... w-was a com-complete suc-success...!" I heard Chrome say as she took a few deep breaths. Once she collected herself, she tried to get back up, only to look in front of her and see me. "E-eek! You should have knocked, you little sneak!" Chrome shouted, blushing and covering herself with her hands. I gave her a minute to dress.

"It's been two years, huh?" Chrome said me with a smile as she sat on my lap, fully clothed. "The Monster Lord gave me a chance to redeem my family's reputation. She's deathly afraid of ghosts and despises zombies so she banned them both, but the lost arts of doll making... It's quite a passion~ Do you see this marionette before you?" Several magic strings formed from Chrome's fingertips and attached themselves to the marionette she presented. With a wave of motion from her hand, two wooden logs were ejected out of the marionette's right hand and their ends were fashioned together; I recognized it as a blade staff weapon. "Mostly I've made miniature dolls, but this a secret project of mine: making human/monster-sized marionettes. You were the base of this marionette. It's just a prototype, though." Chrome finished, smirking. "Oh? Promestein made a doppelganger of me before, but if you aren't using it for evil purposes... Even though it's just a start, your prototype seems really well-crafted; must have invested a lot of work in your new profession. I'm sure the Monster Lord will be pleased once you present your show." I told her while petting her head. Looking around, I saw other smaller dolls of various other characters such as herself and Luka; the only human-sized one was the marionette of me. It was only fair I told her my journey up until now; she was very amazed to hear how far I had gone.

"So, what brings you here, Shadow? It's not just to see me, is it~?" Chrome asked. "I'm looking for a wanted fugitive. Solomon. I figured he might have visited you..." I told her. She then quietly stared at two dolls; both of them resembled Solomon. "Oh, Promestein's little pet? Two years ago he tried to investigate the manor, and unfortunately for him Promestein was there to capture him. However, he hasn't visited me at all, but I will let you know right away once he does." Chrome replied, hugging me. "... I see. I appreciate the offer..." I let out a soft sigh; he must have completely passed San Ilia and made way to Sabasa Castle straight away. It's also very late, so I needed rest before proceeding. "Hey, don't feel down. You're tying up all loose ends, aren't you? I'm sure you'll accomplish your goal!" Chrome said, cheering me on. I smiled and kissed her lips. "Thank you... You've changed so much over the years, it's cute, really." I smirked and laid her on her back, but she used her magic strings to stop my movements, flipping us over so she straddled me. "Ah ah ah! I'm not going to let you 'assassinate' me like last time~ Just lay back like a good boy and let me take care of you for the night~ I'd have to thank you here, it's a good time for me to try something new~" Chrome said, giggling as she stripped us and dropped her hips down on me, and I just laid there letting her take me on her wild ride. Letting out a pleasurable moan, she manipulated her Shadow marionette to take her from her rear; the two Shadows double teaming her, something I never tried before. "Ahh~ Y-yes! It feels so wonderful! I've missed this so much...! To be double teamed like this... A-amazing~!"

Chapter 2: Second Investigation - Safina
"Ignore the heat, keep moving forward." I muttered to myself as I traversed through the desert of Safina at high speeds. It took Luka and Alice approximately 11 or so days to get from San Ilia to Sabasa, but at the rate Shadow was going it would take me at least less than a day. I eventually managed to reach the kingdom past nightfall. Exhausted, I wiped the sweat off his forehead before heading to the inn's rooftop to rest for the next day.

I stretched and yawned once sunlight struck his body. I jumped off the rooftop and made no sound on landing. A pair of guards then suddenly approached me. "Welcome to Sabasa, Sir Shadow! Our great king has been expecting you! He requested your immediate audience once you arrived in the kingdom. Please, come right this way." The King must have had some information about Solomon, so I quietly followed. The mighty Emperor of the Burning Sands stood in the throne room, and with a warm smile began to greet me. "Welcome to Sabasa, Sir Shadow! It's truly an honor to have you here. The monster blood flowing through you pulses a lot more since the last time we met." the King bellowed. "Enough of the pleasantries. I'm here in search of a wanted man: Solomon." Shadow closed his eyes and flatly requested. "Ah, my apologizes. Not long ago, there was a small ruckus at the Mermaid Bar, a man with a staff electrocuting a pair of vampires. He fits the description."

I thanked the king and began to leave, but he stopped me. "Wait one moment. I must ask you, will you please take my daughter Sara as a bride?! She tells me how good you are to her when she 'serviced' you at the Monster Lord's Castle, so she doesn't mind you as a husband, if not Luka." the King boldly exclaimed. "... No, absolutely not." I replied with a facepalm. "Guards." the King snapped his fingers and the guards locked the exit door. "Now let me ask you again. Are you saying that you're not going to say yes to asking you to take my daughter as a bride?" I merely facepalmed again. "Ugh, I don't have time for this..." he muttered as he Shadow Melded out of the room. "Y-your majesty, he's getting away!"

With a very long sigh, the Mermaid Pub was my next destination. Entering the pub, I requested a glass of water right away. "I heard something happened here the other day...?" Shadow asked. "Oh my... Two vampires came in and tried to steal our customers," a mermaid bartender said "but this dreamy hero with some weird staff was here and electrocuted them and chased them away! I think his name was... the same person on the wanted poster? It couldn't be him, could it...?" As the mermaid was pondering, I put my glass down and thanked her before leaving. The next best place to look for information would be the Vampire Pub, but upon entry almost all the vampires who weren't on the human men immediately gave off a cold, menacing glare. "Hey, I remember you! You're that guy who stormed our cave and assaulted us!" one of the vampires shouted toward me. "Yeah, I remember him too! He tried to murder our queen didn't he?! Let's kick his ass as payback!" another shouted.

"Stand down." a familiar voice said as a pink-haired vampire approached me: Carmilla. The two vampires stopped and immediately went back to whatever they were doing. "Well well, it's been a while since you've come to dance." Carmilla giggled. "But I suppose you don't have time for that, what a shame. I'd best not incur your wrath then. Yes, I did see Solomon at the Mermaid Pub; I don't like having to reprimand my fellows for going there. However, I do not know where he went after. I hope this information satisfies you." Carmilla said. "I see," I closed my eyes and crossed my arms. "So that must mean he's somewhere in Safina... I do appreciate you being straight to the point, Carmilla. I suppose I'll take you up on that dance, when I'm not busy." I said as I turned to leave. "Of course, I'll be waiting~"