Accidental Demon Slayers: Melody of Light pt. 1 (NEW ARC)

Max had known that Clare would take time adjusting back to her normal life. Even though now, one month after the whole mess at Fantasy Land, Clare seemed normal, he could see little things that worried him. 

Yes, their relationship had grown, and they had become closer.  When they were together she seemed warm and caring.  He felt safe with her, and he opened up to her, dropping his TV persona entirely when they were together. 

While their relationship was going well, her relationship with her co-workers seemed kind of icy. 

He knew why that was.  She had lost Brittany. 

He couldn’t say that she ever truly mourned.  When they had left the park she had cried, but even that night, she seemed to clamed up.  Since then she hadn’t even spoken Brittany’s name.  He knew she was doing it to protect herself, to make others realize that she was still strong, but Max knew full well that she was hurting. 

That’s why he came up with his big idea. 

A trip.  Sure, it would be a work trip for him, but not for her, and not for her friends.  It was a simple job, and he could probably wrap up the episode in a day or two, and then he and Clare could spend the rest of their trip lounging on the beaches of Heartsong Island. 

“Do you think she’ll go for it?”  Max sat across from Bobby, the café buzzing behind them. 

“I have no clue.”  Bobby just shrugged, taking a sip of his tea.  “She doesn’t really talk to me much, outside of giving me my marching orders.  It couldn’t hurt to ask, though.” 

“Has she reacted like this in the past?  To losing someone?”  Max leaned forward.  As much as he and Clare had grown closer, there were parts of her that was still a mystery to him. 

“Max, Clare is like a brick wall normally.  I’m not surprised that she’s shut down a bit since losing Brittany.  We’re all hurting, but I think it’s hitting Clare harder.  She felt responsible for Brittany. She was the boss, and she lost someone on her watch.”  He started stirring his tea, his eyes not focusing on anything.  “Being in that office isn’t helping, though.  I can barely walk by Brittany’s desk without feeling the urge to cry.  Clare… Clare won’t even look at it.” 

“Then it’s settled.  Demon Slayers Inc. is going to be joining me on an all expenses paid trip to Heartsong Island!”  Max smacked his hand down on the table. 

“Good luck pulling her away from her work.”  Bobby laughed. 

“I’ll make it happen.”  Max paused.  “I just have to keep her out of MY work when we get there.” 

“Yeah, if she can find a supernatural distraction, she’s going to take it.  You couldn’t keep her away from a possible hot spot.” 

“Don’t you underestimate Max West!”  He crossed his arms, knowing that his plan was the right one. 

“Why would he underestimate you?”  The sound of Clare’s voice made Max freeze. 

Slowly, Max turned, and standing behind him was Clare, arms crossed over her chest, a stern look on her face.  Her blonde hair, now cut short, fell over one of her eyes.  As much as she excited him, Clare could still manage to terrify Max with one glance. 

“Sweetie, hi!”  Max stood, leaning in, and giving Clare a gentle peck on the cheek. 

“What have I told you about the ‘s’ word in public?”  She rolled her eyes. 

“Right… Sorry.”  Max returned to his seat, unsure of how this was all going to play out. 

“Well, look at the time.”  Bobby checked his phone, and stood.  “I have to get back to deity training with Ashtyn and Kurt.  See you two later.” 

Max watched silently as Bobby rushed out of the café, leaving him alone with a very curious, and very annoyed Clare.  She took Bobby’s seat, leaning in close to him. 

“What are you planning?” Her voice was a flat hiss. 

A chill ran down Max’s spine.  “A vacation.  You, me, your friends, maybe Rita.” 

The words just spilled out of his mouth. 

“Max, I don’t have time.”  She leaned back, her face softening.  “Work has been swamped, and I’m up to my eyeballs in paperwork.  This just isn’t the right time for it.  I’m sorry.” 

“It’s the perfect time.”  Max leaned forward.  “Listen, I know you aren’t going to listen to me when I say how much you need this trip, so listen when I say that your friends need it, too.  They need a break from all the spooky, demon hunting crazy.  They need a chance to take a breath, and regroup.” 

“I just…” She started to make another excuse, but Max held up his hand, cutting her off. 

“No, we are all going on this trip.  That is final.”  He smiled.  “And we will have an amazing time.  I promise.” 

Clare looked like she was going to argue with him again, but he knew he had won this battle. 

“Look at you getting all macho.”  Clare raised an eyebrow.  “I kind of like it.”

Max leaned over the table, kissing her gentle on the lips. 

This was going to be perfect.

The Arc that just wouldn't quit! Plus so much more!

So, that ended up going on a whole lot longer then I had expected.  40 parts!  I had never planned this story to be this long, but I have to admit, I had a blast writing it!

I hope you all enjoyed Daughter of Darkness.  I'm already planning the next arc as I type this.  I'm hoping to do something a little lighter, a little more fun, and a little more focused on the romantic lives of the Accidental Demon Slayers crew, while also supplying the over to top supernatural action.  The next arc will be called... Melody of Light.

I say I hope, because if Daughter of Darkness taught me anything, it's that a story can sometimes just take on a life of it's own.  The original plan I had for the story was nowhere near as violent, or shocking as it ended up being.  Still, I think it's time to rebuild the characters after breaking them down in the last two arcs.  Personally, it will be nice for me to take things a little slower, and let the characters relationships grow a bit.

Also, as a little test, I am adding another serial to the blog.  Posting once a week, on Wednesdays, will be a new series called Pom Pom Angel.  The first arc will be called Love Rescue.  Pom Pom Angel is a more... Square Zero take on the helpful 'goddess of love story'.  By Square Zero, I mean... kind of insane.  I've only just started the series, but so far I'm having a blast writing it.  Plus, it's nice to take a break from the more serious and violent Accidental Demon Slayers and write something that's more upbeat, and comical.   I'll be watching the numbers on Wednesday, and if Pom Pom Angel seems like it's holding readers, then I'll keep it going (but no matter what the first arc will be finished, mostly because I am to finish the arc before the first part even posts.)

So, join me next week as we start Accidental Demon Slayers: Melody of Light and Pom Pom Angel: Love Rescue!

Accidental Demon Slayers: Daughter of Darkness pt. 40 (END OF ARC)

Rita hadn’t said much on the ride back to the city.  Even now, sitting in her hotel room, her mind hadn’t fully wrapped itself around what she had experienced.  Sure, she had been able to fill the others in on what Ujin had told her, explaining the Dark and Light Scribes, the Nameless. 

To them it was all just interesting information.  It was something to add to a database. 

To her, it was her history. 

There was darkness in her bloodline.  It was something wicked.  She had no idea if it had passed down to her, but she had seen it in her father, a father she had never thought existed. She was the child of violence, the daughter of a psychotic madman who had sold his body, and her body, to a cause that only wanted destruction, and pain. 

She stood up, looking in the mirror.  She wondered if she looked like her father, you know, back when he still had a face.  When she had seen him, he was all just shapes and twisting muscles and tendons.  Even though his form was human, he hardly looked it. 

She closed her eyes. 

There was something inside of her.  It wasn’t something physical, but a feeling, a connection.  It had always been there, she guessed, but for the first time she knew what it was.  She was connected to that same darkness that had drawn her father into the abyss. 

Unlike her father, she would refuse to let it control her.  No, she would control it.  She could, she knew she could.  It would be a struggle, but she had faced plenty of struggles in her life, and she had always overcome them.  She could do this.  She knew she could. 

She hoped she could. 

Oh dear God, did she hope. 

To Be Continued...

(End of Daughter of Darkness) 

Accidental Demon Slayers: Daughter of Darkness pt. 39

Once Ujin was dead, the dolls stopped moving, and the thrones released the deities.  All the magic he had put into place was gone.  The dark cloud was lifted, and Fantasy Land was no longer the house of horrors it once was, and was not just like any crappy amusement park that still littered small towns in America. 

Even after everyone had left, and Juktha had rejoined with Bobby, and Tabitha had rejoined with Ashtyn, Kurt stayed behind.  This was the first time he had ever seen his deity, and that night he had almost lost him. 

“So, this is what you look like.”  Kurt looked over the old man.  His white beard seemed to curl at the tip, and his hands were bony, with long, thing fingers.  His face was wrinkled and worn, but more importantly, it was kind. 

“Are you disappointed?  I may not be as visually appealing as Tabitha or Juktha, but I promise you, I will serve you well, my boy.”  Doctore smiled, holding out his hand. 

“You already have.”  Kurt reached out, taking Doctore’s hand in his.  “Thank you for helping me save my boyfriend, my friends.” 

“That was all you, Kurt.”  Doctore smiled.  “I just gave you the tools.  You were the one who did the hard work.” 

“I have to ask, why me?”  Kurt looked down at his hands, which were still covered in dried blood.  “Why did you decide to reside in me?” 

“You have touched the divine, you have experienced the hellish.  Your mind was ready, and the Scribes saw fit to give you a companion to help guide you through the unnatural and supernatural world you find yourself so constantly thrown into.”  Doctore looked down the long corridor that led out of the temple.  In the distance they could both see the golden glow of the sun starting to rise.  “You and your friends have many battles ahead, and I am here to aid you in that fight.” 

Kurt nodded.  “Good to know.” 

Doctore motioned towards the corridor.  “Come, your friends are waiting for us.  We can talk later.” 

Kurt started down the long corridor, and as he walked, he could feel Doctore’s essence join with him again.  While it still felt strange, it also felt right. 

***

On the boat ride back, Clare didn’t say much.  She just sat there, Max at her side.  She was exhausted, yes, but even worse, she was heart broken.  Brittany hadn’t been the first friend she had lost, and she knew she wouldn’t be the last, but it still hurt. 

It hurt even worse because it finally seemed like Brittany was starting to adjust to being in the human realm.  She was connecting with people.  She… she was actually happy about meeting a guy.  Then, in one moment, that life was snuffed out. 

“You okay?”  Max looked at her, their eyes meeting. 

“No.”  Clare barely croaked out the word before the sobs threatened to start again. 

“What are you going to do?”  He brushed a few strands of hair from her face.

“I don’t know.”  Clare wiped a tear from her cheek.  “Keep fighting, I guess.”

“Well, if you need anything, you know I’m there for you, right?”  He smiled, kissing her gently on the forehead. 

“Max,” she glanced up at him.  “I don’t want to be alone tonight.” 

“Then you won’t be.” 

He kissed her, softly.  It was a small, simple kiss, but it was enough to calm her down.  It was enough to help her make it through the rest of the boat ride.  Now she understood why Bobby needed Kurt so badly.  Having that person there, having someone you care about, and who cares about you, made it all that much harder, but also, that much easier.  It gave you a home, a place to look forward to. 

When she glanced at Max, part of her wondered if he could be that person.  At that moment, with all the TV gloss and Hollywood glamour stripped away, she thought that maybe he could be. 

***

Rico sat on the edge of the van, unsure of how he had even gotten there.  The last thing he remembered was some crazy lady slashing at his next, and then he was there, sleeping in the back of the van, not a scratch on him. 

He thought about possibly getting help, but he couldn’t leave.  He needed to be there when they all got back, when Brittany got back. 

He had no idea where things were going with her, but part of him was hoping that maybe, just maybe there was a chance for something.  It would be difficult explaining to his very Catholic mother the whole ‘dating a demon’ thing, but they could deal with that battle when they got to it.  Well, if they got to it.  He was already planning his future with her, and he had no idea how she really felt. 

A thick, morning mist hung over the park, obscuring his view of the fairway.  He squinted, hoping to make out the form of someone, anyone.  He just needed to know what was going on.  The not knowing was driving him crazy. 

Finally he saw the forms of people moving towards him through the fog.  It had to be them!

“Guys!”  He was up, waving his arms over his head.  “Guys, what happened?  Did you…” 

The words were ripped right out of his mouth when he saw the looks on their faces.  They were all battered and bruised, exhausted.  They were… they were short one. 

“Hey, where’s Brittany?”  He glanced around the group.  She wasn’t there. 

Max left Clare, and walked towards him, walked him away from the group, and towards the van. 

Once they were alone, Max spoke.  “Rico, I’m so sorry, but…” 

He felt that knot form in his throat.  “Don’t.  Do not tell me what I think you are going to tell me.  Please, just don’t.” 

“Rico…” Max’s voice quivered slightly, betraying his calm look.  “One of them got her.  She… she didn’t make it.” 

“No.  No, no, no, no.”  The word just kept repeating.  He couldn’t believe it.  He didn’t want to believe it.  Brittany was the pro at these things.  She was the one who was supposed to come back, unharmed. 

She wasn’t supposed to die.  Their story wasn’t supposed to end like this. 

***

I winced when I heard the anguished scream come from behind the van.  It hadn’t fully hit me yet, the whole blur of the battle was still clouding my mind. 

I knew it would, though.  Maybe it would be when we got home, or when I went back to the office, and she wasn’t there, at her desk, complaining about how we never took her out on jobs. 

I glanced at my friends, at my boyfriend.  Another battle down, and another piece of our soul damaged.  These jobs seemed to get worse and worse, and the more we fought, the more damaged we became. 

How long would it take for this wound to heal?  Would it ever actually heal? 

I knew I had no choice.  I knew I had to fight.  No one was forcing me, but if I didn’t fight… If we didn’t fight, then who knows what would happen to the world.  They had lost so much in that battle, and looking back, I had not taken much joy in seeing Grath struggle.  I thought I would have.  I thought seeing him die horribly would make all the pain he caused me go away. 

It didn’t.  Now that pain was worse.  I couldn’t shut down, though.  Not like last time.  This was not just my pain.  This was our pain, and I needed to be there for everyone else, the way had been there for me.  We were a team, a family, and the only support we truly had in this world was each other. 

“You ready to go home?”  Kurt put his arm around my shoulder, pulling me close to him. 

“Yeah.”  I nodded, and we both climbed into the car.  

Accidental Demon Slayers: Daughter of Darkness pt. 38

Clare watched as the elf creatures circled her friends.  This was getting out of control, and it was all because of Ujin.  If she could just take him down…

She didn’t have a chance to plan further.  Ujin rushed her, his hands flying for her face.  She dodged, the sharp, bony tips of his fingers missing her eyes, and instead digging into her shoulder.  Clare returned the favor with a swift kick to the gut.  Ujin tumbled back, crashing into the stars. 

“Kurt, scan them!”  She could hear Ashtyn yelling in the background.  “Demon seeds or possession?” 

“Umm…”  Kurt’s voice was frantic.  “Possession.  They’re all yours.” 

“Thanks.” 

Her attacker was already back on his feet, rushing at her again.  A spinning kick to the head sent him stumbling, and a jab to his gut knocked him flat on his back.  He seemed to bounce back from the blows so quickly.  At this rate he was going to tire her out in a matter of minutes. 

“I’m more powerful then you.”  The smile was gone from Ujin’s face.  “Give up.  Get out of my way!” 

“Dad, stop this!”  Rita was screaming, her body seemingly glued to the altar. 

“Dad?”  Clare swung, her fist connecting with the side of Ujin’s head.  “You were going to sacrifice your own daughter?” 

“That’s not the worst of it!”  Rita was actually able to pull herself up a bit.  “The ritual involves… him opening my gate.” 

Clare landed a roundhouse kick to Ujin’s side, sending him sprawling.  “You sick son of a bitch!” 

“It’s for a good cause!”  He was back on his feet, that goofy smile gracing his lips again, but Clare was glad to see that she had managed to knock a few of his teeth out.  “I will do whatever it takes, to whoever, to complete my goal.  You, and your stupid little friends are not going to get in the way of that!” 

He rushed her again, his body moving as if she hadn’t hit him once. 

***

Ashtyn did her best to remove the spirits from the elf dolls as fast as she could, but she wasn’t fast enough, and there were so many of them. 

“Tabitha, I could use a little help here!”  She called out, desperate. 

“I call upon the Blade of Exorcism.” Tabitha closed her eyes, and suddenly Ashtyn’s hands began to glow.  Two onyx fan blades formed in her palms.  “Will that help?” 

Ashtyn spun around, the blades slicing the demonic dolls with barely any force.  “Oh yes!” 

***

I was rushing; doing my best to use the telekinesis that Juktha had given me to toss those damn dolls away.  The little shits were resilient, and they didn’t have hearts to rip out, either, so I was at an almost complete loss.  Still, I was keeping them at bay. 

“Kurt, how you holding up?”  I glanced over my shoulder at Kurt. 

He was getting swarmed, batting the small creatures off of his arms and legs.  “I… I don’t think my powers are built for this.” 

“Do you even know all your powers?”  I ran to his side, using my mind to toss the dolls off of him.  They went flying, cracking against the walls, and bursting like little water balloons filled with black goo. 

“No clue!” 

***

Clare could feel her muscles begin to grow weak.  She didn’t know how much longer she could hold up.  Ujin, on the other hand, seemed fine.  Sure, he had a future ruptured muscles and a bunch of missing teeth, but every time she hit him, he just bounced back to his feet. 

“Ready to give up yet?”  Ujin didn’t even fall this time when Clare smashed her fist into his face.  “I have deities to kill, and a daughter to get to.  Just wave the white flag.” 

“Never.”  Clare was huffing and puffing, but she would die of exhaustion before she admitted defeat. 

***

Kurt glanced towards Clare, his vision shifting to X-Ray. 

A demon seed.  He could see it glowing in Ujin’s chest. 

He knew Clare wanted to win this fight, but she couldn’t get to that thing, not like he could.  He could see it pulsing, growing inside of Ujin, feeding him, pushing him forward.  He knew exactly what he needed to do. 

“Bobby, I need you and Ashtyn to clear a path for me.  Okay?”  Kurt looked to his friends, hoping they were listening. 

“Got it!”  Bobby started tossing the dolls to the side, sending them flying through the air. 

“You bet.”  Ashtyn used her blades to hack through the thinning crowd of demonic elf dolls. 

Once the path was mostly clear, Kurt took off. 

***

Clare fell to her knees. Her body just couldn’t take much more.  She had failed her friends, she had failed Brittany.  She had failed herself. 

“Good, you’re giving up.”  Ujin looked down at her.  “You have to know your limits, darling.” 

Just past Ujin she could see Kurt rushing towards them, his hand glowing a bright blue.  He had spotted Ujin’s weak point.  It wasn’t over. 

“What are you…” Ujin started to turn. 

Clare did the only thing she could think of.  She lunged forward, and started ripping at Ujin’s crotch with her teeth.  Blood, muscle and tendons pulled and snapped as her teeth dug into what little flesh he had dangling between his legs. 

This time Ujin screamed.  This time he felt it. 

“You stupid bitch!”  He raised his hand, ready to strike, when Kurt’s fist exploded through his chest, the pulsing demon seed clutched in his palm. 

Clare pulled her head back, spitting out the meaty remains still clung between her teeth. 

“You lose, mother fucker!” She swung her fist at his head, a sure of adrenaline kicking in. 

In his weakened state, without the power of the demon seed holding him together, her fist burst through his face, and out the back of his skull, spraying the floor with his brains