Of Gods and Demons (Maeve)

Two forms appeared on the timeless lookout shortly after Bing's telepathic summons. The first, was the draconic swordswoman of fire: Maeve Rakshasa, as she was requested. Beside her was the enigmatic fox spirit: Akemi Inari who seemed to have tagged along despite being uninvited. The demonic women cast their gaze upward to the vile star in the sky. Maeve's eyes narrowed to pinpoints as she stared at the blood rood star, Akemi's pointed ears flicked and lowered down to flatten against her head. The gusts of wind howled around the lookout as the two made their way to the center of the lookout.

"BING!" Maeve called out concern evident in her voice as she hurried over to the meditating guardian. "What's going on here? Why is the Star of Makyo so vibrant?" She asked, golden eyes searching his for answers.  The strong demonic presence was baring down on her but for some odd reason it felt unnatural. She didn't feel the usual dark yet liberating pulses of energy, in fact the rays she felt were like a thick, foreboding pressure that weighed down upon her. 

Akemi meanwhile had kept her gaze locked on the star. Her brow was knit as she puzzled what it could mean. Something nagged at the back of her mind though. Something that she sensed from the dark star hanging above. She sensed something familiar.

---

"Once again, Guardian, you show yourself to be quite perceptive." Akemi finally spoke, looking down to Bing. "Perceptive but, once again ultimately incorrect." The child like demon spoke plainly as she cracked a sweet little smile. "This fluctuation of power from the star is in fact due to the power of some powerful demons, however to think that they're trying to break the barrier to the mortal realm seems a little far fetched." She mused, mostly to herself as she returned her gaze to the star. "Most high ranking demons can travel freely between the mortal realm and their own, and tearing a hole between realms only would really benefit foes such as the imps you felled." She explained tails wagging. "...Or it could be the doing of some sealed demon trying to make their escape but the power output would be much more noticeable. As guardian you'd be able to tell if that were the case." She said before drawing to her conclusion. "No, from what I can tell, this pulse of energy affecting the star is meant to garner attention..."

"...Specifically, your attention Maeve." She looked down, her emerald eyes fixating on her student. She met the very confused and alarmed expression of the draconin warrior with one of simple seriousness.

"Mine? Why would they want me?" Maeve stammered, worry strangling her tone. Something about the way her master had stared at her with such a stoic look made her want to squirm under the gaze. It was as if she were being crushed under her expectation and she had no way to respond.

"Maeve...I realize your Serene Mind hasn't been tempered enough to make you adept at feeling auras but...You should be able to recognize the presence emitted by your kin." Akemi simply stated while closing her eyes and sensing the power emitted by the dark aura intermingled with the blood moon's radiance. She knew the source personally, that's why Bing couldn't describe the strange sensation emitting from the star but still recognize that something was wrong.

Maeve looked down to the floor, her eyes darted back and forth as she searched her mind and feelings for answers to Akemi's clue before she could almost recognize part of the presence. It was similar to a presence she was around nearly her entire life.

"... Bridget."

Maeve uttered before looking up to both of them. "I-It feels like Bridget!" She said looking to both Bing and Akemi.

While she was somewhat excited at the prospect of seeing her sister she recalled that she was among the most harsh and active against Maeve's gentle nature. While her father tried to strengthen her demonic will and her mother merely looked upon her with detached contempt, Bridget often lashed out against her. She beat Maeve down spar after spar in her attempts to force that her ideals unto her younger sister. Maeve could never tell if it was out of care for her sister or an effort to preserve the pride of their clan. Either way, the two often clashed and each time it ended with Maeve battered and bruised.

"Bridget, and Aidan to be precise." Akemi confirmed a soft smirk forming seeing Maeve's sour frown at the second name. "There is no doubt about it though... Those two are behind this." She mused looking up to the star.

"Bing...They are members of my clan...Bridget is actually my older sister." Maeve explained closing her eyes slowly. The visage of her sister flickered before her eyes as she imagined her. "...She has been said to be among the most physically capable of our clan. Her amazing strength has allowed her to earn and maintain the title of Baroness. I've seen her cause a group of warriors to buckle under the pressure of her releasing her power alone. She can block Fateburn with the force of her fists and can create fissures in the Earth with a single punch! Unlike the majority of my clan she forgoes the use of Rakshasa's Sword Arts in favor of fighting barehanded." Maeve described, a small smile gracing her lips. Judging by her praise and that smile it seemed Maeve was quite fond of her older sister. 

"And Aidan?" Akemi chimed in, asking the question that was sure to be on the guardian's mind. Maeve sort of grimaced at the mention of him. 

"Aidan... Is the Earl of the Rakshasa Clan. He is my cousin, he is a powerful warrior that utilizes a strange variation on the Rakshasa sword style. He chains his blade and uses it and the chain as a weapon. Sometimes even a projectile. He can imbue it with fiery magic making him able to cut through steel and rock like butter. Not that he needs much help..."  He's a ruthless killer, the way he's maintained his position is through a silver tongue and his unfathomable kill count despite not fighting with any sort of honor. He's a true demon and he's vying for my father's position." She said with a scowl.

"He is also Maeve's suitor. Demon clans typically are very insular when it comes to who they wed, unlike mortals it isn't unheard of for cousins to wed."  Akemi chimed in the barest hint of a smirk gracing the trickster's face, unable to resist poking at Bing's feelings a bit.

"More like he wants me as a trophy..." Maeve cut in with a growl. "He just wants me to be the salt for my father's supposed wounds when he achieves his goal. His taking of my hand is just as unlikely as him besting my father." She simply said her tail lashing out in irritation.

"Regardless, guardian... You asked what we should do... Clearly they don't intend to come here or else they would have by now. With all of your knowledge of the demon realm as Kami certainly you must have the power to take us there?" Akemi mentioned turning her gaze to him.

The two each took a hand of the guardian at his command. The mixture of the holy and demonic energies swirled around the trio as they focused their minds on the destination. As the swirling vortex of light grew it would consume the three and whisk them away to the demon realm.

---

In an instant, the trio would appear at the top of a towering peak that seemed to overlook the realm. The first thing they'd immediately notice was the magenta skyline followed by the heavy charge of magic that seemed to saturate the air. The air almost felt like it weighed down on them as if a pressure surrounded the realm. A few islands suspended in air dotted the horizon, as well as various violet lakes, dense forests, rocky mountains and sandy plains that stretched in between it all. A curious anomaly seemed present however, the more one's gaze focused on one thing the more the world seemed to shift around it. The chaotic realm made it impossible to gain bearings or a semblance of direction other than toward the destination in your mind. The only fixed points seemed to be where one was and where one was headed.It was a confusing wondrous mess to look at. It was an explorer's dream but also their nightmare.

"This is it, my home..." Maeve spoke as she looked out to the land she thought she'd never see again. "Well, it was my home anyway... I've grown pretty fond of the Mortal Realm in my exile." Maeve smiled softly looking back to Bing. Her warm gaze lingered for a moment before her self conscious nature slipped in causing her to flush and cut her gaze away from the young man. "...This isn't a time to get homesick or reminisce though... We've got to find Aidan and my sister before their meddling does any serious damage..." 

She looked about, her brow furrowing as she tried to pick up on the location of her two clansman. 

"I've got their location pin pointed... You two, follow close behind me and stay focused on me at all times I can lead us without any hesitation." Akemi piped in with her ever present smile as she glanced back to Bing and Maeve. "If you lose sight just think of this peak and you will be fine. Though try not to get lost... Time is of the essence after all." She bowed before making her way down the mountain.

"Also, Bing. When we get there..." Akemi began speaking without looking back. "Don't interfere. What lies ahead of Maeve is a trial she must face. Alone." She punctuated her point with a stern tone as she continued on. If the two were diligent to her orders they'd notice in the corner of their eye the landscape washing away as if it were sand on the wind. The only constant in the swirling storm of chaos was the little fox demon before them. 
 

"They are powerful enough to hold such high ranking positions reliably. I already described some of their feats but I gather seeing them for yourself will provide you with the answer you seek." Maeve said, resisting the urge to cut her gaze back to Bing. "Also, Akemi, what do you mean this is something 'I'm going to face alone?' Just what do you anticipate this meeting will entail?" She asked the stoic little fox spirit as they trekked through the warping world. Something was telling her that her master was well aware what this was all about and that same something also told her that swords would probably clash with the coming meeting. Regardless of what lied ahead: she was going to face her family without fear...

"Call it a hunch coming from a wise old fox." Akemi joked, poking fun at her own childish appearance as the warping world started to settle forming a more distinct image. "Though perhaps we shall see for certain in the coming moments." She concluded with a small little flick of her tails.

As if on cue, the world would still as soon as the fox demon stopped, leaving the party at the mouth of a cave. It was attached to one of the numerous mountains the trio had seen in the distance just moments before. Within the cave seemed to be a series of glowing pools of some sort of liquid that illuminated the interior; revealing an almost carved path of stone that was lined with translucent stalagmites made of gemstone. These gems reflected the light from the pools surrounding the air making the cave almost shimmer all over. A mixture of natural magics combined with the oppressive force of the demon warriors within seemed to pulse from the cave creating a foreboding air that even Maeve, a warrior without any ability to sense energy, could feel...

This ill feeling anchored her to the entrance as she tried to gather her courage to confront what was within. "Bing... I know what Akemi said but...Stay close, okay?" The dragoness asked the sliver haired guardian, looking to him momentarily for strength as she turned to face the cave once more.

With a brief inhale as if to steady her nerves Maeve would step inside the cave. Followed by another step, and one more for good measure. ..Soon she was marching down that stone path letting the strange natural lights lead her along. She moved ahead towards her 'trial' while also being captivated by the serene beauty that seemed to emanate all around her.

"It really is something to behold..." She mused aloud taking a moment to take in the sights. Being surrounded by it all seemed to ease her a bit and she actually managed to crack a smile. "Isn't it wonderful Bing?" She asked, turning to face him this time with a sweet smile rather than a nervous plea. "It's always so baffling to me..." She began looking up and around as she spoke "...How most other demons don't appreciate places like this. There really is beauty in just about every realm." She said while slowly walking ahead...

"Most demons do appreciate places like these but in a different way." Akemi spoke up while following behind. "This place is rich in natural magic, other demons see it as a tool or resource rather than a place of beauty. I'm willing to bet the Rakshasa took this land for that purpose. It's safe to assume your clansman are probably siphoning some of the magic here to affect the star of Makyo from afar." Akemi spoke simply as she entered the cave, walking behind rather than leading the party now.

"You've come far enough."

A stern, power filled voice boomed throughout the caverns as if in response to Bing's question. The familiar voice was enough to make Maeve's scales crawl as her entire form tensed up from her toe claws to her perking headfins instantly. With startled eyes she'd look up to meet the blazing eyes of a fierce demoness looking down upon her from atop of one of the lager crystal pillars. The shadowy figure leaped high into the air with a graceful front flip only to come hurling down towards the group with a readied fist. A fierce roar escaped the silhouette's maw as it came crashing towards Maeve specifically. It pulled it's fist back and readied a mighty punch.

"Earth, fill me with your breath!"

Thinking quickly: Maeve called upon a portion of the magic burning within her as she begged the elements around her to protect her. Reacting to her plea, shards of crystal would rip away from their clusters to form a hasty shield before the shadow's fist. She hoped her magic would be strong enough to deter her attacker, but stumbled back in a mix of awe and fear as the fist connected to the shield with a forceful boom. Maeve's eyes widened as she watched the fist shatter the thick shiled as if it were made of glass; only to stop inches from her face. The mirror like fragments exploded into the air surrounding the group in the angled reflections of the scene.

Also standing in that reflection, was the Baroness of the Rakshasa Clan: Bridget.


The girl stood in a honed stance of a martial artist as she towered over the group. She was massive compared to Maeve, standing at over seven and a half feet and maintaining a sculpted physique of muscle and demonic dragon scales. She was garbed in a simple blue unitard that only barely managed to cover her modesty but also showed off her numerous scales proudly. Her shoulder length hair was a light strawberry-pink color and her eyes glowed with a pale gold light. Her form was covered in little scars here and there but the most noticeable one was a vicious claw mark that cut across her eye. The gash was so brutal that it seemed lucky she still had that eye. To those that could feel energy they'd be able to see that she was on par with Maeve's power level if not above it.  

"Oh my... Has she finally arrived?"

A smooth voice that seemed to slither through the air called out from behind the warrior before them. With heavy footsteps another monster would come into view. Towering a foot or so above the already fearsome Bridget was the feared Earl of the Rakshasa: Aidan. He was covered almost completely in a set of dark armor similar to Maeve's but he sported a helmet that covered the majority of his face. His visage was obscured save for his cool smirk and flowing scarlet hair coming out the back. His build seemed more slender but the fearsome blade chained to his arm made it obvious he was no pushover. Those that could sense energy would feel a massive pressure radiating from his seemingly manageable power level. It was obvious he was sealing the brunt of it away and given his almost casual demeanor it seemed he could care less about others knowing.

"Bing..." Akemi spoke while keeping her gaze fixated on her prized pupil.  "Aidan is right... Maeve is at the cusp of reaching a new state of power, she just needs a push." She explained as the young demoness stood before the two towering figures. "I believe...This is where she can get that push." Akemi concluded as she reached into the sleeve of her kimono to pull out a small paper fan and open it with a quick flick of her wrist. She held it up to her mouth to obscure the small frown forming on her lips, though her knitted brow made it obvious she was deep in thought or concerned over something.

Maeve could handle this right?

As Maeve approached with her blade ready and her eyes burning with determination the elder dragoness couldn't help but make a comment. "You were always brave Maeve, despite the fact that you grew up to be such a softie you could never refuse a challenge." Bridget said, her sharp expression fading for a beat to reveal a genuine smile towards her younger sister.

"Heh..." Maeve's determined frown turned into a soft smirk as she looked up to the baroness. "Especially against you Bridget. I can't deny that this is making me nostalgic. Unlike our previous battles though I'm not going to lose."

There was a brief pause as the siblings looked to each other fondly. Each realized how much they missed the other (despite the scuffles and hardships between them.) 

"Maeve...I truly mi-" 

Bridget was cut off by the sound of chains rattling at a high frequency. She recoiled back as a blade with fiery runes attached to a red hot chain cut into their conversation. The blade shot forward in an attempt to impale the much smaller demoness but by utilizing a surge of her elemental magic Maeve managed to glide out of the way leaving only an after image in the fearsome weapon's path. Maeve looked back, her eyes widened as the blade exploded the ground beneath it. There was no holding back with that attack, it seemed to be driven only by malice.

"I'm sorry... I thought we were gathered to fight." Aidan said as he drew in his blade with telekinesis. His clawed hand squeezed around the comparatively short hilt of the blade as he approached. "After all, Bridget you didn't summon Maeve out of sentiment! So lets drop the formalities..." He said with a smirk as he began to swing the blade idly by it's chain.

"Aidan you..." Maeve started to speak, her face forming a demonic snarl but she stopped only to cough out suddenly as her form crumbled around the sudden fist to her gut. In the instant it took to snarl at the Earl Bridget had used her impressive speed to flash step before Maeve and land a solid strike to her stomach. A ripple of force exploded out around the point of impact as the severe momentum of the strike was sent directly to Maeve. Maeve's jaw slackened in pain and she was sent rocketing back a few feet. A startled yelp escaped her lips as she crashed against the ground only to bounce and skid a few more feet back.

Bridget slowly pulled her fist back and returned to her stance as she glared down at Maeve. "Aidan is right, we've wasted enough time talking... You've made your challenge. Now face us." She snapped, her eyes glowing with a furious light.

Akemi glanced back to Bing. "As you can see...Bridget doesn't fight with a blade like the other Rakshasa but the basics of their fighting style still applies. She uses her speed and weight to crush her foes with the momentum of her swings alone... Aidan's chain allows him to attack from anywhere making them a dangerous pair... It won't be easy...But I believe in Maeve." She said with a nod as she closed her fan with a 'click.'


As if on cue, Maeve's eyes would shoot open. A thick explosion of multicolored energy overtook her form as she called upon the power of the elements to strengthen her. She slowly pulled herself up the fierce aura started to die down to a form radiant pulse around her form. "...Fine then... Lets do this..." Maeve said in an even tone as her blade ignited with her fiery spirit. With a determined roar Maeve would glide forward using both her mastery of wind and her blink ability. Aidan and Bridget would only be able to watch as Maeve's form flickered towards them in a zig zag motion making it nearly impossible to tell where she was coming from. 

"Such speed... Is this the power of the wind?" Bridget asked as she shifted to a more defensive stance.

"She's got a bit of spark!" Aidan grinned spinning his blade in anticipation.

Maeve suddenly appeared in front of both of them in a full sprint. Fateburn hung low at her side and sent sparks flying around her as the tip of the blade kissed the stone ground every so often. Her aura pulsed as she called upon the breath of the Earth to shift the ground beneath her creating a sudden boost upward for her. "Ouuurrraaahhh! EARTH RUMBLING DECAPITATION!" Maeve cried out as she tumbled in the air lifting her heavy blade over her head. She slammed it down towards Bridget as she attempted to cleave her with a mighty overhead strike.

Bridget pulled her arms above her in a cross shape to protect herself from the blade with her thick scales. The ring of metal echoed throughout the cave as a shockwave rippled around the two. The ground beneath Bridget cracked with enough force to send shrapnel into the air. The magic liquid surrounding them seemed to rise into the air as well as the force seemed to make the pools around them tremble. For a moment it seemed like Maeve just hung in the air but she ended up swinging her legs down to crash into her larger sister's face while she withdrew the blade that had dug into her arms.

"D-Damn!" Bridget grunted in pain. As she stumbled back a spray of her crimson blood escaped the fresh wounds in her forearms. 

Maeve dropped down and lowered her stance once more. Summoning a bit more of her wind magic she'd suddenly shoot towards Aidan with her sword ready. "AIIIDDAAANNN!" She screamed, preparing her Thunder Thrust.

"Not so fast little flame!" Aidan snarled as he whipped his sword towards her to deflect her attack. While the Blades did connect, Maeve's attack pushed through and ended up crashing against Aidan's armor causing the towering beast to buckle ever so slightly.

"Nngh! You're pretty good... This fight might actually be exciting!" He grinned as he released a bit of his pressure sending a crushing pulse that forced Maeve back.

Maeve was holding her own so far but could she keep it up?

Would it be enough?