Fatherhood hadn't always been kind, but Nanashi tried his best. Yet due to the disappearances of several children in multiple cities, those under the Firmament were having a more difficult time culling the force of Law and Chaos. Yet, as that war rages on, divine powers lie in wait for their Messiah.
Final Prototype (Shin Megami Tensei)
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Chapter 1
There he laid, just yards away from the Kinshicho's main entrance. In a pool of his own blood, Nanashi gasped for air as his fingers clawed at the concrete ground, his breathing becoming more labored with every breath as the sight of a flaming demon stood in front of him. The winged flame demon gave a brief laugh as it crushed a still-beating heart of his best friend, its bloody fingers pushing into the chest of a fallen Hunter. Viscera surrounded Nanashi's form, coating his green jumper in the wet hot organs whilst he tried to crawl away.
His vision blurred before, with a sudden lurch of his body, his heart was wretched through his back, the minute strength that Nanashi had to crawl away was snuffed out.
Yet, just as his eyes became lidded and darkness overtook Nanashi's consciousness, a voice called out to his fleeting corpse.
"Hate to break it to you kid, but you're dying. Everyone that was with you before has already followed you here. You've accomplished nothing in the admittedly short span of your life. But together, we could change that. Work for me, and I'll bring you back to life. I can give you the power to fight back."
He should have ignored the demon-his kind brought the despair under the Ceiling and the deaths of Abe and he. However, the temptations of power overtook Nanashi. His parents died when the riots happened as that giant thing surrounded Tokyo, and now he would die the same way.
In that moment of weakness, Nanashi accepted it. With a deep chuckle, the being known as Dagda gave him a look of confidence.
"Welcome kid, to the the Tuatha Dé. You're soul, you're very life-it's all mine."
Images of blood, rage, darkness, and ice overtook Nanashi's vision, the strength of a deity flowing through his very being.
He was the only survivor that came back, drenched in viscera and blood. His eyes and demonic arm glowed green against the dim lights of the gate, enough to cause the guard-a Power-to quickly snuff his life.
From the back of his mind, Dagda chuckled as his demonic arm pierced through the Power as if his armor were that of rice paper. Nanashi laughed as the demon dissipated into crystals, and having barged through the gate, he-
"Come on! Wake up Dad!"
The familiar alarm clock immediately caused Nanashi to awaken, wincing at the splitting headache that lanced across his skull. Scratching his head with a gloved hand, Nanashi groaned as he turned his head away from his daughter's voice, snuggling on the makeshift pillow whilst he ignored Asahi's shaking.
"Hold on, give me a few minutes. I need to recuperate after last night." Nanashi groaned out, ignoring the memories that resurfaced from his slumber. He had a busy night dealing with drunken Hunters and making sure to avoid angering some of the more rambunctious Hunters as they tried to strong arm him into a drinking contest.
"Then stop drinking with the other Hunters! You're impossible to wake up in the morning and I don't want to be stuck doing your work again!" The frustrated tone of Asahi made Nanashi briefly smile at the brief memory before, with the strength like that of a Titan, he rose up from his bed. Settling on the sofa that he slept on, Nanashi yawned before giving his daughter a raised eyebrow.
"Doing my work? There's nothing wrong with it. I'm with the Hunters that you always idolized. Admittedly, it's not the most glorious work, but it's more important than you think Asahi." Nanashi gave a bitter smile as Asahi rolled her eyes, the recurring argument not making Asahi's mind change.
"Glorious? If you're not serving drinks you're just handing out missions to people who do real work. You're just a bartender..." Asahi sighed in disappointment as she began digging their room for her backpack. Nanashi too gave a sigh-it always ends up like that doesn't it?
If only she knew what had happened years prior, when he was active.
As Asahi went looking for her bag, Nanashi looked down at his gloved hand, his ragged bomber jacket covering up the cursed arm that he acquired all those years ago. Beneath the glove was the now black and white 'gift' that Dagda gave him, and with it the power of a Demon.
Of course, as a kid, he was stupid enough to be tempted by such power, and yet as an adult the power laid dormant. Ten years of service, and then silence from his sponsor.
"Finally, here it is." Tugging from the dirty pile of clothing in the corner, Asahi grabbed her pink backpack before giving another glance at her father, her gaze holding the same disappointed look before she left their abode abruptly. Allowing his gaze to fall at the closed door, Nanashi took off his glasses before rubbing his eyes. Better to deal today with a smile, or at least with some modicum of professionality.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Well aren't you a sight for sore eyes." Nikkari grinned whilst Nanashi cleaned the countertop of the Association's bar, ignoring the amused look of his previous mentor.
"You'd look terrible too if some youngsters decided they should celebrate their first outing with alcohol with you." Nanashi brought out a cup of water as Nikkari laughed at his supposed misfortune. Shaking his head from the amusing image, Nikkari took the water before looking upwards at the LED screens, glancing over the rankings of the given missions. Whilst his fellow Hunter gazed at the missions, Nanashi brought out a plate of seared Katakirauwa to another patron, his form moving around his work station as more Hunters began coming into the bar for breakfast and the morning missions.
"Damn, twelve more children missing…?" Scratching his chin, Nikkari took out his phone before thumbing at the Summoning Program. Finding a break from the flow of orders, Nanashi took out his favorite pipe before adding in the precious tobacco.
"Technically fifteen-the parents rescinded three due to having found their bodies. Like the rest, their limbs were cut off." Nanashi sighed before looking at Nikkari's face, which had already begun to show a tranquil fury. Though he really didn't like to show it, the man had a soft spot for children. Seeing this many missing in the last few weeks had become worrying in of itself, for the kidnapped children were either dead or were never seen again.
"Damn it-you think we need guards around the park outside? This is becoming ridiculous." Nikkari rubbed his temple as Nanashi could only shake his head.
"We're already short changed as is. Having more Hunters guard the gates for the underground cities will only cause more cases of demon attacks if they're not culled."
"We don't need another Shibuya…" Nikkari mumbled before sighing. Standing up, he tapped on his phone before the screen above Nanashi showed green lines over certain missions. Adjusting his coat, Nikkari gave Nanashi a quick wave.
"I'll see you tonight. Make sure you keep your eyes open kid." Waving back, Nanashi took a deep inhale from his pipe before exhaling. Ignoring the usual babble of the morning rush, he took out his own phone before texting Asahi, as a precaution at least.
Stay safe. Kidnappings are on the rise.
K
Groaning, Nanashi put away the smartphone. At least she knew to be careful, but Nanashi felt something was brewing. The kidnappings, the dreams that were popping up, and even the general unsettling feeling was becoming more apparent.
With a cold chill going down his spine, Nanashi leaned against the counter before whispering.
"Dagda…?" Once more, Nanashi was met with silence. Slightly shaking his head, Nanashi let a smile cross over his face. What the hell was he thinking? That damned demon left him years ago-why would he answer to him now of all times? Yet even with these thoughts, Nanashi still felt the dull throb against his mind.
"Yo Boss! Mind if we get some salads here?" Jumping at the yell, Nanashi rolled his eyes before he prepared the meals.
"On it! Next time just come to the counter you lazy ass!"
"Haha…"
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"What's with this big ball here? Where are all the kids?" Asahi gave a confused glance at her mentor Manabu, who only held a curious gaze at the stone monument. Shaking his head, he shrugged at Asahi before patting her head.
"It's no big deal Asahi. Most likely some prank that someone posted. Look around-do you see any kids here?" Manabu gestured around them, showing that they were the only ones alone in the cavern besides the large and round monument that stood in front of them. Asahi made a face before shaking her head. Had that mission really been just a prank…? Spending three hours getting here, getting completely soaked, and getting attacked by several demons, all for a prank?
"Manabu, how can I be a Hunter if we only do these small missions? This one Nikkari gave us was just some prank, and the rest he gives us is just collecting scrap!" Asahi stomped her foot on the ground, giving way to a small splash as Manabu threw his hands up in defense.
"Hey man, its your dad's call on making you a Hunter. I'm the one sticking my neck out for you so you can get experience, so don't get mad at me when things don't go your way. How do you think the Boss is going to feel if I bring his only kid to these kinds of places?" Sighing, Manabu checked his smartphone and crossed off their current mission.
Crossing her arms, Asahi looked away from her mentor before glancing at the ball in front of her. What was with this thing anyways? It was creepy, being here alone-
"CRAP! Asahi! Get behind me!" Manabu's voice echoed across the cavern as a demon stood in front of them, and with a flourish of his hands, a Mokoi appeared in front of him and Asahi.
Asahi glanced back before she caught sight of the demon-a tall and humanoid form that was lightly green, with tufts of orange hair across his head and face akin to a beard as it crossed its arms.
"Alright there, stand back or I'll have you killed. We're just on our way." Manabu said as the Mokoi took a step forward, its boomerang prepared to fly to the opposing demon.
"Manabu? Just kill him. What's the problem?" Asahi whispered, before the demon focused its gaze at Asahi. Hiding behind Manabu once more, Asahi glared back as Manabu broke out into a cold sweat.
"The demons we killed came in hordes. They were weak, so they came at us with numbers. What do you think happens when one decides it wants to try at the two of us?" Came Manabu's panicked voice, his thumb already sending out a distress message to Nikkari.
"I don't think you quite well know the situation you both are in. I was the one that sent that little mission to you, though admittedly I never expected such a quick response." Summoning a club with ease in his hand, the demon twirled it around its hand, his gaze upon his club before looking at the shaking form of Manabu.
"However, it works out for what I need. Give me the girl, and you can run away."
Manabu clenched his teeth as he felt Asahi grab at his shirt tightly, and with a smile he summoned Archangel in response. The angel flew beside Mokoi as it glanced back at its summoner.
"Sorry man, but that shit ain't going to fly. There's no way in hell I'm going to let you take the Boss's kid."
The demon gave a look at Manabu before setting down his club to the grund, leaning on it as he gave a look of boredom.
"Such a shame. Admirable, but such feelings will be the death of you. Like so."
Asahi blinked, before blood coated her body. In an instant, or perhaps at speeds she could not decipher herself, both of Manabu's demons were destroyed, and the form of her mentor….
She screamed as the beheaded body fell to the ground, leaving blood and bone to coat the waters in red. Tears fell down her cheeks as she looked at the demon, who simply pointed his club at her face, just inches from her nose.
The demon tilted his head as Asahi sobbed, her body shaking from terror as blood dripped from her clothes.
"Please…."
"So young, yet wanting to throw your life away to kill demons. You got your wish kid. You will die a Hunter." The demon's eyes bored down at Asahi as she tried to scramble away, her body immediately going against the stone ball she viewed before.
"Please don't kill me…." Asahi begged, her eyes closing as the demon lifted its club. He didn't enjoy killing, but looking at the girl, Dagda figured she wasn't the one either.
How cold of you Dagda, to do this in front of me. Can I expect this to be a sacrifice?
Dagda gave a harrumph before letting the club crash down against Asahi's body, crushing it beneath the weight of the club in addition to his strength. How lucky-she didn't scream. "As if I would set you free."
The stone made a disappointed sound as Asahi's voice began to leak from her throat. The pain was too great, and her lower body couldn't be felt. She gave a croak of pain, tears streaming down her eyes as Dagda looked down at her.
"Still alive?"
"D-dad. Dad.."
Dagda gave a scornful chuckle before he crouched down, looking at the bloodied face of the teenager.
"Your father isn't going to save you kid. You're dying, and no one is going to save you. Curse at your luck, and the inability to fight back." Lifting his club once more, Dagda looked at Asahi's eyes before giving a harrumph.
"Your eyes are green, but you're not the one. You got me hopeful however, so I'll make it quick. Tell Izanami that you aren't the kid."
"D-Da-!"
Crushing her head with his club, Dagda gave a sigh before standing up, letting his weapon disappear whilst Manabu's and Asahi's body began to wash away from the stone.
Why not make her your Godslayer? There's no problem with having more than one.
Dagda gave a bark of a laugh before he gave a glare at the stone.
"Getting soft Krishna? I wouldn't expect that from you."
Silence was all that Dagda received, and the god of knowledge only spoke with a hint of disdain in his voice. "Besides, I don't need another Godslayer. I only need the one for what's to come."
His vision blurred before, with a sudden lurch of his body, his heart was wretched through his back, the minute strength that Nanashi had to crawl away was snuffed out.
Yet, just as his eyes became lidded and darkness overtook Nanashi's consciousness, a voice called out to his fleeting corpse.
"Hate to break it to you kid, but you're dying. Everyone that was with you before has already followed you here. You've accomplished nothing in the admittedly short span of your life. But together, we could change that. Work for me, and I'll bring you back to life. I can give you the power to fight back."
He should have ignored the demon-his kind brought the despair under the Ceiling and the deaths of Abe and he. However, the temptations of power overtook Nanashi. His parents died when the riots happened as that giant thing surrounded Tokyo, and now he would die the same way.
In that moment of weakness, Nanashi accepted it. With a deep chuckle, the being known as Dagda gave him a look of confidence.
"Welcome kid, to the the Tuatha Dé. You're soul, you're very life-it's all mine."
Images of blood, rage, darkness, and ice overtook Nanashi's vision, the strength of a deity flowing through his very being.
He was the only survivor that came back, drenched in viscera and blood. His eyes and demonic arm glowed green against the dim lights of the gate, enough to cause the guard-a Power-to quickly snuff his life.
From the back of his mind, Dagda chuckled as his demonic arm pierced through the Power as if his armor were that of rice paper. Nanashi laughed as the demon dissipated into crystals, and having barged through the gate, he-
"Come on! Wake up Dad!"
The familiar alarm clock immediately caused Nanashi to awaken, wincing at the splitting headache that lanced across his skull. Scratching his head with a gloved hand, Nanashi groaned as he turned his head away from his daughter's voice, snuggling on the makeshift pillow whilst he ignored Asahi's shaking.
"Hold on, give me a few minutes. I need to recuperate after last night." Nanashi groaned out, ignoring the memories that resurfaced from his slumber. He had a busy night dealing with drunken Hunters and making sure to avoid angering some of the more rambunctious Hunters as they tried to strong arm him into a drinking contest.
"Then stop drinking with the other Hunters! You're impossible to wake up in the morning and I don't want to be stuck doing your work again!" The frustrated tone of Asahi made Nanashi briefly smile at the brief memory before, with the strength like that of a Titan, he rose up from his bed. Settling on the sofa that he slept on, Nanashi yawned before giving his daughter a raised eyebrow.
"Doing my work? There's nothing wrong with it. I'm with the Hunters that you always idolized. Admittedly, it's not the most glorious work, but it's more important than you think Asahi." Nanashi gave a bitter smile as Asahi rolled her eyes, the recurring argument not making Asahi's mind change.
"Glorious? If you're not serving drinks you're just handing out missions to people who do real work. You're just a bartender..." Asahi sighed in disappointment as she began digging their room for her backpack. Nanashi too gave a sigh-it always ends up like that doesn't it?
If only she knew what had happened years prior, when he was active.
As Asahi went looking for her bag, Nanashi looked down at his gloved hand, his ragged bomber jacket covering up the cursed arm that he acquired all those years ago. Beneath the glove was the now black and white 'gift' that Dagda gave him, and with it the power of a Demon.
Of course, as a kid, he was stupid enough to be tempted by such power, and yet as an adult the power laid dormant. Ten years of service, and then silence from his sponsor.
"Finally, here it is." Tugging from the dirty pile of clothing in the corner, Asahi grabbed her pink backpack before giving another glance at her father, her gaze holding the same disappointed look before she left their abode abruptly. Allowing his gaze to fall at the closed door, Nanashi took off his glasses before rubbing his eyes. Better to deal today with a smile, or at least with some modicum of professionality.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Well aren't you a sight for sore eyes." Nikkari grinned whilst Nanashi cleaned the countertop of the Association's bar, ignoring the amused look of his previous mentor.
"You'd look terrible too if some youngsters decided they should celebrate their first outing with alcohol with you." Nanashi brought out a cup of water as Nikkari laughed at his supposed misfortune. Shaking his head from the amusing image, Nikkari took the water before looking upwards at the LED screens, glancing over the rankings of the given missions. Whilst his fellow Hunter gazed at the missions, Nanashi brought out a plate of seared Katakirauwa to another patron, his form moving around his work station as more Hunters began coming into the bar for breakfast and the morning missions.
"Damn, twelve more children missing…?" Scratching his chin, Nikkari took out his phone before thumbing at the Summoning Program. Finding a break from the flow of orders, Nanashi took out his favorite pipe before adding in the precious tobacco.
"Technically fifteen-the parents rescinded three due to having found their bodies. Like the rest, their limbs were cut off." Nanashi sighed before looking at Nikkari's face, which had already begun to show a tranquil fury. Though he really didn't like to show it, the man had a soft spot for children. Seeing this many missing in the last few weeks had become worrying in of itself, for the kidnapped children were either dead or were never seen again.
"Damn it-you think we need guards around the park outside? This is becoming ridiculous." Nikkari rubbed his temple as Nanashi could only shake his head.
"We're already short changed as is. Having more Hunters guard the gates for the underground cities will only cause more cases of demon attacks if they're not culled."
"We don't need another Shibuya…" Nikkari mumbled before sighing. Standing up, he tapped on his phone before the screen above Nanashi showed green lines over certain missions. Adjusting his coat, Nikkari gave Nanashi a quick wave.
"I'll see you tonight. Make sure you keep your eyes open kid." Waving back, Nanashi took a deep inhale from his pipe before exhaling. Ignoring the usual babble of the morning rush, he took out his own phone before texting Asahi, as a precaution at least.
Stay safe. Kidnappings are on the rise.
K
Groaning, Nanashi put away the smartphone. At least she knew to be careful, but Nanashi felt something was brewing. The kidnappings, the dreams that were popping up, and even the general unsettling feeling was becoming more apparent.
With a cold chill going down his spine, Nanashi leaned against the counter before whispering.
"Dagda…?" Once more, Nanashi was met with silence. Slightly shaking his head, Nanashi let a smile cross over his face. What the hell was he thinking? That damned demon left him years ago-why would he answer to him now of all times? Yet even with these thoughts, Nanashi still felt the dull throb against his mind.
"Yo Boss! Mind if we get some salads here?" Jumping at the yell, Nanashi rolled his eyes before he prepared the meals.
"On it! Next time just come to the counter you lazy ass!"
"Haha…"
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"What's with this big ball here? Where are all the kids?" Asahi gave a confused glance at her mentor Manabu, who only held a curious gaze at the stone monument. Shaking his head, he shrugged at Asahi before patting her head.
"It's no big deal Asahi. Most likely some prank that someone posted. Look around-do you see any kids here?" Manabu gestured around them, showing that they were the only ones alone in the cavern besides the large and round monument that stood in front of them. Asahi made a face before shaking her head. Had that mission really been just a prank…? Spending three hours getting here, getting completely soaked, and getting attacked by several demons, all for a prank?
"Manabu, how can I be a Hunter if we only do these small missions? This one Nikkari gave us was just some prank, and the rest he gives us is just collecting scrap!" Asahi stomped her foot on the ground, giving way to a small splash as Manabu threw his hands up in defense.
"Hey man, its your dad's call on making you a Hunter. I'm the one sticking my neck out for you so you can get experience, so don't get mad at me when things don't go your way. How do you think the Boss is going to feel if I bring his only kid to these kinds of places?" Sighing, Manabu checked his smartphone and crossed off their current mission.
Crossing her arms, Asahi looked away from her mentor before glancing at the ball in front of her. What was with this thing anyways? It was creepy, being here alone-
"CRAP! Asahi! Get behind me!" Manabu's voice echoed across the cavern as a demon stood in front of them, and with a flourish of his hands, a Mokoi appeared in front of him and Asahi.
Asahi glanced back before she caught sight of the demon-a tall and humanoid form that was lightly green, with tufts of orange hair across his head and face akin to a beard as it crossed its arms.
"Alright there, stand back or I'll have you killed. We're just on our way." Manabu said as the Mokoi took a step forward, its boomerang prepared to fly to the opposing demon.
"Manabu? Just kill him. What's the problem?" Asahi whispered, before the demon focused its gaze at Asahi. Hiding behind Manabu once more, Asahi glared back as Manabu broke out into a cold sweat.
"The demons we killed came in hordes. They were weak, so they came at us with numbers. What do you think happens when one decides it wants to try at the two of us?" Came Manabu's panicked voice, his thumb already sending out a distress message to Nikkari.
"I don't think you quite well know the situation you both are in. I was the one that sent that little mission to you, though admittedly I never expected such a quick response." Summoning a club with ease in his hand, the demon twirled it around its hand, his gaze upon his club before looking at the shaking form of Manabu.
"However, it works out for what I need. Give me the girl, and you can run away."
Manabu clenched his teeth as he felt Asahi grab at his shirt tightly, and with a smile he summoned Archangel in response. The angel flew beside Mokoi as it glanced back at its summoner.
"Sorry man, but that shit ain't going to fly. There's no way in hell I'm going to let you take the Boss's kid."
The demon gave a look at Manabu before setting down his club to the grund, leaning on it as he gave a look of boredom.
"Such a shame. Admirable, but such feelings will be the death of you. Like so."
Asahi blinked, before blood coated her body. In an instant, or perhaps at speeds she could not decipher herself, both of Manabu's demons were destroyed, and the form of her mentor….
She screamed as the beheaded body fell to the ground, leaving blood and bone to coat the waters in red. Tears fell down her cheeks as she looked at the demon, who simply pointed his club at her face, just inches from her nose.
The demon tilted his head as Asahi sobbed, her body shaking from terror as blood dripped from her clothes.
"Please…."
"So young, yet wanting to throw your life away to kill demons. You got your wish kid. You will die a Hunter." The demon's eyes bored down at Asahi as she tried to scramble away, her body immediately going against the stone ball she viewed before.
"Please don't kill me…." Asahi begged, her eyes closing as the demon lifted its club. He didn't enjoy killing, but looking at the girl, Dagda figured she wasn't the one either.
How cold of you Dagda, to do this in front of me. Can I expect this to be a sacrifice?
Dagda gave a harrumph before letting the club crash down against Asahi's body, crushing it beneath the weight of the club in addition to his strength. How lucky-she didn't scream. "As if I would set you free."
The stone made a disappointed sound as Asahi's voice began to leak from her throat. The pain was too great, and her lower body couldn't be felt. She gave a croak of pain, tears streaming down her eyes as Dagda looked down at her.
"Still alive?"
"D-dad. Dad.."
Dagda gave a scornful chuckle before he crouched down, looking at the bloodied face of the teenager.
"Your father isn't going to save you kid. You're dying, and no one is going to save you. Curse at your luck, and the inability to fight back." Lifting his club once more, Dagda looked at Asahi's eyes before giving a harrumph.
"Your eyes are green, but you're not the one. You got me hopeful however, so I'll make it quick. Tell Izanami that you aren't the kid."
"D-Da-!"
Crushing her head with his club, Dagda gave a sigh before standing up, letting his weapon disappear whilst Manabu's and Asahi's body began to wash away from the stone.
Why not make her your Godslayer? There's no problem with having more than one.
Dagda gave a bark of a laugh before he gave a glare at the stone.
"Getting soft Krishna? I wouldn't expect that from you."
Silence was all that Dagda received, and the god of knowledge only spoke with a hint of disdain in his voice. "Besides, I don't need another Godslayer. I only need the one for what's to come."