Keeper Of Demonic Forces [A Paranormal Vigilante Action Fantasy Story]

Third Person

~

Four Days Ago...

"Is it almost out?" Nightmare snarls down at the Demon attending to his shoulder. Her little fingers work at rewriting the spell on the talisman with adept skill.

She looks up a him while still on her knees at his side, her appearance far younger than her true age, "I'm almost done, Master Nightmare."

He breathes out a tired sigh. He had settled for a cramped dark alleyway so as not to strain his magic, of all the spells those children could have used, this was was the last thing he expected. They'd have to be more careful from now on, summoning Ahlai before it had been used had been a stroke of fortune at least.

Still, thinking back on the fight and how much he had enjoyed breaking the Keeper and her little team, the mirth that sent his blood racing couldn't be helped.

"I specifically told you to kill them on sight." A voice echoes in the alleyway, distorted and pitched but firm, interrupting his thoughts.

Nightmare chuckles, "I was just having some fun."

"And what did you gather from such a time-wasting exercise?"

He waved his hand dismissively, "It's been a while since have had a good toy, with a Keeper who's too fresh to be a threat...I couldn't help myself."

"I'm your only advisor, Seirou, let me do my job and advise you."

"I've heard all you have to say, I'm doing everything you want me to and we'll this work Nem, you trust me right?"

"I do," The distorted voice turns softer, it's oppressive air gone, "I just worry your taking too many liberties."

"Master Nightmare, I'm finished," Ahlai coos getting to her feet and bowing, the expression on her snow-white face serene but her gaze entirely devoid true life, "May I suggest you leave monitoring Demona to me and Beelzebub while the others prepare and you save up your strength?"

Nightmare gives her a gentle smile, patting head before reaching into the folds of his cloak to pull out a glinting silver dagger with jagged edges, "You may, use this to open Cracks but pick the spirits you need wisely. I don't want anyone that'll give me trouble before I take over."

"Yes, Master, I won't fail you!" She hums skipping off into the darkness.

"What are you going to do now?"

"I'll leave Kirai to handle things for the next week or so," He dusts his robes as he stands, the burning blue lits of his eyes crinkling slightly, "Tomorrow is long day and my week might be packed for a while.

***

The Present...

Kira glares down at their trembling hands either side of the open trash beg, had it always bee so hard to tie up or was she over reacting?

"C'mon Kira, you're running late."

Kuro's pestering isn't helping either.

"I'm trying, I'm trying! Wait," she sinks to the ground, holding her head in her hands, "What if it's already over and they weren't even going to consider letting me-"

The raven haired boy grabs her by the shoulders, shaking her roughly, "Keep. It. Together."

"Right!" She hops right back to her feet, slowly tying up the bag this time and throwing it in the bin.

Club activities had started over an hour ago and she had to get to the girls' Volleyball tryouts before time was up. She had maybe cheated a little by using her super speed to hasten the normal time she would have taken to finish up her punishment.

'The next thing you know, you'll be using them to win your ridiculous human competitions,' Lucifer hisses as she changes out of her uniform and into her sports clothes.

It hadn't been that long since he started speaking to her again. She had definitely not been listening out for his voice or wondering what disembodied spirits did when ghosting their wards.

"I'd never do that, I want to do this as myself, just Kira. No powers, and certainly no demons talking in my head to distract me."

Ever since the worst Monday night in probably all of history and having to ignore each other the whole week to sort through their own shit, the team was coming back together.

After her tryout games today, they'll start training to get even stronger.

She hears Lucifer's scoff of disapproval at her actions as she steps out of the bathroom and grabbed Kuro to drag him along.

***

"You actually made it," Troy mutters flatly as Kira and Kuro came bursting through the doors.

Their entrance draws the attention of Moriko and Jade. Kira hadn't outrightly asked them to come but Kuro and Moriko were insistent on being around to cheer her on. Jade on the other hand had decided it was a good way to waste time.

On Troy's end, Kuro had stolen his bag, the only way to get it back being to attend the tryouts.

Moriko runs over, "Finallyyy. So here's what happened, they divided the newbies into those who have experience and those who don't. We told them you do. Those that do are six in total. They want to have a match against the other team members and you came just in time."

"What were they doing all this time?" Kira gawks.

"Waiting for you, one upperclassman said they should hold things off until you got here, can you believe that?" Jade replied from her spot on the bench.

Kira's face heats up by several degrees, the upperclassman had to be Kamurai-san, "So what do I do now?"

Moriko points excitedly, "You see that tall, handsome piece of work over there. That's the Manager, also president of the student council, Hinode Kaito."

Kira follows the gesture until her eyes rest on said guy and she had to admit, he was gorgeous. Probably more so than Troy; his cheerful grin at the team on the court seeming to be what gave the room it's light.

She swallows thickly before jogging up to him, "Um, hi, I'm Vermillion, Kira Vermillion."

The senior blinks down at her, "The one everyone's been waiting for? You're bit different from who I was expecting but I'm relieved you finally turned up," he pushes back a few strands of loose dark hair, "Your friends said you were experienced, hope that's true?"

"Y-Yeah."

"Great!" He turns to the court, a hand on my back gently edging me forward, "Everyone! Vermillion-chan is here so let's set up for the match!" He yelled

"Watch that volume, Hinode." A tall, tan skinned girl calls back, walking towards them, her powerfully built arms are crossed over her chest giving her an unmistakable air of authority, "I'm the captain, Miura, you're the one who broke the sink yeah?"

"Uhh..." Kira cracks a nervous smile.

"Violence isn't appreciated on our team. If you can't control your temper or ego, leave now."

"Miura-chi, don't act so scary," Hinode tsks.

"I won't cause any trouble, promise!"

"You'd better not, what's your height?" The captain asked.

"165cm, captain."

"That's...okay I guess."

"I can jump really high and hit well," She adds hopefully. She had let herself go a bit and being naturally plump hadn't made it easy to get get back in peak condition but she was confident in the work she'd put in.

Miura eyes her a bit before gesturing to one side of the court where some other girls stood, "You'll be the other striker. Hinode, and the coach will be watching and judging so put in your best effort if you want to become a regular this early."

The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement.

Kira grins before taking her spot. She spies Kamura on the other end waving enthusiastically.

For the first time since their encounter with Nightmare, she was really beginning to feel like she could have it all. She could to be more than the girl that destroyed the school sink on the first day. She could help Troy and Kuro out when the time came.

She could do anything.

The whistle fades to a distant scream at the back of her mind as she becomes aware of every shift in the space around her. She had never played with these girls before but she knew what she was doing.

Every move on the court, eyes on the ball, skin always conscious of everyone else, the heightened perception of her human state though different from when she felt magic coursing through her was it's own drug. The amazement in the eyes of everyone else when she jumps just in time to hit the ball back into the opponent's court is merely an added bonus.

She lands, breathing rapidly. Even without powers, she could still do this. Fly in her own way, as herself, and doing it so well that even Kuro and Troy had to stare.

She wants to check out the reactions on their faces but the sound of the ball hitting wood again calls her attention.

She'd deal with them after, right now, all she had to focus on was hitting that ball.

After a few odd minutes it becomes easier to tell those that'll make the cut. She's got a pretty good shot but there's one other girl.

The whistles blasts again to herald the end of their match. Kira treasures the thought of falling to the ground like many of the other newbies but her training sessions with Troy and Kuro had developed her stamina just a bit.

Her gaze lands on the other girl that had caught her attention during the match. Just like Kira she's a first-year, her short spiky white hair now damp with sweat.

Kira walks over, a bit self-aware that she probably smells like sweat and BO but so did everyone else.

"Hi, I'm-"

"American rich girl. Yeah, I know," she drawls out with disdain.

Kira retracts the hand she was about to hold out, judging by that look, it wouldn't get her far.

"I don't know why Kamurai-san stuck up for you but I don't like people who just get out of situations because of their family name and connections," She glared, "We're on the same team now, but we're not friends."

"Everyone gather round," Hinode calls out interrupting their Congo. The white haired girl shoves past her roughly and Kira has half the mind to not drop her false smile as Muira was already looking their way.

The brunette moves over to Kamurai's side, "Hi, thanks for getting everyone to wait for me."

"Don't sweat it, and I see I didn't take all their shit for nothing. You seem a bit rough around the edges but with some more training and experience..." The senior doesn't finish but the gleam in her eyes says it all.

Shoving down the pride in her chest, Kira points up front at the other first year, "What about her?"

"Think her name's Sasaki or something, barged in screaming that she wants to be the Ace, but that's already that Captain's spot."

Kira let's her jaw hang open just a bit, So she's that kind of person.

Once Hinode had gotten the circle to quiet down he gives everyone his enchanting smile, "You've all done your best but since everyone can't play at all times I'm only calling out those that made the regulars. Nevertheless, we've all got to keep growing together, hm?"

He waves to a woman who had been observing everyone from further behind him. Their Coach

She had an easygoing aura around her and a relaxed smirk on her lips, "No need for a list, there are just three of them I want for the main games," She faces the new girls, "If I point at you, just shout your name, and go stand with the captain."

The first person she pointed to was the Sasaki girl who called out, "Sasaki Mayu."

The next was a mousy-haired girl with goggles lining her eyes, "Tenya Fubuki." She squeaks before joining Sasaki.

"And you."

Kira had been expecting it but admittedly her heart just couldn't pounding.

"I like your energy and it seems you've got a good feel for the game, which puts you on par with the first kid, don't disappoint me."

An immediate feeling of cold contempt washes over her sending goosebumps across her skin. Her first thought is to scold Lucifer for messing with her in the middle of something important but she quickly realizes it's not him, just Sasaki glaring daggers into her neck.

Great.

Kira walks over and makes sure the two of them are divided by the nervous, jabbering mess that happens to be Tenya Fubuki.

"Now if you noobs didn't realize, I'm your coach, just address me as coach Makino. Practice starts after school and ends at 6:30 pm. We've got games to win so no slacking off or being late. If you work with me I'll make you the best set of players in this whole country."

"Coach is very optimistic about this year." Hinode chirps, "Some of you might be aware of my position on the student council but when were together like this I'm simply your manager and senior so don't be shy about any of your concerns." He ends ends things of with a wink that earns squeals, giggles and excited whispers in equal measure.

Kira wasn't sure how okay it was that he could be in two after school activities at once but with level of charm she could see why no would mind.

"C'mon ladies, get to clearing this place up. Almost forgot, there's practice on Saturday mornings too, get yourselves here by 9 am."

"Yes ma'am," They all groan.

"Move, move, move!"

***

The seniors began to coordinate everyone but Kira asked to have a minute with her friends.

"That was so awesome, Kira. I didn't think you could but that jump was amazing." Moriko gushed.

"I was impressed," Troy said simply.

"Thanks, Having you guys here really boosted my confidence." She grinned, "I made it in though, I feel really great."

"We have to celebrate!" Kuro chirped in, "Let's go over to your place."

"Yeah, you'll treat us."

Kira paled, "It's really late guys, plus you've all got to get home before curfew."

"We'll survive," Jade chimed in, "I want to see what your place looks like."

"Why are you supporting this?!" The brunette shrieked, and Jade merely smiled.

Troy huffed, "Anything that gets my bag and homework back."

Kira, seeing no way out, dropped the topic. "Since you all insist. Just wait a bit so I finish up cleaning with everyone."

"Let's help," Kuro suggested and as usual, Moriko was quick to follow up.

Kira watched as they approached Kaito and asked how they could be of help.

"The more the merrier." He said before leading them to get some floor cleaners.

The clean-up was quick since there were a good number of them on deck. Kira changed out of her sweaty clothes and took a quick shower before running out of the changing rooms to meet up with her friends.

"Your hair's wet." Troy pointed out, eyes sharp with irritation.

"Didn't want to keep you guys waiting. It's getting later by the minute." She was more worried about Jade and Momo. Walking home in the dark wouldn't be a good thing with how Yokai could be crawling around any moment.

"Kira Vermillion."

They all stopped, turning to face where the call had come from. It was Kaito.

"I wanted to say well done."

"Oh...ah, thanks I guess." Why was this gorgeous man talking to her? She wasn't nervous, just a bit self-aware but definitely not nervous.

"You're really good and that striking hand, what kind of workouts do you do so we can probably incorporate it into training." He added excitedly.

Saying she had to block against Troy's inhuman strength every day would definitely not be the right thing to do.

"I...I...lift weights." She gestured wild lifting motions, "The heavier the better they say...and handstands, lots of handstands."

"Ah, good to know. Keep up the good work."

"Yup. Oh, I wanted to ask, how'd you get to be the manager of the girls' team."

He chuckled, a warm bubbly sound, "I am the student body president, besides, I love being surrounded by so many talented women."

Kira didn't know why that made her blush more, "Good to know. I'll be going now, them- they! I mean my friends are waiting." She spun on her heals and ran off

The group took a subway train to Kira's place. On the way up Kuro and Moriko bounced so much, Kira was afraid that the elevator cords would snap and drop them several feet down.

"Kiddo! Congratulations!" Ares yelled as she walked in.

"Ares-"

"Unless you didn't get in, that'll be bad but we've got ice cream."

"Ares stop tal-"

He pulled her into a hug, "I'm so sorry sweetheart."

"Ares!" She pulled away, cheeks red, and pointed to the door.

He beamed, "Your friends! Finally!" He ran over to shake hands with everyone.

"I want to show them around, they're staying for dinner so order something nice," Kira said as everyone toed off their shoes.

"This place is so big." Moriko grinned.

"Thank you and Kira, I could just make something." Ares beamed.

She shook her head, "I'm not sending anyone home with food poisoning."

"My cooking isn't that bad," Ares said, this time his smile at her was strained and warning.

"I'll join Mr. Vermillion in the kitchen," Troy said simply.

"You don't have to-"

"I insist," Troy said firmly to shut her up.

"Kira, tour," Kuro said looking around.

"Yeah, this place is really classy," Jade said, her bored expression being replaced with a little bit of interest.

"Well, Ares' company does own the building." She gestured for them to follow.

"What does he do?" Momo asked.

"Vermillion Co. is pretty much a family business with hands in anything they can grab, furniture, tech, politics, and medicine. Ares is CEO of the real estate division here in Japan."

"That's...a lot," Jade said.

Once she had shown them around the house, she took them back down the elevator to show the rest of the building. By the time they got back, Ares was sitting dejectedly on the couch and Troy was setting the table.

"He politely asked me to leave it all to him so I don't hurt myself." The man sighed when Kira asked, "Surprisingly, I'm not as offended as I should be."

Kira rubbed his shoulder comfortingly. Troy had that effect on people. Even Kat had come out to stare at him.

In no time at all, they were all sitting at the dining table, passing conversation like this wasn't everyone's first time meeting.

Moriko, Kuro, and Ares were the most chatty. Kira watched from her seat, fighting back a smile.

How she wished every night could be this calm.

Unfortunately, her after-dark training session lurked around the corner. A stern reminder that she had to keep working harder, lest she lose everyone sitting here to some cruel fate.

"Is it okay?"

She glanced up at Troy who had noticed her stop eating.

"Yeah, it's really nice," she said quickly, he narrowed his eyes to study her, and she knew she had to deflect quickly, "Definitely on the level of an experienced housewife." She said loudly.

Jade's amused choking noise made everyone start laughing.

The blond in question cast her an irritated look before returning to his food.

Kira smiled, she'd keep saying everything was fine. No matter how difficult the journey got, or how big of a lie it would be. She just had to and she had to believe in it because, one day, no matter how far, it'll eventually be the truth.

Everything would be okay, and she'd work hard to make sure of it.