Dragons And Devils Both Have Horns

The crystal in Mia’s hand shattered to dust. Takao recognized it as the same kind the guild used to communicate over long distances. She was calling someone! The rest of her followers, maybe? Takao didn’t care to find out. He erupted in a storm of purple lightning, intent on finishing Mia and taking the amulet before whoever she called could arrive. He fired a barrage of lightning at her, but she turned to black mist and backpedaled away.

Mia shook her head and clicked her tongue, reproachfully.

“Hate to say it, but that little stunt with the black lightning did a number on me. I’ll be bowing out now, but don’t worry, I’ve called someone else to take my place.” She promised.

Takao tried to shout at her, but was cut off by a high-pitched cracking sound. The air shook, and a crack appeared before them in thin air.

“That’ll be the guest of honor.” Mia called, then looked directly at Sumire and licked her lips before saying. “Another time, little lizard.”

She dropped the amulet dramatically and without another word turned to mist and vanished from the plaza in a flash.

Takao cursed letting Mia escape, but knew they had bigger problems. He turned his attention to the rapidly expanding crack in the air.

“What is it?” He called to Sumire over the growing sound.

“I don’t know. I’ve never seen anything like it.” She admitted.

Takao’s thoughts raced. He could grab Sumire and flee, but what if Mia had summoned a monster into the middle of town? He couldn’t just leave it to rampage and kill innocent people. He’d fought the carcinus, so whatever this was, he could handle it, right? But he’d had Sumire’s help then, and she was in no state to fight now.

Before he could decide what to do, Takao was pulled from his thoughts by the sound of shattering glass. The crack in the air had been replaced by a jagged scar, blacker than the darkest night. He made up his mind; no matter what horror came for them, he would fight and win!

A figure stepped out of the void, and the air sealed itself behind them. To Takao’s surprise, it wasn’t a monster but a woman. Her extravagant robes somehow reminded Takao of Sumire’s attire. Her long black hair was tied up and expertly decorated with neat golden accessories that framed delicate youthful features. By every appearance she was beautiful, stunningly so, but what caught Takao’s attention the most were her horns. Two spiraling horns gilded with streaks of gold adorned her head like a crown.

She looked around the square, appearing to be confused, then her eyes found Sumire, and a delighted smile lit up her stunning features.

“Sumire!” The woman said; her voice friendly and pleasant. “It’s good to see you again! It’s been, um— five hundred years— I think. You know I was never good with mortal time!” She laughed sweetly.

Takao was extremely confused and looked to Sumire for some explanation, but she was staring wide-eyed at the woman, looking more shocked and surprised than him.

The woman took a step forward, and Takao instinctively jumped back, shielding Sumire protectively. The woman looked startled and taken aback.

“You must be one of Sumire’s followers. I’m sorry. I should’ve introduced myself.” She apologized with a deep bow. “I’m the dragon god Karou Fuchi. I’m Sumire’s elder sister. It’s a pleasure to meet you!” She smiled charmingly.

“K—Karou?” Sumire squeaked. “Is—is that really you? W—what are you doing here? You descended t—to the mortal realm? What were you thinking? Why? Why would you do that?” She asked in alarm.

Karou blinked her wide clear eyes as if confused by Sumire’s questions.

“Why else? To find you, of course! Come now, Sumire, you didn’t think I would just abandon you, did you? You’re my dear little sister and your powers are a great asset to the immortal realm. Of course, I would come for you one day!” She pouted.

Takao didn’t understand what was happening. Was Karou here to take Sumire back to the immortal realm? But Sumire had said she could never go back, and hadn’t Karou been called here by Mia? Something was off, but Takao couldn’t place it. He looked at Sumire again for an explanation, but she shook her head. He looked back at Karou, hoping for a better explanation, but she seemed to have gotten distracted by looking around the plaza.

Karou was mumbling to herself as she poked through ruble and debris with her shoe.

“Now, then, if she’s not here, she must have left it behind. Where is—- aha!”

She extended her hand, and the golden amulet Mia had dropped leapt from the ground, landing in her palm.

Takao felt a sudden panic. That amulet was draining Sumire’s life. Karou was also a dragon god, so what if it affected her too?

“Be careful Karou! That amulet is dangerous! It can drain away someone’s life!” He warned.

“Hmm? Oh, thanks!” Karou smiled. “But it only works on the person with the matching curse, and that would be Sumire. Here, let me just—” Karou said and pressed a finger to the amulet.

Sumire cried out abruptly, and Takao immediately dropped to his knees in concern. She had one hand gripped tightly on her upper arm, fingers digging in to her skin. Takao helped her shakily pull her hand away to reveal a black mark in the shape of two spiraling horns that looked like it had been seared into her flesh.

Sumire’s eye’s widened in horror, and she looked like she might be sick. Takao felt his blood run ice-cold. He recognized those horns. They were a perfect match for Karou’s.

“You—you cursed me?” Sumire asked in disbelief; her voice trembling.

“Yes, I thought that was obvious. You know it was quite troublesome when you teleported out of your cave.” Karou scolded. “This all could’ve been much easier if you’d just stayed put. I was rather tired of dealing with Mia and her little band of rouges by then, but then I was forced to keep working with them. I suppose it all worked out in the end. Anyway, I’ve had about all I can stand of the mortal realm, so let’s get on with this, shall we?”

Karou started casually toward Sumire. Takao jumped to his feet, putting himself between Karou and Sumire. He amplified the tiny sparks radiating from his skin, turning them instantly to powerful bolts of lightning that arced like a protective cage around himself and Sumire. Karou looked amused and continued advancing on them.

“You really think the magic of a weak mortal can harm a dragon god?” She remarked.

Karou reached out a hand as if to swat the lightning away like an insect. It struck her with a loud snap, and she swiftly backpedaled several feet. She hissed as her face contorted with rage.

“You nasty little pest!” She spat, but quickly recomposed herself. “I recognize that sting.” She said, glaring at Sumire.

Takao felt like they might actually have a chance of surviving this, so long as he could keep copying Sumire’s lightning. He kept his gaze focused on Karou as she withdrew a folding fan from her robes and held it up, obscuring her mouth. She cleared her throat pointedly and began walking a slow circle around Takao and Sumire, venom dripping from her voice.

“I see that you’ve fallen farther than I thought, sister dear. Living alongside mortals is bad enough when they should be worshiping you, but to go so far as to be bonded with one! Have you no shame? Have you no pride as a dragon god? Bonded with this!” She said, indicating Takao with disgust.

“Stop it Karou!” Sumire yelled. From the corner of his eye, Takao could see she was blushing.

“What’s she talking about?” Takao asked, without taking his eyes off Karou.

“He doesn’t know?” Karou laughed wickedly. “Allow me to explain. I suppose in mortal terms it’s something like marriage, but more. Your bond is what lets you access Sumire’s magic, however it also—”

“I said stop, Karou! We’re not bonded!” Sumire yelled louder.

“Liar!” Karou hissed. “How else would a human have access to your magic? But no matter, this atrocity will be erased soon enough. Your curse has advanced far enough to kill you even if I do nothing. Only I can remove it, and I certainly won’t. You may as well give up now. Sooner or later, the mortal will run out of magic, and that will be the end.” Karou concluded.

Takao knew she was right. His magic wouldn’t last forever, and all he could do was copy other magic. How would that help? He racked his brain for an answer, then something Karou had said stuck out to him. She could remove the curse. That gave Takao a dangerous idea.

Sumire’s Exposé!
Curses are a frightening type of magic with the sole goal of killing, typically while causing great pain in the process. It is also the signature magic of demons.