"Weird?"
It was the next day, and Ichigo had yet to return to town. Asuka had initially wanted to tell the mayor that the demon was dead, but Annie convinced her otherwise, knowing it would only worsen Asuka's already foul mood. Instead, Annie suggested Asuka return to the cave to try to find out what had happened to the demon and to explain what she had promised.
Right now, Asuka was looking at the corpse of the demon she had fought. Its changed appearance made it hard for Asuka to accept. From a four-armed abomination to a shriveled corpse—the transformation was drastic.
"From what it looks like, it was drained of all its contra and internal organs. It would take a powerful demon to do this."
"How sure are you that a demon did this?"
Annie pondered how to respond but ultimately had no real answer.
"I don't know. Just a strange feeling that I've seen this somewhere."
"Like with the woman from Amelia's story, right?"
"Yes. Something like that."
"Speaking of, have you gotten any more memories?"
"Nothing important. Just bits and pieces of trivial things."
"Really? I would've thought more would've come back to you."
"That would have been the case, but there was interference."
Asuka tilted her head in confusion.
"Interference? From what?"
"It was a demon. I can't tell exactly what or where it came from, but it was definitely a demon—and a young one."
"What makes you think that?"
"It had a very…human outlook on demons, which suggests it hasn't had many interactions with one."
"I see?"
"But it's plotting something, and that plan involves you. I noticed that its voice grew clearer after your battle. I'm guessing it used your emotions to unseal itself instead of me and blocked me from you."
"So that's why you were so silent."
"Yes. As I said, I don't know exactly what it was, but it is connected to you in some way."
"You think Ichigo would know something about this? I mean, he was the one who sealed you in me."
"He might. But I wouldn't get my hopes up yet. He knows quite a bit, even for a hybrid, but there are still many things he doesn't know."
"How come? I thought of all people, he would be the most knowledgeable about this stuff."
"He is, but only among other humans."
"So I'm guessing he doesn't know about demons absorbing anima in so many ways?"
"I wouldn't expect him to. Despite his experience, I doubt he's had the time to study our species closely. Demons aren't easy to find. Even in our own realm, we are hard to locate."
"Why is that?"
Annie pondered this question again but couldn't find an answer.
"I'm not really sure. I can't remember why that is. I just know that it's true."
"I see."
Neither spoke for a few moments until Asuka broke the silence.
"Annie, you said you'd explain what happened to the demon in the cave. Can you tell me what that was about?"
"What happened to the demon was a process called ruina. It happens when a demon not only absorbs a sufficient amount of anima but also feels extreme negative emotions."
"Okay, but what happens to the anima? I doubt it just disappears."
"You're right. The anima gets corrupted by an overwhelming amount of contra. This corruption turns the anima into contra, adding to the demon's reserves. That's why it's called ruina, meaning 'to ruin' or 'to fall.'"
"Alright. I think I understand. I'm guessing black flames and demons consuming people with anima are some of the ways this can happen, right?"
"Indeed."
"But wouldn't it take a lot of anima for that to happen? It shouldn't be too different from when I undo my seals. Each seal takes more contra to break."
"That is also true," Annie replied.
"And even if it ate all the kidnapped people, that still wouldn't be nearly enough to gain a new horn."
"True. But if it had eaten enough ordinary people, someone who could use even a small amount of anima would be enough. And there's only one person I can think of right now."
Asuka's eyes widened as she realized what Annie was implying.
"You think it was Amelia?"
"It's the only explanation we have. And yes, I know what you're thinking. While the small amount of training she did wouldn't be enough, she did touch your contra."
Remembering that moment, Asuka's expression shifted to one of realization.
"You think that was enough?"
"With that level of malice, her anima would've awakened instinctively to protect her."
"I guess that makes sense."
"And it might explain why the demon was so easily angered and why she was in such a state when we found her. Chances are it underestimated her, and she injured it severely."
"You think she could've hurt it that badly?"
"I have no doubt. Amelia must have fought hard. You taught her well, Asuka."
At Annie's words, Asuka's lips quivered.
"Despite how scared you must have been, you still fought an overwhelming opponent and nearly won. I'm so proud of you, Amelia."
Asuka wiped her eyes, a small smile lingering on her face.
"Okay, but how was I able to absorb contra?"
"You're a special case. I've never seen a demon strip contra from another like you did. I think it might be one of your demonic abilities."
"Yeah. I thought that too."
"But as you know, you must be careful. Absorb too much contra, and you'll only end up harming yourself."
The pain Asuka had felt in her body flashed through her mind.
"You don't need to tell me that. That was probably the worst pain I've ever felt."
"Well, it's something you'll have to learn to control."
Asuka placed her hand over her chest, her face shifting to one of concern, which made Annie ask about it.
"Something wrong? Are you still in pain?"
Asuka shook her head.
"No. It's just… something feels off. Like a part of me is missing. I can't pinpoint it exactly, but it's as if something essential to me just vanished."
"I can't sense anything wrong right now. For now, let's go into the cave. We still need to find out what happened to the people who were kidnapped."
"Isn't it obvious?"
"Maybe. But there are still things we need to learn. Let's go inside the cave and investigate."