Kalika now found herself lying on a comfy bed with a big red demon sitting beside her bed reading a book in incomprehensible language. She recognized this demon as General Bjorn. It was like it was just yesterday that she met him.
Bjorn looked her way then went back to reading the book. "You're awake."
Kalika paused for a long time before starting to talk to herself. "What happened to me?" The last thing that Kalika remembered was that she came face to face with an older version of her sister and her maid.
"From what I heard you passed out after seeing the queen. As for where the Queen, King, and your Maid, they're up above still sorting out the madness you've caused. For a human girl, you certainly bring a lot of trouble." Bjorn flipped a page of his book.
Kalika laughed weakly, still not fully recovered from whatever she went through. "And why are you here?"
"They needed me here for my demonic power. It relaxes the mind and body of the people around me." Bjorn kept reading his strange book before flipping to another page.
Kalika gave a quick glance at Bjorn "that's a strange power…
"It is more useful on the battlefield than what you would believe."
Bjorn and Kalika are silent for a moment. Bjorn flips into another page of the book. Then decides to break the silence. "By the way… what's the last thing you remember?"
Kalika turned herself on the bed to look away from the demon. "What do you mean?"
"I heard that you lost your memory of the last nine years. You can say it's curiosity."
Kalika pauses for a moment before answering. "The last thing I remember fighting and winning my first fight with a killer. Odds were against me, but I won since the entire fight was rigged in my favor. Next thing I know I end 9 years into the future. It's hard for me to even believe it now.
Kalika stared at her hand before her. It looked much rougher than the delicate hands she had in the past. "But during that match… It was the first time… I ever killed someone… At first, I felt confused and relieved. But then I just felt… Dirty…"
Kalika, still looking away from the demon, clutches her hands. "I bet it's easy for you demons to kill. It probably comes natural to your kind…"
Bjorn looked at Kalika curiously. He closed his book, putting it away. "This is why I dislike your kind."
Bjorn got up to leave the room. Kalika looks at the direction of the door to give an inquiry. "Don't you have to stay?"
"No. The effects of my power should linger. Besides, I'll just be outside. Just get some rest."
Kalika could hear the door close behind her as she started to look at the wall. She was still quite tired but couldn't do much about it. Her thoughts then drifted.
"It doesn't feel like a lot has changed… I don't think I lost anything… But why do I get this gut feeling that something important to me was just lost…"
"This is so strange. I never should've tried to escape." With this passing thought Kalika fell into slumber again..
********
Elsewhere, Lillian is in the castle hallway walking with Lucius.
"This is ridiculous. She never should've been given that Dagger in the first place." Lucius Sighed. "Perhaps it's for the best that she forgot the last 9 years. It seems she's digressed back to when she was first incarcerated."
"Yeah. Now she's back to being my clueless little sister. But I should've realized it was a bad idea to begin with to give her that weapon," Lillian said.
"Don't beat yourself too much. Even I wouldn't have been able to predict how violent the girl would get. By the way, where did you have that dagger stored?"
"It's locked away in my room."
"Good. The further away from the girl, the better. I don't feel like taking a chance with her having that blade again."
"But what about the arena fights that serve her sentence?" Lillian quickly asked.
"We'll put them on hold until we're able to figure out how to destroy that, Dagger."
"But isn't the durability of blood blades based on the life span of the contractor?" Lillian was starting to get a little worried.
Lucius pondered. "It is… What a pain in the ass this situation has become."
Lillian and Lucius soon arrived at a large room with a large map covering the entirety of a table. Surrounding the table are three of the five demon generals.
"How's your brother Ek doing?" Lillian asked.
"He's still recovering from the incident in the dungeon." Kel answered bitterly.
"I see…"
"Let's not waste time talking about weak demons," Azar said harshly.
"My brother was far from weak, and you know it's Azar!" Kel was getting upset.
"So, your saying losing to the weak human girl wasn't weak?"
"My Brother was backed by five of his best"
"That's exactly the point! If they were Killed by-"
"That's enough!!" Lucius raised his voice.
"We're not here to bicker about yesterday's events! Azar! Kel!"
General ceased immediately standing at attention.
"O-our apologies your majesty." They both said in sync.
Lucius started to pinch the nap of his nose in disappointment. "Honestly…"
Lillian suddenly joined the conversation. "What happened between you two anyways. I thought you were going out." Lillian couldn't help but give a curious glance at the two.
Both of the generals immediately became flush. Before either of them could say anything, General Jala chimed in.
"Azar was unsatisfied with Kel's performance. And let's keep it at that."
Both Kel and Azar were shocked by Jala's brazen answer. Lillian couldn't help but chuck as Lucius is starting to get irritated by the lack of actual reporting of relevant war news.
"Now let's stop wasting time. I'm sure our King wants updates on that so-called confederation." Jala finished.
Both Azar and Kel scowled at Jala before turning back to finally give their latest war assessment.
Kel Started first. "As you know already the newly captured territories from the west and north has already been secured at the borders. Leaving the three territories to the south left."
"Yes. The City of Caldonia that was used as a central trade route and the other city that was destroyed by the country of Terova to the north of us. Is there an issue with one of those lands." Lucius circled around the table as Lillian just sat and watched the report continue.
"No. There are none, in fact the two countries to the north and west of us are keeping tight security around the border of the lands we've captured. However, we've heard word from our spies that the Celestine Empire has been moving goods and supplies further south here." Kel pointed to a part of the map that was a territory they haven't conquered yet.
"I heard that this route is very risky to take, but it is also the most efficient since there's a military base here."
"okay… But would one of you like to explain to me what makes this meeting so urgent?
Azar steps up to explain. "You see. Our spies last reported that among military supplies and rations being delivered there were three specific individuals that were traveling alongside the convoy. And mage. A heavily armored warrior and a man that looked to be a knight from noble descent. All of them individually powerful in their own right. Achieving inhuman feats."
Lucius narrowed his eyes looking at the map. "How long ago was this?"
"One week ago. After reaching out back to our man he was found to be slaughtered alone in the hideout along with our other spies."
"I see… this is very troubling indeed." Lucius started to walk back to Lillian who was Pondering the situation herself.
"Let's double the patrol along all routes and keep every door locked and secured."
"Already done," Jala said.
"Very good." Lucius was satisfied to hear this answer.
"Do you really think their first destination will be this castle?" Lillian asked.
"I have no doubts about it. No matter where my last predecessor went to hide away, he was always found by these so-called 'Heroes of Prophecy'. The goal of the heroes have always been to kill the unkillable. And If history of my kin has taught me anything. It is to not underestimate these individuals."
Jala finally makes his voice heard again. "If that's the case I'll go out to scout for their group. Azar. Did your spy leave a description of the humans?"
"Yes. It's in this report." Azar took a small scroll handing it over to Jala.
"I doubt you'll be able to find them on your own Jala," Kel said.
"Kel's right…" Lucius was overlooking the map once again. "Azar, give 10 of her best men to Jala. Have them check along these trading routes, as well as these more discreet roads." Lucius was tracing the routes with his finger along the map.
"And Jala, remember... Don't you dare underestimate these humans. Doing so will likely cost you your life if you're not careful." Lucius gave a serious gaze at his subordinates, they all understood that Failure was not an option.
"Come. Let's go Lillian. We have much to prepare for."
Lillian quickly got up from her seat following Lucius out of the room to prepare for the threat to come. "It's been a while since I've seen you so hands on." They both started to walk in the castle hall once more.
"That's because the 'Heroes of Prophecy' are still a huge wildcard for determining the success of our invasion. While it doesn't matter if I die, the same cannot be said for the Heroes. Once they're out of the picture, victory will be practically guaranteed. And I will not be taking chances."
"Right." Lillian was having a mix of emotions but kept them well hidden. Unknown to everyone attending the meeting, Rakon was listening in on the whole situation. He smiled, satisfied.
********
"Kalika~" a voice sang out.
Kalika was sleeping on a pile of hay in a very familiar cell. She woke up and practically jumped away to the nearest corner.
"L-l-l-l-lillian!?? What are you doing here!??
"I got bored and thought I'd see you" Lillian gave a big smile.
Kalika could feel an emotion of excitement.
"W-what the? Why do I feel this way."
Although Kalika can feel a wave of excitement the feeling of fear can be seen on her face.
"Wait a minute… my face? I can see my face. Why do I still look so young???
Lillian suddenly grabbed Kalika by the shoulder. Kalika couldn't do anything but whimper pleading for mercy. Without wasting time Lillian killed Kalika in a grotesque fashion.
Kalika could feel the satisfaction. From Kalika's point of view, however, it looked as though she was simply executing herself.
"W-what the h-hell is this. What's going on? Why can't I control myself!??"
"...Why do I feel sad all the sudden?"
Kalika felt a hand touch her shoulder and she jolted awake. She wakes up to find a maid sitting right beside her. Rhonda looked at Kalika very worried.
Like Rhonda before she stayed silent only giving a new pair of clothes to Kalika. Rhonda then turned her attention to Kalika's hair lifting up a piece of it seeing that it was turning gray. Kalika was just as surprised to see it. Perhaps all that stress is finally catching up with her.
Kalika understood that at this stage of her life she was no longer as young as she was before. Rhonda gave another curious glance before Kalika decided to start changing into her new. Rhonda freaks out a little, turning to leave the room and closing the door behind her.
"That was weird."
After some time, Kalika finished changing into her fresh pair of clothes. Just in time for General Bjorn to enter.
"You could at least knock…" Kalika was irritated by the demons' lack of manners.
Bjorn simply ignored her statement. "Good, you got rest. Now you'll need to return to your cell."
Kalika looked back at the bed, starting to wish she had stayed asleep a little longer. Kalika started following Bjorn down the hall and through a hall filled with cells. All the prisoner's seemed to be cowering in fear, it was a strange sight. She figured that Bjorn's presence is what's making the men so scared.
After a while they finally reach the doors to the solitary cell with heavy steel doors.
"Back to a dull life… I wonder…"
Kalika entered the cell then looked back at her maid and Bjorn. Rhonda seems to be a little frightened hiding behind Bjorn. Kalika ignored this. "Will Lillian be coming to see me?"
Bjorn simply closed the door.
There was silence that disappointed Kalika. She was going to sit when there was finally an answer. "That won't be possible. At least for right now. Goodbye, Kalika."
Bjorn and the maid took their leave. closing the second creaky steel door behind themselves.
Kalika starts to feel her body trembling. She doesn't understand this sensation. Her knees become weak.
"Why am I getting this terrible sense of dread??"
Kalika looked back to find a pair of familiar green eyes looking at her. She recognized this Demon as Rakon.
"I heard you lost your memories from the last nine years. That's quite unfortunate. You won't be able to remember the fun times we've had."
Kalika pressed her back against the wall. Every fiber of her being was telling to stay away from that Demon.
"It won't be too long now. Soon… you will belong to me…" Rakon starts to chuckle a little.
"Oh. And here's a little parting gift before I forget."
Suddenly Kalika felt something slimy and wet, licking up her neck like a tongue. She quickly jerked around, feeling the back of her neck. to her shock, she found a half finished clone of Rakon with a finger oozing away. The entire clone made of blood, sticking to the wall like glue with look of satisfaction as she starts to freak out.
Rakon shouted out with laughter upon seeing this. The clone instantly turned into a pool of blood that quickly retreated back to Rakon himself.
"Until next time…"
Kalika could practically see the demon grinning from ear to ear. Before she knew it, Rakon had left. With the departure of Rakon, she fell to her knees. She was completely confused and bewildered, not to mention creeped out.
Kalika didn't want to think about his words. She clenched her fists, trembling. "I can't let that bastard get into my head!"
Kalika leaned her head on the cell wall looking at her still trembling hand. And like always she was at a loss at what action she could actually take. "What the hell do I do now?"
********
"Is everyone ready?" a man asked.
There was an agreement with his two companions.
"Alright then it's time to raid the Demons Castle!"
A group of Three heroes stood on a cliff, right in front of the still ruined capital of Dahlia. In the far distance beyond that, lies the Demon King's Castle.
"It's time to restore the balance!" the light armored knight proclaimed.