Replaceable and Irreplaceable Loss

The Demon Lord was a being closer to a God than a Demon. That was the lie she and the Seven had spread when she took the throne. For the first time, Keita understood how close to the truth was that lie. Having weaker Magic Power than when he was a Demon, had given him a new perspective in strength. Her magic power, felt alive. Like a beast, hiding behind a little girl with golden hair. A live monstrosity, ready to be unleashed at her command. He felt a weight that made it hard to breath around her.

Keita tried to remain as calm as he could be. The Demon Lord was right in front of him and she wasn't alone. Wrath was there, so was Sloth. There were five unfamiliar faces with them.

"Pride, I am happy that you decided to come back." the Demon Lord said.

She was wearing her usual white rags, only leaving half her face revealed. Her voice was as soft as he remembered.

Keita's eyes turned to Wrath. She didn't show any emotion but her axe was drown, showing she was ready for battle. Sloth... she was once again asleep, floating on her giant white pillow. The other four, had difficult to read expressions. One had eyes full of expectations, while two others seemed indifferent. The last unknown person was glaring Keita, sending a chill down his spine. He looked like a young adult human, with long black hair and a cold aura around him. His posture radiated pride and strength. His eyes were purple and he had two small horns coming out of his forehead, usual characteristics of a Demon. Lastly, a gorgeous man with cat ears was with them. He seemed on his guard against Keita.

'Lust...' Keita thought.

"Pride... Why won't you say something?" the Demon Lord said as she approached.

Keita heard his companions getting ready for battle, as she got closer to him. He spread his hand, signalling them to stop.

The Demon Lord smiled in response of that gesture.

"Pride-"

"My name isn't Pride." Keita said in a cold voice. "I am Keita Raigon. Keita. That is the name I received from my mother."

For some reason, he couldn't calm himself. The situation was dire. He had the party to think about, so a peaceful resolution was what he should have hoped for. But he wasn't thinking of that right now. He felt disgusted by the Demon Lord's tone. It hasn't changed.

"I see... So you found your family." she said with a bitter smile.

Keita nodded his head in response. He did not know what he should do. His emotions were unsteady. He wanted to leave this place as soon as he could. But he knew the Demon Lord wasn't to blame for this. She should have been angry with him. At least she shouldn't have approached him so carelessly.

"We came here to lose the Undead. Since Demons and human haven't been at war for years, we hope we can leave with no further incident." Keita tried to sound as distant as possible.

The Demon Lord chuckled. It was a very cute laugh, fit for her childish appearance.

"I never thought you would ever talk like this. Did you join the Aerch Militia? You were quite fond of them back then. You almost sound like a different person." the Demon Lord said with intrigue.

Keita stayed silent. If he talked he wasn't sure what would come out of his mouth.

"I guess you aren't here to return home..." the Demon Lord said in a disappointed tone. She put her hand on Keita's cheek. "I am happy for you. You seem to be doing well."

"Well?" Keita lost it. "Do you even know what I went through since becoming human? I have no place to belong! I am a monster in a human skin. I did unspeakable things as Pride. Things I can never atone for. And here is the funny part. Nothing changed. I am the same monster I was! The sin inside of me... My pride is still there. I still remember everything. All the people I killed. Every city I burned while laughing. And you say I seem well?" Keita's angered flared. He slapped the Demon Lord's hand away from his face.

"Arm el Aerch!"

In an instant, a spear was in his neck. A sword pointed at his heart. His hand was grabbed and a faint green barrier was between him and the Demon Lord.

Keita realizing what he has done, smiled wryly. His eyes rested on Sloth who was floating in the air. Her purple snake like eyes, were blazing with killing intend, but softened at Keita's smile.

"Nothing has changed..." Keita muttered.

He felt the grip on his hand tightening. The black haired young man who was shooting daggers with his eyes was the one holding him. Who were these people anyway? Keita asked himself.

"It is fine..." the Demon Lord said in her soft voice. The barrier disappeared and the three mystery people retreated. All expect one.

"Be a good dog and do as she says." Keita mocked the young man, still holding his hand.

"What did you say?" he asked and his grip became even tighter.

His hand felt like it was about to be broken. Keita tried to not show any pain in his face, but he could hear Nao and the others, adjusting their positions, preparing for battle.

"Pride, I said it is fine. Let him go." the Demon Lord said.

The young man, reluctantly let go of Keita's hand.

"What did you call him?" Keita asked, confused.

The Demon Lord faced downwards.

"You made others? Me? Envy?"

She slightly nodded her head.

"You knew this? And you dared to tell me to come back?" Keita's words were directed to Wrath and Sloth.

"Mama had no choice! We couldn't survive without-" Sloth was suddenly interrupted.

"You made another Pride?" Keita couldn't help but ask. "Did you learn nothing?"

"I am sorry." the Demon Lord, still looking at the ground apologized. "After what happened... I couldn't let anyone else die. I know what I did was wrong. To you, Envy, Gluttony and Greed... I really do, but we needed a way to protect ourselves." she continued.

"Do not mistaken me for a broken replaceable piece like you. I will never betray the Demon Lord." the new Pride said, with a cold tone.

"Piece of garbage, shut your mouth." Keita said, infuriated. If he was truly Pride, he knew exactly what to say to push his buttons.

Suddenly, without realizing what happened, he was kicked in his stomach. His vision became blurry, as he flew into a tree behind him.

"I heard about you. I thought of you as a legend. A god among Demons. But look at you now. Pathetic." Pride was standing in front of him before he could even catch his breath.

"Stay away from him!"

"Kei!"

"Keita!"

His comrades screamed.

"Ma-clayar, come to me." Pride said and a black light and purple light extended from his fist. The air around the light became heated. A black edged long sword appeared in his hands.

"Who said you could move, trash."

Keita couldn't see, but he could hear everything. The sound of the blade he once owned, piercing flesh and boiling the blood. It was the sound he heard whenever he used Ma-clayar. A blade that radiated a scorching heat that could reduce armor and shield into molten metal. And then... the sound of a lifeless body hitting the ground.

"Kobaaa!"

"No..."

He didn't have to raise his head from the ground, to know what happened.

'So be it.' Keita thought and let himself let loose.

The black magic power enveloped him in an instant. If he didn't hold back, this power that was originally his could be summoned with just a thought. His personality didn't change this time. His will remained the same as before the transformation. He wasn't doing this because his pride was wounded, or because he was protecting himself.

"I'm going to kill you all!" he screamed and kicked Pride in his face, sending him back to the Seven and the Demon Lord.

Keita's eyes rested on his fallen comrade. There was no light in Koba's eyes. Fresh blood was dripping from his mouth as he remained motionless. His robs were burned around his pierced heart. He tried to defend himself with his bronze hammer which has been melted. His death was instantaneous. No chance to try and save him nor say goodbye.

"Hell's Path: Envy." black wings made of magic power sprouted on Keita's back.

"Hell's Path: Greed." his finger tips became like a claws.

"Hell's Path: Gluttony." a light flickered in his eyes before disappearing.

The battle between Keita and the Demon Lord became anew.