Let the game begin

Rei wanders through the woods, her long silver-white hair dancing in the wind. As she ventures farther from the villages, she sheds her disguise, revealing her true face. Her features are sharper yet harmonious, adorned with big lilac eyes and fleshy black lips. Soft, candid locks frame her face, concealing a symbol—a horizontal crescent moon with a shaded base and black tips reaching toward a void dot.

After months of relentless searching for information on the elusive demon A-Yin, he remained adept at skulking in the shadows. Fortunately, her commissioned assassination assignments often took her to the most desolate lowlands, providing a glimmer of hope. That informant at the dock had shown her on the map where the demon's hiding place was, but it was a speck within the vast woods. Despite this breakthrough, the precise location remained unknown for weeks. The direct path into the forest is laden with presence detectors, forcing her to take a circuitous route from the south. Once back amidst the dense vegetation, however, she realizes that advancing further without detection is impossible. She begins to tread cautiously toward what she believes to be the correct location.

Her hands shake the distressed map, and annoyed, Rei takes an old compass out of her pocket, peering at it carefully. 

Fuck, maybe I'm lost.

The informant said something about orientation alterers, so perhaps that's what's bothering her. Yet the welcoming committee should be here any minute.

A rustle of leaves and a creak of wood jolt her senses into high alert. Her gaze fixates on the source of the sound, contemplating the possibility that it might be just the wind. Rei's palm instinctively finds the hilt of her long sword, and she surveys her surroundings with keen awareness. Her dark gray fingertips trace the familiar groove of the lunar cycles, a subtle reassurance. Yet, a smile tugs at her lips as uncertainty lingers—perhaps it wasn't just the wind.

Suddenly, a thin figure leaps out of the bush, rushing at full speed at her. She quickly draws her weapon and dodges the opponent's blow. Locked in a defensive stance, their eyes meet—a minor demon with horns and dark blue skin is staring back at her. Rei grins at the confrontation, extending the palm of her free hand, unleashing a long black flame. The demon hesitates, stepping back and lowering his dagger as his left arm shields him. Seizing the opportunity, Rei leaps forward, her sword piercing deeply into his arm. His body crumples to the ground in agony, clutching the wound as blood flows profusely.

"Come on, for a little cut like that?" Rei taunts him. 

Light footsteps draw near, prompting her swift turn. Three adversaries close in on her, brandishing short weapons, attempting to capitalize on the element of surprise. Realizing they've been noticed, they try to evade her lilac gaze. 

Amused, Rei scoffs, "Where do you think you're going?" A light-hearted laugh escapes her lips. "Excuse me. I'm lost. Can I ask you for directions?"

Amidst the rustling of leaves and cracking branches, Rei sprints towards them. Utilizing a tree, she propels herself upward, landing strategically ahead of the trio, effectively blocking their retreat. "Guys, please, I really need help," she playfully implores, a quick wave of her hand igniting the blade. The black flames leap, enveloping the sword and amplifying its menacing presence. Silence hangs in the air as they desperately search for an escape route. None of them appear to be seasoned fighters, more accustomed to clandestine tactics. 

Rei smirks, "It's a pity you were too sloppy for me." then adds, "You won't help me, will you?"

One of them manages a bitter smile and, with a touch, rustles some leaves beside him, revealing a newfound calmness in his gaze. It resembles a silent prayer before impending doom, but Rei watches them with boredom, delivering a forceful blow with the flat of her longsword that renders them unconscious. "Damn you, rookies," she mutters, binding them like meat with their wrists and ankles uncomfortably joined by a thick rope.

The four bodies are grouped under the same rock she now uses as a seat, taking advantage of the demons as a comfortable footrest. Her gaze quickly scans their features: sharp teeth, yellow eyes, and skin of peculiar hues—all minor demons. With no one else encountered for miles, she surmises she must be near A-Yin's hiding spot. Whether someone comes to claim the incapacitated fighters or they awaken for a post-nap interrogation, Rei remains unfazed. So, she picks up where she left off, sheathing her weapon, and pulls out the map.

A black butterfly with red wings lands on the yellowish paper. She shakes her hand to dislodge it, but the insect lands defiantly on her petite nose. Annoyed, she swats it away, yet it persistently settles on her dark gray palm and bites. As it feeds on droplets of her blood, its wings darken, and Rei clenches her hand, squeezing the insect until black tears of blood fall to the ground. "Why so much blood?" she wonders, waving her hand in disgust.

Another butterfly flits by, followed by a swarm of black and crimson ones that attempt to envelop her. A magical assault unfolds. Rei's skin emanates a dull glow, burning the pesky insects, attempting painful stings. The air fills with the smell of burning, accompanied by slow, approaching applause.

"I have to say you are terrific." a deep and warm voice remarks. A tanned demon strides toward the four underlings with broad but cautious steps. His gaze shines icy cold. A little fubai is glaring at him with amused eyes. Look at this cocky brat. I didn't know there was still one out there. 

Her skin is of a dark gray shade that he remembers having seen before. Her hair falls into fluffy, silver-white strands on her shoulders, giving her an ethereal, doll-like appearance. 

He sees the dark moon symbol among the tufts on her forehead. Humans call it the beast's mark. It was foisted on fubai, whose corrupting abilities exceeded those of a minor demon and, rarely, even those of a middle one. A symbol painfully inflicted by a hot poker, burning, and branding to allow humans to escape or for the bravest to kill.

Unperturbed by his proximity, Rei's lilac eyes wander over A-Yin with satisfaction. Four dark horns emerge from his long black hair, framing his tanned face, while coal scales accentuate his defined jaw. 

Got you! She thinks.

With one foot, she pushes away the four demons, who grumble and tremble like fishes out of the water, and fixes her gaze into his icy eyes. "You can have them. You are the one I want, A-Yin." she declares, tossing a dagger he catches effortlessly.

Intrigued by the mention of his name, A-Yin looks at the weapon for a few moments before cutting the ropes and ordering the four demons to leave. Finally, alone, the fubai closes the distance, raising her head to observe him under his amused gaze.

"I've had lines of people going crazy for me but never wandering around for months just for a chance to meet me. You must really like me."

"I don't like those full of themselves." Rei reaches out to his muscular neck and grabs it tightly, forcing him to lean towards her. The force applied is surprising, and he feels his throat closing as the air thins more and more. Her gaze lingers on his, and she states, "And I don't like wasting time, so why don't we cut all of this bullshit?"

But his expression remains neutral, and his body stiff as he returns the favor and squeezes her neck. A chuckle rises into the air, filling the space between them, and he sighs before applying more pressure. "Then why shouldn't I kill you right now?" 

Her mouth curves into a wry smile, fangs lightly grazing her plump lips. "Maybe we should talk first." 

A-Yin leans towards his prey and, with a quick movement of his hand, moves her face closer to his. His icy eyes widen in surprise. Her smell is incredibly familiar, and it awakens in him something deep and ravenous. "Or maybe… we should skip to the fun part." he suggests in a low tone that becomes deep and scraping. It does not hide anger but a shiver of excitement that runs through his body. Where have you sprung from? There's something I must have missed.

His warm breath lingers on her face as her lilac eyes fixate on him with a cold glare. "How rude. Shouldn't we go to dinner first?" It's a joke, yet Rei says each word in a menacing whisper as their lips almost touch.

Abruptly, her hand coats with a black sheen, radiating intense heat and scorching his tanned skin. Dark smoke emanates from her finger as he feels his throat melt under her unyielding grip, prompting him to instinctively tighten his hold.

Her breath thins, and she gasps for air, yet her face remains calm.

Her other hand fumbles with the leather straps on her hip, causing her weapons to clatter to the side with a thud. She smiles at him again, lowering the temperature of her palm and loosening her grip. "Do you want to talk seriously, or do we have to stare at each other all day?"

A big grin is drawn on his face. Pretty neat trick. 

The demon finds a surge of enjoyment in the encounter, so he releases her from his hold and takes a step back, curious about what Rei has to share.

"Rumors say you want to open the gates of Diyu." the little fubai massages her sore neck as she speaks. "Let's say we share an interest." 

He regards her with utmost seriousness, "You just attacked four of my minor demons. Why should I trust you, little one?"

She glares at him for the stupid nickname, only to sulk in amusement as her voice mimics sorrow. "They attacked me first." 

A-Yin stifles a chuckle. So fucking cocky. Clearing his throat, he modulates his voice to a dry and firm tone."You got in my territory." 

"Then you should be more welcoming to your guests." 

Rei can't help herself and giggles. "And if those are your soldiers-" Their bodies get closer. Her face fiercely rises as she stares into his amused, icy eyes and lowers her voice into an alluring whisper. "-I think you need me as much as I need you." 

Their gazes lock, and lilac eyes shine brightly on her face. 

Lilac is a non-existent color in Rèn and Diyu. A-Yin has seen numerous shades of purple that are always dark and somber but never so clear and bright as two cold amethysts embellished with tiny silver brushstrokes. His lips curl into a smirk at the pleasant idea forming in his mind as he connects all the dots. A presumptuous little prey has jumped into the hunter's lair.

"And why should a descendant of heroes help demons?" he says, staring at her from top to bottom. Her eyes flicker, enraged. "What the hell are you, a kid? Humans destroyed the RiShi clan. My clan."

The demon looks annoyed at the cocky fubai, too bold and angry for his liking right now. "I'm older than you think."

"Oh, I see, so you just like games."

"I like even more having my head attached to my neck." 

Her bored glare passively scrutinizes him while her hands brush her clothes, stopping on the hilt of her longsword. "I'm not naive. That's why I have this with me." 

His eyes linger on the hilt and widen in surprise: it's one of the great Artifacts, the Core Eater of TashanYao, the most powerful relic of the seven. Yet beneath her slender fingers, the circular golden crystal has a deep crack in its center. If before it could channel a frightening amount of shinat, enough to temporarily cancel even the rasuah of the Great Demons, now it is nothing but a sharp old sword.

"I've been at the gates of Diyu. You need my blood to open the sigil." she states, catching his interest. 

"Just tell me how you will use it," she demands, her voice growing assertive.

"Or I could just eat you." he whispers as his round lips move slowly near her ear. The idea gets heavier and more delicious in his mind, and he is unsure if he still wants to wait. As A-Yin shifts his icy gaze to hers, Rei restrains a laugh, thinking, I know what fools like you desire. Her eyes half-close, resembling two enticing waning moons. Gray fingers delicately trace his defined jaw, grazing against the hard scales, while plump lips move softly and invitingly. "Such a shame, and here I thought you would be clever enough to take advantage of me whenever you want."

His tanned palm envelops her hand, moving it slowly as a grin adorns his face. Maybe I'll wait a little longer. His tongue traces circles on the palate, a ticklish sensation, as he studies her with a serious expression. Eventually, he says, "My rasuah is expressed through blood control. Once I have consumed the blood of every heir, I will inject it into the sigil."

She seizes the dagger strapped to her left thigh by black bands, glances at the hand held by the demon, and cuts into her wrist. "Then drink," Rei whispers, and black drops trickle down the fresh wound. Though just a few drops, the scent is already inviting and seductive under the demon's nose. It's not so easy, but it will be fun to play with you.

His teeth eagerly sink into her soft skin, yielding to the pressure of his white canines. Her warm blood is pitch black, a blend of sweetness and bitterness, both familiar and unknown. What's this? It's not what I expected, A-Yin thinks. Addicted, he indulges in her as thick rasuah flows in his body. The demon has never tasted anything so strong, to the point of electrically drifting inside him. He keeps on feeding on her corrupted veins. Amazing.

A sudden movement and his head is pulled back by his long hair. "We have an agreement," the fubai declares, freeing her arm from his grip. His tongue licks the round lips adorned with droplets of blood, a smug smile gracing his tanned face. Finally, something unexpected. 

She grabs the sword sheath from the ground and adjusts it to the black belt on the waist. Her lilac eyes raise to his amused gaze, and, with nonchalance, she says, "I'm Rei, anyway."

That'll be fun, thinks the demon, crossing his arms before walking toward the refuge.