Chapter 5: The Birth of Races

The grand floating castle of the High Table loomed above the endless sky, a monument of power untouched by time. Thousands of years had passed, yet it remained unchanged—imposing, eternal, a gathering place for the Ancients who ruled over existence. Tonight, its halls would once again witness a meeting of divine significance.

A golden blur streaked across the sky, weaving through the clouds like a comet, radiating warmth and excitement. With a final playful twist in the air, Akari Noctis descended, her nine tails flickering behind her like banners of flame. She landed gracefully before the grand doors of the castle, the stone beneath her feet glowing faintly from her energy. Without hesitation, she pushed the doors open.

"Hellooo~!" she sang, her voice echoing through the chamber.

The other four were already seated, their regal presences filling the vast hall. The five great tables stood before her, forming a perfect circle—one for each of them. At their center, an ancient sigil pulsed with power, a reminder of the pact they had forged millennia ago.

Elyndis Seraphiel, the divine seraphim, turned first. With her six radiant wings folded neatly behind her, she regarded Akari with a patient yet knowing gaze. "You're late again."

Lilith Azazel, high demon lord, smirked, tapping a clawed finger against the polished table. "As always."

Selene Von Carmilla, the true vampire, gave an exasperated sigh, arms crossed as she leaned back in her chair. "Must you always make such an entrance?"

Sylwen Elaris, high elf, merely huffed, but the corner of her lips twitched in the faintest hint of amusement.

Akari grinned, completely unbothered. "Of course~! What's the point of eternity if we can't have a little fun?"

Before any of them could protest, she pranced forward, wrapping each of them in a warm hug, starting with Sylwen and ending with a slightly stiff Selene. The vampire froze under the contact, her usual cold demeanor faltering just for a moment before she let out a resigned sigh.

Akari plopped into her seat, her tails curling comfortably around her. "So, what's on the agenda today?"

Elyndis steepled her fingers. "We must create new races."

Akari blinked, her interest piqued. "Oh? Now that's interesting."

Lilith leaned forward, her crimson eyes gleaming. "We are powerful, yes, but our existence has stagnated. The world beneath us is vast, and yet it remains empty of life beyond the simple creatures that roam it."

Sylwen nodded, her emerald eyes thoughtful. "We must breathe true civilization into the land, guiding it toward an age of growth."

Selene, ever composed, rested her chin against her hand. "However, if we are to create beings in our image, they cannot be equals to us. They must be lesser."

Akari crossed her arms, considering. "Makes sense. If we made them as powerful as us, we'd just be making rivals." She then smirked. "Not that I'd mind a challenge~."

Elyndis gave her a look before continuing. "Each of us shall create a race reflecting our nature. However, we must also decide how they shall govern themselves."

Lilith tilted her head. "For me, it is simple. My demons will have a structured hierarchy. Nobility will reign, and power will be the ultimate measure of worth. Only the strongest shall sit at the highest tables."

Elyndis nodded. "I shall create angels, but unlike the demons, I will not dictate their hierarchy. They will be given free will to decide their own order."

Sylwen's voice was soft yet firm. "I will create the elves. Their society shall be based on wisdom and longevity. As time flows, they will grow in knowledge, deciding their own paths."

Selene finally spoke, her voice carrying an air of quiet authority. "And I shall create the vampires. They will serve under me as their true ancestor. While some may claim nobility, in the end, I alone will reign above them."

The air grew heavy as all eyes turned to Akari. She blinked before breaking into a grin. "Oh, I get my own race too? Nice!"

She leaned back, tails swishing. "I'll create kitsunes."

Lilith raised a brow. "And how will they govern themselves?"

Akari grinned. "By tails."

Sylwen tilted her head. "Tails?"

Akari nodded. "The number of tails a kitsune has will reflect their strength and wisdom. A one-tailed kitsune will be a newborn, weak but with potential. As they grow, they will gain more tails, and with them, greater abilities. Nine tails, of course, will be the highest." She flicked her own nine tails for emphasis. "Only the strongest will reach that stage."

Selene regarded her with an unreadable expression. "Interesting."

Lilith chuckled. "Fitting, I suppose."

Elyndis gave a small smile. "Then it is decided. We shall each create our races."

Akari leaned forward, golden eyes gleaming. "This is going to be fun."

Five centuries had passed since the Ancients had created their respective races, and the world beneath the floating castle had flourished into a vibrant tapestry of civilizations. The angels had built their radiant cities in the sky, the demons had carved kingdoms into the underworld, the elves had taken root in the great forests, the vampires ruled their shadowed domains, and the kitsunes roamed the world as cunning spirits of fire and illusion. Yet despite the passage of time, some things never changed—like Akari's love for spontaneous visits.

A golden streak tore through the darkened skies of the demon domain, her presence a stark contrast against the obsidian landscape of Lilith's territory. Towering black spires jutted from the ground, their jagged forms pulsing with a crimson glow, as if the land itself breathed with dark energy. Rivers of molten rock flowed lazily through the canyons, illuminating the capital city of the demons—Azagoth, the Abyssal Throne.

Akari landed at the grand palace gates, the heat of the land barely registering against her skin. Her nine tails swayed behind her, their golden hue an otherworldly contrast against the ever-present twilight of the demon realm. Without waiting for permission, she strolled inside, weaving past demons who wisely moved out of her way. Even here, even among the prideful denizens of the underworld, none were foolish enough to challenge an Ancient.

The grand throne chamber was as imposing as she remembered—dark, lavish, and exuding an oppressive power that would have sent lesser beings to their knees. At the far end of the hall, seated atop her throne of obsidian and bone, was Lilith Azazel. The High Demon Lord's piercing crimson eyes locked onto Akari the moment she entered.

Lilith's lips curled into an amused smirk. "Well, well. Look what the fox dragged in."

Akari spread her arms dramatically. "Did you miss me, Lilith~?"

Lilith leaned against the armrest of her throne, regarding Akari with a bemused look. "I was wondering how long it would take before you finally showed your face again. It's been centuries, Akari."

Akari sauntered forward with an exaggerated sigh. "What can I say? Time just flies when you're immortal." She reached the base of the throne and lazily draped herself against one of the obsidian pillars beside it. "Besides, I had to make sure the kitsunes were settling in properly. Speaking of which—" Lilith's gaze sharpened. "—I heard you were asking about them."

Lilith rested her chin against her knuckles. "Your absence has been noticed. They rely on you more than you think."

Akari huffed. "They'll be fine. Aria will handle it."

Lilith raised an eyebrow. "The first kitsune? The one with eight tails?"

Akari grinned. "That's the one. She's smart, cunning, and dangerously ambitious. If anyone can keep the kitsunes thriving, it's her."

Lilith studied her for a moment before smirking. "You trust her that much?"

"Of course." Akari stretched, her tails flicking lazily. "She's almost at my level, you know. Just one tail away."

Lilith chuckled. "I'll admit, your race has turned out more... unpredictable than I expected."

"That's part of the fun~." Akari's golden eyes twinkled with mischief. "Speaking of unexpected things, I've been hearing some rumors."

Lilith tilted her head. "Oh?"

Akari crossed her arms. "There's a new race running around. Mortals. No magic, no divine lineage, no monstrous strength—just plain, fragile little things."

Lilith's smirk faded slightly. "Humans."

Akari nodded. "Yeah. No one seems to know where they came from."

Lilith's gaze lingered on her. "And you're certain you had nothing to do with it?"

Akari blinked before laughing. "Me? Oh, please. I would've made them way more interesting. I mean, no magic? No tails? That's just cruel."

Lilith observed her carefully. "Then how do you explain their existence?"

Akari shrugged. "Maybe they just happened. Life finds a way, or whatever." She waved a hand. "Not everything needs a grand design."

Lilith remained silent for a moment before leaning back in her throne. "Hmph. I suppose it's possible."

Akari stretched her arms above her head. "Either way, they're your problem now. They've already started wandering into the demon domain."

Lilith scoffed. "They won't last long here."

Akari chuckled. "Poor things. Maybe I should go down there and give them a few tips on survival~."

Lilith narrowed her eyes. "Do not meddle."

Akari grinned. "Oh? And what if I do?"

Lilith's gaze darkened, but before she could say anything, Akari closed the distance between them, resting her chin on the edge of the demon's throne. "You know," she purred, her voice dripping with mischief, "for someone so terrifying, you're kinda cute when you're all serious."

Lilith didn't flinch. "Flirting with me now, are you?"

Akari smirked. "I'm just saying what's true~."

Lilith exhaled sharply, a flicker of amusement in her gaze. "You never change."

"Why would I? This version of me is perfect." Akari straightened and stretched her arms. "Well, this was fun, but I should probably get going before Selene starts pouting that I didn't visit her first."

Lilith scoffed. "She wouldn't pout."

Akari's grin widened. "Oh, you'd be surprised~."

Without another word, she turned on her heel and sauntered out of the throne room, leaving the demon lord shaking her head in mild exasperation. As Akari stepped back into the sky, she glanced down at the vast, growing world below.

Humans, huh?

She wasn't sure where they came from, but one thing was certain—they were here to stay. And she had a feeling they were going to be very interesting.

A golden streak cut across the twilight sky as Akari descended into her forested domain, her nine tails trailing behind her like flowing ribbons of light. The lush, verdant landscape stretched far and wide beneath her, illuminated by the glow of bioluminescent flora and foxfire lanterns dotting the sacred groves.

She inhaled deeply, savoring the crisp scent of ancient trees and the faint, ever-present hum of magic that suffused the land. This was home—the territory she had shaped with her own hands, the cradle of the kitsune race. As she touched down gracefully on the soft earth, a familiar presence was already rushing toward her.

"Lady Akari!"

Before she could so much as turn, a blur of silver and crimson barreled into her. Aria, the first and strongest of the kitsunes, skidded to a stop before her, piercing golden eyes narrowed in clear irritation. Her eight tails bristled slightly, revealing her agitation.

"Where have you been?" Aria huffed, placing her hands on her hips. "You were gone for days without a word!"

Akari chuckled, her fox-like ears twitching with amusement. Without warning, she reached forward and pulled Aria into a hug, resting her chin atop the shorter kitsune's head. "Aww, did you miss me~?" she teased, fingers threading through Aria's soft silver hair as she playfully patted her head.

Aria sputtered, stiffening under the sudden display of affection. "T-That's not the point! You can't just disappear like that! What if something had happened?"

Akari hummed, still petting her like one would a favored pet. "I just went to visit Lilith. No need to be so worried~."

Aria groaned, clearly torn between scolding her and relishing the head pats. "You should at least tell someone when you leave," she grumbled. "The others were starting to wonder if you'd abandoned us."

Akari clicked her tongue, finally releasing Aria. "Tsk, tsk. As if I'd ever abandon my cute little kitsunes." She stretched languidly before draping an arm around Aria's shoulder, guiding her toward the grand shrine nestled within the heart of the forest. "Come, let's walk and talk. You can scold me on the way."

Aria sighed but relented, following her as they strolled through the sacred grounds. The grand shrine loomed ahead, a magnificent structure built from smooth white stone and enchanted wood, its design a perfect blend of elegance and mystical energy. Hanging lanterns glowed softly, casting a serene ambiance, while fox statues lined the entrance, their eyes shimmering with stored magic.

As they stepped inside, Aria wasted no time in launching into a rambling report about the happenings of the domain. "The younger kitsunes have been getting into trouble again—especially the ones with only one tail. I swear, they're worse than the mischievous spirits that used to live here before us."

"Mhm."

"Oh, and the river spirits have been acting up, demanding offerings that we don't usually provide. I had to go and settle things before they started flooding the lower dens."

"Uh-huh."

"The moon lilies bloomed earlier than expected this season. We had to move the gathering ritual up a whole month."

"Sounds rough."

"And then there was that one idiot who thought he could sneak into the foxfire sanctum without permission. Nearly set his own tail on fire."

"Tragic."

Aria suddenly stopped walking and turned to Akari, her eye twitching. "You're not listening, are you?"

Akari smiled innocently. "Of course I am! Something about fire, offerings, and troublemaking brats, right?"

Aria groaned, pinching the bridge of her nose. "Unbelievable."

Akari laughed, nudging Aria forward as they reached the inner sanctum of the shrine. The grand chamber was vast, filled with woven silk drapes, softly flickering foxfire sconces, and a grand circular platform at the center where Akari often sat in meditation—or, more accurately, lounged about lazily.

She let out a contented sigh, stretching once more before plopping onto the raised dais, her tails spreading out like a luxurious cushion. "Ahhh, nothing beats coming home after a little adventure~."

Aria crossed her arms, watching her with exasperation. "You're impossible."

Akari smirked. "And yet, you still dote on me~."

Aria rolled her eyes, but a ghost of a smile tugged at her lips. "Someone has to."

Akari yawned, eyes fluttering shut as she basked in the familiar warmth of the shrine. The domain thrummed with life around her, a testament to the world she and the other Ancients had built. Despite all her teasing and avoidance of responsibility, she truly did care about what they had created here.

And though Aria would never say it outright, Akari knew she was in good hands.