Chapter 3: Echoes of Power, Shadows of Loss

 Talking

(Thinking)

{Message spell}

[Author notes]

~ Moments after Momonga and Sesshōmaru depart ~

As the two lords vanish into the shadows of Nazarick, the guardians slowly rise from their kneeling positions. Albedo is the first to stand, the others following with varied expressions of awe and tension.

3rd Person POV

Mare: "I thought I was going to faint… Seeing Lord Sesshōmaru in his true form was terrifying."

Aura springs to her feet, voice filled with nervous excitement.

Aura: "Seriously! The pressure he gave off—like a storm ready to devour us whole!"

Cocytus stands, a mixture of awe and calculation in his expression.

Cocytus: "To think a daiyōkai's presence could be so overwhelming… truly remarkable."

Albedo folds her hands against her chest, her voice almost dreamy.

Albedo: "When our lords reveal their divine power, they become even more magnificent than I ever imagined."

Demiurge adjusts his glasses calmly, speaking with quiet conviction.

Demiurge: "Indeed. But it is no surprise—Lord Sesshōmaru was once feared across the realms of yōkai and human alike."

The others turn to him, thoughtful.

Cocytus: "I only hope they were pleased by our vow of loyalty."

Aura: "They acted so different when they were with Mare and me—so gentle! Lord Sesshōmaru even handed me water because I looked tired. And then... blushes he praised us both for our performance… and gave us head pats!"

Albedo shudders slightly, breath catching, her smile turning dreamy and possessive.

Mare: "That just proves their greatness. Strength balanced with mercy… That's what makes a true ruler."

Albedo steps forward, voice thick with admiration and hidden longing.

Albedo: "Yes, Mare. Lord Sesshōmaru was breathtaking. Even after my mistake, I felt no malice from him… Only understanding. He knows our hearts—acts with regal restraint and grace. Among the Forty-One Supreme Beings, he was the first. And when the others faded, he remained alongside Lord Momonga."

At that moment, Sebas approaches quietly.

Sebas: "If there is nothing more, I shall return to my duties. I do not know where Lord Momonga and Sesshōmaru have gone within the Tomb, but I must remain near Lord Momonga at all times."

Albedo: "Very well. If anything occurs—especially if Lord Sesshōmaru calls for me—inform me at once! I'll go to him immediately, regardless of the cost. Though… if he summons me to his chambers… I would, of course, require time to bathe and prepare. Unless he prefers I—"

Sebas: "Understood." He bows deeply, then turns and exits toward the sixth floor.

As Sebas departs, Demiurge turns his gaze toward Shalltear, who is still crouched on the ground.

Demiurge: "Is something the matter, Shalltear?"

Cocytus: "Are you injured?"

Shalltear slowly lifts her head, flushed and trembling.

Shalltear: "No, no~ I'm… perfect. Lord Sesshōmaru's aura was so overwhelming… let's just say my garments didn't survive the encounter."

[Insert FEMA joke: A levee broke... in her pants]

The other guardians groan in collective disgust.

Albedo: "DISGUSTING CRETIN!"

Shalltear: "WHAT?! Don't act innocent—you wanted the same thing! Lord Sesshōmaru shared his energy, his legacy! If that doesn't stir you, maybe you're the one who's rotting underneath that pristine armor!"

Albedo: "YOU BLOODSUCKING LEECH!"

Shalltear: "The Supreme Beings made me what I am. You'll never shame me! You… ogre in a corset!"

Albedo: "KEEP BARKING, VAMPIRE! LET'S SEE WHO BITES HARDER!"

As their power flares, the remaining dust from the earlier battle blasts away under the force of their auras.

Demiurge: "Right… Aura, I'll leave the feral brawling to you."

Aura: "Hey! No way—don't saddle me with this!"

Demiurge: "If blood spills, I'll intervene. Lord Sesshōmaru once said: 'A scorned woman is as dangerous as a cursed blade.'"

Mare timidly follows Demiurge. Cocytus groans as he joins them.

Cocytus: "Is this truly worth our time?"

Aura: "Et tu, Cocytus?!"

As the three male guardians retreat, Demiurge remarks:

Demiurge: "As chaotic as they are… a union between them and Lord Sesshōmaru could bear significant consequences."

Mare: "Huh?"

Demiurge: "A ruler needs an heir. One day, even Lord Momonga and Sesshōmaru may vanish. An heir ensures continuity… and loyalty."

Mare: "Wait… You mean someone here should… have Lord Sesshōmaru's child?!"

Cocytus (scandalized): "BLASPHEMY! Our loyalty must make such planning unnecessary!"

Demiurge's voice drops, unusually somber.

Demiurge: "Then we've already failed, Cocytus."

Demiurge's POV

The air shifts. All eyes land on me—even Albedo and Shalltear fall silent.

Cocytus: "What do you mean?! How could we have failed?"

Demiurge: "Because… Lord Sesshōmaru once had heirs. Two sons. And they are gone."

Gasps echo through the amphitheater. Shalltear is the first to speak.

Shalltear: "What?! Who dared harm our lord's bloodline?!"

Demiurge: "His greatest enemy… Naraku. Before Sesshōmaru ever walked into Nazarick, he watched as Naraku defiled and destroyed his family. His sons. His mate. All slaughtered before his eyes."

[Note: This is a false memory Sesshōmaru allowed Demiurge to believe, used as a psychological test during training.]

Mare breaks down into tears. Aura holds him tightly, both crying. Albedo stares at the floor, clenched fists dripping blood.

Albedo: "That… MONSTER!! When I find him I'll—"

A deep, calm voice interrupts her.

Makima: "Do what? Dig up bones? Naraku is no longer a threat. My creator—Sesshōmaru—destroyed him long ago. If you want to earn his heart, you'll need to mend one shattered for centuries."

Demiurge (looking up): "Makima. Your timing is impeccable."

3rd Person POV

Makima's vast form looms above the amphitheater—her humanoid figure standing calmly atop the outer wall, her blood-red gaze piercing through the chaos.

Makima: "Forgive my delay. Sesshōmaru sent me to scout the netherworld for anomalies. Here—" She opens her hand, releasing a parchment wrapped in crimson energy.

Demiurge catches it, scanning it with a flick of his fingers.

Demiurge (thinking): Of course. Our lord always plans several steps ahead.

Demiurge: "Well then. Let us fulfill our master's commands. Albedo?"

Albedo: "Yes. Back to our duties. But Shalltear—this isn't over."

Shalltear: "Looking forward to our next round."

Albedo turns toward the others, commanding with renewed authority.

Albedo: "Now… It's time we begin planning."

The guardians disperse. The camera lingers on Albedo's silhouette as she walks alone into the depths of Nazarick.

Fade to black.