Chapter 22: My Demon
Later that night, Hikari lay awake in his hotel room, the soft hum of the city outside blending into a soothing lullaby. Yet, despite his exhaustion, sleep eluded him. His thoughts kept drifting back to the encounter with the demon, Kakudate Karin. The intensity of her gaze and the alluring promise of power replayed in his mind like a captivating melody. He wondered if he would see her again.
As he tossed and turned, contemplating the upcoming party Edward had mentioned, a flicker of movement caught his attention in the dim light of the room. A sleek, black snake slithered across the floor, its scales glistening like polished obsidian. Hikari froze, his heart racing as he recalled the demon's eyes—the same striking yellow that had drawn him in.
Before he could react, the snake paused and lifted its head, revealing those mesmerizing eyes. The creature's form shimmered, and suddenly, Karin's voice echoed in his mind, smooth and sultry. "Don't tell anyone that I'm a demon, my love."
His breath caught in his throat, and he felt an inexplicable connection to the serpent. "Karin?" he thought, surprised to find that their mental conversation flowed effortlessly, as if they were two sides of the same coin.
"Indeed, it is I," she replied, her voice a soft whisper that sent a shiver down his spine. "I wanted to check on you. I couldn't let you go without knowing how you felt after our encounter."
"I... I don't know what to think," he admitted, sitting up in bed, the snake now coiling gracefully around his arm. "You're a demon, and yet, there's something about you that feels... different."
Karin chuckled softly, her laughter wrapping around him like silk. "Most see demons as nothing but embodiments of chaos and destruction, but we are more than that. I offer you knowledge and power, but only if you are willing to embrace it."
Hikari hesitated, feeling the weight of her words. "What's the catch? You must want something in return."
"Ah, always so astute," she replied playfully. "It's not a matter of 'wanting' something. It's a matter of forming a bond. I need someone strong—someone who can navigate the treacherous paths of this world and the next. With you, I see a potential ally, not just a pawn."
He felt the snake's warmth against his skin, her presence both comforting and unnerving. "But I don't even know what that means. I have friends—Luke and Yami. I can't just abandon them for some demon's promises."
Karin's voice softened, almost tender. "I would never ask you to abandon your friends, Hikari. Rather, I want you to strengthen your bond with them. Together, you can harness your potential and face the challenges ahead. But you must decide if you will allow me into your life, even if it's just as a guide."
His mind raced with possibilities. The party Edward had mentioned might hold answers to their quest, but he couldn't shake the feeling that something more awaited him. "What if I choose to accept your guidance?"
"Then I will show you the depths of your abilities, the truth hidden within yourself," she promised. "You will become a force to be reckoned with, not just among mortals, but in the realm of gods and demons alike."
The prospect of power was tempting, but it came with its own set of dangers. Hikari took a deep breath, weighing his options. "And if I refuse?"
Karin paused, and he could feel the weight of her gaze, even through their mental connection. "Then I will respect your choice, but know that the offer stands. I am not here to force you; I am here to help you see what you can become. Remember, knowledge is a double-edged sword—wield it wisely."
Before he could respond, the snake shifted, and Karin's presence began to fade. "We will meet again, my love. Until then, trust in yourself and your friends. I'll be watching."
Hikari stared at Karin, his heart pounding in his chest. The weight of her offer hung heavily in the air between them. "What powers do you give me, and can you give me an answer?"
Karin regarded him with those piercing golden eyes, a playful smile gracing her lips. "If you want to learn who the Lightning Thief is, I will tell you that. As for my power, I will grant you the ability to kill the gods—especially Hades. You want your father back, don't you?"
The mention of Hades sent a chill down Hikari's spine. He gulped, considering the implications of such power. "And what do you want from me for that? And as for Hades, my brother is handling it."
Karin chuckled, her breath warm against his skin as she moved closer, her lips brushing against his neck. "So it is a deal. As for what I want, I want you as my love. You can also form a harem if you desire; I have no qualms about sharing."
The snake coiled tighter around Hikari's arm, its scales shimmering with an ethereal glow, signaling that a pact had been made. In that moment, he felt a rush of energy, as if the universe itself had shifted around him. It was exhilarating and terrifying all at once—he had just made a deal with the devil.
Hikari's mind raced. "Killing gods? That's not something to take lightly. What's the catch?"
"The only catch," Karin said, pulling back slightly to meet his gaze, "is that you must embrace your true nature. You will need to learn to control your emotions and desires. Your power will stem from your connection to chaos and love. The stronger your feelings, the greater your abilities."
He nodded, processing her words. "And what about my friends? I won't betray them."
Karin's expression softened, her golden eyes shimmering with understanding. "Your friends will not be in danger from your newfound powers—unless you choose to wield them against them. Strengthen your bonds with them, and you will be able to protect them from the threats that lie ahead."
Hikari took a deep breath, feeling a flicker of determination spark within him. "Alright, I'll do it. I'll accept your power, but I won't forget who I am or who my friends are."
"Good choice," she replied, a smirk tugging at her lips. "Now, let's talk about how to find the Lightning Thief."
"Right," he said, eager to shift focus. "Who is it? And why do they matter?"
Karin leaned closer, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "The Lightning Thief is none other than your fellow demigod, for who is, that answer you must give a soul"
Hikari just looked at her. "You are a piece of work, Atlest it not my brother Percy"
Karin chuckled. "I gess that is better then noting correct"
Hikari narrowed his eyes at Karin, feeling the tension in the air thicken. "Betray me and my mother will deal with you."
Karin chuckled, a sultry laugh that echoed in the dimly lit room. "Yes, I know how much Aphrodite loves her children. But love and power can be complicated, dear Hikari. Trust can be a slippery slope, especially in our world."
Her words sent a shiver down Hikari's spine, but he stood firm. "I won't be a pawn in anyone's game. I have my own goals and my own people to protect."
Karin leaned closer, her golden eyes glinting with mischief. "I admire your spirit. It will serve you well. But remember, in this game, even the best intentions can lead to unexpected consequences."
"Are you threatening me?" Hikari shot back, his voice low.
"Not at all," she replied, feigning innocence as she twirled a lock of her black hair around her finger. "I'm merely pointing out the reality we both inhabit. You seek power, and I offer it. Just tread carefully; the waters can be murky."
Hikari then looked at Karin. "So let get this straight, you won't tell who the lighting thebe is, and why is that because you need a human sacrifice"
Karin giggled. "Yes and you should go to sleep, and I see you atlest happy it not your brother Percy"
Hikari looked at her. "I am happy my step brother was not really the lighting thebe, I already knew that, but I gess you won't tell who fraimed him unless I give you a human sacrifice".
Karin leaned back against the wall, her golden eyes sparkling with mischief. "You catch on quickly, Hikari. But let's not rush to conclusions. It's not just any human sacrifice; it has to be someone who holds significant power or influence. That's what makes it worthwhile."
Hikari crossed his arms, skepticism lacing his voice. "So you're saying I need to bring you a powerful human to get the information I want? That seems a bit extreme, doesn't it?"
Karin shrugged, an impish grin on her face. "In this world, power is currency. If you want answers, you have to be willing to pay the price. But don't worry; it doesn't have to be permanent. Just a temporary offering to gain insight into the greater game being played."
Hikari raised an eyebrow, considering her words. "And what makes you think I'd trust you with such a thing? What if this 'sacrifice' turns out to be a pawn in your schemes?"
Karin's smile faltered slightly, but she quickly regained her composure. "You're clever, Hikari. I appreciate that. But let's be honest; you're in a precarious position. You need allies, and sometimes that means making difficult choices."
"What if I refuse?" Hikari challenged, holding her gaze steady. "What if I decide to find the information on my own?"
"Then you might miss out on a crucial lead," Karin replied, her tone playful yet edged with seriousness. "The Fates have woven a tangled web, and the Lightning Thief's identity is just one strand. Without my help, you could be stepping into a trap."
Hikari felt the weight of her words, the truth in them echoing in his mind. "Fine. I'll consider your offer. But I want something in return—a guarantee that you won't use this sacrifice against me or anyone I care about."
Karin tilted her head, intrigued. "You drive a hard bargain. Very well, I'll grant you that. If you bring me a sacrifice, I won't turn it into a weapon against you or your friends. But I will need your promise that you'll uphold your end of the bargain—find the Lightning Thief's true identity."
"I can't make any promises," Hikari said cautiously. "But I'll see what I can do."
Karin clapped her hands together, her expression brightening. "Excellent! Now, let's talk about what you should do next."
Hikari leaned in, eager for any information that could help him navigate this twisted game. "What do I need to know?"
"First, the Abyss is filled with potential sacrifices," she began. "Look for those who have connections to the gods or are powerful in their own right. Then, keep your eyes peeled for a demigod with knowledge of the situation—someone who might know who framed Percy."
"And how do I identify this demigod?" Hikari pressed.
"Use your instincts," Karin said cryptically. "And trust that the universe has a way of leading you where you need to be. Just remember—time is of the essence, and the clock is ticking."
Hikari nodded, determination flooding his veins. "Alright. I'll find a way to uncover the truth. But you better keep your end of the deal."
"I always do," Karin assured him with a wink, fading into the shadows of the hotel room. "And remember, Hikari, this is just the beginning.
As Hikari rejoined Luke and Yami, he felt the burden of the pact he'd made hanging over him. But he also felt a sense of resolve. He wouldn't let fear dictate his choices. Together, they would uncover the truth behind the Lightning Thief and protect their world from the dangers lurking in the shadows.
"Did you find out anything useful?" Luke asked, looking at him expectantly.
"More than I bargained for," Hikari replied, glancing at Yami. "We need to move quickly. There's a lot at stake, and we're running out of time."
"What's the plan?" Yami asked, his eyes narrowing.
Hikari took a deep breath, ready to share everything he had learned, including the tricky deal with Karin and the necessity of their next steps. "We need to gather intel on Percy's situation and find a potential sacrifice. It's going to be risky, but we can't back down now."
With their determination solidified, the trio prepared to plunge deeper into the Abyss, ready to face whatever challenges awaited them.
Hikari then looked at them. "So we have our Chains of Hephaestus, let's get back to our main quest"
Edward then walked as he looked at all of them. "Oh really, you all are going to leave before the party"
Hikari just looked at him. "Why?"
Edward looked at him. "Pretty girl's"
Luke just looked at him. "I am in"
Yami also looked at her. "Yes me too".
Hikari smacked his head before he saw the black snake. "Will you look at Karin".
As Hikari spotted the black snake, Karin's voice echoed in his mind, playful and teasing as always. "Oh, come on, Hikari, even you can't resist a good party. Don't tell me you're planning on leaving without enjoying yourself a little?"
Hikari sighed, glancing at Luke and Yami, who both seemed ready to dive into the festivities. He knew trying to convince them otherwise was pointless. "Fine, I'll stay for the party," he muttered under his breath, still eyeing the snake suspiciously. "But I'm not letting my guard down, especially with you lurking around."
Karin chuckled softly, her voice smooth like honey. "Relax, darling. It's just a party. What's the worst that could happen?"
Hikari rolled his eyes, not trusting her for a second. "That's exactly what I'm worried about."
Edward clapped his hands together, a grin spreading across his face. "That's the spirit! Trust me, you'll have fun. It's not every day we get to attend an event like this with some of the most powerful people in the Abyss. Plus, who knows what kind of valuable information we might pick up?"
With that, the group followed Edward deeper into the building, where the party was in full swing. The grand hall was filled with clear-sighted mortals, demigods, and other magical beings, all dressed to impress. The atmosphere buzzed with energy, and Hikari couldn't help but feel a sense of unease.
As they entered, Luke and Yami immediately disappeared into the crowd, eager to meet new people and enjoy themselves. Hikari, on the other hand, stayed close to the edges, watching everyone carefully. He could sense Karin's presence nearby, though she hadn't fully revealed herself yet.
"So," a voice whispered in his ear. It was Karin, appearing behind him like a shadow. "Have you decided who you're going to sacrifice yet?"
Hikari clenched his fists, not looking at her. "I'm not playing your games, Karin. I'll find another way."
Karin laughed softly, her breath warm against his skin. "We'll see about that, my love. Just remember, I'll be watching."
With that, she faded back into the crowd, leaving Hikari to his thoughts. Despite the lively atmosphere, he couldn't shake the feeling that something was about to go terribly wrong.
To be continued
Hope people like this Ch and give me power stones