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There will come a time when all things must end; for death does not choose who lives or dies, therefore those who ask for it’s pardon cannot be given a pass. Knowing so much knowledge over the years, especially the ones that handle the matters of life and death might deal at least some degree of tolerance, however that cannot be the case for everybody.
We can see that in one particular demon- the voice demon of the Akuma Clan,
Vox Akuma.
He had lost his clan all those years ago and till this day he hadn’t let a single memory of them vanish from his. It truly is a wonder how his brain stores all of these memories and yet does not physically show them, not always that is.
On a particular starry night the Luxiem boys couldn’t seem to find Vox. He was taking a break and simply left a note that he’d be back before dawn and asked them not to worry. He is a demon after all, he’s more than capable of taking care of himself. That however didn't stop the boys’ growing concern when they noticed the date. It was a night exactly as Vox had described to them when he opened up about his clan.
The night where Ieyasu, the man who had taken- what could be debated as- everything to the demon from his grasp, right in front of him. The war still leaves a gnarly and nasty scar in Vox, even he had trouble wording where it hurts and where he felt anger and lust for revenge. However, tonight wasn’t about the rage nor the sorrow as Vox himself stood upon a rock erected on the shore of the sea, overlooking the dark horizon.
There he felt conflicted over the multiple rush of feelings inside his chest, as he did not want to settle in complacency over the loss of his beloved friends for they are not avenged, yet he also wants them to lay in peace and live a tranquil life on the other side. The burning rage cannot dissipate in mere moments, truth be told- he’d be disgusted if he ever lost that rage but the demon lord knew he couldn’t keep having these pent up anger with him all the time.
Surely his clan- his friends, his kindreds… would want to keep him healthy and happy.
At the thought, Vox chuckled for a second. Humans have such short and fleeting time yet they still want the best for a man who could outlive them by six or more their own life expectancy. He finds it funny, but more preciously endearing, than anything. Ah his beloved kindreds… maybe it’s time to be at peace with the first of them.
As the moon stretches closer to the horizon Vox notices little birds flying and crabs dancing. He had been so lost in thought he hadn’t heard the beautiful sound of ocean waves rolling before crashing into the sand. It was melodic, it was beautiful, and yet repetitive.
Could it be a sign? Could he decipher the waves as his own inner turmoil? It changes yet still sounded the same, the same way as he had felt many coursing emotions after the war and yet they’ve persisted over the centuries to stay with him. The unbridled anger, the lust for revenge, but also the want for his clan to rest easy and calm, they’ve done so much after all. Those who had died had to suffer the enemies’ blades. Why should they still be tormented after death?
Vox doesn’t want to forget, he’d never forgive himself if he had. But there’s a part of him that wants peace as well. Perhaps it was for his beloved comrades, friends, dare he say family- but maybe also for himself. Though he’s a demon he is not free of the internal ones that haunt all living things.
Ever changing yet repetitive… it’s a strange paradox to understand, a harder one to live through, an uncertain capability to overcome- can these feelings even be overcome? Should they even be overcomed?
Thoughts were rushing to the demon’s mind, though he looks as calm and collected as the steady clouds that move above him yet his mind and heart rushes similarly to the ocean wave that steadily feels as if he’s gonna be swallowed whole with it. He needed air… time to think… he’s not ready to-
Kick!
His keychain swings back and forth, little Onigiri growling on his hip. “Oh Onigiri, hello there,” he greeted the feisty little thing. Onigiri didn’t say anything but incomprehensible noises but anyone who heard it could imagine the man swinging his hands around, pointing at, and chastising the demon lord with sarcastic comments about how he overthinks too much.
“Yes, yes Onigiri I’m terribly sorry to have accidentally called you from your lovely family. Go spend some time with them. We have a busy day tomorrow, lots of streams are scheduled and I will need you.” Vox held the little fellow in the palm of his hands, Onigiri had always been so cute with short people problems. It’s cute.
Maybe he didn’t have to change, although the swirling emotions inside refuse to simmer, it had always been that way had it not? It had always been for his kindreds;
It will continue to be for his kindreds.
Besides, the view of the ocean is one where even a demon lord cannot be bored by so quickly.