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"Haven't you had enough, Vail? You should rest now, within my heart."
"Don't you hate me? "
"I forgive you."
"I see. You're not the same man I once sought vengeance with, are you?"
"That's right. I stopped being Junpei a long time ago. My name is Igarashi Genta."
"Igarashi Genta… Well, I sure haven't forgiven you yet and I never will."
That conversation played on loop while Vail slumbered. Junpei's words struck a strange cord within the demon. How could Genta change so much from the past? How could he forgive Vail so easily? How… did the man manage to sound so peaceful? They had just finished their bloody duel.
Vail felt vexed by the very notion of forgiveness. What did it matter anyways? Vail was a Devil, a true Devil. The only thing that mattered was that they had settled the score. Junpei defeated his inner demon. What role did forgiveness have to play in that? Why had Junpei sounded so… content?
Why did Vail feel so content?
Something was wrong.
Those were the first thoughts that entered Vail's mind as soon as he awoke. The Devil could feel a great disturbance. As if a star had exploded and it's energy crashed into him. Except, the energy he sensed was distinctly demonic. Not only that, but Vail knew who it belonged to.
It was Giff, and his energy was quickly fading from this world.
"Giff is dead?" Vail spoke into the void where he slept.
With those words uttered, it was like a shroud was lifted. Vail felt a torrent of emotions wash over him. Relief, elation, love, and many more. So much that the Demon could not even name them. Confusion overtook Vail's own mind until he heard a voice. Junpei's voice.
"They did it!" Junpei declared loudly.
"Huh, are you sure?" A voice answered, Vail weakly recognized it as the woman. The one Junpei chose all those years ago.
"Of course I'm sure, my intuition has never been wrong!" Junpei yelled, Vail could feel his joy at this turn of events.
"Well then what are we doing sitting around? Let's get the house ready for when our little heroes come home!"
Could… Junpei's children have done it? Giff had fallen at their hands? There was no way, Giff was all powerful. How could a bunch of weak humans and their half-hearted demons ever overcome such a foe? Even with the Drivers made by the Karizaki family, there was no way they could ever match such a difference in strength.
Vail struggled to think as he felt a bout of drowsiness overtake him. As he returned to slumber, Vail thought about Igarashi Ikki's demon. About the weakness Vail declared that he had.
Consciousness came and went since Giff's death. Vail felt incredibly weak and couldn't really do much within Junpei's body. Communication with his host was spotty at best, Junpei could sometimes pick up on his inner demon's thoughts. However, the man would just go about his day acting like a fool. Further feeding the feelings of vexation that Vail had.
The only other things Vail could do was listen to and feel out the area surrounding Junpei. Which means the demon quickly became familiar with Happy Spa's routines and of the inhabitants' own strange habits. Especially Junpei's children, or rather the demons they housed. It was quite a surprise when Vail realized that the middle child's demon was actually there. Hadn't the boy killed the demon months ago?
Whatever the case, Kagerou was back now, and somehow they lived in harmony. Their aura made Vail uncomfortable. The middle child presented himself differently than when he had allowed Akaishi to direct him. Daiji was proud and sure, shining like a lighthouse in the middle of a storm. Yet, he did nothing to suppress his inner demon's darkness. Kagerou was undoubtedly there, hidden under his host's skin.
How had they managed to get to this point? Existing so effortlessly when they were such polar opposites. Darkness could not exist without light, sure, but can they really exist at the same time? It seemed like a paradox to Vail. Who had spent such a long time within his own dark thoughts.
The next surprise was when Vail woke up one morning to find that the youngest child's demon was just… walking around. Outside of her host's body. It was a surprising amount of freedom to be given to a demon. Then, Junpei's daughter simply left the house for school with the demon following after. That left Vail about as confused as when he first felt Kagerou.
Inner Demons were always like their user in some way. A synonym, but one who could challenge their host's mindset. Vail was the one who had to push Junpei to hunt, but they were perfect in the middle of battle. Perfect until Junpei realized the injustices that NOAH had caused him. It was strange to think that a pair could simply… exist together. Unlike her brother, who had come to harmony with his inner demon, Junpei's daughter walked with her demon. Like it was just another person.
Vail almost wanted to ask the snake how she had managed to live like this. Not that it would matter much. Not with the state that Vail was currently in. The explanation would make for a good time killer though.
Ironically, the last child to register in Vail's mind was Junpei's oldest. Ikki had managed to find a different kind of harmony than his younger brother. From his energy alone, Vail could have mistaken the human for his inner demon. It was only through effort that Vail could see the thin line separating the two. That, and they had taken on qualities similar to Giff. It was a disturbing sight to say the least.
Somehow, it reminded Vail of what it was like to fight twenty five years ago. When Junpei donned his own Kamen Rider form and channeled Vail's power. Except, Ikki and Vice simply existed in sync. Unlike Junpei and Vail, who could only truly exist together in the middle of bloody battle. Vice was always there, ready to make a joke and bother his host. Who responded with smiles and counter quips.
They managed to live together.
Once more, Vail recalled when he called Vice a failure. An incomplete demon, incapable of besting him in combat. Yet, look at their positions now. Vice was still amongst his family and Vail had been defeated and sent to the inner parts of Genta's soul. It was clear which one was stronger at this moment.
It was at this moment that a question popped into Vail's brain. If Vice was a failure of a demon, and Vail truly was weaker, than what did that make him?
The demon growled and forced himself back to sleep. Hoping this time that he would never wake up to face such difficult thoughts.
Junpei was in danger the next time Vail was conscious. Vail's host was definitely panicking. Several stray thoughts overwhelmed Vail, with the demon only being able to register small bits and pieces. Junpei and his wife had been on a plane. There was a pregnant woman in danger? Something about the deceased Giff?
Vail let out a sound of annoyance at all of Junpei's unorganized ramblings. This wasn't going to help anyone. Junpei needed someone to ground him. Vail scoffed at the idea of that person being him, but it didn't look like anyone was going to volunteer themselves anytime soon. So the demon gathered all of his strength in order to try and get through to his host.
"Be silent."
That did the trick, as Junpei's thoughts froze completely. Surprise was the only remaining emotion. Vail took this chance to test his limits and tried to look outwards. The demon managed to successfully see through Junpei's own eyes. Apparently he had been kidnapped and brought to some sort of lab. The woman was here too, another reason for Junpei to panic.
"Vail? You're awake?" Junpei whispered, confusion clear in his tone. This drew his wife's attention. She was rightfully concerned with this development.
"I could hardly stay asleep with all the racket." Vail responded dryly.
"Well, sorry about that."
Vail was going to make some sort of retort when his senses picked up something. The demon turned his attention to a person working on a computer in the middle of the room. A man with garishly bright orange hair. Actually, scratch that, that was no man.
"Where did you find that demon?" Vail asked, intrigued.
"That's the one who kidnapped me. Apparently he wants our Giff cells."
"Wonderful. When is he going to extract them?" It was a surprise that it hadn't already happened.
"That's the question of the hour. I don't think I want to know the answer. You have anything to get us out?"
"Not unless you can free your hands to use a Vistamp."
"You can't just switch with me or something? Like how Daiji and his demon can?"
Vail's first instinct was to deny that he was like the two, but that would be a waste of time. Also technically it was untrue. Vail was able to possess Junpei in the past. So, the demon focused and tried to work the same trick. To force his way in and push Junpei out.
Vail felt like he was hitting a brick wall.
"I can't do it."
"Can't? Weren't you able to do it-"
"The driver helped, I don't think I have enough strength on my own to do it."
"Is it a strength thing? Kinda seems like a literal spiritual measure."
Vail was going to tear his way out to hurt this man.
"If you're this clueless about how we work after all this time, it's no wonder you were captured so easily."
"Well, it's not like you were eager to show me the ropes."
Vail wanted to retort, but the words died in his throat. Junpei was not really wrong. They hadn't really been on speaking terms… ever. The closest had been when they were being used by NOAH. Back then, they only really communicated through their actions, and never about anything personal. It was always some form of lashing out during those times.
"Well… I suppose you are correct."
Vail felt the slightest hint of surprise come from his host. The demon surpressed an urge to sigh and then, he felt something. Something that was very familiar.
"Well, looks like I don't need to do anything. Your spawn are here to save the day."
Vail had been both right and wrong about that, he reflected after everything had come to a close.
The Igarashi family had managed to save the day once again, but only after having their demons be used against them. It had been quite the sight to see. The normally harmonic duos of the Igarashi Siblings being forced to hurt one another. It was…
It should have been cathartic for Vail. That was what he had been preaching to himself for all his life. That was how a demon should act, free to do whatever they liked. Without interference from an inferior human. The other demons were finally starting to act like him. Yet, it left a small pit in his stomach.
Vail was on edge ever since the Igarashi family escaped from danger. The demon's frayed nerves made it difficult to return to slumber. There wasn't anything else he could do besides wait out his own feelings. At least, that was going to be the plan.
"Vail, are you still awake?" Junpei called out to him.
"Unfortunately, what is it?"
"Can't sleep, and I don't want to bother Yukimi or the kids."
"And you think it would be wise to bother me?"
"Just play along for a little bit, alright?"
HERACLES!
Suddenly, Vail was pulled out of Genta's body. After so much time without a body, Vail struggled to recognize the various senses he was now straddled with. Especially since he was also wondering what Junpei thought he was doing right now. The demon turned to address his host and registered that it was dark outside. It was probably around midnight by now.
Junpei looked tired.
Vail felt pretty tired.
The man held out a bottle of chocolate milk like an offering. Vail stared at it like it was a foreign object.
"What are you trying to do here?"
"Do you not eat or drink? I know Vice likes to do it, so I just sorta assumed."
Vail resisted the urge to roll his eyes at that. He quickly swiped the bottle from Junpei's hand, if only so they could skip to the point. The demon stared at the bottle and immediately declared to himself that he would not drink it.
"You brought me into your home." Vail pointed out.
"You say that as if you don't live here yourself." Junpei answered simply, as if that was how it worked.
"I reside within your body."
"And I reside within this house, ergo that's where you live too." With that said, Junpei turned around and walked over to the balcony.
Vail gripped the bottle of milk tightly as he heard Junpei's little leap of logic. The demon was following his host before he could even think about it. Within the next couple of seconds, Vail grabbed Junpei's shirt collar and brought him in close.
"Explain yourself, now."
"About what?"
"Why am I here?"
"I didn't feel like being alone right now."
"So you felt like inviting the demon who tried to kill you? You truly are a fool." Vail spat out before letting go of Junpei.
"Man, and here I was hoping we could have a nice chat."
"And what would we talk about? Are you interested in hearing about what it was like being inside one of Karizaki's little toys?"
"I bet it was a tight fit."
Vail almost threw the bottle at Junpei right there.
"Well, I was feeling pretty on edge. I could tell you were feeling something, figured we could talk it out. Maybe we will feel better about ourselves."
Vail looked at Junpei like he had a second head. What could he have to worry about now?
"Those guys went after us because of the little bits of Giff left in us." Junpei explained.
"And?"
"How many more are going to come after the exact same thing?" Junpei questioned before opening his own bottle of milk and taking a sip.
"An interesting question." Vail conceded before looking up at the night sky. There probably weren't that many people left who understood the power the Igarashi truly held, and probably even less that knew it could be harvested from them. In all honesty, Vail couldn't see this happening again. Not unless Masumi's son decided he wanted to do another experiment.
"It's just the bad thoughts piling up. I needed to get that off of my chest is all. We'll probably be okay, the kids are pretty strong."
Vail grunted in agreement, the children were always going to oppose any sort of threat to their family.
"So what's bothering you then? I thought you were enjoying your nap."
Vail considered answering the question. He didn't have to tell Junpei anything. Except, they were in complete privacy, and his host made an interesting choice of words. Vail had been letting his thoughts pile up for a long time now. Perhaps offloading a few into Junpei would make the demon feel better.
"Do you remember when the other demons hurt their hosts?"
"Yeah, it was pretty awful."
"I agree."
For the next couple of seconds, there was nothing but silence. Vail did not look at Junpei to see if he was outwardly reacting. The demon simply waited to see if his host would say anything of note.
"Well, looks like we can be on the same page. Isn't that a surprise?"
"We've agreed before; can't you remember? At the start, we agreed many times."
"Yeah, I guess we did.."
Vail finally took the plunge and turned to look at Junpei. The man looked equal parts pensive and nostalgic. No doubt he was recalling his days at NOAH. Junpei then looked up at his demon. There was no hate in his eyes, it simply looked like the man was trying to look for something.
"Why did that rub you the wrong way?"
"I asked myself the same question. I should have enjoyed that."
"Is that so?"
Another silence started between the two. Vail finally looked down at the bottle of milk in his own hands.
"Tell me something Vail, what's your idea of a ideal relationship between a human and a demon?" Junpei asked, his voice surprisingly quiet.
Vail did not answer right away. What was the most ideal scenario for a human and a demon? A long time ago, Vail would say he had experienced it. Fighting alongside Junpei had been pretty fun while it lasted. There wasn't any room for stray thoughts or doubts about one philosophy. Just the hunt, the search for a killer who would never be found.
Except, that wasn't really any way for a person to live. Vail simply idealized the idea of being someone else's weapon. Something that now stirred his stomach the wrong way. After all the time he spent alone, and then under Akaishi's command, Vail realized that he preferred running to the beat of his own drum. To experience his own flavor of freedom.
So, the only real relationship he could describe to Junpei was out. So what was there left to say?
"Who knows? My experience has been hit or miss."
Genta let out a guffaw at that answer, a smile graced his face after. A dopey look that he usually wore around the house during the day. Vail thought it was strange that he had caused his host to smile.
"Ditto here actually, I didn't think demons could be cool until I was already an old man." Genta playfully joked.
Vail let out a low chuckle.
"You think Vice is cool?"
"He's a real goofball when you get to know him, and that's practically acting cool to someone my age."
"What drivel."
Vail looked to the stars once more and pondered the question once more. Could any of the Igarashi children have this, ideal relationship that Junpei was asking about? The demon considered the differences between them. They were all so drastically different when it came to their relationships and their abilities on the battlefield. None of them were ideal to Vail, he couldn't be like that.
Perhaps, that right there was the answer.
"Do you regret sparing me, Genta?"
The Igarashi father looked a little surprised at the usage of his name and then he shrugged his shoulders.
"You haven't given me any reason to."
Once more, Genta managed to just make things like this sound completely natural. As if Vail simply deserved this new lot in life. As if they hadn't been in opposition for most of their life.
Then, Genta stood up and walked over to his demon.
"You seem like you've got a lot going on upstairs as well. Wanna spill the beans?"
"My struggles are beyond you." Vail snarked, as if it was the most obvious thing in the world.
"Ah man, another one who gets cagey when someone wants to hear them out. Y'know, I've raised three teenagers at this point. I could probably get you to say it."
"You overestimate your ability, also you weren't alone."
"You got me there."
The two stood in silence once more. A comfortable lull in the conversation as Vail thought some more. Genta hummed a little tune in-between sips of his drink.
"I don't think I'll ever get used to this. Being able to just hang like this." Genta said.
"I don't want to. Call me for a fight next time."
"I'll let you take the fall the next time I embarrass Sakura."
"A terrifying prospect."
Genta let out another laugh at that. It was then that Vail had an important realization. Perhaps this kind of situation was alright. He wasn't any closer to understanding Genta, or his reasoning for allowing Vail back into his heart. However, that was alright for now. There was going to be plenty of time to figure things out.
Perhaps, the first thing Vail should try to learn about was himself. There was bound to be things he could enjoy past revenge at this point. Maybe even…
Vail tore the top off of his bottle of milk and brought the drink to his lips. The demon tipped the drink back, and-
"What is this?!"
Vail had ended up spilling some of the beverage on himself as his tongue was overwhelmed by the flavor of the drink. What the hell was this made with? People really consumed this liquid on a daily basis at the bathhouse? It was… just too much for the demon.
"You doing okay? Are you lactose intolerant or something?"
"Never had something like this before."
"Huh, guess you wouldn't really have had chances to try chocolate. Or any other flavors either." Genta commented, then he placed a hand on his chin. Then, he snapped his fingers and smirked. "I know what we can do now instead of working our brains."
"Scrub my tongue?"
"I keep a hidden supply of snacks in the cupboard. Let's break into it and see what works for you."
Before Vail could voice his protest, Genta had already ran off to collect the goods. The demon could only sigh as he watched his host go off. How did Igarashi Genta managed to consistently confound him every time? First a wistful talk and now some inane activity? Is this what happened to every human after they got old enough?
Vail really had his work cut out for him if he wanted to learn how to live with this kind of host.
Almost as if on cue, Vail heard a loud crash coming from inside the house. The demon shook his head before heading inside himself. Hopefully Genta hadn't managed to wake up any of his family with that fumble. It was a lot to interact with one Igarashi, more would just ruin Vail. This was starting to feel like the start of a long night.
Strangely enough, Vail wouldn't have it any other way.