Journal Entry 6.3

I lounged on a lawn chair in my backyard, Amare laying parallel to me in an identical looking chair. I tried not to stare too long at her long, bare legs that were a mysteriously alluring purple pigment. But, even though she wasn't technically a succubus, Amare's body still seemed designed to tempt the human mind.

The night sky was exceptionally clear and the air was brisk, but not as chilling as it had usually been. The mutterings of a loud argument drifted through the air as the kitchen light fell upon us from behind.

"They're going to kill each other." I said plainly as I looked back and saw Uriel Amare sitting at my kitchen table and scarfing down disturbing amounts of food while Shizuku stood aside, getting progressively angrier. Her face didn't show it but I'd been around her enough to know that the throbbing vein on her forehead spoke volumes. And that wasn't even the worst of it as both Uriel and Tama, who was sitting at the other end and being equally as ravenous, would occasionally steal food from each other's plates; this was a hilarious disaster waiting to happen.

"Oh, come on. This is just… an adjustment period; I'm sure they'll grow to be good friends over time." Amare replied.

The favor for her help had been a simple request; "Allow Uriel Amare the hospitality of your home and the opportunity to personally socialize." Basically; let her freeload. More seriously though, this was supposedly a way to keep the Lilim a little more grounded and understanding of the main communities they presided over.

"If you say so." I said dismissively, even though I really did agree with her. "Regardless; thank you for upholding your end of the deal. I've gone from vague and general memories to full on immersive experiences. Even if said experiences are… less than pleasant and I've only made it about a hundred years in with that kind of precision." I said while looking around the yard. Almost everyone else was outside with us, even Lizlet had traveled from her teashop to sit outside with us. She was dressed in a pair of plain brown slacks and a white blouse which, while still looking dangerously close to bursting, was still much more modest and mundane than the maid uniform I'd come to associate her with.

"I always keep my promises." Amare said with pride. "Just remember; to get the most out of looking back at memories you need to be fully rested, fed, and in an almost meditative state. It comes natural to us demons, but you still need more practice with it."

"This better be worth the wait." Ageha suddenly piped up from her position on the lawn, interrupting our conversation. "I'm usually catching my beauty sleep by now."

"Quiet, this is important." Kuesu rebuked her firmly as she stood by, head tilted up slightly as she looked towards the sky.

"We promise, it's quite the sight to behold." Lilinora said, lazily flapping her wings to keep herself suspended in the air.

The general buzz of conversation continued on then as we all relaxed and settled in for the last few minutes of relative normalcy before the clock struck midnight. In the midst of all the commotion Shizuku, Uriel, and Tama had returned from the kitchen, the two titan's hunger finally sated. And Liz had managed to snag a seat on my lap all to herself, much to Himari's chagrin.

"Here it comes." Anjelica whispered with some reverence just as I felt the hair on the back of my neck stand on end.

Barely a second later, everything changed. It was as if someone had poured a veil over our current perception of reality, completely warping even to my magical senses. The moon turned a deep blood red that shone like a spotlight onto the city, casting everything in an odd violet-maroon hue. The grass and leaves of trees turned purple while the trunks transitioned to an inky black. A feeling, almost a tangible smell, of lust filled the air and warmed me up from the previously brisk night air. Everyone, not just the mamono, seemed to be a bit livelier now with glossier skin, faint blushes, and a flash of frenzied excitement in their eyes.

Then, as quickly as it had appeared, reality snapped back to normal. All told the shift had probably lasted no longer than a second but the intensity had made it seem longer.

"Whoa." I breathed. "So that's going to on the thirteenth of every month starting at the beginning of the Witching Hour?"

"Yes, though sometimes the transition will be longer and other times it will pass by so quickly you'll question whether or not it even transpired." Amare replied.

"Oh my, is this happening everywhere in the east now?" Liz inquired, her voice tinted with awe.

"No, only in Japan since that is the territory your 'Demon Slayers' officially preside over. Like I said; we do not wish to overstep concerning human territories." Amare said.

"If I remember correctly you currently have residence in North and South America, sub-sets of Africa, Canada, and now here." I said.

"Yep, our Lord has been working us like dogs ever since she enacted her great change and got her general plan together." Lilinora said in a mock whine.

"That seems odd." Liz said. "You got America but skipped the Europe?"

At first, I thought that might have been Liz's European background speaking but it made sense when I thought about it. Aside from Japan, North America and the UK were currently the supernatural hubs of the world. If diplomacy was their goal, it would only make sense for them to establish ties in Europe as well.

"That… is actually a very good question." I said before turning to Amare. "Haven't you tried talking to them yet?"

"Ah, yes, them." Amare's cheeks reddened with embarrassment a bit, turning the skin of her face a reddish-pink. "We have sent scouts out to Europe, multiple times in fact. It's just that they've been rebuffed every single time. They don't even get a chance to talk and are simply kicked out." She gave a little half-shrug. "Honestly, some of the more strategically minded of our kind started to become concerned that the main powers in Europe may have-"

Amare was cut off as a blazing star suddenly streaked down, out of the sky, heading straight for me. Almost everyone sprang into action, save Liz who simply jumped off my lap with a surprised squeal of panic. Our reaction was soon proven unnecessary, however, as the ball of light slowed down significantly before even reaching the yard. It gently floated and bobbed through the air before coming to a stop in front of me.

I didn't feel anything particularly volatile from the small orb and Kuesu didn't look particularly worried, so with some apprehension, I grabbed the orb of light. It flashed once before dissolving into the shape of a small scroll, the paper unnaturally smooth and soft with silver accents and what looked like a genuine gold seal holding it all together. The seal was large and incredibly intricate; the center was the shape of a cross with the blade of a battle axe extending from the top three, short ends while the bottom and longest one had the blade of spade extending from it. And if that wasn't enough the entire ensemble was flanked on both sides by some stylish white feathers in the vague shape of wings.

I looked over to Aya, our resident messenger and currier, but only got a confused shrug from her. I hadn't really expected this to be some form of elaborate prank from her but I didn't want to completely discount the possibility.

With one steadying breath I gripped and ripped off the seal to read the message contained within.

"Dear, Noble Demon Slayer, Yuto Amakawa

The Order would like to request your help in culling the sudden surge in demonic infiltration of human society. We are aware that you and your brethren have already defeated one of their greater lords and would greatly appreciate your help in this matter, starting with the fortification Europe and your own borders from covert demonic agents. We, regrettably, have to report that our American allies cannot assist us as they have already been compromised."

Sincerely, The Order"

I was stunned into silence, as was everyone else looking over my shoulder, as I finished reading the letter.

"… concerned that Europe may have been influenced by an outside force." Amare finished lamely.

End of A Shift in Perspective

Author's Note: This is only an end to this section of the story I'm trying to tell. In a few months' time (not giving a specific date) I will be posting a sequel. Also; I'm genuinely surprised none of you asked about how The Order fit into all of this.