Imuru, Yosho, Arken, and Roll marched the twins ahead of them, straight back into the village. Unfortunately for Imuru, the Dark Deviders from Shadow of the Moon were proving much harder to control than he'd hoped. The evidence was already everywhere: cracks slider webbing through the cobblestoned streets, doors hanging off hinges, and more than a few buildings looking perilously close to collapse.
Seeing their allies causing chaos, Keeni and Keeny seized the moment, dipping away from the group in a swift, synchronized dash toward the fray.
Imuru's eyes lit up with sudden alarm. He broke into a sprint, weaving last damaged buildings until he skidded to a stop before his once-newly-built transportation platform—nowbmarred by deep cracks. Poor Titani and Yot were running themselves ragged, constantly chasing troublemakers away from the structure... More so fighting.
Imuru stood at a distance, Yosho just catching up behind him, his face far from pleased, his earlier warmth swallowed by an empty cold stare. "Find Linira," He said, his voice low but carrying a finality that brooked no argument.
Almost half an hour later, they met in the village square. All seven-nine Shadow members currently in the village stood on one side, and Imuru's twenty-eight, excluding Arken and Roll. A wide, tense gap lay between them, with Linira standing rigidly at the front of her group, her expression unreadable but her posture braced.
Imuru stood there in dead silence. Low mumbles and disrespectful whispers rippled through the Shadow members—judging him by his height, his looks, and everything under the sun.
Then, a thick, violent energy began to leak from Imuru's form for a split second, before it erupted outward in a crushing wave.
Demonic Aura of the Great Demon Lord.
The air turned heavy. A shock of primal, icy dread shot straight through every being in the square. Those with words on the top of their tongues choked, their voices dying in throats as cold shivers raced up their spins. Allies and new allies alike stiffened, eyes wide, breath caught.
After the outburst faded, everyone was left wide-eyed and quivering. Arken felt cold sweat bead along his brow, his tough demeanor strained to its limits as he fought to stand straight. Yosho, who had tasted this pressure on a smaller scale a few days prior, was the only one able to her posture in stride, knowing her leader's wrath at the end of the day, was targeted.
"Now that I've gathered everyone's attention," Imuru began, his voice calm and cool, cutting through the lingering dread. "First and foremost, I'd like to apologize for that outburst."
"Man, what an irony... It worked," He thought, inwardly exasperated. "Uhh~... But now I'm stuck doing a speech. On the other matter, I can easily stun someone with my aura, this will make for a nice change of pace in battles. I wonder what else I can really do, if I put my mind to it?"
"I'm certain you've all been told about your current position," Imuru started again, his tone measured. "I'd like to welcome you all to the Sacred Forest. It's unfortunate you came to me with such aggression... because now, this is as far as you'll go without my input. Though you are not to blame."
"You might have opinions on this—you've made that clear. I am willing to hear anyone out, provided the words that come out of your mouth are genuine questions."
The crowd stayed quiet for a brief moment until one Shadow member spoke up, voice trembling but defiant. "W-We... aren't bowing to you," The Dark Devider stammered, still visibly shaken.
Imuru smiled faintly. "Uff. That's terrible. I have a question for you then: What would you want instead?"
Upon the question, the Dark Devider fell completely silent, having no real answer.
"Nothing?" Imuru continued, his voice softening into something almost inviting.
"Then I have an offer for you. Currently, I'm in need of assistance in expanding my territorial reach. Just imagine for a second—the experience you'll gain, the fights you'll face, without the serious repercussions. Even promotions, where you could become little rulers yourselves... Thoughts?"
His words hung in the air, and a ripple of surprise and consideration passed through the Shadow members. One by one, they began to step forward, their postures shifting from defiance to something like... interest.
"Yes!" Imuru thought, a touch of pride warming his chest as he crossed his arms. "I might already be an expert in the; ways of a Dark Devider, after all."
He hadn't threatened. He'd simply reframed the game.
"Thank you all for considering my offer," He said, and his smile wasn't one of conquest, busy of shared ambition. "As Dark Deviders... I want to see you all at the top of the world." He paused, letting the image sink in. "It's honestly... embarrassing, isn't it?" To waste your fangs on prey that doesn't even understand fear, the absolute superiority, of the Dark Devider race."
It wasn't a command. It was an invitation to glory. And for warriors whose lives were built on strength and hierarchy, it was a language they understood perfectly.
A spark lit in one pair, then another. A low, gathering murmur rose, vibrating with pent-up ambition. Then, as if a switch had been flipped—
"OOOOOHHH!!"
The cheer wasn't just sound, it was a physical wave of approval, shaking the square. Fists punched the air. Gleaming teeth showed in fierce grins. The hostile tension shattered, replaced by the electric buzz of a new, thrilling purpose.
"Hiya~... It worked," Imuru thought, internally breathing a sigh of relief. "Authority... leadership... It takes time and effort to put a decent system in place. Thankfully, I only have Dark Deviders to worry about. Experience will definitely play a hand here... Though I think Roll can pretty much take it all from here... Yep. That's enough from me… for the time being."
Beside him, Yosho watched with a smile, knowing smile. Arken gave a barely perceptible, grudging nod. Roll smiled, proud of his leader.
And Linira, standing before her now roused clan, understood: this was no subjugation. Their new leader had just given them a world to desire, and in doing so, had bound them tighter than any chain ever could.
Linira broke from her position in front of her group to approach Imuru, her steps light and measured. "Your words of choice were eloquent."
Imuru smiled tentatively, an anxious sweat dripping down his bow. From her eyes and words it felt like she was gauging him—No in fact he knew she was.
She locked her eyes to his own, an unpleasant, yet short experience for Imuru began.
"I shall refer to you as Lord Imuru; If you, so accept. Also, I'd like to accompany you for a few days to gain an understanding of who you are. I can tell you're still quite inexperienced."
"Uh. Inexperienced? Ooh, isn't someone clever," Imuru thought, annoyed by her accurate discernment.
Nevertheless, to play the player, Imuru shrugged subtly,in acceptance.
"I'll accept your company… Lord Imuru, which you wish to refer to me as, is acceptable."
Linira bowed earnestly, hearing her request be granted. "Thank you. Lord Imuru. I have another question, I wish to ask. What shall be done with Stulte? He's very unobedient. And for the rest of our people back home?"
This question took Imuru off guard. He had no plans of what should be done with the unruly Dark Devider. In the back of his mind, he'd just half expected him to eventually fall in line. Then issue regarding the rest of Shadow of the Moon…
Worse yet… This seemed like a test.
"...."
Imuru pondered, and pondered until an idea came to mind. "Have his friend; the other Under-hand, bring him back to my place. I'll speak with him. For the rest of your people it would be best to have you head back home to fill them in on the unfortunate news."
He smirked subtly. "Any objections?"
"None. I shall attend to my task right away." Linira stepped back, returning to the group, she filled in Cag on what should be done.
"Now if you all will excuse me, there is something important I must attend to," Imuru announced addressing the Shadow members. "As you see, there are a few individuals behind me. Roll, Arken and my secretary Yosho. If I'm not present I expect you to follow their orders. If there is a complaint you have, it would be wise to 'just' inform Roll and Yosho."
"Hm?" Arken flashed a glance at Imuru.
The Shadow members nodded in unison, unbothered by this hierarchy being set. With that confirmed, Imuru turned to his original core Dark Deviders of 28, who'd been silently listening in this whole time.
"Remember, be friendly… Imuru over and out. Bye-bye."
He walked off, his arms and legs swinging back and forth, similarly to that of a well trained soldier. Yosho kept up behind him. "Come, tag along," Imuru swiftly said over to Cag as he hurried along.
In a couple of minutes Imuru was gone, and Arken promptly seized the opportunity to take action. In one go, he stomped down on the ground drawing everyone's attention.
"How times have changed. I am Arken, the strongest amongst all in the village. My rule is absolute, and all who disobey w—"
"Excuse me!"
Someone raised a hand from the crowd of Shadow members. Stepping forward to the front. "Excuse me Head-hand Linira. If I may?"
Linira gave a simple nod of approval to the Devider.
"Thank you." The Dark was tall and lanky, having a decently long beard, and four protruding horns on his forehead. "Arken. It is you… Ow, boy look at ya. Your mother is gonna be so proud." The man spread his arms wide, his steps wide, eyes glittering and grinning from ear to ear.
"I do not know you, or this mother you speak of…" Arken retorted, glaring at the Devider. "And do not come close to me."
The man tilted his head in subtle disappointment. "Awe. Come on now, it's me, Old Built. Don't act so tough, who's the one who taught you all you knew huh? Best friend of your mother."
Arken growled, bearing his teeth (Forcent would be proud), puffing up his chest, and raising his head. "You think a being of my strength needed training from another? You disrespectful fool, I shall show you…" He marched forward, stomping his feet.
Whilst this spectacle was about to unfold, Yot turned to the Shadow members on the other side.
"Pst!"
"Psst!"
He grabbed a few of their attention.
"You all must be famished. Did you know I make the best dishes in town?" Yot whispered over them.
This started a chain reaction, as one told the other, and so on. They eventually began to break from their formations following Yot. Even the original core Dark Deviders realized they no longer had any reason to be standing around so went along with Yot and their new (technically) old company.
"What?!" Arken folded his hand into a firm fist. "I didn't say any of you could leave."
Roll standing behind him, inhaled and exhaled deeply. Observing such a typical behaviour from Arken, he quietly left the scene following where the others went.
"Hmm." Old Built caressed his beard. "They don't listen. Kins these days, right?"
Arken growled at Old Built. "Infuriating fool you'll be let off the hook this time, but be very aware, you will not be forgiven a second time."
With his head held high, in proud grace, Arken marched off.