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Description

Time for the next adventure featuring Kyoko and Misa Asagi, the Slayers of Demon City 7!

The story is called "A Portrait in Scarlet" and introduces a new character our brave and beautiful Slayers will soon meet: Reiko Scarlet Sakura, another creation of . Reiko is the deadliest assassin on Earth, and Barumusu is going to send her out to kill one of the sisters! But this is only the beginning...

...and there's much, much more to the tantalizing Reiko than you can imagine...check all expectations at the door as you begin to read her story! ^_^

------
"A Portrait in Scarlet" -- Part One of Six!

The Meet

The High End of City 7...its business district of tall towers of gleaming glass and steel. The tallest of them were two great, adjoined skyscrapers, the corporate headquarters of Sakamoto Pharmaceuticals. Its owner was the charismatic CEO and philanthropist known publicly as Yoshimasa Sakamoto. In reality, he was a Prime Demon who with great guile snuck in with immigrant 'undesirables' from the Nethers not long after Hell Week. His true name was Barumusu, and he was also the undisputed and unchallenged crimelord responsible for most of Demon City 7's corruption.

It was his aim to corrupt all of the Crystal Kingdom of Tokyo...his ambitions not much further beyond that were even more horrifying.

At the moment. Barumusu stood on the main observation deck of one of the twin penthouses of his headquarters...he sipped from a carafe filled with mortal blood, his favorite repast. He was in the physical form of a mortal human in his well-cut business suit. It took a while for the Prime Demon to get used to how confining this smaller body was compared to his true form. Barumusu felt many holy eyes watching him in the night. The Angels of High End, so far above it all. Go ahead and keep watching, you feathered pricks, he thought. They would never see him get his hands dirty, even in subtle ways. Their perceptions limited being in the mortal realm, an Angel would have to get up close to him to realize what he truly was anyway: one of the Prime of the Demonkind, royalty from his Netherregion. A lot of the divine Angels were arrogant as hell, if you'll pardon the expression. They'd lived in a state of grace in the Heavens for so long -- that included the ones once mortal -- when they came here to balance out the Demonkind who immigrated, most have disdained and even hated being here. Like they were afraid they'd get polluted by being in an imperfect realm where most everything decayed at one rate or another, where mortals couldn't help but give into their base natures.

That's why the Angels created their great sanctum in Antarctica not long after their arrival. In one of the most remote regions on the planet, over half of them congregated to watch Earthly affairs from afar, put as much distance between them and mortals as possible. The extreme cold there didn't affect them at all, but the idea of bringing themselves down to street level was so unacceptable. It was funny, Barumusu thought. Wasn't it written in a holy book that one shouldn't judge unless they want to be judged in turn?

And really, so many Angels segregating themselves from mortals only served Barumusu's long-range plans...just as the Eternal Emperor Yin Lau Wong predicted.

However. Almost as many Angels took their duty to the Gods of Light seriously, they were watchful guardians as Barumusu observed a flock of them fly past his penthouse, and they all gave him a wary glance as they did. Yeah, and that's all they could do unless they saw him do something evil, and they never would. The Angels could smell his ichor and mark him as a demon, but that only told them as much as their eyes did. Like this world's Slayers, they were constrained by mortal laws that enforced tolerance for his kind these days. They were laws that ensured the Demonkind had greater protections than even those born in this world! The Angels, like the Slayers and the police, were restricted by due process. They could only respond to a clear and present threat. Slayers particularly didn't have carte blanche like they once did to investigate and hunt potentially dangerous demons of their own accord. It was made loud and clear these past decades since Hell Week that the servants of Heaven, mortal or otherwise, had to answer once and for all to earthly authority and law.

Basically, unless it was a circumstance where Demonkind invaded unlawfully to destroy and terrorize, the likes of Barumusu were innocent until proven otherwise beyond any doubt. Was that noble on the part of the 'correct'? Perhaps, but he smiled a bit at how foolish it was. Lambs didn't need much to be invited to slaughter...sometimes they invited themselves. The activists who were shouting more and more for demon rights, while useful, were still fickle assholes. Their one-track minds couldn't be inspired when it came to the half-breed children of both Demonkind and Angels that have been born with increasing frequency. The half-breeds were disdained and reviled by much of the world as freaks and monsters -- those who cared about what happened to those abberations seemed few and far between.

Everything was working out well so far, Barumusu thought. In a decade, perhaps less, the time would come for the invasion. The closer that day came, though, it seemed the Eternal Emperor was growing more and more impatient. The forces of darkness had never been closer to taking this mortal realm as their own, and with the prize in sight, Yin Lau Wong was that much more eager to reach out and grab it. The patience of one of the most powerful of the Dark Gods didn't concern Barumusu...at least, it didn't for now.

The Prime Demon missed Enatsu's presence, but it wasn't required that his executive assistant be here. In fact, it was preferable he was alone as he waited to meet someone. He was just waiting for the other party to arrive.

It had only been a few years since he recruited Enatsu Avari, and she really was the best assistant he ever had in the mortal world. As principled as she was beautiful, she always thought of him as one of the immigrants from the Nethers considered 'undesirables' by the Dark Gods. He had saved her mortal life one night, and the girl didn't just feel obligated to him since...she had become attracted to her boss, and it almost surprised him when he felt real fondness for her in return. Enatsu became his lover, his mistress, and damn was she good in the sack! Barumusu appreciated the girl for that as much as her loyalty and high threshold for accepting many of his criminal operations, at least the ones he allowed her to be aware of. Enatsu only knew a few things, she had no idea of the vile depths of his 'business' he conducted every damn day with renegade and criminal Demonkind like himself across the world. If she ever caught wind of any of that or the terrible details of his 'long game', chances were she would have wanted to send him back to the realms of damnation with her bare hands. It was likely he'd get bored with Enatsu long before that ever happened, and that would be unfortunate. For her. It would be hard to find a worthy replacement for her.

Barumusu expected his guest to arrive formally, openly. That didn't happen. Instead, the visitor came and used great stealth to circumvent his building's security, and all the damned way up to his penthouse!

Barumusu smiled when he felt the intruder's presence so close now, he could smell her. Barumusu commented, "You got very close to me without being detected by my building's security...good thing for me, as a demon, I sensed you coming from a mile away. The only reason the damn world didn't drop on you before now is because you were expected." He turned to look into the shadows on one side... "Come out into the light. Now."

The figure stepped into view, a singular pale beauty who wore daring red leather and knee-high boots. Her blonde hair very closely framed her beautiful face, a mix of Caucasian and Japanese ethnicity. Her green eyes simply looked at Barumusu, patient.

The crimelord nodded. "Just looking at you, I can see you are everything General Ho said you were." He set his carafe on a table and drew closer to the woman.

A respectful distance between them, Barumusu said, "Reiko Scarlet Sakura. The Red Phantom herself. I am Barumusu. Welcome to my city." Reiko bowed in response to his introduction. His expression shifted a bit...he was already a bit taken by the guest, and he was a creature of habit as he began to test the waters, so to speak. "Can I get you anything? You're very lovely, I can give you...anything you might desire, within reason or not...?" The invitation was clear...

...but Reiko's response was perfectly neutral, like the accent of her voice: "I am here on behalf of my master. I'd prefer to keep this professional."

Barumusu frowned. "Hm...shame, that! Very well, let's stick to business." It was important business, otherwise he would have taken this girl and had his way with her. Besides, there was always Enatsu or Kyoku to visit after this meeting. Decisions, decisions...! "Your master General Ho wants to form a partnership with me, and the idea is appealing. He's become one of the most powerful crimelords in the Pacific Rim in a very short time, which means he's ruthless and evil in a way I can appreciate. Demons like me also value his particular business: human slave trafficking. My kind often need mortals for sacrifices and...other purposes. The younger, the better.

"I told your master that as a condition of partnership, I would need to be sure General Ho can be relied upon. I hardly ever take chances. In anything."

Barumusu took a few steps and gazed out to the expanse of the city as he continued: "I have many problems that need to be eliminated, Reiko. Fools who don't like the fact this city belongs to me are the highest on my shit list. Ho assured me he could provide you as a resource for such things. From everything I know about you, you're the very best there is at what you do. I want to be sure of that, too. Therefore, I have a job that requires your singular skills...!

"There is a target I want neutralized. Taken out of the picture. Dead as dogshit. Use whatever coin of phrase you want! If you can kill this target for me, then you and your master will become very comfortable working with me. Any questions?"

The way Reiko carried herself was pure sexuality, but Barumusu realized she was hardly aware of it. There was a singular...innocence to this creature, even though she was one of the greatest assassins in history. Reiko asked, "You have the resources to take out your enemy yourself...but I presume you cannot, for one reason or another?"

Barumusu growled, "Actually, for many reasons. I need to be very careful in everything I do, Reiko. I have the power to take a direct hand in killing the target. Shit, I could do it with ease! But that would be stupid on my part because it would also expose me for what I am to the world. I'd risk my own destruction and ruin all of my long-range ambitions, which are of great importance to me." Barumusu really looked forward to the invasion, to becoming the Eternal Emperor's Right Hand on Earth. "As long as I keep a low profile, retain the appearance of a lawful, positive force in mortal society, the rewards in the long run will be...considerable. My own resources at my disposal, sad to say, have proven to be lacking in ability and power taking out the target up to now." He approached Reiko and said flatly, "That's where you come in. You have no direct connection to me at all. Eliminate my pain in the ass, and as long as there's no evidence to implicate me, I have nothing to worry about."

"Who is the target, sir?"

Looming before her, Barumusu raised an eyebrow. "You want to get right to it, hm? Straightforward as a samurai." He reached into an inner pocket of his suit coat and took out a photograph. He held its image in display for the assassin. The picture was of a beautiful girl much younger than Reiko, her smile so sweet as she wore a schoolgirl's uniform. "This is who I want taken out, Red Phantom. She may look like a flower, but don't let that fool you. You've never had a target like this before, guaranteed.

"Her name is Misa Asagi, and she's a demon slayer. You can guess why I'd want her pretty ass history!"

Reiko didn't seem to be affected at all by what Barumusu said or by the picture of the Vanquisher. "I'll need the intelligence necessary to track her movements and schedule, find the right time to do what I must."

"Already taken care of. The little bitch is public -- unlike me, her life's been an open book for anyone with the time to watch." From one of his hip pockets, the crimelord extracted a small flash drive and presented it to Reiko. "This contains all the information you'll need, and it has the regular movements and schedule of her sister, Kyoko Asagi."

Reiko asked, "Her sister...?"

Barumusu said flatly, "Kyoko Asagi isn't part of this contract, Reiko. You need to find the right time when the sisters are apart, and far apart! You may be the best, but you're still only a mortal. You'll have enough trouble with Misa, but Kyoko would literally shred you without even trying. You'd never win against a Slayer of her caliber. I'm warning you for your well-being and so you don't suffer a fuckup you won't live to regret! Understand?"

Reiko gracefully took the flash drive. "Yes. I will go and proceed with the assignment, sir."

Barumusu gave her a look. "Just like that. You have no more questions? Not even for chit-chat?"

"No, sir."

Barumusu growled, "You're not much for conversation, are you. All right. Go. Take care of my shit."

Reiko turned and silently left the lounge the way she appeared, by gliding into the shadows. Barumusu sighed as she left him with the image of her amazing ass encased in tight red leather. Damn...he was put in the mood now, and he decided to go see Kyoku Kuju. He had some freaky shit in mind, and the scientist was always in the mood to satisfy him in ways Enatsu couldn't! Just as long as Kyoku wasn't busy with one of her strange experiments...

Yes, he sensed Reiko moving further and further away, well out of earshot as he took out a satellite phone and dialed a number. He wasn't worried about any Angels in the vicinity hearing the two-way transmission. Ever careful, Barumusu had the mobile device mystically enhanced with a paranormal 'encryption'. If any divine ears did hear anything, they'd only get uncomfortable static.

Someone answered, and Barumusu growled, "General, it's me. Your dog is going after the fox."

　
TO BE CONTINUED!

------

Stay tuned for part two, which should be here in at least a couple of days!

Giving credit where it's due!

XNALara created by Dusan Pavlicek

XPS created by Dusan and XNAaraL

Models:

Reiko Scarlet Sakura and Barumusu by their creator, !

Scenery:

DOA5 Tokyo Stage by

Description

Time for the next adventure featuring Kyoko and Misa Asagi, the Slayers of Demon City 7!

The story is called "A Portrait in Scarlet" and introduces a new character our brave and beautiful Slayers will soon meet: Reiko Scarlet Sakura, another creation of . Reiko is the deadliest assassin on Earth, and Barumusu is going to send her out to kill one of the sisters! But this is only the beginning...

...and there's much, much more to the tantalizing Reiko than you can imagine...check all expectations at the door as you begin to read her story! ^_^

------
"A Portrait in Scarlet" -- Part One of Six!

The Meet

The High End of City 7...its business district of tall towers of gleaming glass and steel. The tallest of them were two great, adjoined skyscrapers, the corporate headquarters of Sakamoto Pharmaceuticals. Its owner was the charismatic CEO and philanthropist known publicly as Yoshimasa Sakamoto. In reality, he was a Prime Demon who with great guile snuck in with immigrant 'undesirables' from the Nethers not long after Hell Week. His true name was Barumusu, and he was also the undisputed and unchallenged crimelord responsible for most of Demon City 7's corruption.

It was his aim to corrupt all of the Crystal Kingdom of Tokyo...his ambitions not much further beyond that were even more horrifying.

At the moment. Barumusu stood on the main observation deck of one of the twin penthouses of his headquarters...he sipped from a carafe filled with mortal blood, his favorite repast. He was in the physical form of a mortal human in his well-cut business suit. It took a while for the Prime Demon to get used to how confining this smaller body was compared to his true form. Barumusu felt many holy eyes watching him in the night. The Angels of High End, so far above it all. Go ahead and keep watching, you feathered pricks, he thought. They would never see him get his hands dirty, even in subtle ways. Their perceptions limited being in the mortal realm, an Angel would have to get up close to him to realize what he truly was anyway: one of the Prime of the Demonkind, royalty from his Netherregion. A lot of the divine Angels were arrogant as hell, if you'll pardon the expression. They'd lived in a state of grace in the Heavens for so long -- that included the ones once mortal -- when they came here to balance out the Demonkind who immigrated, most have disdained and even hated being here. Like they were afraid they'd get polluted by being in an imperfect realm where most everything decayed at one rate or another, where mortals couldn't help but give into their base natures.

That's why the Angels created their great sanctum in Antarctica not long after their arrival. In one of the most remote regions on the planet, over half of them congregated to watch Earthly affairs from afar, put as much distance between them and mortals as possible. The extreme cold there didn't affect them at all, but the idea of bringing themselves down to street level was so unacceptable. It was funny, Barumusu thought. Wasn't it written in a holy book that one shouldn't judge unless they want to be judged in turn?

And really, so many Angels segregating themselves from mortals only served Barumusu's long-range plans...just as the Eternal Emperor Yin Lau Wong predicted.

However. Almost as many Angels took their duty to the Gods of Light seriously, they were watchful guardians as Barumusu observed a flock of them fly past his penthouse, and they all gave him a wary glance as they did. Yeah, and that's all they could do unless they saw him do something evil, and they never would. The Angels could smell his ichor and mark him as a demon, but that only told them as much as their eyes did. Like this world's Slayers, they were constrained by mortal laws that enforced tolerance for his kind these days. They were laws that ensured the Demonkind had greater protections than even those born in this world! The Angels, like the Slayers and the police, were restricted by due process. They could only respond to a clear and present threat. Slayers particularly didn't have carte blanche like they once did to investigate and hunt potentially dangerous demons of their own accord. It was made loud and clear these past decades since Hell Week that the servants of Heaven, mortal or otherwise, had to answer once and for all to earthly authority and law.

Basically, unless it was a circumstance where Demonkind invaded unlawfully to destroy and terrorize, the likes of Barumusu were innocent until proven otherwise beyond any doubt. Was that noble on the part of the 'correct'? Perhaps, but he smiled a bit at how foolish it was. Lambs didn't need much to be invited to slaughter...sometimes they invited themselves. The activists who were shouting more and more for demon rights, while useful, were still fickle assholes. Their one-track minds couldn't be inspired when it came to the half-breed children of both Demonkind and Angels that have been born with increasing frequency. The half-breeds were disdained and reviled by much of the world as freaks and monsters -- those who cared about what happened to those abberations seemed few and far between.

Everything was working out well so far, Barumusu thought. In a decade, perhaps less, the time would come for the invasion. The closer that day came, though, it seemed the Eternal Emperor was growing more and more impatient. The forces of darkness had never been closer to taking this mortal realm as their own, and with the prize in sight, Yin Lau Wong was that much more eager to reach out and grab it. The patience of one of the most powerful of the Dark Gods didn't concern Barumusu...at least, it didn't for now.

The Prime Demon missed Enatsu's presence, but it wasn't required that his executive assistant be here. In fact, it was preferable he was alone as he waited to meet someone. He was just waiting for the other party to arrive.

It had only been a few years since he recruited Enatsu Avari, and she really was the best assistant he ever had in the mortal world. As principled as she was beautiful, she always thought of him as one of the immigrants from the Nethers considered 'undesirables' by the Dark Gods. He had saved her mortal life one night, and the girl didn't just feel obligated to him since...she had become attracted to her boss, and it almost surprised him when he felt real fondness for her in return. Enatsu became his lover, his mistress, and damn was she good in the sack! Barumusu appreciated the girl for that as much as her loyalty and high threshold for accepting many of his criminal operations, at least the ones he allowed her to be aware of. Enatsu only knew a few things, she had no idea of the vile depths of his 'business' he conducted every damn day with renegade and criminal Demonkind like himself across the world. If she ever caught wind of any of that or the terrible details of his 'long game', chances were she would have wanted to send him back to the realms of damnation with her bare hands. It was likely he'd get bored with Enatsu long before that ever happened, and that would be unfortunate. For her. It would be hard to find a worthy replacement for her.

Barumusu expected his guest to arrive formally, openly. That didn't happen. Instead, the visitor came and used great stealth to circumvent his building's security, and all the damned way up to his penthouse!

Barumusu smiled when he felt the intruder's presence so close now, he could smell her. Barumusu commented, "You got very close to me without being detected by my building's security...good thing for me, as a demon, I sensed you coming from a mile away. The only reason the damn world didn't drop on you before now is because you were expected." He turned to look into the shadows on one side... "Come out into the light. Now."

The figure stepped into view, a singular pale beauty who wore daring red leather and knee-high boots. Her blonde hair very closely framed her beautiful face, a mix of Caucasian and Japanese ethnicity. Her green eyes simply looked at Barumusu, patient.

The crimelord nodded. "Just looking at you, I can see you are everything General Ho said you were." He set his carafe on a table and drew closer to the woman.

A respectful distance between them, Barumusu said, "Reiko Scarlet Sakura. The Red Phantom herself. I am Barumusu. Welcome to my city." Reiko bowed in response to his introduction. His expression shifted a bit...he was already a bit taken by the guest, and he was a creature of habit as he began to test the waters, so to speak. "Can I get you anything? You're very lovely, I can give you...anything you might desire, within reason or not...?" The invitation was clear...

...but Reiko's response was perfectly neutral, like the accent of her voice: "I am here on behalf of my master. I'd prefer to keep this professional."

Barumusu frowned. "Hm...shame, that! Very well, let's stick to business." It was important business, otherwise he would have taken this girl and had his way with her. Besides, there was always Enatsu or Kyoku to visit after this meeting. Decisions, decisions...! "Your master General Ho wants to form a partnership with me, and the idea is appealing. He's become one of the most powerful crimelords in the Pacific Rim in a very short time, which means he's ruthless and evil in a way I can appreciate. Demons like me also value his particular business: human slave trafficking. My kind often need mortals for sacrifices and...other purposes. The younger, the better.

"I told your master that as a condition of partnership, I would need to be sure General Ho can be relied upon. I hardly ever take chances. In anything."

Barumusu took a few steps and gazed out to the expanse of the city as he continued: "I have many problems that need to be eliminated, Reiko. Fools who don't like the fact this city belongs to me are the highest on my shit list. Ho assured me he could provide you as a resource for such things. From everything I know about you, you're the very best there is at what you do. I want to be sure of that, too. Therefore, I have a job that requires your singular skills...!

"There is a target I want neutralized. Taken out of the picture. Dead as dogshit. Use whatever coin of phrase you want! If you can kill this target for me, then you and your master will become very comfortable working with me. Any questions?"

The way Reiko carried herself was pure sexuality, but Barumusu realized she was hardly aware of it. There was a singular...innocence to this creature, even though she was one of the greatest assassins in history. Reiko asked, "You have the resources to take out your enemy yourself...but I presume you cannot, for one reason or another?"

Barumusu growled, "Actually, for many reasons. I need to be very careful in everything I do, Reiko. I have the power to take a direct hand in killing the target. Shit, I could do it with ease! But that would be stupid on my part because it would also expose me for what I am to the world. I'd risk my own destruction and ruin all of my long-range ambitions, which are of great importance to me." Barumusu really looked forward to the invasion, to becoming the Eternal Emperor's Right Hand on Earth. "As long as I keep a low profile, retain the appearance of a lawful, positive force in mortal society, the rewards in the long run will be...considerable. My own resources at my disposal, sad to say, have proven to be lacking in ability and power taking out the target up to now." He approached Reiko and said flatly, "That's where you come in. You have no direct connection to me at all. Eliminate my pain in the ass, and as long as there's no evidence to implicate me, I have nothing to worry about."

"Who is the target, sir?"

Looming before her, Barumusu raised an eyebrow. "You want to get right to it, hm? Straightforward as a samurai." He reached into an inner pocket of his suit coat and took out a photograph. He held its image in display for the assassin. The picture was of a beautiful girl much younger than Reiko, her smile so sweet as she wore a schoolgirl's uniform. "This is who I want taken out, Red Phantom. She may look like a flower, but don't let that fool you. You've never had a target like this before, guaranteed.

"Her name is Misa Asagi, and she's a demon slayer. You can guess why I'd want her pretty ass history!"

Reiko didn't seem to be affected at all by what Barumusu said or by the picture of the Vanquisher. "I'll need the intelligence necessary to track her movements and schedule, find the right time to do what I must."

"Already taken care of. The little bitch is public -- unlike me, her life's been an open book for anyone with the time to watch." From one of his hip pockets, the crimelord extracted a small flash drive and presented it to Reiko. "This contains all the information you'll need, and it has the regular movements and schedule of her sister, Kyoko Asagi."

Reiko asked, "Her sister...?"

Barumusu said flatly, "Kyoko Asagi isn't part of this contract, Reiko. You need to find the right time when the sisters are apart, and far apart! You may be the best, but you're still only a mortal. You'll have enough trouble with Misa, but Kyoko would literally shred you without even trying. You'd never win against a Slayer of her caliber. I'm warning you for your well-being and so you don't suffer a fuckup you won't live to regret! Understand?"

Reiko gracefully took the flash drive. "Yes. I will go and proceed with the assignment, sir."

Barumusu gave her a look. "Just like that. You have no more questions? Not even for chit-chat?"

"No, sir."

Barumusu growled, "You're not much for conversation, are you. All right. Go. Take care of my shit."

Reiko turned and silently left the lounge the way she appeared, by gliding into the shadows. Barumusu sighed as she left him with the image of her amazing ass encased in tight red leather. Damn...he was put in the mood now, and he decided to go see Kyoku Kuju. He had some freaky shit in mind, and the scientist was always in the mood to satisfy him in ways Enatsu couldn't! Just as long as Kyoku wasn't busy with one of her strange experiments...

Yes, he sensed Reiko moving further and further away, well out of earshot as he took out a satellite phone and dialed a number. He wasn't worried about any Angels in the vicinity hearing the two-way transmission. Ever careful, Barumusu had the mobile device mystically enhanced with a paranormal 'encryption'. If any divine ears did hear anything, they'd only get uncomfortable static.

Someone answered, and Barumusu growled, "General, it's me. Your dog is going after the fox."

　
TO BE CONTINUED!

------

Stay tuned for part two, which should be here in at least a couple of days!

Giving credit where it's due!

XNALara created by Dusan Pavlicek

XPS created by Dusan and XNAaraL

Models:

Reiko Scarlet Sakura and Barumusu by their creator, !

Scenery:

DOA5 Tokyo Stage by