The Ferryman

A Ferryman's work

“I came here to see your Queen. So let me through.” one of the demons tries to swing its fist to Grave, only to see Grave point the Deliverer to the Demon’s temple, in between the horns.

“I would be more than happy to oblige but know that I will blow your limbs off, then only will I shoot you. If I run out of bullets, I can always just use your heads as a bat.” Grave says to them, the demons feel themselves threatened by this presence. Cerberus is moving close to Grave, tugging his tailcoat.

“What is it?” Cerberus whimpers, most likely wanting to get some pats from him. Grave kneels, stroking their heads calmly, much to the surprise of the demons around them.

“May I ask what what tribe do you belong to?”

“We are of the Fire Oni Demon tribe.” Grave stands up on his feet as he reaches for his pockets, walking towards the demon that had threaten him. Whose skin had been scarred by serrated blades and other forms of weaponry used by mankind no doubt. Showing him multiple coloured amulets to their hands.

“Fire Onis, these are the amulets belonging to those of you who perished at the Lands of Bar. I am required to present these to the head of the tribe for confirmation. Then only I can deliver them to Flarinzarja, the Oni God of War, then to Diskenth or rather Garlaina to you.” The red demon’s face had brightened, in fact it glowed as he gets a hold of the amulets.

“I have given them to the Earth, Wind, Land and Water Onis. Their tribe head has claimed them, confirm with me that. These are your kin.” to which the demon nods. Grave pulls out an incense stick from his side pocket. Holding it in between his index fingers.

“Flarinzaarja, these Oni have perished in your name and honour. Place them in your grace as warriors at the grandest halls. Honour them, as how they have honoured you. I can only give you this humble offering for them.” To which the incense burns brightly, as the amulets glowed bright red. Grave holds the stick until it burns completely, signaling that Flarinzaarja has accepted the offering that Grave had done.

“Ferryman..” Grave takes off his glove of his right hand.

“Give me that broken amulet. I need to deliver them to Garlaina, a blood sacrifice is needed but I will refer Garliana as Diskenth.” The Demon passes it to Grave,who cuts his palm with it as he squeezes the blood of his hands.

“Diskenth,I offer you my blood. As an offering to deliver these fallen warriors from Lands Of Bar. Allow them to rest in your care, for they have fought bravely.” The blood drops into the air, rapidly vanishing, a signal that the offering has been accepted.

“Why do you do this? Why is a human allowed to deliver them when our own shamans are not able to do so!” the leading demon shouts as he moves to Grave’s personal space. Grave has the Deliverer within his reach, should this demon try anything. The heavy breathing, the sounds of teeth clenching close to Grave’s face is already an alarm that he may attack due to the rage that Fire Onis are known to have.

“Ra’kesh. Calm down.” Jaghateria calls out which snaps the demon from his anger.

“He is not a mere human. A Ferryman. That is the difference. They exist for the very purpose to send souls to the Gods. He, is a Ferryman who knows our Gods. He has not come here to start a fight but to ensure that the souls have been delivered. I did not wish to fight him when he was able to subdue my army of skeletons with an offering to their Gods.” Jaghateria pauses as he looks at Grave.

“I believe, that you are known to the Onis as the Hachiman, though you lack the distinctive skeleton mask that is in the description of the legends.” The word ‘Hachiman’ immediately makes the Fire Onis take their steps back away from Grave, while Jaghateria looks to Grave, hoping for an answer.

“It broke when I had fought a Demon Lord of the East. Demon Lord Azbelathorne. I ran out of bullets so I took some wire made of black tear metal and strangled him to death.” Grave answers, to which Ra'kesh immediately swallows his saliva and maybe his pride as he kneels before Grave.

“Please, spare my tribesmen. If you wish to kill us, please kill me.”

“There is no need. I will leave you all be, I need to see your Demon Queen. I am sure she will need to be calmed down before anything else. If she has been in her castle for a year without visiting the residents below. I can expect a fight.” Grave walks on, leaving Ra'Kesh who is on his knees. Whereby Cerberus follows from behind like a dog following its master. Jaghateria looks at them, nodding as he walks behind Grave.