Episode 31: The Hellfire Conference

Throughout the week, Phoenix continues to go through her training. She continues to run down the mountain, avoiding all kinds of traps, but many of them have become more brutal, and dangerous. It's not just avoiding logs, but knives, arrows, Japanese shurikens, trap pits with spikes, and all kinds of dangerous traps.

When she practices with Conan, she has to use her karate chops, and even her kicks to break wood, cinder blocks, and even some of the harder items, even thoughts that are hard to break. Phoenix and Conan also run through the woods and up into the trees to practice her agility and speed. They both even have fights and matches with each other to improve her physical strength and reflexes.

One day in the second week of training, Cloud has his katana as Phoenix is a katana that is different from her own. Today, Phoenix is going to have her sword training with Cloud.

"Today Phoenix, we'll be using these katanas. This one is different from the one that you use but they are used to help use your sword training," Cloud says.

"Right," Phoenix says with a nod.

Cloud then brings out his sword, "As you are aware, these katanas are blades used for combat, and a very sharp blade."

Cloud then brings out a small log, throws it in the air. He then jumps up and throws multiple slashes with sease. Soon, the log cuts into little pieces and falls to the ground.

"Now then, draw out your sword," Cloud says.

Phoenix nods her head and draws out her sword. Conan and Grace bring out multiple tatami mats and have them standing tall. Phoenix suspects this is part of her training.

Cloud then uses a cutting technique to cut the tatami mat into slices. Phoenix then imitates him, and performs the cutting techniques and cuts them to pieces. Clouds nod his head in reply.

Throughout the whole day, Phoenix has been practicing with multiple cutting techniques. After cutting the tatami mats, it's time to cut something smaller. Conan and Grace toss large round balls and Cloud slashes some of them to demonstrate. Then the siblings throw the balls again and it's Phoenix's turn. Phoenix uses the same techniques.

Throughout the day, Cloud has been training Phoenix to use different sword techniques and how to cut the different objects that will come at her. Conan then throws the objects fast and Phoenix either ends up dodging or able to cut the items being thrown.

Phoenix continues to cut through the objects that are being thrown at her. To make it more difficult, Grace also uses her wind abilities to change the directions for Phoenix, to make it challenging for her. Phoenix continues to run, jump, and even speed towards the flying object and is able to cut them. However, sometimes using the katana is difficult to run with.

Later in the night, Phoenix writes down in the book and talks about her training, she pets Kyuubi who is sleeping next to her. Then rest for the night.

The next day:

Phoenix is continuing her training, Cloud has Phoenix at a different part of the mountain like before. This time, she is running with the katana in her hand. Phoenix begins to run down the trail as she jumps over and under the ropes coming her way. However, she ends up getting her foot snagged by one of the traps and finds herself hanging upside down. It's proven that using a sword while running is still a little difficult.

Sometime later, Cloud has Phoenix practicing her sword swinging, and she counts the number of swings she has to perform. Finally, she reaches a thousand swings.

Cloud says, "Excellent. Now, give me five hundred more swings."

Phoenix sighs and knows that this is not going to be easy. She feels like her arms are going to fall off. Yet, she then continues to give five hundred more slashes with her sword.

The next day:

Cloud has Phoenix running down the hill again with her katana. She ends up starting higher so the air is much thinner from there. She runs down the hill as she jumps over a rope, ducks under a swinging log. She then stops to see multiple knives firing at her. Phoenix quickly uses her katana technique to deflect the knives and they fall to the ground. She then continues to run down the hill, and comes across the swinging bamboo that bangs on the ground, creating the dust swarming around her. Phoenix quickly dodge the attacks and escape from the attacks.

Phoenix then continues to run through the mountains. She then jumps over a small river and lands on the other side without getting herself wet. Then a spiky plate swings at her. Phoenix quickly draws out her katana and slashes the plate in half. Then two more swings down towards her, making her jump, and able to slash them both with her katana. Phoenix then continues running down the hill, and has to go through more obstacles to get through the mountains.

Later on, Phoenix along with Cloud, Conan, and Grace are having dinner. Of course, Cloud looks at Phoenix to see she is tired, but is working very hard. She has some cuts and bruises, and some sore spots from her training.

Cloud then says, "Phoenix. I'm going to be away tomorrow, so Conan and Grace will help continue using your swordsmanship training."

"Okay. Where will you be going?" Phoenix asks.

"I have some important duties to do, so I will be away for a little while. I won't be back until the day after tomorrow," Cloud says.

"Alright, we'll do that," Conan says.

"We'll make sure that Phoenix gets good training while you're away," Grace says.

"Indeed. I know that you could handle Phoenix's training while I'm away," Cloud says.

Later in the night, Phoenix is fast asleep in her room with Grace and Kyuubi. Conan is sleeping in the other room, but Cloud isn't there. Outside of the old wooden house, Cloud is outside and is all dressed up for his leave.

Cloud brings out his paintbrush, "Alright, it's time to make my way to the castle for the Hellfire Conference. I can only hope it will go well and doesn't create much of an uproar."

Cloud then draws a circle with his paintbrush and creates a portal. He then walks through it and the portal closes behind him. Unknown to Cloud and the others, Larry has seen Cloud leave and he actually hears the conversation about him leaving and isn't going to be back the day after tomorrow.

He then quickly leaves the area for him to get the signal and calls his boss.

He answers, "Hello boss, Cloud has left and he won't be back the day after tomorrow. And his students will be training alone."

Just then, Sirius' voice answers, "Excellent, which means it will be a good time for me to use Dark Sombras, and to use a special spell."

"Wha-what kind of spell?" Larry asks, concerned.

Sirius' lets out a ghastly chuckle and says, "Let's just say that I know how to gain some new allies from the outside with my magic from the inside."

Sirius chuckles evilly over the phone, giving Larry the shivers and quickly hangs up.

In the dark room, Sirius the monstrous demon opens his book and begins to cast a spell.

"Now then, it's time to choose a good target, and I know just the target to use for my newest spell," Sirius says.

He then uses his magic to create what looks like a mask that is similar to the appearance of a dog or a wolf. Then, the mask flies out of the dark castle and into the Pride Ring, and to more specifically, Imp City for some reason. Whatever Sirirus is planning, is not going to end well.

The next day:

Phoenix has woken up along with Grace and Conan. The three get dressed and have their stuff prepared and leave outside the room. They walk out and are ready to do more training.

"Hey Phoenix, are you ready for your training?" Conan asks.

"I'm ready," Phoenix says.

Then Grace says, "Cloud explained to us that today's training will be with us. I'll train you with your flight training as Conan is going to train you with combat training."

"And this combat training will be more intense than the other one," Conan says.

"Trust me, I know," Phoenix says.

Grace sternly turns to Conan, "Try not to get too carried away again."

"Fine. And don't worry. But still," Conan says.

Then turns to Phoenix, "I'm still not going to go easy on you just because you're a girl."

"Don't worry, I don't plan on being taken easily," Phoenix says.

"Alright, then let's get started. I'll be teaching you first," Conan ays.

Phoenix nods her head.

In the Magne's royal palace, Charlie along with Vaggie, Cloud, Zǐ Māo, along with both Charlie and Phoenix's parents are in one of the royal chambers to discuss about the important Hellfire Conference which is going on today.

Charlie sighs, "I still feel that it's well, not right to not mention this to Phoenix."

"I understand why you're concerned, but it's understandable that I keep this from her. I'll be the one to explain everything to her when I return. Conan and Grace will be training Phoenix for the day and won't be back until tomorrow," Cloud says.

"I remember. I just feel a bit guilty about not letting Phoenix know about any of this. It's understandable, we're dealing with powerful high class demons, and it will be very uncomfortable for her," Charlie says.

Vaggie says, "I'm sure Phoenix will understand. She seems like an understanding person."

"You're right," Charlie says, showing a sad smile.

Zǐ Māo decides to look out the window and says, "Wow. Look at the cars coming here."

Charlie and Vaggie look outside to see the many luxurious cars and limos and such. Some demons arrive by portals and other means.

Charlie sighs, "Well, it looks like they're coming, I suspect Alastor and Coral will be here too."

"Yeah," Vaggie says.

Charlie turns to Uncle Satan, "Uncle Satan, are you going to be okay about this?"

Satan sighs and answers, "To be honest, I'm still unsure about this, even though I've decided to have the conference to begin with."

"I know dear, but you did what you needed to do. You wanted to make sure that Sirius is stopped and protect our daughter. And... it's understandable that your confession has to come to light from the situation she's been facing," Momiji says.

"I know. I'm still feeling uneasy about all this, especially telling high class demons about my daughter," Satan says.

Lilith says, "Well, we don't exactly have a choice as of now. We would have to explain to them about your daughter, and inform them about Sirius' actions towards her."

"You're right. I have to tell them everything, there's no turning back now," Satan says.

"You're right about that Satan," A familiar female voice says.

The group turns to see Coral Mars walking inside the room from behind.

"Hello Satan, it's been a long time since I saw you," Coral happily says.

"Yes. It has been since the last time we talked," Satan says.

Then Coral notices Momiji, "And is this your wife? My, aren't you a sweet thing."

Coral then raises her tentacles, coils around Momiji and pulls her towards her.

"Uh Coral!" Charlie panics.

Coral pulls Momiji close to her and says, "My, your wife looks very beautiful, and has some lovely golden yellow eyes."

"Um thank you," Momiji says, a little surprised.

"Aww, I can tell that little Phoenix got her looks from you. Even though you're human, you're a sweet little starfish," Coral happily says.

"Thank you, I suspect your Coral Mars. My husband told me a lot about you," Momiji says.

"Really now? I bet he told me all kinds of things, like how fashionable I am, and quite a powerful overlord," Coral says.

Momiji giggles nervously, "He did, and a lot of other stuff."

"I'm sure he did. And I must say, you must feel very lucky about marrying a powerful demon like Satan. He sure is lucky to have a pretty human like you as his wife, and has a lovely daughter," Coral says.

Satan walks over, "Alright Coral, you can put her down now."

"Of course, your highness," Coral says, and places Momiji down on her feet.

Then turns to Satan, "So Satan, Is this conference about Phoenix?"

"Well, Phoenix isn't the only thing we need to discuss for the conference," Satan says.

"Really now?" Coral replies, interested.

"I'll explain it more at the conference," Satan says.

"Oh boo. I was hoping to get the gossip before it's being announced," Coral says.

Charlie sighs, "We'll explain everything to you at due time, but first you'll have to go to the conference room with the other Overlords."

"Alright, I'll be going. I'll see you there," Coral says, and leaves the room.

Satan sighs, "Sometimes, that octopus can be too much sometimes."

"True, but she seems nice," Momiji says.

Lucifer chuckles, "You wouldn't think she's nice if you know what she does when she gets mad."

"Oh, how so?" Momiji questions.

Lilith chuckles and says, "I don't think you'll want to know what she does when someone crosses her."

Just then, they hear a knock on the door.

Lucifer turns his head and says, "Come in."

The door opens to reveal one of the servants and says, "Your majesties, everyone is accounted for. And the time of the Hellfire Conference approaches."

"Of course. We'll be there," Lucifer says.

Then turns to Satan, "Looks like it's time."

"Yes. It's time," Satan says with a nod.

Lucifer, Lilith, Satan, and Charlie begin to leave the room. Vaggie, Momiji, and Zǐ Māo follow close after them.

In the algae conference room, there are many different demons from the different rings of Hell. Demon royals, elites, Overlord, and other high class demons. Even other demons that Phoenix has already met, Alastor, Rosie, Coral Mars, Kuroi's parents, and others like Valentino, Vox, Velvet. There's also the seven sinners of fell, Asmodeus is one of them. All of the demons of high class discuss among themselves, wondering why the Hellfire Conference has been announced and called in this short amount of time. They suspect of great importance is happening in this hellish world.

Soon enough, Lucifer, Lilith, Charlie, and Satan arrive and sit in the area with the Magne's royal crest above. Cloud is standing close to Satan because of his position as the second in command of the royal guards. Behind the curtains, Vaggie, Zǐ Māo, and Momiji watch behind so they'll witness the conference.

Momiji says, "I'm a little nervous about this."

"I know what you mean. I've been thinking about this," Vaggie says.

Zǐ Māo sadly says, "I wonder how Phoenix is doing. I miss her."

"I know Zǐ Māo, but you'll see her again once she's done with her training camp," Vaggie says.

Zǐ Māo nods his head in reply, and decides to remain hidden in concern.

Outside of the curtains Lucifer is the first to stand up and shouts in a demonic voice, "SILENCE!"

That catches all the upper class demons' attention and they see the ruler of Hell himself standing forward.

"Welcome everyone who is able to attend. I would like to thank you all for coming at this short notice. Before we get to the most important detail, I like to discuss some of the updates of some unusual events that's been going on," Lucifer says.

He then begins the discussion, "As you may have seen, there has been an outbreak of mysterious and dangerous creatures roaming around hell wearing masks, and have been causing havoc in Pentagram City, as well as reports about a special kind of half breed demon that's been sighted as well."

"Hmm, you're talking about the young hybrid that's been seen around the city. I've even heard stories about her. And I must say, she's very unique," A young demon speaks up.

The demon is male and has dark bluish gray skin and dark green hair with gray roots. He has dull red eyes with neon green irises. He has thick eyebrows and his mouth is filled with neon green colored sharp teeth. In a portrait, he is seen wearing a green coat with neon green trimmings, green pinstriped pants and a green hat with a light green trim that has eyes and a toothed brim. His suit is accompanied by a neon green ascot and undershirt.

Charlie recognizes the demon and is rather worried.

Just then, a female voice answers, "I would have to agree with you Sev, but she is also a mystery. She came out of nowhere and got into a fight with a monster. I even heard that she battled against the Black Night gang. I heard she kicked their asses."

The demon next to the other one is female, with dark gray skin and long white hair with dark spots underneath, similar to that of a cephalopod's tentacles. Her eyes have dark teal sclerae and neon green irises with slit pupils. The right side of her face is covered with bangs from her hair. She has sharp neon green teeth and black lips. She also wears a hot pink coat with neon green fur collar, cuffs and buttons and a dark gray pencil skirt with matching neon green fur trim.

"You're just annoyed that her sudden appearance interfered with the interview a certain princess did, right Helsa?" The male demon says.

The other demon, Helsa mutters, "Shut the fuck up."

Just then, Lucifer calmly says, "Moving right along. We'll get to the main point. We have just received some tell of an ancient evil that nearly destroyed Hell. The ancient evil, Sirius, has returned."

All those who know Sirius and his crimes are shocked, and those who heard of it are shocked as well, including confused, and concerned.

Rosie then asks, "And I have to assume that Sirius is responsible for the creatures that've been attacking Pentagram City?"

Satan stands up with a nod and says, "Yes. That is correct."

Then Coral questions, "If there was such a dangerous demon around, why weren't we told about all this to begin with."

"Well, at first it wasn't all that troubling and the attacks weren't that decructive back then. Of course, Sirius has been sending more of his Dark Sombras to cause trouble in the city," Satan says.

"And this is what we have to discuss, with Sirius spreading his dark magic around the Pride Ring, it will be a matter of time before he escapes from his prison and will cause more harm around Hell and will turn more demons into his dark masked minions," Lucifer says.

Then Satan sighs, "And he has one specific target. Sirius is targeting the young hybrid girl and with assistance of a hired assassin, he was able to place his mark. Luckily, it was already taken care of, but I suspect that he'll take more drastic measures if nothing is done about it."

"Hmm, you seem to know a lot about what's been happening, especially with the hybrid girl," Valentino says.

Satan slowly turns his head to hear him speak up. Honestly, he was hoping not to hear much, but since he has interacted with Phoenix before, it's concerning if he finds out about who she is.

Satan sighs and says, "Yes. I know about the situation with the hybrid girl more than anyone. And I must confess, I've been keeping a very important secret about my personal life for over eighteen years, only a handful that I've told, others have already figured out from their contact with the hybrid girl. I want you all to listen as this will not be repeatedly. What I'm about to tell you is the absolute truth..."

Back at the training grounds, Conan and Phoenix continue to practice their fighting skills and to fight hard and skillfully. Phoenix is able to spin kick at Conan and he falls to the ground. Phoenix then stands on her feet after the trick.

Phoenix takes deep breaths and says, "Boy, that was a tough workout."

"Yeah," Conan says, and slits up.

He rubs his lower jaw, "You sure know how to kick hard."

"Thanks. And it shows that all that training comes in handy," Phoenix says.

Then chuckles and says, "Some of them would have been good for my karate tournaments."

"I think you would have destroyed them," Grace says.

Phoenix then asks, "Hey guys, so when exactly Cloud is going to come back. I know he's going to be back tomorrow, but I can't help but wonder what he's doing."

"I'm sure he's fine. He just has some important work and he won't be back for a while," Grace says.

"I guess you're right," Phoenix.

Suddenly, Kyuubi's ears begin to move around a bit, and sniffs around the area. Kyuubi begins running around as she lets out a growl, as he looks around.

Phoenix asks, "What's wrong, Kyuubi?"

Conan and Grace soon look around to sense something as well.

"Do you sense it too?" Grace questions.

"Yeah. I think we're not alone," Conan says.

Just then, they begin to hear a horrifying hissing sound, causing everyone to look around the area with serious looks on their faces. Phoenix grips her sword as she observes the area. Grace also has her fan, and Kyubbi is also ready to fight back if necessary.

Conan says, "Be ready to attack if someone approaches."

Phoenix and Grace nod their heads in reply.

Soon enough, coming out of the bushes, is a snake-like creature that has a dark body with some red colors on the tail, and glowing red eyes. What's more, it's wearing a familiar mask, and the tail is very long.

Phoenix mutters, "Fuck, it's a Dark Sombra."

"And it's a big one," Conan softly says.

Just then, they hear a loud screeching sound, causing the group, especially Conan and Kyuubi to cover their ears in pain.

"What the fuck was that?!" Conan exclaims.

Grace looks up to see a giant black bird-like creature, and it's wearing a familiar mask with red eyes, and seems to have a female figure.

"It's another Dark Sombra," Grace says, sternly.

Conan turns his head and calls out, "Shit!"

Phoenix and Grace quickly dodge something that slams to the ground and creates a small crater. Then something flies out and has been caught by a dark hand. The four look up at the roof to see another female figure Dark Sombra and this one is holding black and red color balls, and they're glowing.

"And it appears we have another one," Phoenix says.

Next, a pair of Dark Sombras and they each have long tails, and they both have an arm linked together with the other. What's more, their tails are attached together.

"And it looks like we got two more. Well, two in one anyway," Phoenix says.

Lastly, they hear a loud howling sound. Followed by a growling sound. The group turn behind them to see a rather large wolf-like creature with glowing red eyes with white pupils in the middle, and it has a crescent mark on the mask.

"And another one," Phoenix says.

Kyuubi stands beside Phoenix and growls at the wolf like Dark Sombra with anger.

Soon, the group find themselves surrounded by five different types of Dark Sombras, and are ready to kill. Phoenix and the others stand with their weapons at hand. Of course, this is going to be difficult especially with Cloud isn't around to help even the odds. The three students and the little fox are on their own.

At the Hellfire Conference, Satan says, "Over eighteen years ago, I went to the human world and met a human woman who I ended up married to. Then we had a child. I had her stay in the human world with her mother to keep her protective and to have a normal life. That child's name was Phoenix Magne, the hybrid girl that was sighted at Pentagram City, Phoenix is my daughter."

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