"Tabitha!"

My lips thinned when I heard his voice again yet I brushed it off and continued hanging the clothes I just finished washing.

It's a fine day but what the hell is he doing here again?!

"Tabitha! Tabitha!"

I squinted my eyes when his voice went louder and louder until I felt his demonic aura behind me.

"What is it now, Yosuke?" I asked calmly and turned around meeting his deep, red eyes.

Tyler and Kurama appeared beside him with their usual smiles. They're wearing yet again those scarlet red overtunic I made them when I was still living in Demon Realm. They even matched it with knee-high leather boots.

"How dare you address her just by her name, Yosuke!" Kurama hissed, biffing Yosuke's head.

"I'm sorry. I just can't help it! Her blood really smells good," Yosuke snickered so he got poked again.

"All right, all right!" He whined caressing his head. He then looked back at me with his normal eyes. "I'm sorry, milady."

"Are you ready for your last mission, milady?" Tyler asked and I shook my head.

"I told you I'm not going!" I scoffed and turned my back against them.

"But you have to, milady! The Rulers have already decided and you must go or else you're going to be punished," Kurama argued and I shook my head once again.

"They've been punishing me since the I day I was born. What could go worse and I just don't understand, why it has to be me?! There are a lot of tamers back in Demon Realm. They can handle him for sure. My mom is sick and I can't leave her, all right?!"

I couldn't hide the frustration in my voice. I heard them sigh.

"Just please tell us when you're ready," Kurama walked beside me and handed me a memo. I only looked at it and then averted my gaze elsewhere.

He was a little breathless when he bent down and place the memo above the dried clothes beside me.

"Just call us anytime, milady," Tyler whispered and just that, they disappeared into thin air.

I hissed in vexation, glancing at the memo Kurama brought. I didn't bother reading what's written inside. They're sending same missive again and again. I can even relay the words backwards if I must.

Well, I should be proud and the great Rulers really took time to give me this piece of shit, right? I'm touched as heck!

I glanced at the mark on my wrist. θάνατος is a Greek word read as Thanatos which means death. This is my mark when they pronounced me as a tamer at the age of thirteen.

This shit almost cost me my life when I fought with my first descendant with some luck.

Those three are one of my tamed descendants.

Yosuke came from Libra's descendant. Tyler came from Pisces and Kurama came from Sagittarius.

I'm not even proud to say that I'm the one who tamed them and the rest eight descendants coming from different zodiacs and now I'm ought to go back to Aiden's realm, where they live, to complete the twelve of them.

Aiden is one of the Rulers who rules the Demon Realm, the place I used to live. Adonis, Aiden's brother, rules the Spirit Realm and lastly, Lelith, the ruler of the Human Realm.

I rolled my eyes, took the memo and went inside the house. I gasped when my mom emerged beside the door and as if on a cue, I immediately hid the memo behind me.

"You don't have to hide that," she said in a soft voice. "I saw them."

Mom placed a hand on my shoulder and smiled. "You know your duty in the Demon Realm and you must fulfill it."

I gobbled with rage. "But I can't leave, mom! I can't leave you especially with your condition right now."

Anytime, you could die.

She smiled and caressed my cheek with her soft, warm hand.

"I'll be fine. I'll be here when you get back. Everyone's lives depend on you."

I bit my lip as I eyed mom's thin body.

Yeah! Damn that everyone. It's been thousands of years since that incident happened--the day when the descendants loss control of themselves and invaded the human realm.

They went berserk and killed thousands of human beings. Aiden, together with the two other rulers, searched for a way to stop the chaos and that's by taming them; that's why descendant tamers are created.

With a little bit of concern, I have left for humanity, I've decided to follow what mom wishes.

She helped me pack the things I'll be needing in hell and waited with me for Kurama's return inside our small house which was located in the middle of our family barn.

"I'll be back shortly. Got that, mom?"
She nodded and I hugged her.

"Take care, okay? Don't let those descendants defeat you!" She cheered.

"Losing is not on my terms and besides, this will be my last mission so there's no way I would lose," I winked at her before walking towards Kurama who's already standing behind me.

"Goodbye, my child," she mouthed and waved me goodbye.

"Goodbye, mom," I mouthed back before a blinding light devoured us from below.

"Your decision is perfect, milady," Kurama beamed.

"You don't have any idea how hard this decision is," I scoffed as I was heaving deep breaths when the enormous gate of the Demon Realm materialized in front of us.

It's been a while since the last time I came here but it seems like nothing has changed.

To clear some things, the Demon Realm isn't a place where monsters live. It's actually just a place for underworld creatures which looks exactly like human beings but with supernatural powers.

The gate opened and we entered. This place looks ordinary--just similar to the human world--like New York, to be exact: buildings, ports, and there's even a River located near the Center of this city-like place which is similar to Hudson River.

I know this sounds ironic, but demons don't have horns. They don't look like scary monsters either. In fact, they looked very innocent and kind. They used to be angels though.

There's a saying which says, "demons aren't born, they were made," and that, my friend, is true.

Everyone looked at me as Kurama and I walked through the streets towards the house I used to live.

"Why the heck didn't you just teleport us to my house, huh?!" I hissed, trying to avoid the malicious look the crowd is throwing at me.

These folks used to idolize me since I'm the rank 1 and on top of that, an S-class tamer, but then I ran away, neglecting my responsibilities.

"I'm so sorry, milady, but we really have to pass through the gates. That's the rule, remember?" Kurama mooed.

"Ah--yeah." My lips twisted.

"Oh! She's is finally here!!"

I saw Yosuke running towards me, the moment I entered the house, and gave me a tight hug.

"You really smell good, milady! Can you please let me taste your blood--and aww that hurts!"

Yosuke yelped when Ryuu smacked him in the head.

"How many times do we have to tell you to stay away from her?!" Tyler groaned and I chuckled.

They aren't from the same zodiac but they became really close with each other since the day I tamed them.

I mentally smiled. It's been a while since I've seen them complete, too. They did a good job by taking care of themselves even without me around.

Scott, the youngest, came from Aries' descendant followed by Kevin, from Taurus. Ten, from Gemini. Heie, from Cancer. Chad, from Leo. Greg, from Virgo. Yosuke, from Libra.

Lee, from Scorpio. Kurama, from Sagittarius. Ryuu, from Capricorn and Tyler from Pisces. So more likely, I'm taming Aquarius this time.

I'm supposed to tame Aquarius before Pisces but then something happened which I don't know and I don't care.

"We're glad you came back, milady." Lee sheepishly welcomed me. He's the most innocent one among them though he's one of the eldest.

"I wish I feel the same." I answered.

I could see the disappointment plastered on their faces which made me feel a little ashamed of myself.

They've always been so loyal to me since then even though I kept on pushing them away. I kept reminding them how much I hated this place and even the thought of it already makes my blood boil and since I'm here, they should have known how I'll react already.

"Your mother, thy highness, Lelith, wants to see you right away, milady." Greg spoke, breaking the awkward silence. "She's already waiting for you together with the other rulers."

"She's not and will never be my mother, Greg." I corrected, shooting him a glare before turning away.

"I have to change my clothes first and..." I turned to them. "Behave yourselves when we get there especially you, Yosuke!"

"Why me?" His eyes grew in circles, pooching his lips out.

"And stop acting cute. You're giving me goosebumps!"

"AHAHAHAHA damn! You really do look scary, Yosuke!" Chad chortled, teasing Yosuke.

"And that goes to you, too, Chad." I remarked.

"HAHA--I'm sorry, milady."

I mentally laughed. They're still goofy as ever. "Take care of the kids for a while, Kurama."

"Yes, milady."

I turned towards my room and changed my clothing into my usual attire I'm wearing in my battles.

"Black and red crusader surcoat really looks good on me though." I muttered as I eyed myself in the mirror.

"Your mother, thy highness, Lelith, wants to see you right away, milady."

I made an exasperated grimace when I remembered what Greg said.

That woman is not my mother! Never was, never will.

My lips curled into a frown without me willing the motion.

I never even remembered her showing even a bit of care for me and is the reason why I'm stuck with this oh-so-called duty which I never wanted to begin with. And because I'm her "daughter", standards and expectations are set for me to reach.

"What a drag!" I hissed, took my sword and sprinted out my room.

"Let's go now. C'mon!" I snorted and was about to head towards the exit when I noticed them not moving at all.

They're just standing in the living room, staring at me like statues.

"The heck are you guys up to?!" I exclaimed which snapped them back into reality.

Yosuke covered his mouth and batted his eyes as if he's going to cry.

"The way how you look right now is so nostalgic, I just want to cry. We missed you so much ahhh!" He moaned between soft sobs.

My lips parted. "What on earth are you guys been doing all this time?!" I looked at Kurama. "Is he eating properly?"

"A-ah yes, milady." Kurama stuttered and elbowed Yosuke's waist.

"I'm sorry it's just that--"

"Oh please!" Ryuu snorted and dragged him behind the others.

I mentally chuckled. Yosuke has always been the closest to me. I never even tamed him to begin with. He willingly surrendered himself and stayed with me all the time, that's when I left, he almost lost himself and created chaos here in Demon Realm which left Aiden with no choice but to let him enter the human realm, so could pay me a visit anytime he wants.

"Will you stop crying?! You'll make her mad!" Tyler groaned.

"Goodness!" Scott hissed when Yosuke reached his hand out, signaling to give him a handkerchief.

"Hmm... whatever. Can we just go to the Center right now?"

Kevin raised his hand. "Should I just teleport everyone in there?"

"Uhm..." I tapped my chin. "Can we just walk? I kinda feel like checking this place for a moment. What do you guys say?"

"We'd love that!!" Lee agreed and I smiled. I could see the happiness in their eyes.

They must have really missed me.

As we were walking through the streets, I could feel the captious eyes of the many measuring my existence.

"She's that tamer, right?! Why is she back?!"

"Is she still even allowed in here after what she's done?!"

"What an ungrateful being!"

"Yeah! She should be ashamed!"

I remained unmoved, passing through those pieces of shits like a boss with eleven god-looking descendants following me.

"Can I just break their necks? I'll be right back in a second."

"Oops! Hold your horses!" Ten grabbed Yosuke's collar before he could even attack them and dragged him beside me.

"Can you behave yourself?!" Kevin said indignantly.

"But did you hear what they just said to Tabitha?! Damn I can't just let them slide!"

"Just let them be, Yosuke." I whispered. "We don't interact with low-class beings."

"Ohh~" he grinned. "That's shady and I like it."

"Perhaps," I said. "Now, be quiet before you cause us any trouble and when we get in there, never leave Kurama's side. Got that?"

"Copy!" He raised a thumb up and we continued walking.

We turned right at the bottom into the Bottomless Street.

This might have been a dangerous route for weak tamers since all kinds of ruffians who once got away with their crimes, bred among the heaths.

"Uhm... May I know what are we doing here?" Greg scooted near me a little.

"I'm visiting an old friend."

"Oh!"

We passed through a filthy, narrow street and a right turn took us to a wider street. I stopped abruptly when I saw him outside an old yet neat-looking house, causing Heie to bump himself into my back.

I heard him curse and I almost chuckle. Heie is hot-headed and really had a big attitude for his height. He's an inch shorter than me to think that I'm only 5'4.

"Oh, I'm so sorry, milady." He immediately apologized when he realized it was me, he bumped into, but I wasn't able to answer him.

My eyes were locked at the man, cleaning his small backyard. He's only wearing a red loose shirt and a red pajama like a normal person.

"Why is he even here?" I asked in a soft tone.

"Since you left, he never stepped inside the Center neither in the Spirit Realm ever again. He blamed himself and cursed thy highness, Lelith, when he found out what happened." Kurama intoned.

All of the sudden, my conscience hit me. Before I left, I did blame him to why I became a tamer, but I know he's never at fault. It was just me being stupid enough for hurting him even though he's the only person who accepted and loved me for who I am.

I raised my eyes and gasped when I saw him already staring at me. He's rather surprised or sad when he ran towards my direction and pulled me into a tight hug.

"It's you! It really is you!" He cried.

I could feel his shoulders moving and his warm tears misting my back.

"W-Where have you been all this time? I looked for you everywhere, but you blocked all the connections we have!"

I caressed his back before returning his embrace.

"It's okay now. I'm back." I whispered. He pulled himself to look at me and I almost laughed.

He looked so damn broke with his tears ruining his face but then again, this guy is Carter: the god of love annndddd my brother.

"Will you stop crying? You're a god for heaven's sake! And what in the world are you doing here?!"

"You lived here and I don't wanna go back to the Spirit Realm. Lelith usually stays there."

I sighed. "Well, I'm going to see her now in the Center," I paused, pressing my lips together. "To complete my last mission as a tamer."

"Last mission?" He repeated. He eyed Yosuke and the others as if he's counting. "Yeah... You only have last one to tame and you can leave this place for good."

His voice went down but then suddenly looked at me with a wide smile.

"But then I can go visit you in the Human Realm, right?!"

"Of course. I'm never gonna shut you down again."

"Well, then I'll go with you to meet Lelith and I supposed, the other rulers are also there?"

"More like yes!" I rolled my eyes.

"Then wait here! I'll go get dressed."

Carter wiped his face and ran inside the house.

"Are you, two, really siblings?" I heard Heie mumble.

"What the heck, Heie!"

The rest of them exclaimed and I chuckled.

I heard that a lot. Carter and I are so close we oftentimes got questioned for being lovers. He's not just a brother but also a best friend. We're really close despite the fact that he's a god and I'm a tamer.

It only took him a couple of minutes to step out with his blonde, curly hair which already reached his broad shoulders and his eyes seems to be gotten bluer than before and--"why the heck are you wearing human clothing?!"

I asked as soon as he stopped in front of us.

"What? What's wrong with it? It suits me well, you know."

I covered my mouth as I measured him with my stare. He's wearing Christian Dior Atelier quilted overshirt, Dior track pants and I don't know what brand his shoes are but--hell no!

"Well... Shall we go now?" He looked at the others and placed his arms around my shoulders.

"I swear to the heavens and hell, I don't like him." I heard Yosuke whimpered.

"Shut up!"

Scott dragged him away from me and placed him at the back as we traced the streets towards the Center.

We just had a normal conversation until we reached the two divided gates which led inside Aiden's realm: The Center.

"Welcome home, daughter of Lelith," said the two 8-foot-tall gate keepers who emerged from the two dark part of the corners.

"Is that even necessary?!" I scoffed.

I could feel my stomach lurched and my mood nose-dived when they opened the door and miasma lingered through my nostrils.

"The scent of death." I whimpered as I took small steps in.

The doors closed the moment we entered.

"Woah!" I gasped when a black wisp came to greet me.

It was just inches away from my face so I could clearly see its terrifying yet adorable face devoured by black flame.

"You have to continue all by yourself from here."

Its soft voice sent chills to my body as I agreed with a nod.

"No! I have to go with her." Carter insisted.

"My apologies, god of love, but your sister's duty is nothing to do with you."

Carter's brows met and took a step closer towards the wisp.

"YES. IT. DOES!" He argued, stressing each word. "She's my sister and I'm gonna come with her whether you like it or not!"

"It's your mother, Lelith's, command."

"How dare you go against me--"

I held Carter's arm to stop him. He looked at me and I shook my head.

"But--"

"Let me handle this. I'll be fine." I cut him off.

Carter let out a long-exasperated sigh. "Just wait with them here. I'll be back shortly."

I eyed Kurama and Ryuu. "As you usual. You, two, are in charge."

They bowed. "Yes, milady."

"Geez!" Carter groaned and face the wisp. "Then do me a favor and tell Lelith I have a bone to pick with her after this."

"As you wish, god of love."

I left, following the wisp into a very wide corridor and suddenly stopped as my unbound hair fell forward.

"Do I really have to do this?!" The more rational part of my brain shrieked.

I know for sure that the moment I enter the counsel, there's no turning back and death is a great possibility if I lose against the last descendant.

On the other hand, if I stop here, they will only let me be on-the-loose for a moment.

Either way, it will cost me my life as I have only been given this last chance to accept the job or I'll be annihilated.

Sick!

I drew a deep, exasperated breath and continued walking until I reached the edge of the corridor to where the rulers are waiting for me in their seats which almost reached the ceiling so, I had to look up.

Adonis sat in the middle. On his right, sat Lelith, and on his left, sat Aiden and behind him stood Spencer: Center's sorcerer and his right hand.

We're just of the same age but this guy just doesn't seem to grow old and he still looks like the same 13-year-old boy I used to mess up with before.

He was only staring blankly at me as if we've never known each other. Time do change people, ah?

"Welcome back," Lelith greeted.

I only gave her an annoying look and shifted my attention towards Aiden.

"So, what is it now, old geezer? You should tell me what to do and introduce me to this son of a beast."

Aiden raised his brows and a playful smirk curved on his lips.

"Eager are we, daughter of Lelith?" He teased and I rolled my eyes.

"It's more like daughter of Alexa," I corrected. "And I'm not here to discuss my family matters with you, Aiden. I came here to finish my job so, will you please cut the crap?"

He grinned and slowly stood up.

"Very well..." he turned towards Spencer, who suddenly emerged in front of me, and nodded. Spencer looked at me as he snap his fingers.

An image of an innocent man appeared before my very eyes, framed with black miasma.

"His name is Travis," Aiden started. "Aquarius's last descendant."

My brows met.

Did he just say last?

"So... If that's the case then why would I tame him?" I asked. "Descendants couldn't bear another descendant if they're tamed, am I right? Or am I correct?"

"Perhaps," Aiden looked down.

"Yes," Lelith confirmed. "A war happened between Aquarius descendants and the goddess of revenge and unfortunately, only one of them survived."

"Travis is a demigod just like you, child." Adonis added. "He's Jeffrey and Harley's only son."

My eyes squinted in confusion.

"Jeffrey is a human and Harley is the goddess of divine retribution and revenge..." I mumbled. "Then how did this Travis become a descendant? You clearly stated that he's a demigod, so how--"

"Harley left Travis with Hannah the day she gave birth to him as she could never accept him for Jeffrey left her with his true love, Josephine. Hannah, who dwells among the Aquarius descendants, took care of Travis as her own child until he grew up as a fine, young man." Adonis said and every word he's saying is projecting in the image I am looking at as if I'm watching a movie.

"But then, Harley came to take Travis back which made Hannah furious since Travis also chose Harley over her," he continued. "Determined to keep him, Hannah casted a spell on Travis, taking his demigod powers and locked him into the depths of despair."

"That's where we found him," Aiden said. "Which took us ten years since Hannah died and she sealed him out from everyone's reach."

"He's been living alone in that very dark place which pushed his will to survive using a bit of Hannah's powers he managed to steal before she could lock him up." Lelith continued.

"But as time passed by, he suddenly developed that power into something extraordinary. Hannah is an Aquarius descendant which made him one but then there's something more. Being locked in that place for a long time made him lose his human heart and a god at the same time and now he's somewhat a demon."

"He's the first of his kind and heaven knows what he's capable of doing," Aiden added.

"So you mean, you're making me tame neither a human, a god, a descendant but a demon with an unknown origin?! Are you people out of your mind?! I am clearly a descendant tamer! What the hell am I supposed to do with a creature like that?!"

"Tame him like what you do with the other descendants."

"Oh yeah? Why don't you do it by yourself, Aiden?!" I groaned, biting my lips. I glared at Lelith who's now looking down.

"How the hell can you make your own child as an experiment again, Lelith?! How can you be this heartless?!"

I bent to hide the misting tears in my eyes before looking back the that man's image. I drew a deep sigh and shot all of them a glare.

"If y'all will give me your word to let me and my mother go after this, then I will." I said, trying so hard not to let my voice break.

"We already know that's what you've always wanted." Adonis stood up. "In behalf of the three rulers, I, Adonis, vow to cut all your connections with the Demon Realm and the Spirit Realm the moment you tame the Aquarius last descendant. You have our word as gods!"

"Very well." I remarked and turned my back against them.

"Wait for me, mother..."