Bright Light || Episode 6 "The White Clown"

  Denji slowly woke up, the morning sun filtering through the curtains. He stumbled to the bathroom, his mind still hazy. After brushing his teeth and splashing cold water on his face, he took a refreshing bath to shake off the remnants of sleep. Once dressed in a simple shirt and a black jacket that hung loosely on him, he stepped out of his room, ready to face the day.

  Time Skip

  Denji and Aki arrived at a crime scene, the air thick with tension. H.G.O. patrol members and Japanese police officers stood vigilantly around the perimeter, their expressions serious as they guarded the area. The remnants of chaos lay before them: a battered house where a fiend was reportedly holed up. Aki nodded toward the entrance, signaling for Denji to follow him inside.

  Denji, glancing around at the grim surroundings, turned to Aki with curiosity. "Hey, Aki, what exactly is a fiend?"

  Aki gave Denji a sidelong glance, slightly surprised by the question but keeping his tone steady."A fiend is a devil that's taken over a human corpse. They're not as strong as devils in their true forms, but they're still dangerous enough to cause a mess if they go unchecked."Denji tilted his head, intrigued. "So it's like a devil's wearing a human as a disguise?"

  Aki nodded, his gaze fixed on the house ahead. "In a way, yes. But it's not like they're pretending to be human. Fiends will retain most of their traits when they inhabit a human body. That makes them reckless, which can be deadly in a crowded area."

  "Got it. Sounds like fun." Denji grinned, eager for the action ahead. They both pushed forward through the crowd, moving closer to the house. The atmosphere grew tense as they approached, with each step amplifying the weight of what awaited them inside.

  As Denji and Aki climbed the creaky staircase, the faint sound of crunching echoed through the air, a grotesque reminder of the danger lurking within. They exchanged uneasy glances before Aki pushed the door open, revealing a dimly lit room. Inside, they found the fiend hunched over in a corner, its gaunt figure illuminated by a slant of sunlight. The fiend was tearing into a small bird, feathers scattering across the floor as it devoured its meal with ravenous hunger. Its eyes, hollow and predatory, flicked up to meet Denji and Aki's gaze, a glint of madness reflecting in them.

  Denji wrinkled his nose at the sight, a mix of disgust and intrigue flooding his senses. "Ew... That's one nasty breakfast."

  Aki's expression hardened, the tension palpable. "Stay focused, Denji. This is why we're here. Let's take it down quickly."

  The fiend looked up, its blood-stained mouth curving into a malicious smile as it realized it had company. Its eyes gleamed with predatory excitement, and it dropped the remains of the bird, the crunch echoing through the silence of the room. Cackling, the fiend sneered, "More meat! I was getting tired of this little snack!"

  Without hesitation, the fiend lunged toward them, its movements erratic and wild, fueled by the instinct to hunt. Aki stepped in front of Denji, drawing his weapon with precision as he prepared to confront the fiend. "Get ready, Denji! We'll take it down together!"

  Denji tightened his grip on his weapons, adrenaline pumping through him as he prepared to engage the fiend in battle. The fiend let out a guttural growl, its face contorted in rage as it lunged forward, claws extended and eyes blazing with fury. "Raaahh!" The fiend's roar was abruptly cut off as Denji swung his axe with fierce precision, slicing cleanly through its neck. The fiend's head tumbled to the ground, its grotesque features frozen in surprise before it slumped lifelessly to the floor.

  Denji shrugged, strolling over to a nearby table cluttered with random items. He grabbed a tissue, noticing a bottle of lotion sitting beside it, and casually wiped the splattered blood from his face. His expression showed only mild disappointment.

  "Was that it?" he muttered, tossing the bloody tissue aside. "Didn't even put up a fight."

  Aki glanced at him with a smirk, arms crossed. "You were expecting something more... intense?"

  Denji grinned, slipping the axe back over his shoulder. "Just thought fiends would be tougher, y'know? Almost feel sorry for 'em."

  Aki glanced at Denji with mild approval. "Guess you're not just all talk. Quick work."

  Denji grinned, proud of his swift victory. "Easy job, right? Thought fiends would be more... I dunno, scary?" Aki nodded, though his expression remained serious.

  "They can be. This one was sloppy. Next time, don't let your guard down. You won't always get a weak one." Denji smirked, but there was a glint of determination in his eyes as he realized he'd have to keep up his strength for the battles ahead.

  As Denji surveyed the room, his nose wrinkled at the overwhelming scent of blood mixed with something else—an unsettling combination of decay and neglect. The space was a chaotic mess, cluttered with unkempt belongings and stains that definitely weren't from blood. His eyes landed on an old TV flickering in the corner, but what truly caught his attention were the adult movies and magazines strewn across the floor, their covers boldly displayed.

  Glancing at Aki, who appeared uninterested and focused on the task at hand, Denji's curiosity piqued. "Hey, Aki," Denji said, a mischievous grin spreading across his face. "You go ahead and report this to the cops. I'll check things out a bit more."

  Aki raised an eyebrow but didn't question Denji, figuring it was better not to ask. "Alright, but make it quick. I'll let them know the fiend's been handled," he said, turning to leave the room.

  Denji, left alone, took a quick look around, his eyes glued to the stack of magazines. "Man, this guy had some taste," he muttered with a smirk, sifting through the pile. Denji chuckled, giving the fiend's lifeless body a casual nod. "Consider it payment for services rendered, buddy," he said with a sly grin. He grabbed a couple of magazines and a few DVDs, stuffing them into his jacket pockets. With one last glance around the room, he muttered, "Guess you won't be needing any of this where you're going." Leaving the fiend's corpse behind, Denji wandered through the messy room, his mind drifting to thoughts that had nothing to do with devil hunting. He picked up one of the adult magazines, the glossy cover catching his eye. The model on the front was striking, her figure accentuated in a way that made Denji's attention linger.

  "Man, I wish I could have a girlfriend like the ones in these magazines," he muttered to himself, flipping through the pages absentmindedly. The more he looked, the more he found himself captivated. "Wow, she looks so pretty..." Denji plops down on the stairs, the weight of the day's chaos momentarily forgotten as he flips through the magazine. He gazes at the smiling girl on the cover, her bright eyes and playful expression capturing his attention.

  "Man," he sighs, resting his chin on his hand, "if only real girls were like this. What's it like to have someone look at you like that?" He leans back against the cool wall, lost in thought, imagining a world where he could have those perfect moments, filled with laughter and connection. "I mean, I've got my life now, but... a girlfriend would be nice."

  Shaking his head to clear his thoughts, he mutters to himself, "Focus, Denji. You're a devil hunter. Gotta keep it together." But the magazine lies open in his lap, and he can't help but glance back at the vibrant images, a wistful smile creeping onto his face. Denji chuckles softly, feeling the steady beat of his heart beneath his hand—a reminder of Pochita's presence. "Man, if only you were here to see all this, Pochita," he murmurs, thinking back to their simple dreams together. "I've got better food, a way better place to stay, and I even get to talk to someone like Makima... yeah, life's kinda awesome now." But his smile fades as he sighs.

  "Still... it'd be nice to have someone special, y'know? Feels like something's missing, no matter how good things get." He scratches his head, looking down at the magazine. "And I bet Lex would know what to do. A guy with a face like that must have all the tricks to talk to girls." He gives a quiet laugh at the thought, feeling a little lighter. "Guess I'll just have to keep trying, huh, Pochita?" Denji's shoulders slump as he stares off, a deep loneliness settling over him. "Man, it feels... really empty without you, Pochita,"

  he mutters, his voice barely above a whisper. "Sometimes I just wish I could talk to you, y'know? Freely. Without feeling like I'm going nuts or sinking back into that old, dark place." He lets out a heavy sigh, the weight of his words lingering in the quiet. "I got everything I wanted, but... still feels like something's missing. Like you're supposed to be here, seeing all of this with me." He closes his eyes, taking a moment to just feel the heartbeat in his chest. "Guess I just gotta keep going," he says quietly. "Keep living the life we dreamed of, even if it feels a little empty sometimes."

  "Maybe I need to set my sights higher. I'm talking about a real goal—something that makes all this devil hunting worth it. If I can turn my life around, then maybe, just maybe, I can snag a girlfriend too, right? I mean, I've got better food, a cozy place to crash, and I even get to talk to someone like Makima. But if my life could get even better... that would be something special."

  He pauses, a grin creeping onto his face as he imagines what it would be like to have someone by his side, someone who looks at him with the same warmth as the girls in those magazines. "Yeah, if I'm aiming for the stars, why not? Who says I can't dream big? With a life like this, I should be able to charm someone into being with me. Gotta put myself out there, you know? Just gotta figure out how."

  A chuckle escapes him as he thinks of Lex, that guy who practically oozes confidence. "Seriously, how does he do it?" Denji muses, shaking his head with a grin. Lex had this uncanny ability to light up any room, strutting around like he owned the place, effortlessly charming everyone with that flashy smile and carefree attitude. "If I had even half of that swagger, I might just have a shot at getting a girlfriend." The thought fills him with a mix of admiration and envy, sparking a flicker of motivation in Denji's chest as he opens the door leading outside of the house.

  Time skip to Makima's office.

  The air inside was thick with an enigmatic tension, the kind that always seemed to surround her. Denji and Aki stepped through the door, the muted sounds of the bustling world outside fading into the background. Denji, still riding the high of his newfound resolve, exchanged a quick glance with Aki, whose expression remained as stoic as ever.

  As they approached her desk, Denji felt a surge of anticipation. Makima's calm, almost predatory gaze settled on them, her piercing eyes reflecting an unsettling mix of authority and intrigue. The way she held herself, poised and collected, made Denji's heart race—partially from nerves, and partially from the thrill of being in her presence. "Welcome back," she said, her voice smooth and measured, sending a ripple of expectation through the room.

  Makima with a soft smile on her face, glancing between them "So, how did the mission go?"

  as Aki standing formally "Denji handled it well. The fiend was exterminated without issue."

  Denji grin on his face, a little too proud "Yeah, piece of cake!"

  Makima's smile widens slightly "Good to hear, Denji. You've adapted quickly." She pauses, her eyes narrowing slightly in a thoughtful way. "Actually, I thought it was time you met someone who will be... joining your team." She motions toward the door, and a moment later, a figure bursts into the room with zero regard for introductions.

  The figure's voice is loud and dramatic "I am Power, the greatest of all devils!" She makes a flamboyant pose, her red horns standing out against her messy, unkempt hair. Denji's eyes widen as he takes in the loud, wild girl in front of him, who looks nothing like he expected. Power's presence is chaotic; she's proudly arrogant, her eyes gleaming with mischief. There's a strange mix of childishness and menace about her as she throws herself into a chair without waiting for an invitation.

  as Power is currently leaning back with a satisfied grin "I've come to join the ranks of the weaklings! Isn't it glorious?"

  Denji exchanges a bewildered look with Aki, processing the unexpected new addition to their team. He can't help but feel a mix of excitement and concern at the chaotic energy Power brings.

  Aki cross his arms, a frown deepening on his face "Miss Makima, are you sure letting a fiend on our team is allowed?"

  Makima's expression remains calm, but there's a glimmer of something inscrutable in her eyes as she regards Aki. Denji watches the exchange, still trying to wrap his head around Power's boisterous demeanor. Makima maintains her composure "Power has proven herself valuable in the past. Her abilities can be an asset, and I believe she will adapt to our methods. Besides, it's important for our team to have diverse strengths."

  Power interrupts, her voice brimming with enthusiasm "Diverse strengths? You mean my strength! I can crush anything in my way!" She flexes her arms, trying to look intimidating but comes off more comically childish.

  Aki narrows his eyes at Power, unimpressed by her bravado. Denji feels a rush of energy at Power's confidence, finding it oddly refreshing compared to the more serious atmosphere he's used to with Aki.

  Aki sigh's, running a hand through his hair "Just keep in mind that we're all counting on each other. I won't let a fiend put us in danger."

  Makima's tone firm but soothing "I trust Power to follow our guidelines. As long as she understands the stakes, she will be a part of this team."

  Denji, feeling the tension, decides to chime in, eager to lighten the mood.

  Denji with a grin "Come on, Aki! It'll be fun! If she can crush stuff, that's exactly what we need!"

  Power grins, her eyes sparkling with mischief at Denji's support "See? At least someone understands greatness when they see it!"

  Aki rolls his eyes, clearly still skeptical, but there's a hint of a smile at the corners of his mouth as he shakes his head. "Let's just hope your idea of 'fun' doesn't get us all killed."

  Time skip.

  Denji and Power stood on the rooftops, the city sprawled out beneath them, a tapestry of chaos and noise. The sun dipped low in the sky, casting long shadows across the streets.

  Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.

  Denji glanced at Power, her distinct red horns jutting out from her head, clearly making her stand out in any crowd. It was a good call to patrol up here, away from prying eyes. "Makima said to keep a low profile," Denji remarked, shifting his weight from one foot to the other.

  Power huffed, crossing her arms defiantly. "Tch, I don't care about those stupid humans! They can't even compare to my power!" She peered over the edge of the rooftop, her eyes scanning the streets below. Denji chuckled, "Yeah, but you'd still rather not have them after us, right? I mean, they might not see it that way." Power glared at him, her impatience showing. "Whatever! Let's just find something to do. I'm bored!"

  Denji and Power perched on the edge of a rooftop, the city sprawling beneath them. The sun cast a warm glow over the buildings, and a gentle breeze rustled through Power's long hair, making her red horns stand out even more against the blue sky. Denji leaned forward, peering down at the bustling streets below. The city was alive with the sounds of traffic and distant chatter, but from his vantage point, everything seemed pretty safe and ordinary. "Alright, but that's going to take a while," he said, crossing his arms and sighing. "I mean, look at this place. Nothing's happening down there."

  Power, sitting cross-legged beside him, shifted impatiently, her eyes darting around as if waiting for something interesting to happen. "This is so boring! We should be out there hunting devils, not hiding like cowards!" She puffed out her cheeks in frustration, clearly itching for action.

  Denji watched Power's enthusiasm with a mixture of amusement and caution. He knew that her eagerness could lead to trouble, especially with how unpredictable she could be.

  "Come on, Power! We just started! Plus, you're not exactly stealthy with those horns sticking out. We need to lay low for a bit," he said, grinning. Power rolled her eyes, clearly unconvinced by Denji's logic.

  She kicked her legs back and forth, her red horns catching the sunlight in a way that almost made them glow. "Hiding is for weaklings! If I wanted to sit around, I'd go take a nap! Let's find a devil to crush! I want to taste some blood!"

  Denji watched Power's eagerness, sighing as he considered her words. There's a certain thrill in the idea of hunting devils, but he couldn't ignore the risks. "I get it, but we have to be smart about it. Remember, we're a team now. We look out for each other. Besides, I'm not ready to get kicked out of the H.G.O. because you wanted to go on a blood rampage."

  As they continued their discussion, the city hummed below them, a mix of bustling activity and distant sounds.

  Denji tilted his head back, enjoying the warmth of the sun, while Power fidgeted beside him, clearly not satisfied with their current situation. "You're such a wimp, Denji! All this talk about being careful is so boring! We should be out there making a name for ourselves!"

  Suddenly, Power's expression sharpened, her nose twitching slightly. She lifted her head, sniffing the air like a predator catching the scent of prey. "Wait! I smell blood!"

  Denji raised an eyebrow, intrigued but cautious. "Blood? Are you sure? I don't smell anything like that." He leaned closer to her, trying to catch a whiff, but all he picked up was the rich aroma of street food wafting from a vendor below. His stomach growled, a stark reminder of his earlier hunger. "I just smell... food. Like someone's grilling something. I'm starving!"

  Power's eyes narrowed, her expression intense as she continued to sniff the air. The bustling city below seemed to fade away as she focused on the scent that had caught her attention. "No, Denji! This is different! It's fresh blood! I can feel it! There's definitely something going on down there!"

  Denji glanced back at the streets, trying to discern anything unusual amidst the afternoon bustle. His curiosity piqued, he turned back to Power, who was practically vibrating with excitement. "You really think it's a devil? Or maybe just some punk who got into a fight?" Denji asked.

  "It has to be a devil! No human blood would make me feel like this!" Power exclaimed, practically bouncing in her spot, her excitement infectious despite Denji's hesitations.

  "Okay, but we need to be smart about this. We don't know what kind of devil we're dealing with. If it's strong, we can't just rush in without a plan." But as soon as Denji finished speaking, he caught sight of Power already darting away, her red horns bobbing as she sprinted across the rooftop. "Hey! Wait up!" he shouted, disbelief etched on his face. He quickly took off after her, knowing all too well how troublesome her impulsiveness could be.

  Denji's heart raced as he pushed himself to catch up, leaping across the gaps between the buildings. "You can't just go charging in like that!" he called out, urgency in his voice. "What if you attract too much attention?"

  Power glanced back at him, her expression a mix of excitement and defiance. "I don't care! If there's something to fight, I want to find it!"

  Denji felt a familiar mixture of exasperation and amusement as he pushed his legs harder, trying to close the distance. "Great! Just great! Now I have to keep you out of trouble too!" Denji finally caught up with Power as they reached the edge of another rooftop, his heart pounding from the effort. He grabbed her arm, trying to pull her back from the ledge as she leaned forward, eager to dive into the chaos below. "Wait, Power!" he gritted his teeth, feeling the tension in her muscles as she resisted. "We need to be careful!"

  Power glared at him, her competitive spirit flaring. "Let go!"

  Sudden change of Location

  In the streets of Tokyo, the sun beats down on the bustling city, oblivious to the chaos about to unfold.

  Patrol Member 1 holds his radio, frowning as he scans the scene. One of the patrol members, a tall man with a scruffy beard, spoke urgently into his walkie-talkie. "This is Vich Norwegian, badge number C1247. We have a devil in sight. It looks like a big, uh... never mind. It looks slimy and kinda like a cucumber with fingers around it."

  He gestures vaguely at the creature before him—a grotesque, flailing Sea Cucumber Devil, its slimy body glistening in the afternoon light. It writhes on the ground, seemingly harmless but definitely a devil. As he looks at the cucumber-like devil, the patrol member tightens his grip on the walkie-talkie in his hand, uncertainty etched across his face.

  As Vich looks at the slimy creature squirming below, his brow furrowing in confusion. "What the hell is that thing?" he muttered to himself, glancing around at his fellow Patrol Member, who wore equally perplexed expressions.

  The cucumber-like devil slithered and writhed, its long fingers reaching out as if testing the air. It shimmered.

  Patrol Member 2: peering closely, a look of confusion on his face "Um, I'm not sure how it got here, but it seems harmless. Should we really be doing anything about it?"

  Patrol Member 1/Vich: rolling his eyes "Hey, just shoot it again. We can't take any chances."

  Patrol Member 2: "Uh, alright..." hesitant but complies, raising his firearm.

  With a hesitant squeeze of the trigger, a bullet finds its mark, and the Sea Cucumber Devil lets out a squelching noise as blood oozes from its body, a thick, viscous liquid pooling on the pavement.

  Patrol Member 1: grimacing at the sight "Ew! That looks like yours, man!"

  Patrol Member 2: shaking his head, trying to dismiss the comparison "Nah, fuck no!"

  Suddenly, with a battle cry, Power comes crashing down from above, her massive blood hammer poised for attack. She swings it down with ferocious glee, smashing the Sea Cucumber Devil into the ground, sending a shower of its thick blood splattering across the patrol members, walls, and pavement.

  Power: laughing maniacally, covered in the devil's blood, her eyes wide with excitement "Behold the glory of my power! Fear me, you pathetic humans!"

  The patrol members stand frozen in shock, their eyes wide as they stare at the scene of carnage unfolding before them. Power spins around, her laughter echoing in the air as she revels in the chaos, blood dripping from her arms and staining the pavement.

  Denji: watching from a safe distance on the rooftop, his heart racing "Shit, we're in big trouble..."

  The patrol members, now covered in gooey devil blood, exchange horrified glances as Power revels in her moment of victory. Her laughter echoes through the streets, a blend of joy and madness that sets Denji on edge.

  The scene shifted dramatically as the vibrant energy of the city was overshadowed by the arrival of H.G.O. disinfectors. They moved with a sense of urgency and precision, clad in white protective suits that contrasted starkly with the chaos they were about to clean up. Their faces were obscured by masks and goggles, but their determination was evident as they rushed toward the scene of the mayhem. Thick, glistening blood from the defeated Sea Cucumber Devil stained the pavement, creating a grim reminder of the battle that had just unfolded. The air was heavy with a metallic scent, and the murmurs of onlookers were drowned out by the sound of equipment clattering and hoses being uncoiled.

  A few H.G.O. members quickly cordoned off the area with bright orange tape, effectively closing it off to curious bystanders and ensuring the scene remained undisturbed. As the disinfectors got to work, they sprayed the ground with a foamy cleaning solution that bubbled and fizzed upon contact with the blood. Others meticulously scrubbed the pavement with heavy-duty brushes, their movements methodical and practiced. They worked efficiently, ensuring that no trace of the gruesome encounter remained.

  In the distance, the hum of engines signaled the arrival of more support vehicles, ready to assist in the cleanup and maintain order in the aftermath of the chaotic event. One disinfecting team, clad in bright yellow suits, quickly assesses the area, their expressions a mix of annoyance and determination. They pull out hoses and mops, immediately starting to clean up the splattered blood.

  Disinfector 1: grimacing as he sprays a powerful cleaning solution "I can't believe we're dealing with this again. Every time they bring in a new devil, it's always a mess!"

  Disinfector 2: wiping down a nearby wall "Tell me about it. Last week it was a giant fly devil, and now this... whatever it is. Can't these hunters keep the mess under control at least?"

  As the disinfectors work tirelessly to clean up the splattered blood from the Sea Cucumber Devil, the tension in the air thickens. Makima steps forward, her calm demeanor contrasting sharply with the chaos surrounding them. She surveys the scene with an inscrutable expression, her presence commanding attention.

  Makima: placing her hand on her chin, her voice steady and low "Killing a devil when the situation is already handled is a disruption to their operation. You could get arrested for that, Power." Her gaze shifts to Denji, piercing yet enigmatic. "And you, Denji, should have kept a closer eye on her. This kind of recklessness reflects poorly on all of us."

  Denji blinks in surprise, his stomach sinking at the realization of how serious the situation has become.

  Denji: stammering "Huh? Me? I was just trying to—"

  Makima: interrupting, her tone firm yet strangely soothing "You're both part of a team now. The decisions you make affect everyone, not just yourselves."

  Power stands beside Denji, her usual bravado deflating as she looks between Makima and Denji, uncertainty creeping into her expression.

  Power: her voice low and hesitant, clutching Denji's jacket "But I was just following his lead! He told me to attack the devil..."

  Denji shakes his head, feeling the weight of Power's gaze, his heart racing with a mix of annoyance and concern.

  Denji: exasperated "What? I didn't say that you liar!! You're the one who just charged at it like a lunatic!"

  Power: insistent, her voice rising "But humans lie, and we devils barely do! I was only following my instincts!"

  Makima: "Be quiet."

  As the room falls silent, her piercing gaze shifts between them.

  Makima: "Good girl, Power. Now, I don't care about assigning blame for this situation. What I want is to see what both of you are truly capable of. Show me your strength."

  Time skips once again, and Denji and Power find themselves in a quieter part of the city, a small alleyway lined with brightly colored vending machines. The machines stand like guardians, offering an array of drinks and snacks, their fluorescent lights flickering slightly. Denji approaches one of the machines, a sense of normalcy washing over him amidst the chaos of earlier.

  Denji: glancing over the options "Finally, a moment to breathe. I could go for something refreshing after all that... excitement." He fumbles with some coins, his eyes darting between the choices, a mix of chips, candy, and sodas enticing him. He feels a bit giddy just thinking about it—simple pleasures in a world filled with danger.

  Power, however, stands in front of another vending machine, staring at it with an almost childlike wonder. Her eyes widen at the selection, her fingers twitching as she points at different drinks.

  Power: pouting slightly "Why do humans get so many choices? This is ridiculous! I want blood-flavored soda! Why isn't that an option?"

  Denji chuckles at her frustration, shaking his head as he inputs his selection into the machine, watching the snacks drop down with a satisfying clunk.

  Denji: "I don't think they have that, Power. But hey, I think this one's grape-flavored. It might be the closest you'll get to blood in a can."

  Denji grabs the soda can, feeling a sense of accomplishment wash over him as he pops it open, the fizzy sound echoing in the narrow alley. He takes a long sip, enjoying the sweet taste, while Power continues to sulk in front of the vending machine, her hands on her hips.

  Power: crossing her arms, a pout still on her face "Grape? How boring! It should be red, like real blood! This is a travesty!"

  Denji chuckles again, shaking his head at her antics. He leans against the vending machine, watching her for a moment, finding her frustration amusing. As Denji leans against the vending machine, sipping his grape soda and enjoying the momentary calm, a small stray cat wanders into the alley.

  The cat's fur is a mix of orange and white, blending with the hues of the sunset as it cautiously approaches, its eyes wide and curious. Power's ears perk up at the sight of the feline. She narrows her eyes, initially suspicious, but as the cat inches closer, her expression shifts to one of intrigue. The cat, sensing Power's interest, steps forward, its tiny paws padding softly against the pavement.

  Power: Her voice dropping to a softer tone, "Hello, little feline... don't fear me" She extends her hand slowly, a hint of excitement in her eyes as she watches the cat inch closer. The cat hesitates, sniffing the air cautiously, before finally daring to approach Power. It brushes against her leg, purring softly as it nuzzles her. Power's expression brightens, and she scoops the cat into her arms, cradling it against her chest.

  Power: Her tone softening, "Aww, look at you! Such a cute little thing!" She grins widely, her earlier frustration melting away as she pets the cat gently and then turns her head to Denji. "Maybe you're not so bad, after all, Denji. Unlike those other devils and humans..."

  Denji takes a sip of his soda, a playful grin spreading across his face. "You know, it's surprising to see a devil like you hating on other devils. Especially since you're technically a mix of both."

  Power narrows her eyes, feigning annoyance. "I take back what I said, human. Your mouth is full of nonsense."

  Denji chuckles, leaning back casually. "Heh, well, I can't say the same about you. You're not so bad, Power. Keep this up, and I might just get you a fancy cat when my paycheck comes in."

  Power shifts the cat she cradles in her arms, its purring reverberating softly. "No thanks, I already have Meowy."

  Denji raises an eyebrow, surprised. "Oh? I didn't expect that. So, where is your cat, anyway?"

  Power's expression darkens slightly. "It's currently held captive by a devil, and I can't go get it with those stupid devil hunters watching me."

  Denji leans forward, his interest piqued. "Hm, that's really unfortunate," he replies, munching on a chip as he listens intently. "I mean, who would hold your cat hostage in the first place? That's just messed up."

  Power crosses her arms defiantly, her eyes flashing with anger. "Some stupid devil who thinks it's funny to toy with me. They don't realize how powerful I am!" She pauses, a fierce determination replacing her initial annoyance. "Once I get my hands on that devil, they'll regret ever messing with Meowy."

  Denji smirks, finding her fierce loyalty amusing. "Sounds like you really care about that cat. You know, maybe you're not all bad after all. Just a bit... intense."

  Power glares at him, her expression softening slightly. "I'm not just 'a bit intense,' human! I'm the Blood Devil! Meowy is my precious friend, and I'll do whatever it takes to get her back."

  Denji nods, a glimmer of respect in his eyes. "I get it. Friends are important. I'd do the same for Pochita." He takes another sip of his soda, thoughtful for a moment. Denji leans back, his gaze fixed on Power as he contemplates her fierce loyalty. "So, what's your plan for getting Meowy back?" he asks, genuinely curious. "You can't just waltz in there with those devil hunters breathing down your neck."

  Power's eyes spark with determination. "I'll find a way. I always do." She uncrosses her arms, leaning closer to Denji, her voice lowering to a conspiratorial whisper. "I could use your help, you know. You're a devil hunter; you have the skills to take down that stupid devil."

  Denji raises an eyebrow, intrigued. "You want me to help you rescue a cat? Sounds a little... weird, doesn't it? I mean I'm not saying anything mean like that but like Meowy doesn't mean anything to me so..."

  Power cuts him off, her eyes narrowing. "It's not just a cat, Denji! Meowy is my friend. Friends are important, remember? Just like Pochita is to you!"

  Denji shrugs, his casual demeanor barely concealing the hint of sincerity in his words. "Yeah, I guess you've got a point there. But why should I risk my neck for a cat? I've got my own problems to deal with."

  Power leans closer, her voice dropping to a fierce whisper, her intensity radiating off her. "Because I know you're strong, and you like adventure. Plus, helping me means taking down a devil. That's what you do, right?"

  He pauses, a thoughtful expression crossing his face. "Okay, that's fair. But what's in it for me? I can't just do this out of the kindness of my heart."

  Power gazes at Denji, her mind racing for a possible reward. "I'll grant you any request you have, as long as it's within my power, Denji."

  Denji raises his eyebrows in surprise. "Anything?"

  Power nods eagerly, her determination evident. Denji pauses, contemplating the implications. "I mean, Power is cute and all, but having a crazy blood-drinking fiend as my... more-than-friend? Isn't that kind of weird? I'm not even sure if I want to go down that road," he thinks, his mind swirling with mixed feelings.

  "Human!" Power interrupts his thoughts, her voice sharp as she slaps the back of his head. "Are you going to help me or not?"

  Denji blinks, a bit taken aback. "Uh... yeah, sure," he replies hesitantly, still wrestling with his thoughts.

  One Bright Light || Episode 6