Afena The Immortal: The Return.

This will be a short story detailing the events preluding the new world order. Namely, before the Divine Hierarchy made their move on Black and co. It will feature a climactic battle between two characters that I don't think have ever fought or really even interacted. And yes, this sub plot is inspired solely by the fight itself. (I'm a battle junky and infinitely curious how fantasy powers interact :D) Ofc I could just write it but I would like to incorporate story elements since it would make things more interesting. However, I will be writing this at my own pace. Work and life have largely deprived me of this little hobby of mine : /

Basic synopsis of the overarching narrative

Makai

The tales of an exiled orphan bearing both human and demon blood. Left to toil away in human world out of the demon lord's morbid curiosity, he assembled a battalion of his ilk upon making one crucial discovery...the presumed death of his late mother at the demon lord's hands.

Ravage and Pearl

The demon lord's colleagues of whom possess far greater power...and far less leniency. This rabid duo had plans of systematically conquering every dimension in creation, and even used the demon lord as a liaison to meet those ends.

Realm of the Forgotten

An exploration tale, one that would see Black and co. traverse spacetime to a forgotten land. This place is unique in that it relives the same day on loop, never progressing forward or venturing backward. (To clarify, the same events aren't guaranteed to unfold, March 1st today will just be March 1st tomorrow type of deal) As it so happens, the Gods had lifted the very concept of time from this realm, deeming it a potential anchor for paradoxes. Black reunites with his mother here, who is revealed to still be alive and kicking!

Divine Hierarchy

The Gods finally take direct action, spurred on by the events above. As setting foot in the forgotten realm is considered taboo, it might as well have been a declaration of war on the part of the thrill-seeking travelers. A double agent is also revealed to be among Black's ranks. Feeling the hybrid's forces had grown "too powerful" she readily kicked started the operation. Tragically, as a result of this, shortly after rescuing his mother from an eternal repeat button, Black loses his own life in battle. In addition, Twelve and Chaos are sealed away, effectively removing the three greatest obstacles for the oncoming war. Or so they thought...

Hell

The Oni are on the march. The plan to establish Oni supremacy is hatched. Through a meticulous process of simultaneously opening portals on either side of each realm (Hell/Earthland) this would force one to bleed into the other and overlap into a singular universe. The purpose for this? It would effectively make the Oni immortal as they're final resting place would now be tied to the living plane. To make matters worse, Twelve and Chaos' seals are shot down from the heavens by the ringleader, only for them to emerge..as enemies!? Fearing he would not be able to rule over the Oni who now had no fear of death, Twelve and Chaos' reality bending powers were needed to maintain order since they could manipulate one's very existence, and thereby erase it if need be. His means for controlling them!?

Epilogue
The aftermath of war and strife. Out of a band of several dozen, only a handful remain, living the remainder of their lives in peace as the next generation surfaces

For the short story, the timeline goes as follows: The Realm of the Forgotten - The Return - Divine Hierarchy

I am presently working on the first chapter. If possible, I would like to conclude this within five or so, but who knows.