Higatsu, the Title Bearer

Higatsu was not always the vicious warlord many know him as today. Before he was known as the Ash Cleaver, he was patient. Before Higatsu became the Lord of Punishment, he was kind. Before Higatsu became the End, he was a shaper.

Towering amongst the other demons, Higatsu was among the children teaching them the ways of war and warfare. He often took a softer route, in comparison to other demons, on the ways of combat. "To strike with compassion, is to strike once. To strike with anger is tiresome.", a phrase commonly overheard by the average passerby of the training grounds.

While sacrifice is not unheard of, Higatsu detested the idea of useless violence. Why waste life and deny purpose for simple appeasement from a demon? Many other demons reveled the unyielding admiration of humans.

"Higatsu! We're eating well tonight!", bellowed Omiri.

"I see you are eating well," Higatsu motions towards a rather comically overextended belly of Omiri. Looking closely, souls can be seen writhing and twisting like a litter of pups about to burst.

"When will you join us in the feast? You'll never grow up to be big and strong if you don't eat your souls.", he chuckles.

"Perhaps you wish to test this theory Omiri?"

Omiri tries to get to his feet before promptly giving up with an infernal laugh. "Perhaps another day! Today is for feasting!"

Higatsu turns and steps away before his face gives away the disgust of wasting so much potential. So many souls who could do so many great things.

Hours pass. Day turns to night. Higatsu has wandered far from his village. The forest mist is soothing. Nothing fills a demon's lungs like a night's walk. The cool air contrasting Higatsu's skin lets loose a small amount of steam. Like a wane crashing against the calm a surprising rage catches Higatsu. He knows not where this rage stems from but it's all he can feel. The silence has never been louder. Why won't the trees say something. Why won't the mist speak up? "WHY IS THIS TREE HERE IN MY WAY?!" A thunderous crack bellows through the forest as Higatsu back hands the trunk and sends it flying into the distance. Behind a newly formed stump is a crouching child soul. Scared. Alone. Crying.

"Please don't hurt me!", the child cries.

Higatsu stunned to silence reaches out a hand.

The child recoils.

"You have nothing to fear from me, little one", steam still rising.

The child peers through their fingers to see a fearsome, yet genuine, smile.

"I...you're him aren't you?"

"I might be little one. Who is it you seek?"

"Hibatsu?"

Higatsu lets out a hearty belly laugh. "HAH HAH yes small one, it is I. I see you've heard of me, eh?"

The child replies shakily, "I was sacrificed in your name".

Higatsu soon after waged a war on the living, tireless and ruthless. Violent and unceasing. Higatsu earned every one of his titles.