It wasn't till two days later when Gilby finally woke up. We were cruising just above the tree line when he suddenly shot up,
"Leena, Tina!"
"Whoa, calm down Mr Draft," Carl gently stopped him from moving.
He tried to struggle away, "Who are you?"
"It's me Carl."
"Y-you…" his eyes looked for me and I waved back. "I see, you're in disguise… but where am I. Last I remember I was…." He held his head in pain. "The trackers, what happened to them?"
"Unfortunately they got away," Gary said guiltily.
"And where are we heading?"
"To the Dragonkin capital," I replied.
For a moment the shock of my words stopped him from speaking, "You can't be serious."
"I am. It's time I put a stop to them. If demon kind is going to change, a group like the purest can't exist."
"Wait, what exactly are you planning?" Carl snapped towards me. "I'm all for peace but we can't just barge in there and tell them to change. Even I'm not that naïve."
"Close, first we'll ask nicely. Then we'll demand it. If they still refuse, we might have to get violent."
"Isn't there another way?" Sayuri asked.
"I've had two days to think now. I told you what they're like. Eventually they'll discover my town and when they do there'll be chaos. What better way to prevent chaos by spreading a bit of our own?" I let out an evil smile only to freeze as Sayuri's expression blanked. Her mind was trying to remember. "I'm joking," I quickly added. "Of course we'll try to find the most peaceful solution." Which would probably involve not a small amount of fighting.
"I know…." Sayuri nodded and after a small pause looked away. To the others it was non-existent but to me her slight confusion was clear.
I had Gilby tell the Heroes everything he knew about the Dragonkin, how they fight, they're weaknesses and what to watch out for. We travelled quickly and didn't stop at any towns. The only times we stopped was to set up camp and train. The Dragonkin were tracking Gilby by smell. They had picked up the trace when he was buying herbs from a neighbouring village about a day from home. In the case it took too long for them to find us, they would likely resort to retracing their steps and wind up much too close to the town.
The Dragonkin capital was built along the coastline. Named Dragon Quay it was an enormous city and a key point of trade within the continent that linked us to the rest of the world. It had been home to the Dragonkin long before the demons fell under one banner and its history showed as much stretching into myth. After five more days of travelling we arrived. The Heroes, I and Gilby strode to the cliff edge overlooking the ocean.
Gilby took a deep breath of the sea breeze, "Ah, how many years has it been."
"Is this it?" Gary and the other Heroes we're looking around blankly. "I can hear things but…."
"Try looking over the edge," I pointed to the cliff.
They carefully approached the edge. I had the sadistic urge to push Gary off because he could fly but I went against it.
"Wow," their mouths gaped open in unison. The entire city had been built along the side and beneath the cliff. Parts of it even went under the Ocean. Houses, streets, great halls, inns, restaurants, all of them were stretched into the rock wall. It made it quite inconvenient to move across town but as the population was majority Dragonkin they could just fly.
"How do we get down there?" Alicia asked.
"We jump," I smiled.
"Oh okay," she jumped off before I could stop her. After falling some distance she launched herself back towards the cliff with her succubus' wings and landed in a plaza to the surprise of those around her.
"…." Gilby and I watched motionlessly.
"Okay I'm next," Gary was about to jump off as well but Carl grabbed on to him.
"Dave was obviously joking, look can't you see the path over there?"
"Tch, you're no fun," he huffed but then smirked as he grabbed Carl and jumped off the edge. Despite his surprised scream they both landed safely next to Alicia, though Carl was not impressed. Unlike Gary who could fly with magic, Carl and Sayuri could only dash in the air. If Gary had let him fall alone, it would have taken quite a bit of effort for Carl to reach them.
Sayuri stared at me as if asking for permission.
I sighed, "We all might as well." We followed the others and landed beside them.
The plaza was full of Dragonkin. Majority were in their half dragon form with only few looking more human like Gilbert. Which form they found more comfortable was an odd preference, but those who lived in other territories tended to be more 'human' like. There was also a large variety of other demons walking about making it easy for us to blend in like anyone else.
"There's so many…." Sayuri let out as the Heroes observed the plaza. This was their first time in a major city on the demon side so I let them gawk.
"I wonder what the food is like here," Alicia's mouth watered.
"We specialise in seafood and sauces made from blue seaweed," Gilby answered her fondly. "But first, Dave what's your plan?"
A smirk split my lips, "We'll find somewhere to spend the night. After that it depends on what they do next." There was no chance that they hadn't sensed our presence, however after appearing so blatantly even they had to be on their guard. Which meant we at least had a few hours to spare.
I led everyone along a street that lined against the cliff wall. There wasn't much traffic because it was already evening but our group did catch a few sidelong glances. After all we were a very diverse group, a horn tribe, succubus, beastkin, dragonkin, harpy sub species and high demon. Although it wasn't all too strange, most demons in the town tended to be among their own kind. Add in the Heroes general good looks they were bound to gather some attention.
The street broke off up and down the cliff leading to houses or plazas similar to where we entered. Eventually it lead us to the adventurer's district the main hub for visitors and small time merchants. It itself could be considered a town on its own. A huge part of the cliff had been cut and dug into, forming a rough cube. Inside the cube buildings of all purposes and sizes had been built not only on the floor but the walls and roof as well.
"Aren't you afraid of earthquakes?" Sayuri asked.
"Not really," I replied, "they're rare here and the buildings are supported by magic. Are they common where you're from?"
"We get them occasionally."
I located an inn on the ground floor just outside the entrance. It had a beautiful view of the ocean and cost quite a bit. Honestly it was more high class than I would have liked but its location was prime. Mostly due to it having a solid foundation and an immediate clear space around it. If a fight broke out in the more crowded section of the district I didn't want to be the one facing the damage bill. After we settled down we had a pleasant dinner in a close by restaurant.
"Aren't we being a bit too relaxed about this?" Carl asked after the meal.
Gilby nodded, "As soon as we entered the city they must have known I was here."
"Don't worry about it," I laughed and leaned back in my chair. "The purest faction wouldn't dare make a blatant display of power here. The Lord's faction would be on them immediately. Either they'll come in the middle of the night while we're sleeping or early tomorrow."
"Does that mean we can go explore?" Gary asked brimming with enthusiasm.
"I don't see why not. As long as Gilby is close by we should be fine. Just don't do anything to get the guards attention."
"Why would I do that?" Gary scoffed.
"Carl can you please go with him?" I asked.
"Hey, I can handle myself just fine."
"It's not you I'm particularly worried about…."
Carl stood up, "How about we all just go together?"
"Well it has been a while since I came here, so I guess we can all go. Gilby are you okay with this?"
"Are you sure we should be walking around so late?" Gilby looked at me. It was easy to tell he was nervous.
"It'll be fine. I promise you that you and your family will be reunited in one piece," I pulled him up as I stood. "All we can do now is relax and enjoy ourselves. Whatever happens tomorrow is for tomorrow."
"So that means we let it loose and party tonight!" Alicia cheered. "Hey Sayuri I saw that someone is holding a fist fighting tournament tonight. Want to go check it out?"
Sayuri shook her head vehemently and Alicia just laughed.
Aside: Alicia and demons.
Alicia:
Although it was night, the entire district was lit up by crystals that hung on walls and sat on light posts. This truly was a fantasy world. I remember watching Gary play games with this kind of setting. Back then I'd sit behind him and we would both stare at the small TV we had and imagine better lives. Gary used to play games as an escape, me, I used to box. Though really it was just me releasing my frustrations on a punching bag. Now however, I wish we could go on like this forever. It's only been just over three months since we arrived but the small time here has meant more to me than my entire life. Demon Lords, wars between species? None of that mattered to me, as long as Gary and I could keep living with a smile on our faces, for that I'd even join the Demon Lord. Just kidding, Carl would hate me for that.
A horned merchant was selling dragon themed trinkets at a small stall along the side of the road.
"Young man, how about you look at these," she called to Carl. "How about choose one for your girlfriend?" she looked at me.
Carl blushed, "No we're not like that."
"Now, now, don't be shy," she chuckled. "What else could she be, with her planted on your arm like that?" I was indeed hugging his arm and leaning into him.
"Ah, this is… we're just friends honestly," Carl shook his head and I hugged him a little harder annoyed.
"Young sir, to have a beautiful lady at your arm and for her not to be your beloved, I fear for the future of our kind," she shook her head in dismay. I could hear the others behind us chuckling.
"This reminds me of when Leena was trying to court me," Gilbert said to Sayuri with a pleasant smile.
Carl was flustered now, "B-beloved? Look I'll buy something so please stop."
"By all means go ahead," she laid out her wares with a grin. They were all quite pretty but one caught my in particular.
"Alicia which one do you like?"
"This one," I pointed it out. It was a small cross with a blue gem in the centre and vines wrapped around it. Inside the gem the image of a coiled dragon could barely be seen.
"Indeed a wonderful choice," the merchant nodded. "That will be one gold."
"Gold!?" Carl almost spat. I was surprised as well but didn't say anything.
"This blue gem, represents the eternal love between dragons and was specially crafted by one of the Demon Lord's own jewellers. The cross is silver made by the beastkin's finest smiths and finally embedded together by yours truly."
"Still isn't that a little too much…." Carl said. Indeed with one gold you could live easily for about a month.
"If this is for the girl you love, one gold is too little. Or are you saying that you wouldn't even spend a single gold piece for her?"
"Like I said earlier, it's not like th-." I didn't let Carl finish the sentence but instead squeezed his arm a bit tighter. "I'll buy it."
"Happy doing business with you," the merchant happily accepted the money and handed over the cross tied to a simple silver chain.
Carl sighed and handed it to me, "Here you are."
"Just like that?" I refused it. "You can at least put it on for me." I showed him my neck.
"Alright," he gently smiled and reached around my neck from the front. I expected him to go from behind so having his face so close to mine brought up some certain desires and ideas. From the corner of my eye I saw Garr looking at me and decided not to do anything. Carl moved back.
"Thank you, now was that so hard?" I teased and latched back on to him.
"No it wasn't but if you keep holding on to me like that people will misunderstand again."
I pushed him away with a humph and walked off.
"Wait Alicia, what's wrong?"
Idiot didn't even understand. Just how dense was he? Or was it because he wasn't dense and just didn't like me….
We continued to walk around the district but now I was standing beside Sayuri as she smiled at me knowingly. Garr understood how I felt but Dave and Carl were both behind us looking perplexed. Men cut from the same wood.
As we shopped Dave suddenly perked up and looked to the end of the street. From around the corner we heard what sounded like the clanking of armour and sure enough a squad of armoured Dragonkin being led by a women in her human form appeared. She was a beautiful lady and from her movements I could immediately tell just how skilled she was. Her hair was black like Sayuri's but her eyes were scarlet. She wore a tight fitting armour and her aura demanded respect from those who saw her. I flicked my head back to look at the boys and Gilbert. Gilbert had a look of shock on his face. Garr was to my shame gawking at her with wide eyes. Carl looked at her with nothing more than interest thankfully, and finally Dave… Dave was avoiding eye contact.
It didn't work however as the female Dragonkin eyes seemed to draw to him. At first she was disinterested but then in a hurry she fell to her knees in front of him. Those behind her immediately did so as well.
"Greetings to the Lord!" she hurriedly said. "If I had known you were coming I would have prepared a place for you to stay."
Dave froze in place, "Umm I think you have the wrong person…."
Sayuri clenched her brow beside me as if in pain. I looked at her concerned but she waved it off with a smile.
She looked back up in confusion and then hurriedly stood up, "Apologies I seem to have a mistake."
"No that's okay." Dave bowed to her, "Though it's really I who should be bowing, oh General of the Dragonkin."
"P-please raise your head," she replied a little awkwardly. "It's nothing."
"General?" I mouthed.
Gilbert ushered us away from her and Dave, "We don't want to mess around her," he whispered. "She's the leader of the Lord's Faction and therefore would be the leader of the Dragonkin if it weren't for the purist faction."
"Wow, she's so young though," Gary said.
Gilbert nodded, "Indeed, she's barely over one hundred."
"…."
"Is something the matter?"
"She doesn't look a day over twenty five."
"Our race are like the high demons, we reach adulthood quickly and then slowly age from thereafter."
"Umm Mister Draft how old are you then?" Sayuri asked.
"I'm one hundred and fifty five."
"…."
The General and Dave had been awkwardly talking. Finally she shook his hand and left on her way. Dave came over to us and breathed a sigh of relief,
"That was close. I was afraid she was here for us."
"What was that about her making a mistake?" Carl asked.
"Apparently I look quite similar to the Demon Lord," Dave laughed. "I've never really seen him aside from when he kicked me but as one of his General's she mistook me for him."
Gary smirked, "Who knows this could be one of those long lost brother routines. What if Dave is actually a part of the Demon Lord's family? What if we could make Dave take the throne instead?"
I knew he was joking but I still hit him over the head, "Garr, don't be an idiot."
"Yeah… something like that would be too cliché."
We split up after that. Gilbert was feeling tired so he and Dave went back to the inn. Gary and Sayuri left to go see something else when I winked to them, which left me and Carl by ourselves. With no one else to bother us, the thought of inviting him to my room trickled inside. Wow, I paused, being influenced by the succubus disguise was really getting to me. I shook it off as I 'allowed' Carl to take my arm and walk around the night streets. In the distance we could hear the wave's crash against the rock wall but here in the secluded caverns everything felt secure as warm light lit the path. I could spend hours like this.
The two of us sat down on a small ledge overlooking the sea. I snuggled into his shoulder, he looked at me.
"Alicia…"
"Yes?" I turned my eyes up to him. My heart began to beat faster.
"I'm sorry could you let go I need to use the restroom."
"…." I let go with a bitter smirk. What a mood killer.
"Sorry," he apologised again with a bow, "I'll be right back." He ran off back the way we came. Leaving me alone to watch the waves come in the night sky. That guy could really be insensitive. He wasn't as bad as my brother but leaving a girl out alone in the middle of a night was a big no in anyone's books. Even if he needed to use the bathroom he could have at least came up with a better excuse.
Several minutes passed as I kicked my feet off the edge annoyed. Come to think of it, it had been a long time since I was alone… even before Garr was always nearby. Now, although I was strong enough to protect myself, the feelings of loneliness began to spread through my chest. The sound of stumbling feet caused me to snap around. To my disappointment it wasn't Carl but a group of demons who were drunkenly walking down the path. They caught sight of me and unsteadily came my way.
"Oh! A succubus and what a beauty," a Dragonkin flopped beside me. I did nothing to hide my distaste as an alcoholic smell drifted around me. "How about fancy a night with us men?" His friends laughed and looked at me with lustful eyes. I hated those eyes. That women, my supposed aunt. Almost every week she'd bring back men with those eyes. Eyeing me up and down as if undressing me. I wanted to crush them.
"I'm waiting for someone so please leave," I held back my temper.
"Don't be like that darling," he whispered close to my ear. "I'm sure we can show you a better time than whoever you're meeting."
"You have ten seconds before I punch you so hard you'll cry mama for the rest of your life," I growled and the sheer will of my voice forced him back.
If he wasn't drunk that would be the end of it but obviously the cogs weren't really turning right, "Look here girl. A succubus like you should be excited to have such men like us. In fact you should be grovelling at our feet like the bit-," A fist flew into his face before mine could.
"Scum!" Carl appeared in his place. My heart clenched, he was shining like the white knights in those stories.
"Y-you bastard!" his friends started to get rowdy but in an instant they all hit the floor. I could see what happened quite clearly as Carl dashed behind each of them and hit them lightly in the neck but to them it truly was an instant.
I stood up, "Carl I-,"
"Hold on," he put up his hand, "I know you can easily handle yourself but… when I heard him talking to you like that I just wanted to punch him so badly! Sorry, I don't know what came over me."
I leapt at him in a hug, "Thank you." A smile split my lips as I looked up at him. A soft gaze that you couldn't help call a little naïve but when it came down to it, he could have the most unwavering determination.
"Ah, no problem," he looked away shyly, "Umm anyway I bought this for you. You must be cold right?" He handed me a white coat. It didn't look very impressive but as I put it on, it was unbelievably warm inside.
"You… you're really something you know that?" I reached for his hands and held them tight.
"And so are you," he smiled back as the moon lit our faces. The way he looked at me was nothing like those men from before. Pure eyes, and a soft smile. No one had ever looked at me like that, no one had ever given me the feeling that he did, that sense of familiarity and comfort lingering with affection… I really couldn't deny it.
"I like you," the words fell from my mouth before I could stop them.
His expression froze and my heart fell into panic. For a moment I thought of all the reasons he should hate me, all the reasons he wouldn't like someone like me. The aching loneliness in my chest rushed back with a vengeance. But then he smiled and that brief surprise faded to warmth.
"I like you too," his words hung in the air as all I could do was stare in slight disbelief. He liked me? A brutish girl like me? I could almost cry. Then taking my hand in his he looked at me with a tender care, "I know I'm not much but… after all this is over, would you consider being… to-together with me?" And there was his usual embarrassment.
My body couldn't take it anymore and I grinned with all the happiness that was boiling over. "What are you talking about? I'll be together with you now!" and with that I kissed him. He was awkward and didn't know what to do but as our lips locked together he was mine.
A painful groan resounded below us spoiling the mood.
"Ah yeah we should probably head back…," Carl said.
"Right the others are waiting…." A red stain had coloured both our faces.
We linked arms and walked back to the inn. This feeling inside me. I wanted it to last forever. I knew it wouldn't but with Carl I felt like I'd feel it a lot more.
"So want to swap rooms with Sayuri?" I teased.
"L-let's not…." he blushed and looked away.
"Sorry the succubus in me is getting worked up," I lied.
Aside end: