Davarious First Born Light of the Autumn Wind:
I had to give props to General Dragonmaw. Last night was an incredibly close call, I hadn't expected her to walk by but she had caught on to my ruse incredibly quickly. Thankfully Gilby distracted the Heroes and I was able to slide a message across to her. She may not be my favourite General but she certainly was capable. The reason why she wasn't my favourite? Let's not go there. With our little mishap however I was able to sleep soundly without having to make any midnight journeys. If you're wondering about Sayuri's device, I rigged it not to work when I wanted it to. If she caught me as Demon Lord again it would definitely not go as well.
It was early in the morning and the Heroes, Gilby and I were waiting in the inn's lobby.
"You two are looking rather close today," I remarked to Carl and Alicia who were sitting snuggly next to each other.
"We just talked a bit last night," Alicia smiled and gently clenched Carl's hand.
"I feel like my soul was violated," Gary groaned.
Alicia threw a nearby cushion at him, "We're not those kind of twins."
"Sorry if this makes you uncomfortable Gary," Carl bowed his head seriously.
Gary quickly laughed it off, "No I'm just joking around. I'm happy for my sister…" his eyes became dangerous, "but make her cry and you'll regret it." An odd chill spread through the room. "Haha, sorry I just wanted to say that at least once." He acted like he was joking but I got the feeling he was entirely serious. Sayuri was watching all this happily, while Gilby looked as if reminiscing his past.
The door was thrown open and our attention drew to it immediately. Armed Dragonkin in half dragon form walked in. There were at least a dozen of them, two of them being the trackers from earlier this week. The inns staff didn't know what to do and froze in panic. Alicia, Sayuri and Carl started to stand but I held them back with a pleasant smile. The armed Dragonkin formed a guarded path and a man large even for a Dragonkin walked inside. My brow raised involuntarily. Although I had sensed them coming I hadn't expected for the big bad to come himself. Grand Elder of the purist faction, Orphius Dragontooth. His scales were worn from centuries of age but his expression held an absolute resolution that could scare others stiff. However there were two key features about him. One was the eyepatch on his left eye, a reminder of the wound he received when fighting a previous Hero. The other was an entire arm, ripped off when he insulted my great grandfather who wasn't the most merciful of Demon Lords….
"You're late," I greeted them with no formality. "I expected you at least an hour ago."
One of the Guards growled at us, "Do not dare insult the Grand Elder, High Demon"
"Enough," Orphius raised his hand. "We have not come to insult each other. I pay my greetings to Gilbert Draft father of the Gold Dragonkin and his companions." Gilby narrowed his eyes.
"Greetings?" Gilby spat angrily, "You sent two men to kill my daughter and wife."
"That was a simple misunderstanding. Tristan, Telimir, bow to Mr Draft."
The two trackers approached and prostrated themselves towards us, "We apologise for our rude behaviour. Our actions were our own."
"If you'd like I can have them punished," Orphius smiled and the two trackers became stiff.
"That won't be necessary," I replied for Gilby. "I'm more concerned as to what you're here for now."
"And who exactly are you, High Demon?"
"Davios Flint, one of the founders of our town. Neighbour of Gilbert Draft and companion to the adventurer's before you."
"I see…. We do not bare you any ill will but invite you all to talk. Let us settle this dispute peacefully."
I smirked, "Dispute? You either want my friend's daughter for your own or her blood."
"That's it!" a guard pointed his spear towards me. "This disrespect knows no bounds. You are to at least stand before the Grand Elder!"
I rose slowly and eyed the Guard seriously, "Is that better?"
The Guard was stilled with fear and let his spear drop to the floor.
Orphius chuckled, "You are quite formidable High Demon Davios. Regardless of my intentions, let us settle this over breakfast. You are all welcome to join us. Of course if you refuse we can only assume what will happen instead."
Prickly bastard was threatening us. The inn's staff were shaking in the back of the room with quite a few of them having been caught in my glare. For now I would be civil.
"Please lead the way," I gestured for the door.
"Then I shall," Orphius turned his back to us and walked out. The guards remained waiting for us to follow. The Heroes and Gilby rose up at my gesture and the Guards closed behind us like we were prisoners.
Orphius began leading us to Purist faction's district.
I whispered to the Heroes, "Whatever happens do not fight that man."
"You mean the Grand Elder?" Gary asked. "He seems strong but is he really that much of a threat."
"He's as cunning as he is old," Gilby glared at him from behind. "Out of our kind he is the oldest and has lived for more than six centuries. Rumours of his strength place him equal to the Demon Lord." The Heroes were silent but it was easy to tell that nervousness had begun to plague them.
"I wouldn't go that far," I said. "The Demon Lord could still trump him in a fight."
"So, even if we manage to beat him, which you're saying we shouldn't try. The Demon Lord would still kick our arses?" Gary looked at me dismayed. My encouragement wasn't helping.
"I was saying 'you' shouldn't fight him. With me we stand a pretty good chance."
"…."
Yeah I should just stop now.
The Purist faction's district was smaller in size than the adventurer's district but the key difference was only pure Dragonkin were permitted to live in the area. Half breeds and other demons were allowed to visit but not stay. Humans would be butchered at the door. While the other districts were either under water or inside the cliff face, the Purist District was built off the wall on a system of floating platforms. Regardless of their archaic opinions I had to admit that its architecture and design were certainly well done. Large white stone bridges connected the platforms together and formed framework of buildings that when viewed from above pictured a dragon's wing, while from the front adornments of finely sculpted stone showed a sophisticated taste.
Before we entered the guards stopped and faced Gilby, "Assume your half dragon form."
Gilby clenched his teeth, "And if I refuse?" A spear was pushed closer to his neck.
"Did I not say to treat them as guests?" Orphius commanded from the front. The guards frowned but under the watchful eye of their leader, begrudgingly obeyed.
We continued to follow Orphius across the system of bridges enjoying the tranquil atmosphere of the district. Although it was peaceful there was a strained undertone among the populace as if every step they took was being bound and watched. Compared to the full heartedness of the adventurers district and the markets it was as if we were in a different city entirely.
"What are they doing over there?" Sayuri pulled against my sleeve. I looked over to where she was indicating. Several Dragonkin were being pulled along by a thick chain, their arms and necks cuffed together. "It can't be slavery can it?"
"The Dragonkin do not call it slavery but servitude," I spat looking at them in anger. "It's an ancient rite that is used to settle disputes among themselves." If it weren't for the Purist faction I would have purged the entire system. However the Dragonkin were a traditional race by nature with a deep history ingrained into them. They weren't fond of change and the work done so far was already a testament to my family's efforts.
"So the demon side also shares this in common as well," Carl commented sadly.
Gary laughed harshly "Guess they're more human in a way."
We were led to the largest building. A massive dome made from engraved white stone that acted as the Elder Council. It was made large enough so that if two dragons fought there would be enough space for a good fight. Once inside we were guided to a smaller room where a table mounted with food had been prepared. Waiting inside were the five other Dragonkin that acted as Elders.
"Please sit and eat," Orphius gestured as he sat at the head of the table.
I nodded to the Heroes and sat down. Without waiting Gary began to pick at the food. Alicia was about to reprimand him but her stomach grumbled and she instead followed his lead. We had skipped breakfast as I assumed this would happen. The Elders looked at us as if we were beasts to be slaughtered but said nothing, even they wouldn't be so callous, for now at least. Eventually they too began to eat with a nod from Orphius.
As the silent meal came to an end, the table was cleared and we sat patiently for what came next.
"Gilbert Draft, we will approach the heart of this matter immediately," Orphius looked directly at him. "Your daughter was found to be a likely candidate able to assume the form of the Gold Dragon. However the knowledge that she is half human came soon after. Despite the unforgiveable nature of her birth we have elected to make an exception and welcome her amongst our kind." The other Elders were clearly more than displeased with this as they barely managed to hide their disgust.
Gilby was resolute, facing them with a strength he hardly ever showed, "Not only did you try to kill me but also my wife and daughter, how could I ever trust you?"
"That was a mistake born from misunderstanding. We only wish to see that your daughter is placed under the utmost care and raised to her full potential. Of course you and your wife are welcome here as well."
"Even fully knowing my wife is human?" his words challenged the elders fully aware what that meant to them. Heck even in 95% of the demon country that statement would cause problems.
The word's formed a small almost unnoticeable crack in Orphius' façade, "We accept her as the one who gave birth to such a being as your daughter."
"My daughter's name is Tina. A name we took from her late human grandmother," he really was trying to push them and I was keen to let him as he continued, "She is half-human on her mother's side. You know what that means."
"Yes, her traits are more human than Dragonkin. However her abilities are something that can be used for the good of all us Dragonkin, if not the entirety of Demon Kind."
Gilby slammed his fist down onto the table, "My daughter has her own will! She will not be shoe horned into a position just because it suits you!"
"Please calm down and be civil Mr Draft. We understand that she has her own will, but surely you know that what's best for her would be to receive the proper education as a Dragonkin."
"How can you even speak as if you know her? Do you know why she smiles? Why she cries? I'll ask you this Dragontooth, would you care for a human? How about many? My home is one of wonders where all races demon and human live together in harmony. Even now at my words I can see you all glowering at me. Bah! You can barely hide your hatred from me let alone my daughter."
Orphius scowled, "Mr Draft you are an absurdity and the lowest of our race but I am giving you the chance to reclaim you're honour for the sake of you and your family."
"I will judge what is right for my family. If her fate is to change our race, my daughter will bring equality to both demons and humans. That I know." His body shook as he stood causing the chair behind him to fall. By no means was Gilby a fighter and though his words were passionate he knew he couldn't back them up himself. It was already a stretch of character enough for him to yell.
A sly grin split Orphius' reptilian mouth as if everything was going as he thought it would, "So be it, then we shall resort to force." A tremendous pressure filled the room and from the door armed Dragonkin burst inside surrounding the table. "Give us your daughter and I'll spare your life. I'll even be so kind to throw in your wife and perhaps even your home."
A sudden impact struck the table sending it up into the air and flipping towards Orphius. The dishes and left over food shattered to the ground as the wooden furniture split before it could reach him.
My foot lingered in the air, "And I've had enough of this conversation."
"Know your place High d-," one of the Elders stood up.
"Silence," I hushed him by having a scrap of wood smack him in the face. "Orpheus Dragontooth I challenge you to Rite of Servitude. Shall you win, I will be eternally at your command. Should you lose however, I'll have you grovel for forgiveness."
"You fool, the Rite of Servitude can only be done alone. Do you really believe you can best me in battle yourself?" Orphius glowered at me.
I returned that gaze, "Are you stupid? Of course I'd only challenge you knowing I would win."
"Dave hold on, don't fight by yourself," Sayuri pleaded beside me.
"She's right Dave," Carl stood up. "We'll do this together." Gary and Alicia also stood up with their mouths curled up. They had built up quite a bit of frustration during this whole ordeal.
"No," I flat out refused them. "We fight now and it'll be absolute chaos." I turned to the Elders, "You have underestimated our abilities. Should we fight you can say goodbye to this entire district. So how about we settle this with the strongest among us."
Orphius smiled at me in challenge, "You are aware that our Rite can only be done among the presence of our God? No one but us may enter the grand chamber."
"Of course. However, I would like your guarantee that my companions outside shall not be touched till after we finish."
"Of course," he wasn't hiding his confidence. Indeed his pride knew no bounds. "Now follow me."
"Dave you can't, this is too reckless even for you," Sayuri blocked my way.
I lightly patted her on the head as I moved past, "Don't worry I can't fall here."
Gary sighed but smiled, "Go kick his arse."
"If you lose I'll seriously be pissed," Alicia threatened me.
Carl clasped my shoulder, "Dave… don't lose."
"I don't plan to," I laughed and turned to Gilby. "This is not your fault. I am simply removing a thorn in my side."
"Thank you," he bowed. "I wish you good luck."
"I don't need luck," I followed Orphius out of the room; no one came after us.
He guided me towards the centre of the building. Two incredibly large doors that could even fit a dragon opened out and welcomed us in. Once we passed the threshold they closed shut. It was an expansive dome devoid of any decoration aside from the enormous statue of a dragon that hung from the ceiling. The Dragonkin God. The Dragon who gave his blood to the High Demons allowing them to evolve. A mysterious and ancient being that was worshipped by all Dragonkin. His or her name wasn't known but simply called God. In my opinion, powerful as he or she may have been, they were no God. If you could kill it, it wasn't a God.
"Welcome to the Chamber of Rites, High Demon Davios," Orpheus gestured grandly with his one arm. "It is here where you'll learn the true words of regret." His body began to expand rapidly. Black scales and a scarlet eye. Wings that could cause hurricanes and talons that could easily shred through steel.
I stretched leisurely, "You're wrong there. I've already learned what regret can be like, this time it's your turn. Just like when you challenged the Hero of old and when you challenged the Demon Lord. Why? Because I haven't been too honest with you." I drew out my mantle and wrapped it around my shoulders. The black armour formed around me as my hair turned bright red and my golden heart stone was open to see. "My name is Davarious First Born Light of the Autumn Wind, current Demon Lord."
"You!" Orphius yelled in a rage and disbelief that shook the dome. He could barely believe his eyes but as the echo began to fade he started to chuckle. "No… no, this is perfect. You fool, here in this chamber I will make you bow before me." A crazed glint entered his eyes as the possibilities of my death filled him with ambition. "After this I will be the one to lead the Demons to a new age!"
"You will try," I let out a confident smirk.
He charged, claws drawn fully intent to end my life. The old dragonkin was truly sincere about his words but despite all that was at stake I couldn't help feel myself become excited. It had been quite some time since I had a good challenge and breaking Orphius was something that not only I but my entire family had been wanting to do for a long time. The sound of my hands clapping burst across the chamber and from it a spear of light appeared above me hurling towards him. Powerful claws clashed against the light snapping them like twigs and past it my barriers. I retreated eyes wide as my blood boiled for the fight. As expected of the Grand Elder, his strength was truly monstrous. I teleported away as his jaws snapped down on empty space appearing against his side instead. With my palm pressed against his scales I released the pent up mana. The shockwave of force split us apart but not before his tail whipped around catching me in the side. I bounced off the ground with a grunt. I really couldn't take this one easily, even with my barriers a throbbing pain lingered as we both stood up and glared at each other.
Orphius roared, "I am ten times greater than when your predecessor tore off my arm. How many years have passed since then? Do you believe a mere pup of a Demon Lord could break me?"
"I must admit you hit quite hard." I laughed, "But honestly I'm disappointed. Maybe it's because you're old but I swear my sister hits harder than you."
"You cur!" he released a blast of flames towards me. I swept my hand at it and it burst apart.
"I'm going to get serious now," I reached into my pocket and drew out my staff. Calling it a staff was a stretch because it looked more like a spear. A bit taller than I was, made from white steel sung from the roots of the world tree, a circle of casted jewels rotated just below the head which bulged out and then back in to form the blade of a spear. Oh my sweet staff. How long had it been since I used you? Unlike the flimsy piece of wood I had been using this staff was made specially for my use.
Orphius scoffed, "Stick or no stick I will tear you apart!" His claws began to glow and as he swung them, shadows burst forth. I stamped my staff on the ground. The shadows tore through my barriers but more just took their place until it finally dispersed to nothing.
"My turn," I smiled without restrictions, revealing an almost mad grin. If Lisanna were here she would scold me. I stamped my staff once more and chains burst out of the walls wrapping around Orphius' body. He tried to take flight but I clapped and gravity pushed him back down.
His muscles swelled and an incredible ripple of power broke through him as my spells were shattered. Oh? I clapped impressed. As expected of the Grand Elder. The only humans who could keep up with fight would probably be Allain's Knight Commander, the Archmage or Lisanna. Then again it was a big continent let alone world.
He rose to his hind legs and began to breathe in. His stomach grew larger and as he leaned forward an immense amount of mana gathered. Dragon breath and not just a poor imitation but something that was basically the real thing. Even for me it would be stupid to take it straight on but then again, I really wanted to prove a point. I stamped my staff firmly into the ground,
"I Davarious First Born Light of the Autumn Wind declare this sanctuary. Fortress!"
Orphius released the mana and from his mouth black lightning burst towards me. Red sparks of fire blew in between the light. I felt the ground beneath me crack as I weathered the blow. This was some serious fire power. Around me was a clear space but all else was covered by torrents of energy. My teeth grit together as I felt my supplies of mana quickly run away. Finally it dispersed leaving the chamber scarred with burns and covered with cracks. I had to commend whoever made the dome. For it to last that attack was an incredible feat.
"Impossible!" Orphius shouted the cliché line, "How can you be this strong at your age."
"It's simple," I started to walk forwards. "Because I have to be. If I wasn't, then idiots like you would try to take over. My family was entrusted with the lives of all demon kind and by your God or any other I'll see it through. Now kneel before your Lord."
"I refuse!" Orphius roared and a suspicious wave of mana burst outwards. A rumble stretched across the building triggering my senses.
"Orphius Dragontooth you have sunk low to even neglect the traditions you yourself so tightly held," I shook my head as the other Elders burst through the door and took their dragon form. As they did so the statue of the Dragon god broke. "I'll take that as an omen that even your God has abandoned you."
"As long as I have your head nothing else matters! Your entire family have held power for far too long. It is time for the Dragonkin to lead the demons!"
The Elders roared in unison. Honestly I was in a pinch here. I had used up way too much mana to block his previous attack. In hindsight I should have at least done something to dodge but what was done was done. Fighting six Elder Dragonkin would be a stretch even if I was at full capacity add in that one was Orphius then you could say I was in trouble. Still I had thought this might happen, all I needed to do now was keep them here.
"Bring it," I smiled wickedly. "It's time to punish the traitors!" Time to hold nothing back. The Elders leapt towards me at Orphius' signal. I spun my staff and blew them back with all I had. A tremendous amount of mana rippled through the air and spun towards the charging Elders. They tried to counter with their own attacks but were cut down as the mana pierced into them, exploding upon impact. Their giant bodies flew across the room and smashed into the walls. I couldn't let up and flew towards them narrowly escaping Orphius's claws who had appeared behind me. Before the Elders could stand I clapped my hands and lances of ice pierced down upon them. They quickly tried to defend themselves but the onslaught was too much as two of them were pinned down. I gave out a tired breath but didn't stop.
"Earth prison!" I shouted and sparks of golden light burst through the ground. Pillars of earth rose and curled around those that had stood back up. A disturbance in mana waved behind me and I teleported upwards. Orphius snapped his jaws where I had just been. Tch, damn old man was a real pain. I stamped my staff down and a huge pressure crushed him. His face turned towards me and let out a breath. It wasn't as strong as the last one but enough to throw me into the ceiling. Pain rippled across my back as the hardened stone cracked. I took the opportunity to observe the dome from above. Two elders stuck by lances, two more were caged, Orphius was below me which made five… wait five? A mouth stretched open around me and before I could retreat smashed close. The remaining Elder's fangs pierced my barriers only leaving the last one I had tied around my body, however it too began to crack.
"Get-off-me!" I shouted and blew his jaw wide open pushing him away. Damn it, that one actually really hurt. I landed to the floor and coughed; blue blood came out.
The door was thrown open again and Sayuri burst inside, "Dave!?" Her eyes quickly scanned the room but couldn't find me, then she saw the actual me. "Demon Lord? What are you doing here?" her body filled with bloodlust ready to draw her blade.
"Stop beastkin!" I commanded. "Your friend is behind the rubble." I pointed conveniently out of her sight. "I am only here to deal with the Grand Elder."
"You…," she continued to glare at me. "You don't recognise us?"
"Should I?" come on Sayuri don't make this hard on me.
"No," she relaxed herself. "We-we're famous adventurer's I thought you might know us."
"Indeed his fighting prowess were worthy."
Orphius started to rise up from behind Sayuri. Damn dragonkin really didn't know how to stay down. Sensing him she turned around.
He roared, "I'll take at least one of you with me!"
"Like I'd let you!" Sayuri charged at him.
"Sayuri no!" I yelled but it was too late. She was fast but Orphius had centuries of battle experience and read her movements easily. He span and his tail whipped Sayuri clean out of the air. I tried to move to catch her but something grabbed my ankle. I looked down to see the tail of another Elder just it yanked me.
"Damn it!" I cursed forced to defend myself, cutting the tail before it could slam me into the floor. As for Sayuri I was too late. The world seemed to slow as she sailed across the room and then with a sickening crack her head slammed into the wall. Not even a gasp left her lips as instead she hit the floor limp. Red human blood began to seep from her scalp. The sight broke into my memories and an anger I hadn't felt in a long time burst through.
"Orphius!" I screamed and bought down my staff. He froze in place. His muscles pulsated beneath his thick black scales but it only saw to bind him tighter as my anger swelled. I appeared before him. "For crimes against the Demon Lord I hereby strip you of your position, your rights and your power." His eye remained defiant. I leaned closer to his head and placed my hand on it. "You will regret this day." I began to drain the mana from him, a task very very few could do and none other than me for this purpose.
"W-what are you doing?" he began to panic as his energy waned. Soon he returned to his half dragon form but I went beyond that and forced him to look like the very creatures he despised, to look human.
"I'm doing exactly as I said," I let go of his head and watched him slump to the ground. Finally I stabbed him with the spear on my staff. "I seal you Orphius Dragontooth, shall mana never flow in your body." With those words he lost consciousness, a frail old man.
"How dare you!" an elder roared as he managed to break free from my magic and pounced towards me. As soon as he entered my range my staff struck releasing an almighty blow severing his wings.
"Anyone else?" The air around me warped from the sheer mana I was releasing. The others didn't move. "Good, now stay still and shut up because I'm really not in the mood."
I ran towards Sayuri and discarded my mantle and staff, turning back into the Dave she knew. A pool of blood surrounded her unmoving body. For a moment my heart spiked as if it would leap from my chest. Pain and anxiety almost froze me but hope drove me further. She was a Hero…. Heroes couldn't die that easily! I cradled her limp body and pressed it against my ear. It was faint but her heart was still beating. With the last of my mana I began to chant. I would not let her die like this. I wouldn't let any of them die, not while I still breathed.
The other Heroes and Gilby ran in and saw the aftermath of the fight but as their eyes drew to us they could only stare.
"Dave-," Carl began but Gary cut him off,
"He's concentrating, all we can do now is make sure he's not disturbed."
Outside I could faintly feel the presence of General Dragonmaw and her men. I was glad, she understood my message and made it in time. She would take care of everything else. Which left me with one job. To make sure Sayuri lived.