Aside: Forced romantics.
Alicia:
While still wearing the fancy clothing the maids had made us wear, we ate breakfast with Dave's family. Our 'hell training', or so Dave called it, would begin after. He didn't tell us the details aside from the fact it was similar to what he had gone through to become Demon Lord. After breakfast we were about to leave to get changed but seeing as the maid's had gone through all the effort to have us dolled up, I felt a little unsatisfied, mostly about a particular matter.
"Then I'll meet you in the courtyard," Dave said and was about to leave but I grabbed him.
"Hang on one moment," I snapped and with my other hand yanked a surprised Sayuri closer.
"A-Alicia what are you doing?" she asked but I ignored her.
"Dave look here!" I pointed her out like a display. "What do you think?"
"I think Sayuri looks wonderful. Although I commend our tailor for creating such a dress, it is her beauty that makes it stand out," he replied completely naturally. "Of course the dress suits you just as well Alicia."
I clicked my tongue and frowned. It wasn't the reaction I was looking for. Dave was much more composed than Gary and Carl could be.
"Then how about here? Or here?" I held Sayuri and pointed out her lightly revealed chest and exposed legs. Sayuri who had already been blushing tried to cover herself but I held her arms firmly to her sides.
"Sayuri there is no need to be shy," he smiled charmingly. "You're beautiful and should be proud of how you look."
"Th-thank you…," she turned away bashfully and I let go. No effect to Dave but an ample reaction from Sayuri. Come to think of it, I could never tell what Dave was thinking. So mysterious. In comparison Carl folded out his heart with just a little bit of prodding.
Dave began to leave the throne room and Sayuri followed closely behind. Damn I wanted to get those two together so badly.
"I see what you're trying to do Hero Alicia," a chuckle resounded behind me.
I jumped in surprise and turned to see Dave's Grandpa. Or at least I was pretty sure it was. Both his father and grandfather didn't look that far apart in age. In fact you could say they would both pass off as men in their early thirties. That's a High Demon for you, but what was his name again? Something about a void….
"It's Quinton," he smiled.
"Sorry," I bowed in apology.
"No worries. However to the matter at hand, what exactly are you trying to do with my grandson?"
"Nothing…."
"Because to me it seems you are trying to pair him off with the other female Hero Sayuri."
"Well I was mostly just trying to get a reaction out of him," I huffed.
"Davarious has been trained for many years to become the Demon Lord. Training that involves politics and speech craft. You won't be able to break his mask with an attack at that level."
"So it is a mask!" I clapped my hands together.
"Of course it is. No young male could readily ignore a beauty like your friend. A pretty dress and some exposure will only be able to make him slip for a second before he catches his composure."
"Oh really? I see so something more bold then…, but why are you telling me this?"
"Because I find it immensely entertaining," he grinned. I see where Dave gets it from now. "Although we have taught him how to handle a women, he has never really interacted with one that he has considered a potential partner."
I started to get riled up again but thought better of it with a sad sigh.
"What is the matter? Are you perhaps jealous?" he teased.
"Of course not," I snapped. I prefer more muscular men after all, for example Carl. "It's just maybe I should stop before it gets too serious."
Quinton looked disappointed, "I thought that was the point."
"Well it would be nice but I know it'll hurt them later."
He looked confused, "And why would you think that young miss?"
"Because he's a High Demon and she's human."
"My wife and daughter in law were both human. I loved both of them very much."
I was surprised, I knew about Dave's mother but even his Grandmother, no wonder he was pro human. "It's not that they can't love each other. Eventually Dave would out live her right?"
"Oh!" he smiled, "No one told you how marriage works here did they?"
"What do you mean?" He gestured for me to sit down again and I did.
"I do love this story as saddening as it can be," he sat down opposite of me. "This is a true story. A story of a love so strong it changed to laws of this world." I attentively perked up. I always did enjoy a good romance. "Long, long ago far before the time of the first Demon Lord there lived a High Demon magician. He was a true master of magic. He could turn back oceans, and even raise mountains but one thing he did not have was love. That was till one day he met a young Beastkin women. She was a perky girl who brought life to whomever she met and the magician was no exception. Before long the magician learned to love the girl and proposed to her. The girl beyond joyful at winning the heart of the one she as well loved accepted. For many years they were together, they travelled the world and saw its wonders till one day they settled down together in a small village. They were blessed with children and happiness.
"That is till after decades being together the magician began to notice something. Although he still loved her with all his heart, he began to notice her hair lose its lustre and her skin begin to loosen. The magician for the first time in his life felt fear. Fear that one day he must say goodbye, for now he knew love, he dared not lose it.
"So the magician began to study the life of the world in search for the greatest taboo, immortality. No one being may live forever and those who choose to pursue this goal were cursed to fail and fail he did. The years he had spent searching took over his life. For his love to go on he was convinced that he needed to find the answer but alas from research he was called. His daughter now fully grown took his hand and cried. In his absence, the one he loved most had turned ill and would not last long.
"He threw away the papers and ran to his home where his wife lay dying. Yes an illness had taken hold however it was not the illness but age that would cause her death. In love he had tried to save her but alas the years had run dry and now the one he loved most could only smile. She smiled to him and with a voice as soft as silk declared, 'I love you now and forever.' With those words her life faded away and the magician cried. It is said he cried for every year he was gone, for those were years he would never attain. They were lost.
"Those left behind are many times filled with nothing but regret. Regret for time lost, regret for what could have been, regret for the life that was. But a High Demons life is long and with time those regrets turn to passion. The Magician once again secluded himself but now with a goal more noble. To never allow another to make the same mistake as he once fell prey to. He took his research and rekindled its flame forming a magic that encompassed the world. A magic not for immortality but time born from love.
"It was a magic unlike any other whose secrets are an impossible dream. The laws that bound our world were changed. The magician gave his life but from his life the concept of marriage itself changed. Those that entered the vow would be enshrined in light to which only truth could be spoken and swearing upon each other their lives would be entwined. Those blessed by true love would live to the age of the greater. Thus allowing all the races of the world to love without fear. For example a High Demon magician, master of magic, and a young Beastkin girl spending the centuries together and not apart by death."
I stared at Quinton with wet eyes, realising my state I quickly wiped them. "That's an interesting story…," I coughed to change the mood, "So what you're saying is Sayuri would live to be however old Dave would be?"
"Bingo," he smiled. "Although be warned the magic does work on children but not family. Death and sadness is something that can never be avoided fully."
"I see… but they're still both from different worlds," I looked to him with an expectant gaze.
"Pish posh," he waved it off. "Something like that is a trivial idea. If someone can change the laws of this world I assure my grandson can at least solve that problem."
"Hmmm but how do I get them to stick together?"
Quinton smirked evilly, "Let me tell you, First does not act the way he does so simply. The more he tries to hide it, the more interested he is, and I can tell you he was being a bit too smooth with his words back then. All you need is a stronger incentive and you'll see his true reaction."
"Like?"
"I suggest direct contact."
"You know what Grandpa Demon Lord, I really like you," I grinned.
He laughed boisterously, "If you think you've gone too far don't be afraid to go a step further! I permit your intentions!"
"I'm on it!" I ran off and got changed before quickly heading towards the courtyard. I did get lost on the way but spotted them from a window and jumped out.
"Alicia you're late, what were you doing?" Dave asked.
"Your Grandpa was telling stories," I answered.
"He really likes to do that," he sighed.
"Yeah but don't mind that. Sayuri come over here." She walked over quickly even though she looked incredibly perplexed and a little fearful of me. "Now Dave stand here, and Sayuri here." I put them face to face about half a metre apart.
"Sis what are you doing?" Garr asked suspiciously.
"Just wait," I ran off behind Dave several dozen metres away and pooling my mana together burst at him with my fist cocked. "Breaker!"
"What!?" Dave yelled too late as my fist began smashing barrier after barrier behind him. As expected his defence was amazing and by the time I reached his back my punch was no more than a light shove but it would do the trick. He was caught off balance and tipped forward. Sayuri who was right in front of him couldn't help but be pushed down as well.
I stepped back to admire my handy work. Dave was lying on top of her with his face directly on her chest. It only lasted a second before he sprang back up extremely flushed.
"Sayuri I'm so sorry, I didn't mean to-," he was flustered.
Sayuri bashfully raised herself with slightly turned away eyes. She covered her clothed chest with her arm, "N-no it's fine. I didn't mind r-really."
Seeing her with that expression and knowing he had caused it broke his mask completely, "I- I well...."
I couldn't help but smile at how innocent he actually was standing there all red and bothered. Finally a pure reaction. With this Sayuri would know he at least acknowledged her in that way. There was no hiding it now with a reaction like that. Next I would just have them spend more time together and then like Carl and I, they should just click.
"Besides Dave," Sayuri regained her composure and looked at me. Ah, she was angry. "It's not like it was your fault."
Dave also looked at me with an evil smirk, "You're right. Alicia I don't know what you wanted from that but how about you be the first to experience our new training regime?"
"…." I may have gone too far. Curses! This was all Dave's Grandpa's fault. He tricked me into going too far. I felt my spine tingle and looked over my shoulder. From the window Dave's Grandpa was watching with a hearty smile.
"Alicia where are you looking?" Dave asked as he stepped closer, "How about we start by fixing your motion sickness?"
"W-wait I can explain, I was set up I swear! C-Carl?" I looked for help.
"Sorry Alicia but you deserve this one," he just smiled. Before I could run Sayuri was by my side holding my wrist with a dangerous smile. Haha, regret.
From the window Quinton Void Bearer of the Autumn Wind watched with a soft smile and was reminded of a time many decades ago. A time when he was in a situation not too different. Back when he too loved.
Aside End:
Davarious First Born Light of the Autumn Wind:
Three days passed since I asked for the Heroes help. In the throne room they stared at me blurry eyed from waking up so early. Going to sleep late at night and waking before the sun even rose. We were pushing them to exceed their limits in the shortest time possible. Still, I knew that too much training was bad for you so I kept things light hearted. For example yesterday when we were eating lunch, I planted explosives inside some of the fruits. Man that was a good laugh. The surprise on their faces wasn't even the best part but it was the resignation of having fallen for the same trick. Though this time I immediately appeased Sayuri's anger with more fruit. Speaking of Sayuri, she had been catching my eye more lately. I'm not sure why, but it was most likely due to Alicia's incessant need to place us close together.
"Congratulations on completing the beginner's course," I declared with a smile.
Alicia glared at me, "That was the beginner's course? Yesterday you threw me ten thousand feet into the air and said 'good luck'."
"Exactly and you survived."
"Don't play with me Dave."
"I'm not playing around. This is all to ensure you live as long as possible. Now I would like to introduce you to some of my most trusted subordinates," I gestured behind me and eight figures walked towards us. "These are my Generals. They are the leaders of the eight major races and some of the strongest that they have to offer. They are my arms and ears."
They kneeled as one before standing again, "We greet the Lord."
The Heroes observed them warily, especially the Orc General. Although not directly they had fought him before. Right now both sides were sizing up the other.
"From left to right, Ogral Grim-tooth of the Orcs, Lazly Fin of the Ogres, Tiberus Mercer of the Beastkin, Anna Duebell of the Horned tribe, Sian Tallon of the Harpies, Lana Dragonmaw of the Dragonkin, Philius Ever-bell of the Fay and Gill Carter of the Merfolk. These are my generals and for the next few weeks they will be your masters."
"Pardon me?" Gary replied in forced politeness.
"You heard me. At this moment you would lose to any of them one on one, in two weeks you must be able to defeat the two I pair with you."
"Dave are you sure we'll be able to?" Carl looked at the Generals. Each of them was a foreboding and powerful force. Very few others could match their strength.
"Of course, you're the Heroes. Usually you'd have a few more years on you but you're talented. I believe in you."
General Grim-tooth let out a rough chuckle, "Don't be afraid. The Lord has explained everything to us. I apologise for my actions earlier, they were my own and born from a hatred that perhaps you Heroes can prove wrong."
"Besides," General Duebell smirked, "you Heroes are meant to be being on par with our Lord. Before he became the Demon Lord for us to accept him he beat all of us in battle, alone and all at once."
"All eight of you?" Sayuri looked at me shock.
"It's tradition," I said secretly proud. The current problem with the Heroes was their reliance on each other to fill their faults. To fix this we would be separating them and targeting their weaknesses. "I will now pair each of you with two Generals. Carl you will be with General Fin of the Ogres and General Duebell of the Horned tribe." General Fin was a female ogre with a Beastkin father, as such her eyes and ears were similar to a cats. Unlike male ogres who were usually large in both directions, female ogres had a more muscular appearance as well as being tall. General Duebell of the Horned tribe was the smallest of the Generals but specialised in defensive magic. Like the rest of her race she looked similar to High Demons aside from a single solid horn on her forehead and tattoos on her body that came from birth. Their race could have a variety of different shaped horns and their tattoos continuously changed. I chose these two for Carl who was an all-rounder type fighter. Carl could use magic decently and was skilled in attack and defence but with the other Heroes he mainly focused on defence. Against two others who also specialised in this, he would have no choice to become more aggressive.
"Alicia you'll be paired with General Tallon of the Harpies and General Ever-bell of the Fay." General Tallon a harpy had strong claws on his feet and hands. His wings were also quite large for his race. A man of few words… till you got him drunk and then he wouldn't shut up. General Ever-bell was quite simply put a womanizer. Incredibly handsome even for a Fay he had a notoriety with females from all races. Funnily enough he was actually on the pro human side, although the reasons for which were less than honourable. Alicia who was a power hitter had a distinct disadvantage on those faster than herself to which these two clearly were. One because he could fly and the other because he spent a lot of time running away from scornful women.
"Gary you'll be paired with General Grim-tooth of the Orcs and General Mercer of the Beastkin." General Grim-tooth was physically the strongest of the Generals. You could throw a ten tonne rock at him and he'd knock it aside with a laugh. Secretly his weakness was that he couldn't swim but you didn't hear that from me. Currently he was actually taking swimming lessons but to no avail so far. General Mercer was my uncle, not by blood but because he was also Marker's father. As quick on his feet as his mind was, no one was better with a bow than him. He had also been a long-time friend of my father and fought the previous Heroes before. Gary was great at support and offensive magic but against two opponents skilled in offense without anyone to back him up, it was clear what I wanted him to learn.
Finally was Sayuri, quite frankly she didn't have any glaring flaws. Her defence was on the light side but she made up for it with her agility. Her skills improved even more after she almost died when the Dragonkin Grand Elder hit her. I could tell she didn't want to be a burden. Compared to the other Heroes, she had the greatest skill alone and for that reason,
"Sayuri you'll be paired with General Dragonmaw of the Dragonkin and General Carter of the Merfolk." I dumped Lana on her. The most skilled of all my Generals, aside from my family the only ones who could win against her would be Lisanna and Sebastian. General Carter… well he was strong… but honestly I couldn't fit him anywhere else. As a Merfolk his true strength was in the water and we'd be fighting on land…. As for Merfolk, they lived on almost all coastal areas of the Demonside but had a territory of their own to the east. Their skin was usually a green or blue shade and felt quite rubbery. They also had gills on the side of their neck and chest as well as webbed hands and feet. General Carter was no exception.
"Okay everyone please get acquainted," I smiled. This would be interesting.