Chapter 5: The Modern Demon.

I had my head down for some time. Following Jabroni up and down the hallways of the estate as he tried to explain to me what he did for it. 

Not much as it turned out. 

Mostly hanging around where Hakim works and keeping a eye on him. Providing food and drinks every two hours. 

Most of the time between was spent… recreationally. 

The baboon laid out a strange wooden box with several small pieces carved from bone or wood. 

“What is this?” 

“The oldest version of the game is called Senet, but this variant is called chess. A game played with strategy in mind.” The primate explained as he lined up the pieces. Gold for his side and black for mine. 

“You play games when not working? You can do that?” I asked with some surprise, I'll be honest with all that I have experienced, especially in such a short amount of time, I am getting a bit numb to some of the weirdness of this manor. 

“The baboon lord is a god of games, as well as other things. It helps quicken and mold the mind for strategy. Its also good to have mindless entertainment every once and awhile.” The baboon said as a sudden crash could be heard in the distance. 

“Nope, nope, nope, not that door,” a slightly familiar male voice said as frantic running quickly began heading in our direction. 

“Is that-”

“Daegan?” I asked. Watching him try to avoid several baboons and a several bulky shabit’s as he ran towards us.

The tall blonde ran past them into the room. 

“Please don’t tell,” he asked before ducking under furniture and vanishing. 

Jabroni rolled his eyes as Daegan hid, coming between him and the Shabit. He spoke a word and they stopped in their tracks as well as the baboons. 

“Sir we-”

“Saw nothing. Your disturbing my break and mentorship duties.” The baboons took notice of Jabroni’s words. Bowing and leaving with the shabit’s. 

“Daegan what did you do?” I asked as I picked up the pieces of the game Daegan ran through.

The teen came out of hiding. He brushed off his dark colored clothes and ran his fingers through the misty red tips of his curls.  

“Sorry ‘bout that. I was trying to escape the house. Attempt four hundred and seventy six with zero success…” He sighed rubbing the back of his neck, a dark look crossing his face for a second before he looked bright and cheeky again. “But I haven't technically been caught yet so I can still keep trying.” 

“If you managed to encounter the baboon troop and the shabit’s guards, it seem he was very close this time.” Jabroni said.

“Jabroni said this was your closet attempt.” I translated.

“Seriously?” He got excited. “So I was going the right way? How close was I? I can be prepared for them next time.” 

Jabroni sighed. “You shouldn't have translated that. He will only waste more time on this, Even if he manages to get outside the manor and then get attacked by its outer defenses.” I thought about the Baboons words. 

“Maybe we….its stupid.” I said as Daegan seemed to be struck with nothing but confusion. 

“Two things. First off, have I been mishearing and misseeing or do you understand Jabroni? I thought that was a Hakim thing. Second, what's stupid? I love stupid.” 

“Yeah…apparently I- I think the word is automatically- translate languages and animals have their own.” I told him what little I understood.  “I just wanted to say is that this can just be solved with you being let outside right?” 

Daegan began laughing at the comment. He was smiling but his eyes were cold and angry. 

“I have been asking every day for nearly a year, ever since I got here. They won't let me, ‘the house has everything you could want’. It's just a prison cell with fancy paint,” Daegan said bitterly. 

I looked toward jabroni.

“Would they notice if he is gone?”

“Your not suggesting-”

“Just for a little bit, I imagine if you are the one that does it then no gets in trouble. Some fresh air and and I get to learn about this city that is not second hand.” I asked the primate. 

“Please Jabroni. I'd do anything at this point to just be outside,” Daegan pleaded. 

I felt a strange sense of humor from watching a young man beg a naimal half its size. The baboon looked at him and sighed.

“Fine. But under my watch and through the servant pathways. I suspect he already found his way into it but trigger the security.” 

“He says yes but don’t be dumb about.” I added.

“I probably can't promise on that one,” Daegan said slowly as he stood up to his full height again, rubbing the back of his neck. “I'll try my best but in all fairness I tend to think things are fine but then words like ‘stupid’ and ‘dumb’ and ‘impulsive’ get thrown around the dining room. But I will be… unproblematic, hopefully.” 

The words didn’t seem to reassure Jabroni but he didn’t renege on my logic.

“We can leave right now. Its lunch preparations time and I am not on call at the moment. We will have three hours. Don’t make me regret this.”

“Your going to force me to translate anything you want daegan to know arn’t you.” The baboon nodded to my assessment. “Fine, he says three hours. Do what he says.” 

“Yes Sir,” Daegan gave a playful two finger salute. 

I followed the primate right behind Daegan as he showed us to a part of th wall. Speaking another word under his breath it opened a door way within it that was pitch black. 

The blonde took one look at it, shrugged and went to enter the door without hesitation. 

As they walked inside they realized it truly was not made for people. The way was slanted and cramped. Only really meant for baboons and feet that didn’t tire as I notice as Daegan feet seemed to ache while my clay feet had no issue, almost sticking to the floor. 

“How much longer?”

“Three miles.” The baboon said with no hesitation or weight.

“Well, we close? Don’t get me wrong I don’t mind the walking, just desperate for genuine fresh air,” Daegan chuckled before giving a few happy sing-song hums. “It’s going to be so nice. I’m going to climb the first tree I see.” 

“I never seen someone so desperate to leave. When I was a child I to stay inside away from the hot sun? Their are other reasons you don’t like being within the manor, I assume.” I asked as I did my best not mention the rest of the trips length.

“Oh, well-” He paused as he was about to explain, looking me up and down for a moment. “I’m suddenly doubting I should give you the full version but at the same time I have been told I overshare even without really meaning to.” 

“Well…I am lying if I said with what little I remember I rather not get into my past much either…I don’t even know what my home is like anymore. They kept being tight lipped about details.” I said as we began to walk a steep stone incline.

“Oh! It’s not that I mind telling. I find it’s best to talk about things whenever you’re comfortable because then it just makes them facts, not some kind of shameful secret. I just know my lack of filter upsets some people, most people in Moreno don’t mind but you’ve had a lot going on so I don’t want to accidentally trigger you without permission,” Daegan replied with a friendly smile showing off his dimples. “And, while I’m sure a lot has changed and I didn’t spend too much time interacting with the tribe, I think Mrs. Eldora made a great place for everyone. I know I loved growing up there.” 

“Huh.” I wondered…how has my friend changed in my absence. Especially given that someone like Daegan was allowed near our village? Did they accept foreigners now?

“We will arrive soon.” Jabroni interrupted my thoughts.

“How are we able to get through here with out having trouble did alone?” The baboon sneered.

“Simple, if your not reconized as a servant it tries to kill you. If he gotten this far he would have been crushed by walls.” He said bluntly. 

“I take it we’re near the end?” Daegan asked excitedly, a skip in his step as he began moving faster. 

“Watch your footing.” I warned as Jabroni climb to a visible  door at the end. Making both a motion with his long fingers and and spoke a word the shined in the air. The entrance way opened. Letting a bit of light through.

The teenage boy let out a small breath of disbelief, slowing for just a second before sprinting out the door. 

The outside of the manor, it was gigantic.

I knew the size need to be enormous to accommodate the sheer amount of rooms and defesnses but the side of it was like that of a smooth mountain with lines where you could see the shapes of rectangular stone. Even beyond that it was magnificent. This village- no, what did they call it, city was seemed to almost be as big as my home order of magnitude of of hundreds. Shelters that scratched the heavens themselves with clouds forming around them. Flying structures that floated and went around them. All manor of creatures flying in the air. The sun shining straight down on it all with divine glamour. All while I saw the final display of grandeur. Statues, seated ones that rested on top the buildings. Six of them in total. 

One of imeperious man watching over the city with authoritative glare. Next to a smiling woman with a elaborate clothing, smiling a mysterious smile.

Around them almost seated in reverence where three male figures and one girl. One large and strong, a flat reptilian with a strong jaw under him. A man in fine clothes opposite to him and near the women with a crescent moon above his head and a falcon and a strong bird on his shoulder.

The last duo opposite was a young man that was in a mid bow position and looking up, a baboon near mimicking the motion. While the girl opposite of was strong and stood defiant with no animal or symbol near her. Radiating strength all the same.

Daegan ran out and spun around in a circle laughing as he went further out of the door. He raised his head, tilting it back slightly as a weak breeze went by. Nearly shoulder length curls swayed around his face as his crimson eyes closed for a moment, notably breathing in to smell the wind as it passed. 

“Is this really real? Why can’t I stay out here forever?” Daegan’s tone was softer, almost sad and childlike but as quickly as it was there it was gone and he was looking back with a cheeky, bright smile. “Come on! I want to find something to climb!” 

“Probably not the manor, unless you want to scale a pyramid that is taller than some mountains.”

“He says not this place.” I looked out and saw that the city was arranged in shapes, squares that seemed to make up a circle. “Maybe that place?” I pointed to a area with several large towers that seemed to be made of wood and had several pink petals swirling around it.

“Looks pretty, I’m game,” he nodded happily. 

“Thats the asiastic district. It might have some fun thing for Daegan. It is sponsored by Hakim.” Jabroni explained he point to how the statue overlooked it.

“He says it might be fun, based on a place called…Asia?” I tried to say.

“I thought those petals looked like Cherry Blossoms! Come on, let’s go explore. I wanna see if they have any of the cool stuff.” 

The baboon sighed and gestured toward the side of the manor. 

“Try to keep your feet flat and trip. The local transit should be beneath us.” I translated as he spoke. He did as he said, sliding down the side at a angle.

“Is it really safe-”

“Only one way to find out!” Daegan beamed, grabbing my hand as he went over the edge without any hesitation.

I screamed as we slide down the length. A massive structure that seemed to go down endless as I was pulled into the vague direction of our guide. Until we reached the cut off point. For a moment I only see a endless bottom, the space between building having no filling before we landed on top of a moving structure my body moving on its own. My hand hitting the top of the long snake like structure and slamming Daegan to the side of it make a slight imprint.

He took a dazed moment to shake himself off, before smiling with a bright glow. 

“That was so fun! Let’s do that again but like six more times.” 

“No!” I yelled. 

“We should arrive in the cherry blossom square in a few minutes.” Jabroni said as he took a seat, looking toward the front of the structure. 

“What even is this thing?” I asked.

“Pretty sure it’s just a funky magic train,” Daegan replied casually, his hands stuffed into his oversized pockets. 

“What’s a train?” I said while I did my best to claw the top of this so called train.

“A form of transport? Several carts carrying people and stuff dragged along a set track. Probably the… third or fourth worst form of transport. Fourth. At least you can walk around inside of one of these guys,” Daegan called over as he carefully perched himself. 

“You don’t like being confined in anyway do you?”

“You learn much faster than the Oni, my friend.” 

“Will arrive in five minutes be ready to jump to the left and make it long. If you don’t make you will fall into the pits.” 

“Ask him is there’s something fun in those pits,” Daegan smirked after I’d translated for him. 

“They are pits that lead into the sea of oblivion.” I tried to translate until the last bit.

“Sea of obilivion?”

“Short answer is the limits of the magical realm. Just don’t fall too deep into it.” 

“Ohhh, yeah I don’t think I should mess with that. Mr. Joseph would probably lecture me on ‘hey haven’t I told you that like twelve times’. ‘Specially after some of the incidents I had with my bestie growing up…” 

“You have alot of near death experiences do you?” I asked while the floating train went around, under and above several buildings.

Making its way through a long tunnel before reaching the outline of a wooden gated area.

“Need a hand for the jump?” Daegan asked, already getting up to brace himself as he held his hand out for me. 

“Why is it that the one way of getting anywhere is jumping.” I complained.

“Daegan wanted fun.” Jabroni siad and I refused to translate.

Jumping with them when the baboon gave the signal as we landed into a pile of pink leaves.

Daegan laughed as he tossed around in them a bit to roll over, the plant particles getting stuck in his wild hair. He tossed them up and watched them flutter back down with a childish glee. 

“This is so much better than being inside, right?” he asked me expectantly. 

“I’m going to die again, I’m going to die again and it will be either your or the baboon’s fault.” I said as I layed in the bright leaves.

Jabroni helped me up and lead us to the main trail, giving us a proper view of the location.

Several people walking and resting at the trail. Many small wooden shrines with wooden figures under the brightly colored trees. And several strange creatures floating or crawling around. The people just as strange to me. Looking partially similar to the foreigners that invaded my home but with darker hair and different eyes. 

Daegan hardly waited for us as he ran ahead to the tallest tree he could find, pulling himself up the branches and into the dense foliage. 

Several people in the crowd commented, from my mind translated as-

“Why is that white boy trying to climb the sakura?”

“I was under the impression he wanted to explore?” Jabroni asked and I translated.

“I said I wanted to find something to climb. I didn’t lie.” The moment I heard his voice his head popped back out of the tree, handing entirely upside down with his knees hooked over a branch. “I want to explore too, but the wind is so nice up high. You can’t tell me you’ve never found a tree and just tried to see how close to the sky you could get.” 

“Most of the tree from my home where straight or near bodies of water so no. Also I was not allowed to.” I explained. Jabroni did try to get Daegan’s attention and point to one of the towers.

“Come on, if your going to complain about not be able to go anywhere, we might as well get yourself a shrine cleansing.” I translated.

“Epic!” He hopped back down with ease. “Lead the way, my current third and fourth favorite people.” 

Jabroni lead us both toward one of the largest towers. The entrance of it had a statue of strange creature that seemed to have the parts of other creatures. A long one with horns and sharp teeth. With strom clouds around it. Several small water spouts of water pouring from wooden stalls. 

Daegan seemed to calm down to a more respectful degree as he looked around, despite vibrating with energy. There was restraint in his steps as though he were repressing the urge to run around and his hands were fiddling with each other not to touch anything. 

Jabroni notice this and went toward one of the booths with flowing water. Showing the both of us a small tool to gather the water and using it to wash his hands. 

“Do this and it will help wash away negative emotions.” Jabroni, through me, explained.

“If this stuff works, I need it in my room back in the prison,” Daegan joked, mimicking Jabroni’s actions. 

“Will it help…me?” I asked the baboon. 

“I cannot say. It can’t do much harm to try atleast.” I nodded at his words and repeated the process after Daegan. 

“Are you dealing with a lot of negative emotions?” Daegan asked, his gaze a bit softer. “I’d assume with all the confusion and Mr. Falcon-Man-Oni being a complete jerk, but, I don’t know.” 

“Its…my memeroay, the gaps within…I feel like, its almost like the last moment of my life were such a heavy thing that it holds my soul down.” I tried to describe as I used the water. I felt a slight tingle of feeling, one of the only things I have felt physically in some time.

“Well, like I said earlier, I believe in talking about upsetting things casually so you don’t need to feel like they’re secret. Doesn’t have to be now or too me but maybe talking about what you do know or even just what you feel will help a bit? Don’t know, helps me,” Daegan shrugged, seeming more relaxed as he straightened back up. 

“I remenber the foreigners came. That when they came red dots appeared on our skin. My and my sister gotten them as well. After that.” My mind felt pressure like a bolder was weighing it down. “I can’t remember how I die.” 

“Hardly what matters.” Jabroni said. 

“Shoudn’t. I don’t know if i was murderer, died from the sickness. What happened to my sisters…why I never went to the after? So much is missing.” I continued to wash with the water hoping that it would grant some kind of relief but the feeling was brief before the water drained from my hands. 

“Do you feel better?” The baboon asked.

“Lighter…but still wandering mentally.”

“I get that,” Daegan piped up, filling in the blanks of the conversation. “I only know a bit about your questions from when I was lending a hand. For sure I know you not being able to cross over wasn’t your fault a jerk face messed that stuff up. As for your sisters, don’t quote me on this but I think you might get to see them again if I understood the situation right, which… take that with a grain of salt?” 

“...Thank you.” I said. 

We went over to the other shrines to quickly do their cleansing rituals, usually involving water and washing in some way. Daegan being the only one allowed to do the water drinking ones.

We went around the central shrine before going near another statue of the combination creature I saw earlier. 

“Give prayer and the master will hear you.” I read out.

“Awesome, let's see if this one hates me!” Daegan chirped, coming back to my side again from where he’d started wandering off. 

“Just follow my actions.” Jabroni instructed as we stood in front of the statue. Getting one knee and putting the flat of our hands together. 

“Should we ask for something?” I asked.

“We can, don’t know if they’ll want something in return or if it’s the type that they get more power based on how many they answer. I’m bad with remembering which religions are which. If I were gonna ask for something… I’d wish to beat Dali! Or better yet never have to return to that manor again, or at least have a daily exit if I do. Maybe to see Mr. Joseph and have him rescue me again? Oh! Or maybe for some really cool training. I wonder if I could-” Daegan continued to ramble on and on. 

“I guess. If I can ask for anything.” I silently wished to see my friend again and that she lives a blessed life. Mine ended, I have another chance at it…but I wonder how Ellie did with out us for so long. 

“A noble wish has been heard.” A heavy voice reverberated near the statue. Its surface growing cracks.

“Probably not mine I ended up asking for freedom and cheese,” Daegan stated as he looked up with excitement. 

The cracks grew larger and in their place were blue scales.

The excitable blonde teen gaped with awe, eyes shining with interest. 

“This is seriously the coolest.” 

“Please give Wish Dragon King respect.” The baboon asked.

“Wish Dragon King? What’s a dragon?” The statue burst revealing long serpent creatures that grew in size and spiraled around the shrine tower as I stood there in amazement.

“Wish Dragon King is the translation of my name. Negai Ryūō.” The serpent spoke.

“Negai Ryūō…” Daegan repeated wistfully before his expression changed and he began to ramble once again. “You’re so cool. I love your scales, they are so colorful. You’re an Eastern Dragon so you can fly without wings right? How big are you? You’re the Wish Dragon King so does that mean you give everyone wishes or is that only the deserving people or is it just like a title because everyone gives you wishes? What kinds of magic do you have? Do you live here? Is this your kingly domain kingdom thing?” 

“...The fae is very chatty.” The Dragon said.

“He is.” Me and Jabroni said at once.

“What are you?” I asked a bit rudely but I was amazed. Such a spirit would be unseen or be beyond what I could see in life. This is something more, the pressure from him felt like the first winds of a storm.

“To answer questions in order. I am a Dragon spirit that was brought here during my migration of my people in the last century. My power varies but I can bring good harvest and grant the noble wishes of those with righteous intent.” The dragon explained. As a crowd of men in flowing robes and black hat surrounded us.

“Rejoice! The great Dragon King of Wishes has risen! Rejoice in his presence!”

“I take it this is a rare occurrence?” Daegan pursed his lips, looking at the crowd. 

“He only appears when noble wishes are asked. It's been months since our lord has emerged from his mortal form.” One of the priests said.

“Nice, we get to meet you the one time I’m finally let out. I say that is a good sign in our friendship,” he joked, patting my shoulder playfully. 

“...The question stands…do you grant wishes.”

“Within my power and only with the right intent. I won’t tell who’s wish but it is among you. Feel free to enjoy your time in my shrine at anytime, it can at least satisfy one of your wishes to have my official invitation.” A small letter manifested in the hand of Daegan. “The holder of that can come back whenever they please. 

Daegan’s hands tightened around the paper for a moment before he bowed his head. He raised it back up smiling ear to ear. 

“Thank you so much! I’ll do good and give tribute to the shine every time I visit,” he said with a cheeky thumbs up. 

“Can Rapheal refuse him?” I whispered to Jabroni. 

“He would try. Either way we should make our way back.”

Daegan, unaware of the conversation, continued to smile at the paper as though it were a prized possession. He hummed out a happy song, clearly lost in thought. 

“May you have good fortune on your endeavors.” The dragon king offered as the baboon led us outside the wooden gates. 

“Bye Mr. King Negai!” Daegan called over his shoulder before turning his attention back to the group. “Where to next? This city seems to have a lot of fun stuff.” 

“We need to leave quickly. We spent too much time…we can take the scenic route if you want.” I translated from the baboon.

“What do you mean too much time! It’s hardly enough,” Daegan protested, an almost fearful anger flashed across his face before he repressed it. “But fine. Least a scenic route give me five more seconds before we return to hell.” 

“A bit dramatic but I think what our friend means is that if we arrive without anyone noticing then we can do this again more regularly.” I tried to explain in a different way to lift his spirits.

“I suppose I can’t complain too much about that,” he replied with some reluctance. 

“It's just a small insurance so you can have more freedom in the future. If we stay too long they will look for us.” I pointed out.

“They would hunt you down.” Jabroni said and I translated.

“Like they could catch me. I spent my childhood learning to hide from Mr. Joseph and Mr. Joseph is way better than any Oni,” Daegan boasted proudly, though following us to return to the estate. 

Several heads turn as he said those words.

“You might want to curb such words in the outer city…for your own safety.” I was confused by the words as I translated them. “The people are grateful to their guardians…and baneful to their enemies. We would rather not have them think you are one.”

“I’m not changing my opinion to make anyone happy. I’ll be quieter but it’s true. And trust me when I say if that is bad, they’d have an aneurysm if I spoke my real thoughts on Mr. Patriarch.” 

Jabroni shook his head as we walked to moving platform with small walls that flew off and shifted in regular intervals. We took a longer way so we saw the tips and overview of other districts from above. 

“There is Mare nostrum beach: a district for greek and roman being’s: looked after by general Jamil. Fae lane's: Main district for fae like beings. Domain of Martin Oni. Afrikan heights: where mostly of the cities northern african shamans and spirits dwell: Domain of lord Rahpeal. Heavenly park: Where all hindu beings and a small community of Jhinn live: domain of Dali Ankshara Oni. Kemet Obelisk Central: Mistress Nubia runs that district as its beauty and commerce center. There are smaller districts between them. I believe several of Moreno’s leaders have enclave’s here.” I did my best to relay all the information he said but many of the words tripped my tongue. “For clarity, think of each district as the size of a small city on its own. And the smaller ones as towns around them.”

“There is a fae district and never brought the literal dullahan living with them? Uhg, I’m regretting all of the reminders I’m only a half breed.” 

“To be fair they would probably either challenge or play a trick on you to make the family look like fools. The district is the most independent and the one that threaten rebellion the most. Once tried to coup them.” 

“Wait what!?” I asked both of them after translating. 

Daegan blinked back at me with crimson eyes, his head tilting to the side. 

“What’s confusing you?” he asked. 

“You said it still exist, your lord allows those that rebelled to live!” My mind was rattled by the concept. My chieftain would skin those who say harsh words to him.

“Well the district was destroyed after they kidnapped a infant Jamil and tried to hold him for ransom. Even tried to eat him. Lord Rapheal killed none of them but he made them live in the ash for a week before having it reconstructed.” I translated with some clarity.

“Hmm, the one time I’d have been more ruthless than him. Harming kids should be off everyone’s tables. Though I guess that’s just a fae thing from the stories, should’ve done one of the tricks to keep fae out, there’s dozens of ‘em,” Daegan mused. 

“It does explain the manor’s defense’s.” 

“And why I am leading you back before it gets dark or people start listening to what your are saying and figure out your guests of them.” 

“Still would rather test my luck and try to make it home before they catch me, but whatever, I wouldn’t know where to find a good boat without research anyways.” 

I shrugged off the strange answer he gave as we made our way closer and closer to where the manor should be. Taking a supposed shortcut through some floating apartment buildings and more jumping.

“Is this how most people get around? Jumping, grabbing to strange metal bits?”

“No but its how I get around. Primate remember?”

“Right, primate, swinging.” I said as I tried to not think about the drop below.

“Nothing wrong with some good old exercise, right?” Daegan chuckled, following along without any qualms. 

Then there was a sudden shift. The building moved in such a way that a pathway laid before us. A sort of conjoined path made by two building in both’s shadow. 

“We should be wary. This movement was too quick to be-” A sudden movement of black snatched the baboon in a instant before I could translate what he said.

“Stay behind me,” Daegan said firmly, getting closer to be sure where I was. 

He twisted his wrist but when nothing happened he gained a small look of horror. Wide and panicked eyes started searching the room, his hands balling up into fists. 

“I don’t have any weapons,” he growled under his breath. 

“Hue,Hue,Hue.” A soft laughter was around us. “What is that we have a few oni rats scurry the dark corners of their own city?” The voice was cold and lifeless. Spoke as if a mocking corpse was trying to tear into us.

“Don’t lump us in with that family like that, it’s insulting,” Daegan replied with clear sass in his posture. 

“Oh, widdle baby Nolan going to be a big man.” Another voice called in a cutesy tone with heavy bass.

“Enough of the games. The primate has no meat. Get our meal!” A third voice called out. Its voice regal but devoid of all life. Hands started to come up from our shadow and grab at us.

“How do you know that name?” Daegan snapped furiously, ducking and striking back at the hands.

“Daegan. Why couldn’t you help me?” The face of a woman with pale almost white blonde hair popped out of the shadow. “He’s spineless, that's why.” Another face popped out with an older redheaded man’s face. A third face of a wizened man with grayish hair popped up behind them. “He was always getting in the way.” A being with all three face’s popped up with the rest of the body having the faces of dozen other people, half of their features blurred by shadows on a wooden body. Almost block like with bright purple and dark blue coloring acting as limbs.

He froze for a moment, looking between the first two faces in horror. Very quickly a look akin to that of a trapped feral animal came over him, a thick sense of bloodlust around him. Daegan attempted to strike the nearest appendage, an angry cry in his throat. 

As he tried to grab at the strange being two clawed hands grabbed both of our heads. One that pinned Daegan to the wall and tossed onto my back. As a large formed pinned me down with a foot on my stomach. Dressed in a dark cloak with their features disguised. 

“Stay away from her!” Daegan yelled angrily, desperately trying to pry himself out from where he was pinned. 

“Chose your meal. We need to be quick.” the cloaked figure demanded. 

“We shall take the red and yellow boy.” The face cried in unison.

“I am fine with consuming the baboon. Its a servant of the Oni family. The other two must be quest. I will enjoy consuming it whole.”

“Alright the boy for the Duke of misery. And if you take the primate Marquis de Owl. Then Ill take the girl such a shame to let such beauty be wasted. But rejoice, Demon chief: He who reaps souls.” The large cloaked man proclaimed.

“I’m warning you.” I tried for a bluff. “Don’t let us go and none of you survive!”  

“Yeah, you’ll regret touching us!” Daegan added to the bluff, angrily trying to kick and flail with his legs.

“Ugh, I hate dealing with unlearned children.” The owl that made a quick motion with his clawed hand and made a wound in his neck. A quick splash of blood staining the ground and the claw.

“Thank you marquis.” The cloaked figure praised.

“Daegan!” I cried out.

“Don’t worry. You will be next.” He pressed his foot down and my body broke apart. My top and bottom half, separated. 

“Damn, just a shabit. Nothing of worth.” The figure sighed.

Daegan choked and coughed, the blood staining the scar shaped birthmark already encircling his throat. His eyes pinch with pain but he didn’t stop squirming. 

“Leave my friends alone, jerks! I’m the only fun one here for you guys anyways,” He smirked sinisterly in spite of his very poor circumstances. 

“I warn-” Reaper of souls placed a hand over my mouth.

“I cannot eat flesh that is not there but I certainly do as my name is.”

The owl demon pressed the wound as Daegan's mouth spurted more blood. 

“This smell…Fae.” The owl groaned. “Only the baboon is worth anything. I see we toss the body into the sea of-”

A stone rectangle flew out of Reap souls. Blasting his chest cavity open where the space of his lungs and stomach should be.

“You dare attack them. You dare attack what is mine!” Several more stones began to fly about trapping all the strange creatures. “Second rate demons like you! Who call themselves duke’s and kings! The stone began to pelt themselves but the so-called demons tried to dodge to little effect even when they tried to use Daegan as a meat shield as it went around him in straight lines. 

A weak chuckle left Daegan’s throat as he looked towards the source of the voice, giving one last cheeky grin before slumping from exhaustion and blood loss. 

A figure hidden in a sand storm commanded all this. That was all I could see as it began its work on all of them. The rushing sand distorting its voice. 

“I will show you the price of your deeds. The false demon is already done. What about the over excited puppet and overgrown avian!” The stone trapped the large bird man as they also pulled Daegan away from my sight. 

The demon with multiple heads said feature shifted to that of a dark skin woman with long styled hair.

“Th-they will never respect you! You will always be a outsider!” A stone shattered its limbs one at a time. “No living thing will truly love you outside your powers!” 

“I am above things such as love, and mercy.” The creature limbless body contorted and shifted. Becoming compacted and small. Screaming as it went from a strange humanoid made of blocks to a small flopping worm like reptile barley ability to move, gasping on the ground. 

“So this is the strength of the Oni! We maybe cruel being’s but at least we are truthful in that! What say you prince of sands, misbegotten child of Envy and shame!” A hand manifest in the sandstorm that grabbed the birdman’s large neck from the scruff.

“No, this is my strength. By the power of the god of magic and order. I invoke his progenitor status over names and power itself to invoke this binding. Your autonomy is no longer your own. Forever shall it be bound to me so long as I will it. Be bound to the Prince of Sand and stone!” A bright light shines from the hands veins and into the bird as it screams in agony.

My vision fading as the owl dropped to the ground. 

“You will be repaired. Please…don’t give the Oni family more heartache and stress than it needs if this is the fruit of you going on your own.” The voice slowly became softer as my consciousness began to fade and I saw bright light over a badly hurt Daegan.

The blonde weakly but playfully stuck out his bloody tongue a bit. After one last cheeky action of defiance he let himself rest.