Fan Fiction ❯ Six Years ❯ Chapter 1

The early morning summer breeze flowed through the open window like an intangible river. It winded snake-like through the room and over to the twin bed in the center of the room. A figure shifted underneath the light blankets that covered the bed then lay still. After a few moments, the figure moved again and reluctantly kicked the blankets off of his body. He sat up and yawned, his fangs glistening like jewels in the darkened room.

He spread his short, golden demon wings and shook them. He gazed out the window for a moment then sighed. He had only thirty minutes before he would be required to start his daily studies with Karu. He stood up and walked to the bathroom then switched on the light. He gazed at himself in the mirror for a moment then smiled. At ten, he was already becoming a beautiful demon, or so his mother told him. He had fine magenta hair and emerald eyes. His wings were gold and although they were currently immature, they held some of the most beautiful jewels he had ever seen. He turned around then started when he found a pair of violet eyes staring at him.

"What are you doing here?" he asked and the owner of the eyes bowed.

"Your father sent me to check up on you, Ryoshan," he said and Ryo folded his arms in anger.

"I'm awake. I'm getting in the bath. I'll be ready for another fun-filled day with Karu soon."

"Would you like assistance in the bath?"

"Why?"

"Your wings."

"I can do it. Besides, aren't you supposed to go hunting with my dad?"

"Yes. I'd better get ready to go. Your father likes to go hunting early in the morning."

"What time is it?"

"Four."

"I hate mornings," Ryo said as Lee walked out of the room. Ryo stepped into the bath that was shaped like a spa and submerged his body. He envied Lee. Lee was allowed to go out with his father while Ryo was stuck in school with his lessons. It wasn't fair. Why did his father have to be king anyway? He climbed out of the bath and shook himself. He knew he'd have to get going before Karu came. He ran over to his closet and took out a tunic and pulled on a pair of pants. He put on his boots and walked out of his room.

"Your father wishes to speak with you," a woman said and Ryo glanced up at her. Even in the nighttime shadows, Ryo could tell who it was. She had long dark blue hair and sand colored eyes and her scent reminded Ryo a little of his own.

"Have I done something wrong, Mother?" he asked and his mother shook her head.

"Of course not, Ryo dear. Now go. Your father is a very busy man."

Ryo ran down the hall to the throne room where Lendas, Lee's father stopped him. He laid a hand on the young prince's shoulder and steered him aside. Ryo glanced at him for a moment and then at the throne room door.

"Why so rushed, my boy? He's only going hunting. You've got nothing to worry about," he said as he pushed back his long aqua colored hair.

"I was told he wanted to see me," Ryo replied as he laid a hand on the door.

"My son informed me that you were a little gruff with him earlier."

"Why was he sent to get me?"

"Why not?"

"Well he's...odd. He's not at all like the other demons."

"I believe one day you will be glad for that. Shall we go in?" Lendas asked and pushed open the door. Ryo walked inside and down the carpeted walkway, glancing at the statues and objects that lay on either side. He then looked at Lendas who watched him with russet colored eyes then glanced away. He stopped when he reached the base of the throne and looked down at his feet.

"Mother said you wanted to see me," he said and his father glanced up.

"Don't look so glum, Ryoshan. You're not in trouble," his father said as he stood up and flexed his silver wings. "But I do have some things I wish to discuss with you before I leave."

"I've been doing my studies," Ryo protested and Niezon laughed as Lendas pulled his olive colored hair back into a ponytail. He looped the holder a couple times then pushed it up against Niezon's head.

"Again, that's not what I wanted to talk to you about. Besides, if you are behind, Karu can get you motivated quite quickly. I want you to train with Dylnar today."

"When will I be able to go hunting?"

"When Karu feels you deserve some time off," Niezon replied and Ryo frowned.

"How come Lee gets to go then?" he demanded and Lendas laid his hands on Ryo's shoulders.

"Lee is older," he replied and Ryo brushed his hands away.

"I have to go. Karu expects punctuality."

"Do you think they'll find their way to each other?" Lendas asked, once Ryo had left the room.

"Let's hope so. If not, we'll intervene in six years and get them together," Niezon replied as another demon ran into the room.

"Your majesty there's trouble at the gate!" he cried and Niezon glanced at Lendas.

"Find Kana," he ordered and Lendas bowed slightly then ran out of the room.

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Ryo swore under his breath as he approached the school. A small rock hit him squarely in the back and Ryo spun around. A demon in his early teens with spiked pink hair stood leaning against a lamppost. He grinned when Ryo approached him and took his hand.

"You've got to work on your reflexes, man. Where's your sissy friend, Lee?" he asked as he looked around.

"He's not exactly a friend. He's out hunting with my father," Ryo replied. "Is your father going to be busy today, D?"

"I don't know. He wasn't awake when I left. Hey, there goes Kana. I wonder what's going on."

Ryo watched the tall demon with large black wings run towards the gate and shrugged his shoulders.

"I don't know," he replied and D poked him.

"Wanna go find out?"

"And go against Karu? No."

"Karu's just a teacher. He's not going to kill us for doing this. Come on," D said as he took a step in the direction opposite of the school.

"I should give the two of you extra work for being disrespectful," a voice behind them said and both D and Ryo jumped. The voice laughed and the two turned around to gaze up at the aging face of Karu. His snow white hair fell over his shoulders and he sported a close-shaven beard. His skin was pulled tight over his skeleton and muscles but there was a glint in his eyes that made a person think twice about taking advantage of him.

"Forgive us Karu," Ryo replied as he lowered his head apologetically. Karu smiled slightly then glanced at D.

"Go on, D. Your father may need your help," Karu said and D glanced at Ryo.

"What about Ryo?" he asked.

"He will join you later. I wish to tell him some things."

"Great," Ryo muttered and started walking into the classroom. He sat down in a stiff wooden chair and placed his head in his hands.

"Bored already, Ryoshan?" Karu asked and Ryo looked at him.

"What's going on outside? What's Kana doing?"

"Pay attention, Ryo!"

"You haven't done anything yet. Why are you yelling at me?"

"Dark clouds are building. You need to pay attention."

"I know what dark clouds bring, Karu. You don't have to tell me again."

"I am not talking about the weather, Ryo! Now start writing down the names of demon generals from Kana back to Taran."

"What?! That's all the way back to Shorel. That's not fair."

"Just do it!"

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Kana's dark and jaded eyes scanned the countryside for the suspicious object the sentry had seen. He was young as demons go, but the scars he bore made him seem much older than he actually was. His manner of clothing also made him look odd for he preferred to wear clothes that resembled ancient tribal dress than modern fashion. His earrings were made from crushed bone and he had a small stud pierced into his chin. His hair fell in thick braids and some said he had the finest hair around but no one knew whether the rumor was true of not, for Kana seldom wore his ebony tresses naturally.

Something in the shadows caught his eye and he picked up a bow and arrow. He listened to the night for a moment then turned to the sentry. The sentry stood in a rigid salute as Kana laid the weapon down.

"Keep your ears open. I believe the real threat will appear soon. Where is Dylnar?" Kana asked and a demon with short, spiked brown hair stepped forward.

"Right here, sir," he said and Kana took his hand.

"Sound the alarm and let me know of any strange things. I need to make a report to the king."

He jumped off the wall and landed feet first in the grass. He picked himself up and ran towards the castle.