Fan Fiction ❯ The Four Lords ❯ Hidden Emotions ( Chapter 2 )

[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]

"Hmm...yes he is. Alex...is that what you call him?" Shadow asked as some of his apprehension dispersed as he looked at Brittany with interest.

"Yes...why, isn't that his name?" Brittany asked confused.

"Well, no one is actually allowed to call their Lord by their name, even so Alex is not his true name." Shadow replied.

"Well then what is it?"

"I am not allowed to speak it. Only demon Lords are allowed to call each other by their first name." Shadow stated.

"That's not true and you know it." A gruff voice sounded from behind him. A grey wolf demon walked in behind Shadow and leisurely sat down. He looked old, and had a scar that ran across his right eye. His clothes were in the same fashion as Shadow's and the same dark color. He gazed at Brittany and smiled as he extended his hand towards her. "The name's Kiba, pleased to meet you."

Brittany instantly took a liking to Kiba as she shook his hand. " Pleased to meet you too."

"Now, before I answer your question I want to know something about you. Are you a witch?" Kiba asked with a serious expression on his face.

"What..no...of course not!" Brittany stammered. "Why in the world would you think that?"

"Well because in all the years I've served my Lord never once has he acted as peculiar as he has this day. Even though I saw him but for a few minutes, there was something different about him. Normally by now he would've killed someone, yet instead of yelling or even lashing out at anyone he simply nodded and told them to be on there way. He was especially concerned about your well being my lady, seeing as how you are his mate. The most peculiar thing though was the fact of how much he stressed that you are to be made happy, comfortable, and safe. He's never been the kind to treat his guest...hospitable, you could say. The only logical reason I could come up with for his actions would be that you were a witch. Of course seeing you now I know there is no way you could be." Kiba replied. "Now if you still want to know his true name I will tell it to you, but I will say this; speaking his name is forbidden and I will only answer one forbidden question. Do you really want to waste it on knowing his true name? Seeing as how he lets you call him Alex, I don't see what difference knowing his true name will do you."

"Well...when you put it like that I guess your right. But I really don't know what to ask then. Would you mind telling me more about Alex like, what kind of person he really is and what he was like before he came to the human realm." Brittany asked.

"You mean before he was banished to the human realm." A female voice cut in. A female wolf with light brown fur stepped in as she bowed slightly before Brittany. "My lady."

"Hey, you don't have to say my lady. I mean, I'm not the Lord or anyone special." Brittany blushed at the attention everyone gave her. "But I presume you are...Holly...right?"

"Yes my lady. My Lord instructed that I should come up here and see if there was anything you would be needing." Holly said as she sat beside Kiba. Brittany noticed that her right arm and left leg were bandaged tightly and faint traces of blood could be seen through them.

"No, I don't need anything. What do you mean banished?" Brittany asked.

Before anyone could answer Shadow raised his hand. "We don't need to tell her about that. She will find out tomorrow at the council meeting. Seeing as how she is the Lord's mate, she shall attend with him."

Holly looked at Brittany with a coy smile on her face as she said. "So he really did make you his mate. I never would've thought he would actually do it."

"Aye lass, that's enough of that." Kiba said roughly noticing Brittany's confused look he added. "The other demon Lord's have hundreds of mates by now, but our Lord has never actually taken a mate. He's been with plenty of women before mind ye, but none of them mattered to him. You’re the only one he's ever cared enough about to mark."

"Oh well, I mean...he just did it for my protection." Brittany stammered as she blushed brightly.

"So, do you have feelings for him?" Holly asked bluntly.

"What, I mean...well, it's complicated. We were dating...but I don't love him, or anything...he was just really nice." Brittany said quietly.

"Hmm, if you say so." Holly said as she stood up. "I'd better get back to the troops. Shadow do you want to come with me?"

"Yes, of course. My lady, I will say this. Do not anger him. The person you may have known in the human realm is not the person that is known as the Lord of the southern realm. Although I will say this, you must mean something to him, otherwise he wouldn't have looked at you like he did." Shadow said in an uncharacteristically nice voice as he quickly walked out. Holly smiled slightly as she left to, leaving Kiba along with Brittany who by this time was blushing even more brightly.

"Come sit down child. Your blushing a new shade of crimson." Kiba said as he scooted over and patted the seat beside him. Brittany sat down unsure of what to do.

"Now, if you want I will tell you about the man known as the Lord of the southern realm. But know this, what Shadow said was true. From the way it sounds the person you know is completely different from the demon of the south. The one you know as Alex, he is the most mysterious of the four demon lords. He is not widely liked among his subjects, or among the other demon lords for that matter. The main breads of demons that live here are wolf demons of course, bat demons, fox demons, dog demons, cat demons, elves, griffons, and some dragons. Our Lord was once a great general in the demon army, he's shed the blood of many demons. Although now that he's become a demon lord he is no longer able to fight in wars."

"Why is that?" Brittany interrupted.

"Because, a demons lords power is so great that it is nearly impossible for other demons to beat them. But also for my Lord, it is because he his the weakest of the four demon Lords, but I am not allowed to go into that. I do however want to stress this. The Lord, he has a temper that is unparalleled. He slaughtered a hundred demons one day because they didn't bow to him. He then strung their corpses up as a royal carpet so to speak, to set an example for everyone else."

"WHAT!" Brittany gasped, unable to understand how someone as shy and quiet as the Alex she knew, the person who never fought back or never lost his temper could kill a hundred demons just because they didn't bow.

"Do not be so distressed. Things like that are a common occurrence here. It is the law of club and fang, so to speak. Also, after seeing my Lord today, I am not sure which side of him is his true side. Regardless, I believe you will be the one to awaken his true side, whichever it may be." Kiba said as he stood up and stretched. "Now, how about I show you around the grounds?"

Brittany nodded slowly as she stood up, her mind racing with all she had heard. How can this be? Alex...what could've made you change so much? Was it just because you were in the human world, and pretending to be so nice? I don't believe that, no one could pretend to be like that. Not with the way you looked at me...not with the way you talked. No one who his so evil, can have such kind eyes.

* * * * * * * *
Alex walked quickly outside as he fixed the collar of his black shirt which came up to right under his chin. He had changed clothes more fitting to this realm. He now wore a long sleeve black shirt with slits right past the shoulder. His sleeves came down to a point at which they connected to his hands almost forming gloves. His white shirt showed beneath his slits and through the gap in the very top of his collar where he didn't button it. He wore black pants and black high top boots and his hair was tied up in a long ponytail. He walked through the villages as the demons residing there bowed quickly as they gazed up at him.

I would've never thought it, but now that they actually are bowing down to me, it sort of feels weird. But that's beside the point, they are supposed to bow down to me, and show me respect. That is the way it should be, besides I have more important business to attend to than worry about mere peasants. Alex thought as he reached a valley in the mountains. He started up a path that was obviously rarely traveled knowing that the person he sought lived at the very top. As Alex reached the top of the mountain six boar demons blocked his path. The large brutish demons each wielded a heavy axe, as they glared at Alex through hazed eyes. With out a moments notice they charged him, trying to catch him off guard.

"Impudent fools." Alex said. Before the first demon could swing his axe, Alex was behind all six of them. Both of Alex's hands were now crossed in front of his chest, his nails had grown in length and glowed with yellow energy as he smirked. Suddenly the six boar demons fell to ground in ribbons, blood pouring from their wounds. As Alex stood up and his nails returned to normal length he heard a voice from the dark woods in front of him.

"I see that the time in the human realm has not dulled your skills. You didn't even give them time to scream." A calm, rich voice said. Suddenly a tall lean figure stepped out of the woods. It was a man, that was at least six feet tall with shoulder length black hair. He had pointed ears, pale, fair skin, and golden eyes. His bow was in one hand, his other was resting over numerous arrows which resided in a quiver attached to his thigh.

"I would've thought you could hire better guards than those, seeing how much money you got from selling out your entire kind. Making those that survived have to live in the forest for protection." Alex said calmly as he glared at the man before him.

"Hah, selling out my kind. That's rich, I did what I had to to survive. Besides, while you were gone into exile, my Lord of the north's army came and captured all the remaining ones." the man said with a devilish smirk.

"What! You truly are disgusting. Also, as long as you are in my realm, I am your Lord, no one else." Alex replied with malice.

"That is a matter of opinion. Speaking of which, why do you care so much about the elves. Its not like you to hold a grudge over what happens to your servants." the man joyfully quipped.

"Elves...I could give a damn about the elves. They were too self righteous for me, besides that they hated me anyways. But I'm not here about what you did to the elves...I'm here about what you did to me." Alex said as he took a step forward. His nails grew long once again and were once again glowing with a strange power. "How dare you betray me Ryza. Now, where the hell is it?"

"Oh your still not sore about that are you?" Ryza said with a smirk. He removed his right hand from his quiver and instead placed it in front of his chest, pointing his index and middle finger up and closing his other fingers into a fist. "Oh well, I'm not telling. But seeing as how I know your not going to take no for an answer; I guess I'll just have to kill you."

"Fool, you don't really think you can kill a demon lord do you?" Alex asked. He stepped forward and was about to attack when he noticed where Ryza's hand was.

"You are no demon lord." Ryza said calmly. "Kamisori ha eien hogosha mori no hogo." Ryza chanted these words as Alex watched him, waiting to see what spell he had just cast. Suddenly bamboo stalks erupted from the ground forming a circle around Alex. The bamboo was so thick that Alex couldn't even see through it. He heard Ryza laughing from the other side.

"You call me a fool? Everyone know's elven magic is unparalleled, especially on their native soil. I knew you were to return today, and I knew I would be the first person you would want to see. That's why I made sure I was ready for you. No physical attack can destroy this bamboo, so you have no hope of reaching me." Ryza mocked as he readied an arrow into his bow. "Hmm, after I kill you, that means I shall become the demon lord right? Oh goodie."

Alex struck at the bamboo with his claws, and even though he destroyed them, they grew back before he had a chance to move. Great, I can't get out and he has those damn arrows. I could jump out of these, but that would make me an easy target while in the air. Also there's no telling what other spells he may know.

Alex waited and listened, suddenly several arrows erupted through the bamboo! Alex destroyed them all with a swipe of his claws, but as he destroyed them more appeared on his other side. Alex destroyed those with barely enough time to dodge the next set.

"Hmm, I must admit you are better that I thought. But then again the demon who could make it to the rank of demon lord can't be a complete wuss now can he. Rumor has it that you brought a human to this realm. When I kill you I will be sure to have my ways with her." Ryza taunted trying to play on Alex's emotions.

A low growl escaped Alex throat as he tried to calm himself. That bastard! How the hell did he find out about Brittany? Does he know that she's my mate...dammit, I'm not about to lose to some pathetic excuse for a demon!

"This next arrow will kill you." Ryza stated, satisfied that he had angered Alex enough. He placed an arrow into his bow and placed his right hand over it as he began casting another spell. White orbs flew into the arrow as it began to glow white and pulsate with energy. Ryza took aim and launched the arrow through the thicket of bamboo.

Alex heard Ryza cast the spell and was prepared before he even saw the arrow out of the corner of his eye. He quickly turned around and caught the arrow between his index and middle finger of his left hand. He snapped the arrow in two and struck out at the bamboo from which the arrow came from with his right hand.

"I'll show you the true power of a demon lord!" Alex yelled, the bamboo which he struck splintered and collapsed, but even then more bamboo was starting to form to take its place. With out a second to spare Alex launched himself through the bamboo. He spun in mid air dodging shoot of bamboo which burst forth like spears. When Ryza realized what was happening he launched three arrows at the flying form of Alex aimed straight at him. Alex twirled around in mid air and sliced the arrows in half with his left hand. He used the circular motion of his action to bring him closer to Ryza, also using the same force he stabbed his right hand through Ryza's chest piercing him to the mountain wall.

"Damn it...how the hell did you stop my arrow? A demons can't use magic...so how?" Ryza gasped as blood trickled down his lips.

"Why should I waste my breath, telling the dead what they don't need to know?" Alex replied as he pulled his arm out of Ryza's chest. Before Ryza crumpled to the ground Alex slashed at him again decapitating him and spraying Ryza's blood all over himself. Alex smirked as he liked the blood from his hand and grabbed Ryza's body. He grinned evilly for a second before another thought came to his mind. Brittany, shit...why the hell can't I get her out of my mind! She doesn't need to see this...she doesn't need to see what I really am. There's no reason anyone will have to know I killed them. I'll just...this isn't me why am I going out of my way to ensure that she doesn’t get mad at me? Why does her opinion matter so much?

After a while later Alex descended back down the mountain. He didn't even look at the few demons who saw him and bowed, he just wanted to get back home. When he did arrive Brittany was talking to Holly about something and both of them were giggling until Alex walked in covered in blood and dirt.

"Alex! Are you okay?" Brittany asked as she ran towards him. Worry was etched all over her face as she checked to make sure he was okay.

"Don't worry, none of this is my blood. Just leave me alone okay." Alex said as he pulled away from Brittany. He didn't look at her but he could hear the hurt and anger in her voice as she spoke.

"What the hell do you mean its not your blood! First you leave me here, then you come back covered in blood and don't want to be near me." Brittany replied harshly as she tried to gain control of her emotions. "Did you hang them up as a trophy this time?"

"My lady, you mustn't talk to your Lord like that!" Holly exclaimed afraid for Brittany's sake at what Alex might do to her.

Alex stopped as he cursed beneath his breath. " No Holly, Brittany is not bound by the same rules as you. She is free to say whatever she pleases."

Holly couldn't hide her shock at the fact that Alex didn't punish Brittany for what she had said. What is it about this girl, that changes the Lord so much? Everything about him, even his eyes seem softer when he is around her. He even lets her yell at him, that's unprecedented. I must tell Kiba and Shadow this, they won't believe it.

"Kiba told you? I didn't want you to know, but there's no point in denying it now. Come up stairs with me okay, I need to talk to you. Holly, tell someone to fix my bath." Alex said wearily. Without waiting for Holly's reply he turned around and looked at Brittany. He tried not to smile as talked to her. "You coming? There's some things I need to tell you okay."

Brittany tried to pretend she was angry and didn't dare smile as she grudgingly followed behind him. Why can't I stay mad at him? He's a jerk! Or...at least this Alex is, where's the Alex I know? He's in there somewhere I can tell...but just because I can't stay mad at him; that doesn't mean I can't pretend to be mad.

As Alex walked through several corridors and made his way upstairs he lead Brittany to large double doors which leaded to an enormous bedroom. There was a luxurious sitting room and an even more luxurious large bedroom.

"Just sit on the bed okay and make yourself comfortable. First off, I want to tell you that tomorrow I will personally show you around the grounds. By now I am sure Kiba has filled your ears with more than enough stories about how awful I am, everything he has told you is true. Now, tomorrow there is going to be a council meeting that I would like you to attend with me." Alex said as he went to a closet and pulled out a black sleeveless shirt that buttoned up from the inside. He looked back tat Brittany and hesitated for a second before taking off his long sleeve shirt. Brittany tried to look away but found herself starring at his body as he lifted off the shirt. She starred at his muscles and his tan body. It was then that she noticed the black tattoo's that covered most of his back extending over his shoulders and onto the front of his chest.

Why didn't I notice that before? Surely it wasn't on his body before...what is it? More importantly...why can't I catch my breath? Do I really have feelings for him? Brittany thought as she blushed slightly when he turned around to look at her. "Yes, of course, I'll go."

Is she blushing? Heh, I wonder why? Alex thought as he reached for a pair of pants. Suddenly he found himself starting to blush as he thought about her on his bed. He shook his head to shake the images. "Also, you'll have to wear something a little more appropriate for here." Alex said as he reached over to the closet next to his and opened it up revealing a complete wardrobe of Victorian dresses."I had Holly go to town and buy them for you while I was gone. They should all fit."

Brittany couldn't believe her eyes as she got up and slowly walked towards the closet. She stood close to Alex as she looked at him, then back at the closet. It was then that she saw just how much blood and dirt was actually on him.

"Why did you kill him?" Brittany asked quietly as she looked down at the ground.

"That's nothing that you need to know about. Just believe me, he had it coming." Alex replied solemnly.

"You promised we'd never have secrets between each other, now why did you kill him?" Brittany yelled.

"I know...but Brittany, some things are better not said. I don't want you to be a part of my past, someone as pure as you should never be forced to know about a past that was lined with the bodies of fallen friends and enemies. The man I killed betrayed me, that is all you need to know." Alex said softly as he turned and headed towards another room. He stopped and turned around suddenly. "Why the hell hasn't anyone drawn my bath yet?"

"That is because it is no longer their responsibility to do so." Kiba stated as he walked in.

"What do you mean by that?" Alex asked irritated.

"Because, that is now one of the responsibilities of your mate, is it not?" Kiba asked with a smirk. "That lass there is the one who is supposed to draw your bath for you."

"Shit..." Alex muttered as he looked at Kiba, then at Brittany. "I forgot about that. Screw it, I'll draw the bath for myself."

Brittany looked confused as she glanced at Kiba then at Alex who slowly turned around to the bathroom.

"I'm sure the lass here could do it if you let her." Kiba said with a smirk, waiting for Alex's reaction.

"No, I wouldn't force her to do it." Alex said without turning around.

"Why did ye bury him? Its not like ye to be so concerned with the dead. Why didn't you string him up like the others?" Kiba asked. He then smiled as he looked at Brittany. "I know my Lord, that the one you killed surely had it coming to him. I was sure that you would want to display him for his crimes. What...or who, made you change your mind?"

What! He didn't display them...he buried them. Kiba said it was custom for the demon lords to display their enemies...why then did he bury them? Surely he didn't bury them because of me...did he?

Alex stopped dead in his tracks as he tried to control his temper. "What I do is none of your damn business. Screw it, I'll take a bath later." Alex replied as he quickly turned around picked up his shirt and pants and hurriedly left the room without looking at Brittany. Once he was outside the room he leaned against the wall and sighed. "Dammit..."

Kiba chuckled softly as he stared at Brittany. "Sorry to confuse you like that lass, but I had to check out something for myself. Anyway, I'd better go get his bath ready for him."

"Why do you have to? Why can't he do it himself?" Brittany asked. "I mean, why did you say I was supposed to do it?"

"Ah, because you see, when he marked you as his mate, that also means you are his lover. Which that being the case means that you take care of all his personal things, such as drawing his bath, tending his wounds, things such as that. But there are a lot of rules to that and certain etiquettes that must be followed." Kiba said softly. "My Lord used to speak of how badly he wanted a mate, but of course someone such as he never felt enough for anyone to mark them. You are the only one. Heh, now let me get his bath ready for him, my Lord doesn't know how to draw his bath despite what he may say. He's never had to do it before because someone has always done it for him."

Kiba turned to leave but didn't move as he waited for Brittany's reaction. Let's see what my Lord truly means to you lass. I'm sort of curious to see just what kind of person my Lord is when he's not forced to hide behind a stone mask and be constantly on guard.

I'm the only one...but he only did it for my protection; but if he wanted to protect me does that mean he cares about me? Brittany thought as she bit her lower lip. "Kiba, you said there were proper etiquettes right? I want you to teach them to me."

"As you wish my lady." Kiba said with a coy smile as he humbly bowed towards her. Just as I thought, you do have feelings for him.