Prologue (Two Days Before)

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Eva - What evil truly lives in the hearts of demons?

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It wasn't supposed to end this way...

Three days ago I came to this village. A secluded little burg a mere afternoons walk from the city. I was simply looking for shelter, maybe some food. The villagers however were not to be so generous, not to a demon sorceress . from the moment I stepped onto the main and possibly the only street I could feel the aura of fear that engulfed it. it wasn't long before that fear turned into rage and I was forced to flee.

"Barg! how dare you break our pact!" I could feel the heat radiating off my cheeks as I nearly screamed at the small amber goblin. "What are you talking about? we did our par-" Barg was cut off by my hands grabbing hold of his tiny neck. "I told you NOT to touch the women or children. I should burn all of you for this!" I lifted him up and glared into his shifty little face. Barg snarled at me using his stubby arms to try and break free "you were the one who brought us here sweetie" I nearly snapped him right then but instead tossed him to the ground "Demons who have lost their honor have no place in this world. nor any other!" I buried my heel into his torso and began chanting feverishly. "light that parts the darkness and heat that sunders flesh from bone..." I could feel Barg struggling beneath grasping at my leg as sparks began to chain around my wrist "I call upon thee to incinerate the pawns who stand before me!" I lowered my hand slowly onto his face. His skull almost immediately turned to ash in a burst of ruby flames. the smoke that rose up choked my senses with the stench of the roasted midget. I made haste for screams of anguish ahead after giving the corpse a swift kick for good measure.

The first of the buildings came into view moments later. the scent of blood that flowed from the village square was so powerful it almost ached my demonic senses. I was too late... the pact had ended and the demon horde had returned to their home once more. all that remained was their handiwork, as few fires and a pile of bodies. I wandered the carnage for a few minutes trying to come to terms with or perhaps come up with justification for the slaughter I caused. yet would I found no profound answers, instead I found the body of the town priest. it seemed out of place to me hunched over the way it was. until I discovered the young cleric beneath his corpse. unconscious from her wounds but she yet lived. I shoved the priest aside and heaved her into my arms. she was strikingly beautiful even covered in blood. her dark hair was unusually short for a follower of the gods but not at all unsightly, I managed lift her with relative ease she was clearly thin but with enough muscle to show she was a tad more athletic than your usual bookworm. I looked up as the sun hung low in the sky. night would be upon this place soon and the howling of wolves told me it would not be long before they came to feast as well. nothing was left for me, so holding the cleric to my chest I fled into the night.

(The Day Before)

That night was the longest Id had in a while. Im not sure if it was the blood on my hands or the sweat on my brow trying to patch the small girls wounds. Upon daybreak her eyes opened for the first time. she stared up at me for a long while apparently trying to get her bearings. Her face went very pale and she screamed. trying to knock me back with her arms. I could already tell it was going to be a long morning.

DEMON! she shrieked nearly deafening me. she jumped up from the grass and began to chant a spell. Goddesss power that shines in brightest day - I picked up a small rock from the ground and tossed it at her bouncing it off her forehead. Ow! She realized almost immediately Id broken her incantation and began it again Goddesss pow- I jumped forward grabbied her by the throat choking her slightly. Before you finish that smiting you may want to think about where you are right now. Puzzled she looked around. mossy trees and foliage surrounded us. The Fores- Yes! I chimed in releasing her and backing away slightly. But... the village? THE VILLAGE?? her face turned another two full shades of white. she turned to run but I grabbed her collar. Theres nothing left by now. I whispered. Her eyes brimmed over with tears How could you... she shoved her elbow into my stomach and swung at me. stepping back I dodged the punch and grabbed hold of her arm. I sighed Listen I wont pretend Im innocent in this whole affair but will more blood fix things? in addition having saved your life would claiming mine not be a disgrace to your honor? she hissed what would a demon know of honor?. I pushed her back and turned away slightly.

Demons live and die by honor! a demon who breaks a promise is unfit to bear the name.

We stood there in silence for a several minutes before I found my voice again. Listen. Im leaving this place today. You dont have to come with me but Id recommend not staying here. I turned and began searching for the trail back to the city. I looked back but she remained immobile.

Several Hours went by as I walked down the cobblestone road. it was a warm day not terribly hot which was fine for me, fire magi in general prefer cold weather to practice their craft. As the sun neared its peak I stopped by a large stone off the side of the road. I unloaded my pack and pulled out some bread Id pilfered from the village on my way out. it wasnt much of a meal but they werent gonna be needing it. I spied the little cleric watching me from the road. she had been behind me the entire time. no supplies I see? how foolish I giggled slightly tossing a piece of bread at her. she attempted to catch it but it didnt quite make it into her hands. she dusted it off and began eating in silence. you just going to stand their grimacing? or will you join me? I patted the rock beside me beckoning her over. she hesitantly sat down next to me. Why did you help me? she squeaked. I laughed Is that any conversation for a meal? even one as pitiful as this? another moment passed in silence. her eyes shifted slightly as if thinking hard Who are you?. shouldn't one introduce themselves first before asking someone their name? I teased. I am Evaline, Hell-caster of the Demonic Court, or at least I was... she looked at me curiously. Im an outcast banished from the court for violating the law passed after the fall of the last Succubus Queen- I stopped short biting my tongue slightly. what law is that? she asked intently. that is none of your concern. you know who I am who might you be?. Im Amanda Stills apprentice cleric of the Goddess Lithameles shrine in Slvilla, or I was.... . I laughed the irony... Lithamele was the ice goddess correct? she was sister to Leve if memory serves. Amanda looked at me inquisitively. I never heard that. isnt Leve a fire demon?I quickly corrected her Leve isnt just a fire demon she is THE fire demon, the source of all fire magic in the world. she was a goddess once but after taking up fire as her element and burning quite a few humans out of spite she was cast out and fell to the demon world. its not something even the gods talk about lightly. I laughed Well, we should get moving if we expect to get into the city by dark. I tossed my remaining bread to her and jumped to my feet walking off the path into the woods. Amanda scrambled up and followed The cities in the other direction isnt it? why are you headed into the woods? I shrugged, I cant exactly go into that place looking like this can I? I pointed out my long ears and short green hair. unless I want a repeat of last time... Amanda nodded and I picked up the pace. Amanda followed closely but I could tell something was on her mind. Hey.. she finally chimed some of the villagers said they chased out a demon the other day? was that... you? I stopped and turned around yes that was me but they didnt just run me out of town they tried to kill me! I knelt down by a bush and picked some dark berries that hung from a bush. oh Im so sorry... Amanda watched me as I worked. Dont be, Im the one who overreacted. if it wasnt for that youd still be at home... I could hardly feel the weight of what I was saying but she clearly could. you... you summoned the demons? she said her voice cracking slightly. Im sorry... I never intended for that to end the way it did. I know its not- she slapped me. my face stung quite a bit but she'd cause no real damage. ...I know its not an excuse... but for what its worth I am sorry. Amanda put her hands to her head and knelt down. why....? she pleaded to me for answer however I knew Id never come up with anything to ease the torment. instead I continued picking in silence. we sat there for a long time. I made the berries into a dye and rubbed it into my scalp. using a compact mirror to make sure no errant strands remained. I hid my ears behind my newly dyed locks and packed up. Im going into town now... if you want to stay here I wont stop you... I shook my head and moved toward the gates.

That night I remained on the streets. I had no money and only the bit of food Id been able to carry... I sat alone in an alleyway but no matter how hard I tried sleep was impossible. I pondered if Id done the right thing...

AND THATS THE BEGINING I WORKED SO HARD ON! MORE TO COME!