My Inner Demons (if it was continued...)

Chapter 2: Daemos, Like Us

Recap...

I watch as they all look at me with a giant smile. That's right Asch, no more sulking. It'll only waste time, time that I don't have right now. Every second that passes with me here, is another second of what could be her suffering.

I raise my head up, proud and determined. I will get her back.

Even if it costs me everything.

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What would usually be a 2 day trip, flew by in a day. Whether it be because we were determined or obsessed, we made it to the capital city of Daemos. Minshe City, my home.

Usually, the city would be bustling with vendors trynna earn their next meal, or kids running around the streets, even occasionally some royals browsing the stores. Minshe City, the city of life. Sitting right under the royal palace, it's population was exponential.

But as we entered the city gates, I couldn't help but look around with grievance. "What happened here?" I utter as I observe the city's condition.

The buildings were soiled, the windows almost opaque, and the streets bare- with the occasional vendor. They all looked the same, tired eyes, heavy eyebags, sunken cheeks, and their body shriveled to the bone. But when I look up towards the faraway castle, it looked spotless. It practically shined in the moonlight.

"So the magic crisis has reached Minshe City" Rhys breathes.

We were all speechless. This is our home. And now, it's crumbling before us while the castle shines. Aren't the royals doing anything about this?

"This isn't the time" I say as I try to firm my voice, "We need to get to Princess Ava"

I look back at the boys, a look of confliction passes through them all. This is where they grew up, where they've lived their whole life. And people are dying left and right.

Even as a royal, I couldn't fathom the reason my family would turn a blind eye. I thought we served for the people- "Look, I'm not exactly happy about it either, but we need to move-"

"That's easy for you to say Asch, you're royalty" Noi scoffs. That's not what I meant-

Leif laughed, "I mean look at the state of the city, then look at the castle. It's obvious the royals only care about themselves..." He stopped for a moment, his voice small, "..How do we know you aren't like that?"

I pause, taken aback. I feel my anger begin to bubble at the accusation Leif was throwing about, but I cast it aside. They're hurt right now. They just need reassurance. "I mean, we're here to save Princess Ava.. aren't we?" I ask. My voice coming out as nothing more than a whisper.

"And why do you care about her? It's all for personal gain anyways isn't it?" Leif lashes out.

I shake my head, "No! It's not like that-"

Rhys and Pierce both place a hand on Leif's shoulder, in hopes to calm him down. But it falls on deaf ears, "Then why? Because you feel guilty?"

"Of course I feel guilty!" I exclaim. "It's all I've been able to think about- if she had never met us, then she would've never gotten in this situation- she'd be on Earth, spending time with her fathers and friends"

A wave of silence flows between us all. Ever since we've arrived back in Daemos, are breaking point seemed inevitable. No matter how calm we were trying to be, there were just some emotions we couldn't hold back anymore. And it seemed Leif was the first one to break.