Doctor of Demons

Family 2

Andre's "place" turned out to be little more than a cottage in the woods.

It took a physical act of will on scarlett's part not to turn her nose up at it. A rather large cottage perhaps, but still a hut nonetheless. An old one at that. She didn't see much appeal in it, and she certainly didn't like the idea of squatting on the edge of a forest.

"Why live all the way out here?" she asked. "I thought you weren't afraid of the sunlight...?"

"I'm not," that staid smile didn't waver, even for a moment. "That said, I prefer to keep a low profile." A clawed hand gestured to the so-called cottage in question. "I've turned others before. Some are quite nice. Kyogai for instance, is a humble author. This is his mansion, enhanced by yours truly. He makes a decent living selling his novels and playing drums. You'd like him, I think. He may look scary, but he's a gentle soul. Not every demon has to be terrifying.

Vali wrinkled his nose. "You call this a mansion?"

"Don't worry, its bigger on the inside."

Brother and sister balked. "How?!"

Andre held a finger to his lips. "Ancient secret."

He led them right up to the door and did something with his fingers. Something clicked in the back of scarlett's head. Like the chime of a clock, a bell that tolled just for her. That was the only way she could think to describe the sound that followed. His hand close around the handle and swept it aside.

It really was bigger inside.

An endless expanse awaited her just past the threshold; it reminded her a feudal mansion she'd seen from afar, all tatami mats and sliding screen doors, a grand fortress straight out of fantasy. She couldn't think of any other way to describe it; truth be told, she didn't want to try. So damn big! It just kept going and going...

They made it all of three steps inside before the tone of a drum answered.

Not a heartbeat later, something -no, someone!- dettached itself from the rafters with a cry. Whatever it was, it was large, almost impossibly so. It alighted before then in a pointed crouch, pressed both palms into the floor, and prostrated itself before them.

"Welcome home," a low voice rumbled. "My Master."

"I'm back, Kyogai-and oi!" his brow turned stormy. "What did I say about calling me Master?! Get up already!"

The dark haired man -demon!- rose and Scarlett realized just how damn tall he was. He stood a good head taller, and yet for all that, his posture screamed deferment to the blond. Were those drums growing out of his shoulders and back? They were! She could barely see them through the thick dark robes he wore, but they were undoubtedly there. His eyes fell upon her next, and she stiffened. They were the brightest blue, framed by red sclera. His teeth crooked in a snaggle-toothed smile.

"You've brought children? Are they food?"

Vali reached for one of his sickles. "Hey!"

For all her fire scarlett found herself quivering. "F-Food?!"

"Oi!" a swift chop to the head courtesy of Andre disabused him of that notions. "Stop joking around! You'll scare them."

"My apologies, my lord." Kyogai bowed low at the waist. I forget myself."

"Anyway, introductions!" Andre clapped his hands. "This is Kyogai. I told you about him on the way here."

Vali sniffed. "What, is he some glorified bodyguard or something?"

Kyogai turned a questing look upon his master. Andre offered a selfsame smile and a shrug. With a knowing look, the larger demon nodded and struck the drum on his rightmost shoulder. A hollow sound echoed in the room. That was their only warning.

The world lurched.