Friend To All

The Demon-Kin

As I was about to leave my home, my mother ran out and pulled me into a deep hug. I pulled back and saw that she was on the verge of tears. She took my hand and placed a small purple stone. She curled my fingers around it and said, "This is a talisman passed down by my family. May it protect you."

I gave her a smile and held it close to my heart. I said, "I will always keep it close. Don't worry, I will be back. Make sure to take care of father for me."

She hugged me once more and watched as I walked to the carriage that will take me away. I waved one last goodbye and hopped into the carriage. Rachel was riding inside. I sat across from her and she said, "You have really nice parents. My mom barely wished me goodbye."

I  said, "I'm sure she is missing  you. But it is amazing that you can use fire magic. You surely will make it far."

She grabbed my hands and said, "I rather have something unique like yours. Imagine tricking  monsters into fighting for you."

I shook my head and said, "I just want to make friends. Are you okay with being my friend?"

Rachel pounded her chest and said, "Of course. And since you are a human, I will protect you. I am quite confident in my strength as well."

I nodded and looked out the window. Green fields passed our view and in the distance was the large Lork Mountains that marked the border between this kingdom and the Empire of Twelve. 

The Empire of Twelve was based of twelve heroes that defeated the demon king a couple millennia ago. The decedents rule over the empire and use their strength to defend against threats. But, beside that their army is lacking in both size and skill. I only know that because my father traveled here from the empire.

The green fields soon turned into border towns and factories. The factories produced various products but the most common was alcohol. In the west, farmers grew grapes for wine. My parents' field and the surrounding fields were wheat for grain alcohol. The east and the north grew the majority of produce ranging from oranges to potatoes. The only reason we are able to do this is because of magic and ancient artifacts that are able to control weather.

The main reason why we produce alcohol is that it is a great seller to other countries because have advanced it so far. I know father used tell stories about how one of the decedents bought gallons of booze all for a grand festival celebrating his daughter's birthday. She wasn't even old enough to drink.

The carriage finally stopped at the gate into the capital. Heavily armed guards inspected each carriage and person with great detail. I took this moment to survey the large wall protecting the capital from enemies. Magical artifacts created a barrier against airborne foes. Compared to the empire, this place was a secure prison.

I looked back to the line and saw a couple reach the guards. They were a pair of cat beast-men with spotted ears and tail. The guard looked at a badge and shook his head. He burned it with magic and said, "Fake. No passage."

The woman cursed and then there was a flash of light. In the place of the cat people were two demon-kin. You could tell by their lizard tails and curling purple horns. And especially the blood lust. In this sort of situation, you should be terrified but I was calm. If they truly wanted to get into the city, they wouldn't go through the main gate.

I hopped out of the carriage and Rachel grabbed my arm. She said with a shaky voice, "What are you doing? They are demon kin!"

I gave her a smile and she let go. For some reason I felt like I needed to help them. The guards drew their swords and charged. I passed by a merchant who was shaking in his seat and a group of adventure's also preparing their weapons. No one noticed me.

I made it to the front just as the woman demon was dealt a heavy blow. The male demon threw himself before her to protect her. As the guard swung down with his sword and stood before him. The guard jumped back in surprise and I turned to the demon-kin. I asked, "Why are you here?"

The guard yelled out, "What are you doing kid? Get out of there. They will kill you."

I raised my hand and asked again, "Why are you here?"

The male looked up at me and said, "We ran away."

"Why?"

"Because war is about to break out. I swear upon the great god that we are not here to do any harm."

"So why did you attempt to enter the capital?"

"Because it is the safest place from them."

"I see. Well, there is still not much I can do. But, I suppose you will be able to live if you work for the kingdom. Right?"

I turned to the two guards and one said, "If they wear slave collars, they will be able to live."

The two demons bowed before the guards and said, "We will do anything."

The guard sighed and put steel collars on their necks and led them away. The other guard turned to me and asked, "Why did you save them?"

I replied, "One, demon kin are proud creatures and wouldn't even dare disguise themselves let alone run away into hostile-territory. Also why choose here when the empire is far easier to infiltrate? And, demon-kin are strong and most likely they will have information. You heard them right, they are running away from an incoming war. And because they chose here and not the empire or anywhere else. The war will encompass the whole world."