Hello again.

This is a new story in progress that I’ve been contemplating for a while now. I wasn’t sure if I was ever going to put pen to paper (or rather put finger to keyboard), but now that I’ve been drawing the characters for almost three months I decided I should get something down in writing. This story is slightly darker (as in creepier) than my other ones, so you’ve been warned. Also slash, the more graphic kind. But not yet. So the rating will change.

Obviously, the first chapter will be slow as I will be bombarding you with facts and information about the characters. If you make it to chapter two, please take to time to review and let me know what you think.

First Chapter: Secret Places…

Keithran held the lantern-staff with his left arm and the heavy tome in his right. The book was old, so old the pages were colored yellow and the leather cover and spine were peeling and worn. But it wasn’t just any book that he would travel though a maze of underground caverns at dawn to read. This old volume was a Spell Tome, full of ancient secrets of magical healing, useful incantations and protective charms. And that was just on the first hundred pages. The young blonde had yet to discover the more potent and dangerous spells hidden within the withered pages of this particular book.

It was imperative that no one in his village ever found out what he did out here. If they did, he’d be exiled, if not worse. Not that the village held any real attachment to him…not anymore.

Not since his grandmother had died. She’d been the last living member of his family. The rest had been claimed by disease or had been devoured like so many others by the demons that lived in the Wood. She was the one who’d told him, on her deathbed, about the book and about his own blood heritage.

Pulsing through Keithran’s veins was the last bit of human magica in the region. Magica was an element that enabled creatures to do the extraordinary, from levitation to transformation, from barriers to curses. None of these could be achieved without magica, and since the magica bloodlines, known as mages, were dying out, there were less and less barriers and spells, fewer spell books and enchanted scrolls, and magicians and witches were much harder to come by.

At first, people didn’t understand why this was happening. Magica obviously gave the mages an advantage in the grand scheme of things, so if anything their numbers should have been increasing. But the truth was that the smell of magica when it was performed and the sweet taste of mage blood was far more alluring to a demon than any other substance in existence.

As the demon population grew, that of the mages diminished, for with every spell or curse a mage was tempting their own fate, and some were burned or offered as sacrifices to demons by their neighbors and fellow villagers who were too frightened to allow their own lives to be at risk.

This did not last very long. Kings and dukes began to create laws to avoid the panic and slaughter. The mage population would be safe from persecution as long as they agreed to renounce their heritage and never perform any sort of sorcery, else they be exiled and, if they persisted, publicly executed.

Though he knew this, Keithran was determined to know just what he was capable of. His grandmother had told him that the bloodline had been running thin, as she’d been half-mage and had married an ordinary man, and her only son, Keithran’s father, had married an ordinary woman. Though traces remained with him, she’d told Keithran that he probably had hardly enough magica within him to levitate a pebble.

Determined to prove her wrong, but not wanting to risk the lives of his home village, Keithran traveled through a cave that led past the village boarder, day after day, deep into the Dzenai wood, to read from the Tome were it was a safe enough distance from his people.

Of course, Keithran was no fool. Though considered a “typical blonde” through and through by his peers, Keithran thought things through very thoroughly before acting. That is why he never left his home without the “Rapier”, his family heirloom, passed down by his family for generations. It had been left to him by his father, after he’d passed away in the war, and it was Keithran’s most precious treasure.

The Rapier was a short sword, decorated in precious gems and silver on the hilt, and the blade was eternally sharp. It had been enchanted by someone long ago, when there were fewer demons and magica was still common-place, and it was created especially for demon slaying. The ancient spell placed on it enabled it to pierce the flesh of any demon, like a hot knife through butter, whereas most blades found it difficult to just penetrate the skin and draw blood.

Even still, Keithran took further precautions. He’d be a liar if he claimed not to be superstitious, and he wore a vial of salt hung around his neck wherever he went to promote good health. He also never left the other end of the cavern, and it was easy to see why.

Nearing his destination, Keithran paused to take the lantern off of its hook at the curved tip of his staff and blew out the flame. Though the firelight had gone out, a dim violet glow crept around the walls and ground, lighting the youth’s path. He veered around the last turn and stood at the open mouth of the cave, looking out into the very center of the Dzenai Wood. In this large cavity, in the center of the oval cavern was a sort of stone pedestal, about waist-high, and in the center of that was a large gem, a giant, deep purple amethyst who’s glow lit up the whole area.

The Dzenai Wood itself was ominous enough. The trees were tall and vast, of tropical origin, with vines hanging from the branches and creeping along the damp earth. Even though it was only dawn, the forest was eerily dark, much darker than the outside world because the foliage didn’t let the sunlight shine through, and odd sounds from all sorts of evil spirited beasts echoed from the depths.

But for some reason, demons were hesitant to enter the amethyst cave. So long as he remained in there, no monster had ever dared approach. This was a comforting thought, for Keithran was not the bravest of boys and had absolutely no clue how to defend himself with his enchanted sword. As it was he could hardly lift the thing.

Replacing the lantern on his staff and leaning it against the pedestal, he let his body slip to the ground, sat cross-legged and opened his book to read by the light of the gem, absorbed in an instant by the secrets it contained.

---

He had been reading for about an hour or two when he started hearing an unfamiliar noise. Looking up and noticing the sun had finally risen (though this was a difficult task due to the natural darkness of the Wood), Keithran closed the book and stood, stretching. But there it was again.

The noise was soft and distant, a low hissing sound from just beyond the trees outside of the cave. Peering into the foliage, Keithran was surprised to see a long-haired boy about his own age dash past his field of vision across the cave mouth.

And yet, it was not a boy. The creature that had dashed past had long, twisted demonic horns, and small wings coming out of his back. But perhaps that last bit was only a trick of the light. Keithran had no time to ponder this, for hot on his heels was a massive snake-like blur that vanished just as quickly. Keithran blinked.

Taking no time to think, Keithran dashed out of his sanctuary and into the woods, following them until they reached a clearing.

Cowering from the snake-creature was the strangest and altogether creepiest boy he’d ever laid eyes on. His large eyes were crimson red, wide and glowing brightly, and his skin was so pale it was almost white. His golden hair was wavy and dirty, falling past his thighs, and he was wearing what appeared to be an old brown sack as a robe with a furry brown bull-like tail curling out from under it. Through the sack poked two red wings; one was a leathery bat-like wing, the other was a feathered red wing that could have derived from a bird. The two large horns that protruded though his skull where pale brown and uneven; one was twisted and pointed straight upward while the other curved inward and pointed to the side. His ears were strange as well, furry brown and goat-like, and his shoe-less feet were clawed.

The snake-beast that towered over them was absolutely terrifying. It was a male naga, a cold-blooded snake being. His skin was covered in green scales and instead of legs his slithery tail extended, like a serpentine version of a mermaid. And he was hungry. It took but a moment for him to maneuver around the smaller demon and bite his arm, and the venom had an immediate effect; the pale boy keeled over instantly.

Keithran debated with himself. This wasn’t his fight and he was a weak coward. Clearly he should just turn around and run for the cave. But for some strange reason he found himself incapable of doing so. Taking a deep breath, he pulled out the sword that had been safely sheathed in his belt until now and dashed forward.

It all happened so quickly. The naga turned and smiled, his golden-reptilian eyes locking with his. Keithran did not fall into his hypnotic trap, focusing on the beast’s neck before slicing through it. The naga had no time to reevaluate what to do; he’d been caught off guard. Honestly, what human possessed magical swords these days? It was over in a moment. Instead of looking at the disembodied head of the beast, Keithran went straight to the boy and grabbed hold of his arm.

Without a moment’s hesitation he pressed his lips to the bite and sucked out some of the demon’s blood, turning his head and spitting it over his shoulder, then repeated the action. He continued for a good few minutes, trying to get as much poison out as he could before it spread, making sure not to swallow any himself.

When his mouth had nearly gone numb from the task, Keithran stood and linked his arms under the demon’s shoulders, hauling him all the way back to the cave and laying him down beside the crystal. In his experience, the crystal had some sort of healing powers that may be able to help the poor little creature, no matter how disturbing he was. It had once healed his paper-cut within a second and a scrapped knee in five.

Kneeling and gazing down at the creature, Keithran wondered what to do next. Minutes past in silence as the blonde managed to calm himself and reassess his actions. He’d just saved the life of a demon because he felt sorry for it. Now if it tried to eat him in turn he’d have no one to blame but himself. That wasn’t a pleasant thought.

Letting his gaze fall upon the demon boy’s face, he noticed the dark bags under his eyes, so deep grey one might mistaken it for make-up at a distance. Trailing his eyes to the boy’s horns, he noticed the one on the left side of his head, the bent one, was wrapped in red string at the tip with three ornamental, polished grey stones dangling from it. Before he could contemplate their symbolism, he realized with a start that he in turn was also being observed.

Large, wide red eyes studied him curiously with a wide, closed-mouth smile painted under them, expressing nothing short of pure delight. The gaze was eerily childish although strangely shrewd, as if the demon knew exactly what he was doing.

“Hello!” The demon spoke in an absolutely normal voice, albeit slightly eccentric and child-like. His smile remained. This disturbed Keithran.

“Hello…” Keithran replied, but even as he articulated the greeting he felt his weariness of the boy dull and fade. He felt much more at ease with him now that he knew they could communicate normally.

“My name is Ludus. Tell me who you are?” The question was innocent and childish, and the demon’s eyes remained wide and he continued to smile, though he did not move at all.

“My name is Keithran.” The blonde replied automatically.

“Where do you come from?” The demon persisted pleasantly.

“The village beyond the border. Jarrigetown.”

“How did you get here?”

It was at that very moment, where Keithran had been prepared to make up a lie or simply withhold the information, that he realized that something wasn’t right. His body was too relaxed, and he couldn’t seem to divert his gaze from those captivating yet sinister red orbs. Even as he processed his thoughts, information passed through his lips, divulging every detail of how he had discovered the secret cavern passage and where exactly it led in the village, information that he would never have shared had he been in control of his actions.

“How old are you?” the demon continued, the blonde still caught in his trap.

“I’m nearly eighteen.”

“What fascinates you most in the world?” the demon asked, sounding slightly sarcastic.

“Magica and new discoveries.” Keithran’s mouth voiced effortlessly, despite his inner struggle.

“So you are a curious human?”

“Yes I am.”

“What’s wrong?” The demon asked suddenly, smile diminishing slightly as he cocked his head to the side.

“Please… stop whatever you’re doing…” Keithran attempted, squinting, “I really don’t like it at all.”

Ludus the demon smiled wider, eyes opening wider still in amusement, but Keithran blinked and found himself capable to look around and move again. He immediately shoved himself backwards onto his rear and shuffled back a bit.

The demon sprang up into a sitting position, making Keithran jump in surprise.

“Better?” the demon inquired as he raised his dark eyebrows, smile never failing.

“Y-yeah…” Keithran muttered, tensing slightly as if worried he’d be assaulted by another visual attack.

“Aww, don’t be scared.” Ludus cooed sweetly, smiling still, “I was just making sure you weren’t an enemy. It’s my defense mechanism. You look so distressed.”

Despite this, Ludus’ expression seemed to be saying something more like “Ooh! Please do be distressed! You amuse me so!” and Keithran wasn’t very comfortable at all.

“Did you save me, little human?” Ludus asked curiously, moving on all fours and starting to crawl towards Keithran. He was being kind of hypocritical, considering the demon was at least an inch and a half shorter than the other blonde.

“Um, yeah!” Keithran responded with a hike in his voice as he shifted backwards some more.

“How?” Ludus continued, pausing in his approach.

“I cut off that naga creature’s head.” The human replied.

Ludus’ eyes got wide again as he shuffled forward suddenly, backing Keithran up against the wall.

“You chopped his head off?” The demon demanded, “You sliced it clear off?”

“Ye-Yes? I-is that bad?” Keithran stuttered, quite aware that their noses were nearly touching they were so close.

“No!” Ludus cried in his face, “It’s good! That solves a very infuriating problem we’ve been having in the Wood, very frustrating it was. But now it’s all fixed!”

With that, the demon threw his arms around the other boy and pulled him into an affectionate hug, tail swishing behind him and cheek snuggling into his hair.

“Such a clever little human, ever so helpful you are, aren’t you? You’ve done you’re good friend Ludus a tremendous favor, on top of saving his life. I simply must reward you, you delectable little creature!” he squealed as he cuddled the human.

Keithran wasn’t sure about being called “delectable”, but he was pretty sure any sort of gift from a demon might end up biting off his fingers, and quite frankly, Keithran liked his fingers.

“It’s fine, really!” he attempted in a panic as he gently pushed the demon off of him, “It was my pleasure! You don’t have to do anything for me...Please?”

“Nonsense, silly mortal!” Ludus brushed off, “I will give you the most precious and potent thing I have to offer. Hmm…but what to put it in?”

Ludus’ red eyes trailed around the cave in a big arc before stopping at the sight of Keithran’s vial of salt. He snatched it up quickly, despite Keithran’s offended “Hey!” and his attempt to get it back.

“No, no! Silly human, salt is worthless unless you’re being attacked by a hoard of giant leeches!” he declared distractedly as he held Keithran back with one arm and examined the vial with the other, “And besides, they prefer the marshes; they don’t come around these parts very often at all!” Ludus added as he fiddled with the cork.

The absurdity of this statement made Keithran hesitate long enough for Ludus to undo the cork from the vial and pour out its contents onto the stone floor. The blonde wouldn’t have been as upset if salt wasn’t a rare spice in these harsh times and a very expensive spice at that.

Before Keithran had time to mourn his loss the demon took hold of his sword, pulled it right out of its sheath and sliced a small gash across his own arm.

“Whoa!” Keithran cried, snatching back the blade, but Ludus didn’t seem to notice.

Placing his wound beside the vial’s opening, blood trickled into the glass at a steady rate, and Keithran couldn’t help but stare.

The blood was black. He’d been in such a hurry to suck it out earlier that he’d hardly noticed. It looked more like ink than blood as it filled the vial, though it was a good deal thicker.

When it was full, Ludus withdrew his arm and placed the cork back on, the wound on his arm almost healed, thanks to the amethyst no doubt. He then handed it back to Keithran, a big, pleased smile on his face.

Now, Keithran wasn’t the sort of person who had a lot of friends. In fact, he only had one in the entire village. But having another friend that had a habit of giving you blood as a present didn’t seem like a good idea to him for some reason. Then again, he might not have a choice in the matter.

Hesitantly, Keithran put out his hand and accepted the vial back, bringing it close to his face to get a closer look.

“I may not be very strong as far as demons go,” Ludus confessed gingerly, “But my blood is far more potent than any potion or magica that you will ever come by. Did you, by chance, come into contact with any of it when you brought me here?”

Keithran suddenly felt sick to his stomach. Come to think of it, was his mouth aching? Maybe it still hurt from when he was sucking out blood. Yeah. It was psychological; there was nothing wrong with him…right?

“Well, I just sucked out some of the poison from your wound and spit it out, to make sure it wouldn’t spread…but I didn’t swallow any!” Keithran added quickly, noticing the air of intrigue crossing the demon’s features.

“You don’t say…?” Ludus muttered, invading his personal space once more and looking peculiarly at his lips. “Keeeeithran…” Ludus cooed distractedly, eyes still on the human’s mouth, “Open you’re mouth for me will ya?”

Keithran parted his lips uncertainly, baring his teeth a little as one might do for a dentist. He felt no comfort in the expression on Ludus’ face. The demon looked positively delighted.

For the first time, Ludus gave him a wide-eyed toothy smile, revealing all of his teeth. And they looked sharp. It wasn’t just the canines that were pointed, it was all of them. He then pointed at them.

“Now we match.” He said simply.

It took a moment for the meaning of these words to sink in. Keithran’s fingers rose slowly to his mouth and he slipped his index finger inside, feeling over his gums and lower…and realizing that these were not his teeth at all.

Panicking, he reached into his pocket where he kept his mother’s old pocket mirror (he kept with him at all times for sentimental reasons) and he opened it to discover…that Ludus was absolutely correct. The teeth he was bearing at the mirror were just as freakish and pointed as a demon’s!

Deciding that this was all too much to take, Keithran promptly fainted, dropping the mirror and shattering it.

“Seven years…bad luck…”

Those were the last words he heard before his world went black.

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PUH-LEEEEASE TELL ME WHAT YOU THINK!

I just need to know. I tried to make it as bizarre as possible, and I’d like to know if it’s working at all. Does Ludus sound creepy enough? He’s kind of just amusing now, but he gets much weirder. It’ll get darker and creepier too, but I need the humor, so it won’t get overloaded with freakish nonsense. Maybe. Or maybe it’ll be worse. Depends on what you think.

More creepy? Or more humor? Then again, chapter one’s an introduction. The second chapter is the real thing.

Okay this is just a long way of saying Please Review!

So Review!

Please!

-Chicken Ice Cream