Prologue

Dear Journal,

I have been here for as long as I can remember, which goes back to the age of five. Demons had raided my village and brought me, with a few more Humans, towards the palace. The High Council had waited there for us. After a few days in the dungeon, we were brought towards the Grand Hall (as I remember) to face the High Council. Guards stood at every door and the ones who had let us Humans here, had pushed us on our knees. I cannot recall all of their faces, but I do recall the one from my current Master. He has been my Master for fifteen years now and he is a powerful Demon. He takes care of me, although it is fake care. Master does not love me, he beds more women than I am willingly to count.

But I am not afraid of him either. I live with him, in a country once called America, but that had been thousand years ago, when Demons had started their first attack from out of their homes within the Underworld. Now they habited Earth, and they had taken on Human slaves. If you were no slave, you were lucky or born into a higher social class. I was born from a father and mother who were both looked upon as from a higher class, but my town was raided by guards because the High Council had been afraid of our power. I learned all this when I became older.

Ever since that week, Lord Hikari has been taking 'care' of me. He shows me towards the other Lords, letting them see how beautiful I was... or seemed to be, but I was untouchable. And nobody dares to touch me, because Lord Hikari would murder them before they could retreat their fingers. They were only allowed to look, to see how he could touch me.

At the moment I'm tying a bow around a present box in my home, Avaralis. The present is for a girlish Demoness who my Master wishes to bed. It's a few days before the Council must come together again in the big city Abydos. I love that city, it's crowded with people and the food they have there is delicious. I already prepared some packings for my Master and myself, because I have to go with him so he can show me off again.

Gently I tugged the bow into it's perfect place and I smiled at my work. My Master praised me, smirking slightly as his dark-purple eyes glaze over with lust. I sigh softly, my Master is smaller than me, but he has a control over people which is almost scary. I'm not really afraid of my Master for he will not really hurt me, but I know that he is powerful in many ways.

Darkness/

"Very well done, Yami. Let's see if this works, shall we", Master Hikari said. The one he referred to as 'Yami' was a pale young adult. He was dressed in clean white pants with sandals at his feet. Another pale hand lay itself on his shoulder, softly stroking the muscles which Yami had. Gracefully, the Demon rose up from the chair he had been seated upon. A white tail flicked as Hikari picked up the present box.

Both these men had almost the same hair. It was natural, both of their hairs, but it stood in spikes with a base of black. But Yami's hair was tri-coloured, a base of black tipped in crimson with blond bangs framing his pale and delicate face, while they also shot up his black hair. Hikari however, had dark-purple bangs framing his face, which almost looked childish, and the base of black hair was tipped in that same colour.

The white tail circled around Yami's wrist, tugging softly. Crimson eyes looked up at their Master and Yami sighed.

"You have done well. When I will not return to the room you know that you can go to bed when the sun falls", Hikari said. He looked at Yami, the look in his eyes making up for his lack of height. Yami nodded, bowing his head.

"Yes Master", he said. Master Hikari smirked, released Yami's wrist and walked away. The present box still clasped tightly in his hands. Yami looked after his Master, sighed softly and turned to the small table again. He was seated upon his knees, but he changed position, discarding his sandals next to him. From one of the drawers he retrieved papers and pencils. To get his mind off of things, Yami started drawing.

That evening, his Master did not return.

Yami sighed softly, as he lazily lay in bed. It was comfy and he didn't feel like raising up yet. Like his Master had said, Yami had gone to bed when the sun had set for that day and normally he would raise up when the sun came up again. Still, his Master had not returned, so Yami gave himself the time to wake up and just be lazy, but he was beginning to get hungry.

When the door opened Yami flicked his crimson eyes towards the door and saw his Master enter. He sat up, Hikari walking over to the bed.

"Hello, Yami. Slept well, I hope?", Hikari asked, a fake smile on his face. Yami nodded.

"Yes Master. I hope you have done the same", Yami said. Hikari smirked, looking at the small table and seeing the papers with drawings neatly stashed upon the table.

"I have enjoyed myself, like you, I see", Hikari said and he flicked his white tail. He picked up a few papers, not looking at Yami. Neat drawings of landscape or animals were painted or drawn upon the papers.

"They are beautiful Yami, well done. Now, into the bathing chambers with you", Hikari said and he lay the drawing away again to walk towards the bathroom that was connected to the bedroom. Yami slept in the same room as his Lord and thus shared all of the other rooms as well. He got out of bed and walked after Hikari towards the bathroom. Hikari was already turning on the shower, testing the water with his hand.

"Strip Yami. The water is fine", Hikari said, turning to Yami.

/ Dear Journal

That is what our 'relationship' is about. My Master would constantly humiliate me in one way or another. My Master would bathe me and feed me, as if I was a child. I loathed my Master, he harmed me not only physically, but only with bruises that could not be seen with other people's eyes. But he did not rape me... he did more, however, he tried his best to harm me mentally as well. Over the years I grew deaf ears to his words, although sometimes the words still sting.

Today the travel would start towards Abydos. Three days would I be in a train which was driven forward with Magic. My Master possessed only little of this Magic, at least, I thought. I had never seen him use much of it, maybe because he didn't dare to use it around me. Thinking I would become a tainted jewel.

Thanks to my Master, did I not only hate him... but also myself.

Darkness /

Yami let the water fall upon him, soothing his skin and muscles, even though he hadn't done much laboured work. Master Hikari wouldn't dare to hurt the jewel before his eyes. Even though Hikari was straight, only in 'love' with woman, Yami was a sight to look at. Healthy pale skin was draped over strong muscles, but they were not too much. Yami was small for a man, but so was he... especially for a Demon.

Hikari walked over to a row of small cabinets. They were open and he looked inside to find a nicely smelling shampoo and soap. He retrieved them, bringing them back to Yami, but he didn't give them.

"Come and kneel down", Hikari said. Crimson eyes flicked to him, but Yami didn't move. When those dark-purple eyes slightly narrowed, Yami's own eyes only narrowed back and he turned slightly, showing his back towards his Master. Hikari glared at the back shown to him, he could see the muscles flex, but also the burn mark that was imprinted onto the left shoulder blade.

"Yami", came the dangerous tone. However, once again, Hikari got no reply. Just the back turned to him. The Demon flicked his tail angrily and he pressed his finger against the burn mark.

"You are mine, Yami. Don't you dare to forget that! Kneel down, now", Hikari hissed. He took a firm hold onto Yami's arm and tugged at it. Yami turned his face to him.

"I can wash myself, Master", he said. Baritone voice flowed through the bathroom. Hikari looked at him, glaring at him as he grabbed Yami's chin.

"Kneel, because you are this close to me losing my temper", Hikari growled. Yami glared back. He knew better, but he didn't want to think and know today. He didn't want to feel tormented... Even though he knew it was hopeless. Hikari was still hissing and growling at him and eventually he got Yami down on his knees. Bruises were forming on Yami's knees when the shower was done and he had the imprint of a tail on his back.

Still, when someone would look at Yami, they could not see the punishment that had been done to his body. He wore leather pants, which were hugging his legs as if they were painted onto them. A tight shirt covered his torso and he wore a choker around his neck. A thin, but strong chain, was clasped in Hikari's hand, which was tied to that very choker.

Hikari himself wore a white shirt above black pants, his body was lithe and beautiful. Better than his soul. Softly he tugged at the small chain and Yami walked after him. Before they went through the door however, Hikari stretched his hand to touch Yami's cheek. The slave turned his head away from the touch and Hikari smirked.

"I know you are still angry with me, but I had to teach you that lesson. You cannot defy me", Hikari said. His voice was low and almost sad.

"I am not angry at you... I hate you", Yami said, his voice steady and crystal clear. Hikari still smirked.

"Come. We have to leave. I have to show you to the others", Hikari said and he opened the door. Escorted by guards, they left the palace to go to the train station.

/ Dear journal,

While travelling I write this to myself. Master sits opposite of me, but we almost have a whole train compartment for ourselves. Guards are poised at the beginning and ending of this compartment to keep me and my Master save. There is not much to tell on this travel, it is the same as it has been for years. I have gone towards this Council meetings since I was five, because my Master did not wish to loose me out of his sight. Even now he is watching me carefully as I write things down or while I'm looking out of the window at the beautiful landscape.

We make a turn and I can see how Abydos comes closer. I can see the Grand Palace coming into view, which is not surprising. I still remember how it looks like from the inside and sometimes I wished I could have painted those rooms. The floors were painted with gold, as were the walls, but the brightest colours of red, green and blue were also there. Our room had columns to hold up the ceiling, with two large windows. My Master's bed was between those windows and my bed opposite one of them in the corner. My bed is large, especially for a mere slave. My Master had the excuse that he does not wish to see me fall out of bed.

Master suddenly says that we will arrive within the half of an hour and I have to pack away my stuff.

Darkness /

"Leave that Yami, the other slaves will take your stuff with them", Hikari said and he gave a almost too gentle tug at the chain. He had been holding it almost the whole trip, except for when they would be sleeping at grand hotels along the way. Yami glared at the back of Hikari's head, his crimson eyes flashing. Hikari gave a soft sigh and stretched himself outside the train, flicking his white tail and stretching the appendage as well. Yami only rolled his eyes, before he felt the all-knowing tug again and he walked after Hikari towards the limousine that was waiting for them. On the top were small flags with his Master's emblem on them.

"To the Palace and quickly", Hikari ordered, before he received a glass of ruby red wine from another slave. Hikari looked at Yami.

"You have to hold on only a little bit longer. You can sleep soon. Want something to drink?", Hikari asked. Yami shook his head. He didn't want anything from his Master, but his freedom.

The car started, driving them towards the Palace. They arrived there shortly, because there were no further cars upon the road. Slaves were not allowed to drive cars, only those of higher classes. Still, as Yami recalled correctly, they were one of the last people to arrive at the Palace. Yami followed his Master through the doors and they were announced to a Priest who stood near the door. The Priest walked away quickly, almost running through the hallway, to make sure that the 'Reader' could announce them properly to the whole Council. Hikari chuckled.

"Let him run. Come Yami", Hikari said and the slave walked after the Demon. Yami saw more Demons with their slaves, each tied to a chain so that they would be protected against other Demons. Some were made to sell their body, against their will or not. Some Demons would pay high prices. Yami could feel the stares and he saw the whispers. It was well-known that Hikari was over-protective over Yami, would never sell him, nor let another Demon loan him. But that didn't mean they didn't talk, or whisper, or look...

"Ignore them Yami. You will be fine", Hikari said.

"You will only show me, Master. Which sickens me as much", Yami said. Hikari growled low, but stopped when they reached a large, ebony door. It was opened for them, by guards who were as Demonic as Hikari. Yami walked after Hikari through the opening and next to him he saw a 'Reader'. Orange tail flicked when eyes fell upon them, but then those eyes returned to the scroll the 'Reader' was reading and he announced the arrival of Lord Hikari.

Yami looked around the room, far more amazed by the painted walls than anything else. He remembered that the large wooden table was amazing and that in the middle of it lay a sceptre. The sceptre was given to those who were allowed to talk. Hikari let Yami walk after him, while the Human looked around the room. They had changed the room since last year and he found it even more beautiful.

The walls were painted golden as the background and ruby red flowers were painted on them. But the painting was also dark. Eyes were looking at them, as if mocking them all. Yami knew why they were painted here, to watch over the Demons. Some of them were very superstitious, almost as much as they lusted for other people's bodies without thinking about the other's feelings.

"Welcome back, Hikari. And once again you bring us the Crimson Jewel", one of the Demons said. Yami heard laughter. Hikari smirked.

"I do see, however, that not all of us made it to this place", Hikari said. Yami looked at the Demon with horns. He was holding the sceptre to speak, although Hikari nodded his head towards the horned Demon.

"They will arrive soon. Will you wait here?", the horned Demon asked. Hikari smirked and he looked at Yami.

"We will stay", Hikari said and he gently 'dragged' Yami behind him to his seat. They could hear purrs when they walked passed by. Yami could see how a Demoness' hand nearly sneaked it's way up to him. He was pulled back by Hikari, the Demon snarling at the woman and he grabbed her throat harshly.

"You wouldn't dare, would you?", Hikari hissed. Green eyes looked at him.

"N- No", she choked out. Hikari released her, everyone staring at them. Yami sighed softly, but Hikari looked at all of them, still hissing.

"MINE! Did I not tell you all before? MINE!", he snarled and with the back of his hand he slapped the Demoness. Yami winced slightly, but then again, this was how his Master always reacted on people who would dare to touch him. His Master had killed many who dared to touch him, but Yami felt the tug again and he was brought back to the fact at hand. The Demoness was not dead, but warned. Yami was still dragged towards their seat, although... Hikari sat on the chair, Yami sat on a pillow next to it.

Hikari patted his head softly, stroking through his hair.

"I will protect you, Yami. Have no worries", Hikari said, a fake smile on his face. Yami turned his head away from the touch, or at least tried.

"Your protection means nothing. I am only a treasure, nothing more", Yami whispered, anger and sadness in his voice. Hikari still stroked his hair.

"You are my treasure, Yami, and nobody will touch you. You are the purest gem among all of us and I will keep you that way. You are mine", Hikari whispered back into Yami's ear, before focusing his attention onto all other Demons. Yami only sat there, on the velvet pillow, presented to all eyes like a valuable pearl.