Title: GA demon hunt
DISCLAIMER: This is not mine! Obviously. I am only borrowing the characters.
Notes:
1. The numbers enclosed with parenthesis is the characters' ages – at least as how they appear.
2. Pure demons tend to live more than how they appear.
3. This is set around the Middle Ages where towns are miles away from each other and the population isn't much.
4. This story inspired me from "Koori no Mamono no Monogatari" a BL. Do read it although the art is quite different from Gakuen alice, you will surely find satisfaction in reading it. Although I was inspired by a BL manga, I assure you that this is not.
Chapter 1 recap: Mikan was escaping from the group of demons after her life.
- 2 -
Morning, at a cave, demons gathered together as if waiting for something or someone.
"Oi Natsume!" Tsubasa greeted as he approached Natsume who he caught standing outside the cave entrance. "Have you heard about the recent attacks?" He pats Natsume's shoulder out of familiarity. He wore a white long sleeve shirt with black hood. He is older than Natsume, and appearance of a 20 year old male.
Natsume frowns at Tsubasa's bickering. "I know that!" Tsubasa spoke annoyed at the same tired that Natsume shrugged his report. He let out a long sigh. "I just want to tell you that the demon guy died. I heard that his body had been burned by the humans who found it."
"I see…" Natsume muttered with a relaxed expression. "I guess he finally found his peace."
Tsubasa smiled seeing the gentle change in the young man's expression.
"You should be more interested with the news." Hayami uttered exasperated standing close by listening to Natsume and Tsubasa's conversation; he who looked somewhere in his mid-twenty's. "That is the same demon traveling with the Halfling, a child between a demon and human – taboo for humans, power for demons." He looked distant as if the matter did not affect him when it did. "Everyone is trying to find a way to be more powerful worried about the other group within the area. You should know how rare it is for a Halfling to live that long. We should get that kid to our side! That kid will be useful to our group!"
"I do not intend to run into trouble." Natsume answered annoyed at the suggestion. "Besides, it is not true that consuming a Halfling would strengthen a demon's power."
Tsubasa gave a look at Natsume as if saying – just like Natsume.
"You should know that it is no myth!" Hayami pointed out. "There are demons that exist to prove there is truth to the stories."
"The others are listless because of the existence of the Halfling after hearing that it is now within our territory." Tsubasa said in a matter-of-fact tone. "They keep saying that a Halfling would increase the power we have. I won't say that I disagree with them or with Hayami but you should be aware that there are some demons who are seeking to sit on where you are right now."
"Stop it right now!" Natsume raised his voice glaring at Tsubasa and Hayami. "I have no plan to do such a thing!"
Hayami flinched at how powerful Natsume's voice sounded; although older, he is aware that Natsume is stronger in every aspect. His gaze softened. "I know what you are trying to say." Hayami sighs. He looked at Natsume; his face looked more tired than it did. He scratched the back of his head. "You won't do anything, I get it." He sounded dejected that his persuasion to hunt down the Halfling wasn't going too well. "Anyway try to think about it at least, this rumor surely reached the ears of the other tribe. They are bound to try to capture that Halfling if they get their eyes on it. Even if we don't want it, we will be caught in a middle of war."
Natsume faced Hayami aware of what the older demon is hinting at.
Tsubasa knew that Natsume is preparing to lash out at Hayami that he quickly cut off before things got worst. "It is better that we do something as well." Tsubasa suggested after carefully thinking over of Hayami and Natsume's words that would not result into a fight. "We just need to be careful."
Natsume's muscle relaxed. He eyed Tsubasa which made him realize that he almost lost control over his anger; he showed a small smile. "I know and understand your concerns." He paused. "I will think it over."
Tsubasa would have smiled openly for Natsume's words if their topic wasn't serious. "That's alright then." He said. He stole a glance at Hayami with a bitter expression.
"Natsume?" Ruka (17) called softly with Youichi (11) following behind exiting the cave. "What's going on?" He looked at Tsubasa and Hayami who gave him a smile greeting.
Natsume smiles as he faced Ruka. "Nothing!" He turned his attention to Youichi. "What's wrong kiddo?"
"I'll excuse myself then." Hayami saw that Natsume won't discuss the matter anymore in the presence of Ruka and Youichi.
Natsume took no recognition of Hayami leaving other than silently watching.
"I want to go to the town." Youichi said as he looked up as Natsume pet him like a cat. "I want to buy some things, is it alright?"
Natsume stopped stroking Youichi's head. "Alright. I can't come this time, but I am sure Ruka and few others would be able to tag along." He looked at Tsubasa. "You aren't doing anything either so accompany them to the town."
"Alright." Tsubasa approached Youichi. He lifts the young demon up in the sky as, "Where do you want to go then? Big brother will treat you."
Youichi gave out a smile.