You're WHO?!?

     Some time later, they reached the Castle grounds, only to be stopped by guards.

     "Halt! You are entering by the wrong gate if you wish to seek refuge," One guard said as the two crossed their swords across the doorway.

     "You don't actually expect us to circle around the castle in such a downpour?" Misha was extremely indignant, "Why, that's gross mistreatment of citizens, no matter how lowborn. It's not right!"

     "M- majesty Mish-," The second guard stuttered, but she interrupted him.

     "Let us through at once," Misha snapped, "I must speak with my father."

     "Y- your majesty," the guards unblocked the door, "go on through, your father is expecting you. In fact, he may tell you that you are late."

     "I ran into trouble on my way home from mother's village," Misha informed the guards, "This young man rescued me."

     Max just shook his head, "Oh great."

     Kane snickered, and braved a glare from Misha, but they continued on. The two men followed Misha through the halls, until they all reached an opulent throne room, with thick red carpeting. The walls were covered, and carved with symbols on the walls that resembled eyes. The man on the throne sat up straighter when he saw the young people heading toward him, "Misha! My darling daughter! I trust your mother enjoyed your visit?"

     "Yes, father," Misha's face flushed, "The seal has been broken. The demons are loose, and hunting down these two young men."

     "So they're the pure of heart lads that will draw the monsters to strongly," The king leaned forward, looking closer, "They sure aren't exceptional in any other way."

     "Ow," Kane winced, "Sir, we must apologize, we are-"

     "The prophecy is coming true, father," Misha cut in, "The demons were released, and are now chasing two pure-hearted youths. They are also looking for their sacrifice, to make permanent the bond they intend to force on them. And they are also trying to find the third youth."

     "Sir," Max attempted to explain, "it's our-"

     "Are either of you virgins, by any chance?" the king asked, "If so, the demons will easily be able to find you, no matter where you go. For some reason, that status, of all things, actually has a scent to evil creatures."

     "gh," Max grunted, "Well, that makes things easy and harder than onyx at the same time."

     "Do you have any idea who the third person is?"Kane tried a different tack, "If so, maybe we can find him or her and get rid of the demons together."

     "No, that won't work," the king negated, "If the three of you encounter the three of them, all at once, the bonds will almost immediately be forced upon you, and they'll certainly hunt down the poor sacrifice. Too bad the sacrifice and the other young man won't have an opportunity to meet, hm?."

     "ugh," Max let his head drop, "Why? What did I do to deserve this?"

     "Do you have any clothes we might be able to change into, or at least somewhere for us to change?" Kane made sure not to look at Max, for fear of cracking up, "It's really wet out there."

     "I apologise for the lack of manners," the king stood, "Misha, you know your way around, so you get yourself changed. I shall see that the young men are settled comfortably."

     "Father, don't do to the boy what I think you're about to do," Misha warned, "I don't think his delicate sensibilities could handle it."

     "Will you people cut it out?!" Max snapped, "It's just the way I am, and will remain, it is not a disease or affliction."

     "Lad," the king smiled sadly, "In this matter, it is very much a liability. Especially if the demons have already contacted you. If they have touched you or your mind, you are the next best thing to a bonfire roasting succulent meat right under their noses, and they will not refuse the opportunity to feast."

     "Er," Max's face was challenging the rugs for redness, "Do you have to use metaphors like that? It's really disturbing."