Chapter 1 The City of Fire and a Past's Tale

Kazuma stood watching the Dark army's approach. He estimated around two hundred demon-warriors marching towards him. He stood on a hill, intent on battle. Kazuma was a tall white-haired man around the age of twenty-one. He had a built form and a fearful air about him. He was the true heir to the Dark faction's throne, but had been banished by his brothers' scheme. He drew his blade, Azaroth, and prepared to attack the oncoming force. Suddenly, a pair of leathery wings exploded from his back, as Kazuma dove from the cliff in flight. He darted down the hillside charging for his own comrades. As he flew, holding his sword, poised for attack, he heard the screams of surprise as they saw that he was one of their own. Kazuma ripped through the mass of demons like a maelstrom, ripping demons apart and slicing them in two. Many of the demons attempted to retreat, only to be torn apart by Kazuma's wild blade. His speed was matched by no other, as he slaughtered the demon army. The massacre ended as quickly as it'd begun. Kazuma stood in the center of the mass of carcasses, holding his blade in a clenched fist. His clothes and wings were drenched in blood and flesh. His blade dripped blood into the pool around him. His eyes blazed with fire, as he turned about, looking for survivors. "Is that all! Is that all the mighty Dark faction can send! I once believed our nation to be strong and proud, but this… this disgraces me and my nation! I condemn you, my cowardly brothers! For the murder of my father and the shame you have brought upon our once mighty nation! Come fight me like true warriors, so that you may have some dignity before I remove your head!" he yelled loudly, with the fury of a blazing inferno.

The King of the Fire nation and the nation itself all stood watching the scene below. They had witnessed the complete annihilation of the demon soldiers, and stood in fear as they listened to the warrior's cry for vengeance. They stood in awe that a mighty demon would slay his own brethren. The King wondered what had been done to cause such fury and anger. Suddenly, the demon turned around to face the people on the hill. They all shrank back in fear, except the King. He called to the demon, "Demon! What grievance has been done that brings such hatred? I am grateful for what you've done, and I ask that you rest in our nation for the night."

"I accept your offer, and am sorry for the what you witnessed. That is one of the many faults of the demon-kind. I will reveal why I have done this later, for I am exhausted, and am in need of new clothes, as you can see," Kazuma replied, quickly wiping the blood from his blade, as his eyes and body returned back to their normal form and color.

As Kazuma, the King, and the people entered the walled capital city of Katashe Metropolis of the Fire nation, Kazuma stared in awe at the inhabitants and the busy streets of the city. Suddenly, the townspeople stopped what they were doing and stared at Kazuma. They gaped at his bloodstained clothes and at his white hair. Kazuma suddenly realized that all the people in the fire nation had light or dark red hair. "Citizens! Long have we feared the Dark nation and it's demons, but today we have come upon one demon, who utterly destroyed the invading demon army, single-handed!" the King said, "therefore, he shall obtain rest and anything else he shall require. I admit, we do not know much about him, but I know that he will not harm you."

The townspeople still looked at him, but with thanks, rather than fear. Kazuma decided not to worry about them and moved his hand from the handle of his sword. "Your majesty, I worry, that words alone might not console them. I wish not to offend you or your people. If I am intruding here, than I will have no problem leaving now," Kazuma stated, with a look of concern.

"No need to worry. I promise you, you are not an intruder," the King answered.

"Well, I was thinking, that maybe we should continue to the privacy of your house. And if you don't mind, I also don't think you'd like a blood-covered demon in your house so I shall order a servant to retrieve clothes before I enter. If I am a disturbance among your land, than I'll leave in the morn," Kazuma said, as they neared the entrance of the King's palace.

"My friend, you are a hero among us. Stay as long as you want. It is all we can do in thanks for saving us," the King responded.

After Kazuma had changed into fresh clothes, he and the King sat together at a table for dinner. "I believe I owe you an explanation," Kazuma said, looking away from the King, "As you know, I am a demon. My name is Kazuma Ohtori. I was once the heir to the Dark faction's throne," the king jolted and looked towards him with surprise. "My brothers became jealous of me and plotted to have me exiled. I have been journeying alone for a while now. The strange thing is, is that I don't much care for power, money, or glory. I never liked my demonic powers. It is just a fact I'm going to have to live with," he said with a sigh, "I vowed vengeance the day I heard my father had been murdered by my brothers. That is why I did what I did. I regret it greatly, having to murder my own kind. But what's done is done."

"I understand, you may stay as long as you want, until you're ready to leave," the King stated, with a solemn look.

"I am thankful for your kindness, but I must leave. I fear that now my brothers know I'm alive, they will destroy anything in their way to kill me, even you. I wish I could stay, but I would feel terrible if I knew that this busy place was destroyed because of me being here. I must find a way to stop my brothers. It is an ancient law that they have broken, and I know that they won't cease their invasion. I must take my leave. May you and kingdom prosper," Kazuma said as he turned to leave, "May we meet again in more peaceful times."

"We shall not forget you and what you've done, Kazuma," said the King, as Kazuma left the room.

The townspeople watched as Kazuma left the city. They had wished him luck on his journey. Kazuma turned around for a last look at the walled city before continuing out of sight, down the path. The King watched him until he disappeared and stated, as the people looked at him, "I sensed a strong power from him. He may be the hero of the legend foretold ages ago. Let us hope that the good in him overpowers the evil. Also, let us hope he meets Takeya."