Disclaimer: I do not own anything that is not owned by me… I think… therefore I am…?
Summary: Princess Sarah of Sylvan lived a quiet life, day after day, the same routine. When a demon, a fae, the same species that had slaughtered her mother years before, drops in front of her, her routine shatters. But if he thinks she's just gonna roll over and let him kill her, he's got another thing coming.
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Of Demons and Goblin Kings
By Kadasa Mori
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Chapter 2
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"Bella wants a bath."
"No she doesn't."
"Yes she does. Don't you Bella?"
Insert a whinny here.
"Sarah! I don't want to go fetch water from the river! I'm tired and hungry and it's almost lunch time."
"I'll go get it."
"Fine!" Kitsune stomped off and Sarah grinned.
"Thanks Bella!" she chirped happily. "If you hadn't agreed, I would never have gotten out of here!" She plucked up a basket. "Catch ya later Bella! You'd better be ready for some major scrubbing!"
She hurried out of the barn as Bella whinnied after her. Giggling she headed for the most common used path towards the river, but veered off as soon as she was out of sight. If Kitsune went looking for her, she'd know where to go.
It took a few minutes more to get there, but it was her favorite spot on the river. It was waist deep, but in the middle was a big flat rock, flat enough to lay on comfortably but curved enough to keep water off it. There were stepping stones to it, though you had to memorize the right ones so you didn't hit the select few that looked dry but were really wet and sent you flying into the water.
Smiling as she stepped into the sun, Sarah let out a happy sigh. She hummed to herself as she dipped the basket into the river. As she pulled it out she looked at her reflection. Her eyes looked weary. She sighed and dipped her hands into the crystal waters and splashed her face. The cool water felt good against her warm skin. Standing, she slipped off her shoes and lifted her skirt up.
She stepped onto the nearest rock and giggled, maneuvering her way to the center of the river, onto a large rock there. She sat down and put her feet into the waters, leaning back on her palms, face turned towards the sun. She let her body relax and felt herself sinking into oblivion.
"You look comfortable," a voice growled in amusement.
Her oblivion was shattered as she jumped and spun. Her eyes widened. The demon from yesterday was standing on the bank watching her. She remembered he'd left halfway through thanking him and she scowled. With a 'humph', she turned her face the other way, ignoring him.
"Is it so wise to not be able to see me?" a voice asked in her ear.
For the second time, she jumped and spun around to find him crouched next to her. A shiver rolled down her spine because of the silence he'd used getting next to her in half a second. "You were rude yesterday," she said, firmly pushing away the quiver in her voice.
He raised an eyebrow. "How so?"
She crossed her arms lifting her chin. "I was thanking you and you left. You didn't even give me a chance to redeem myself."
He scoffed looking the other way. "So like a human."
"What? How?"
He gave her a dry look. "Your guilty conscience and manners."
"So? Manners are polite, something you don't seem to possess."
His hand was half an inch from her throat in half a heartbeat. "Manners to my kind," he said with a feral grin, gloved fingers tapping her throat, "are allowing you to live after seeing me."
She gave him a cold look and after a moment he pulled his hand away. She clenched her hand in her skirt so that she didn't rub her neck in an unconscious gesture. He stood, stepping to the next rock and peering down into the waters. She watched him cautiously, studying his features.
His blond hair was in disarray, mismatched eyes, one blue and one green peering into the water. We wore a cream colored poet's shirt and a pair of black leggings and black chunky heeled boots. A sword dangling at his hip, golden necklace around his neck, brown leather gloves on his hands, currently at his hips.
He noticed her stare and raised an eyebrow. She frowned slightly and opened her mouth then snapped it shut, looking away. Movement caught her eye and she turned once more, only to find empty space. She frowned and looked behind her. She turned back around and gasped, him crouching in front of her.
"What?" she asked when he didn't say anything.
"You were going to ask something," he replied.
She frowned then sighed. "I was going to ask you a question but I realized I would've been rude."
He rolled his eyes in annoyance. "Just ask."
She looked at her lap. "I…" She bit her lip. "What's your name?" When she was met with silence, she glanced up. His eyebrows were raised. "What?"
"That was your question?"
"One of my questions."
"Not the… rude question I suppose?" She shook her head. He was silent, just staring at her before he sighed. "My name is Jareth."
"Jareth?" She blinked then nodded her head. "My name's Sarah."
"Now what was your other question?"
"Why do you want to know so badly?"
"Curiosity."
"Curiosity killed the cat you know," she informed sagely.
"Good thing I'm not a cat then aye?" he asked just as wisely.
She nodded but sighed. "Well what… what are you then?"
He let out a bark of laughter, startling her. "That was your question?!"
"Y-yes…"
"That's not rude my dear." He grinned, fangs showing. "I'm a demon… as you know. I suppose you were asking what kind though, am I right?" She nodded. "I'm fae."
She froze. "Fae?"
He nodded with a smirk, cocking his head. "Problem?"
She swallowed. "Oh… no… no problem…" She climbed to her feet, bowing. "It was nice to meet you, but I do have to leave, previous engagements and all that rubbish." She hopped to the bank, pulling her shoes on and picking up her basket. She glanced back at the rock he'd sat on to find it empty. She stiffened and spun, to hurry away, only to bump into him.
He raised an eyebrow and leaned down so he was in her face. "Problem?"
She swallowed again. "I-I said there was no problem. I need to go. I have-have a previous engagement to get to and you're blocking my way."
"I can tell you're lying."
She stepped back, eyes wide. "I…"
"So." He began circling her. "What's the real reason you're afraid of me now? You were merely curious moments ago. It wasn't until I said I was fae that you feared me."
"I…."
"Is it because you're daughter to the king of these lands? The king who tells you that Fae are responsible for your mother's death?"
Her eyes widened and she dropped the basket. It hit the ground, water sloshing over her boots and his. She swallowed. "Wha…"
He grinned cruelly. "I know many things princess. Don't insult my knowledge."
Someone called from the trees and they both snapped towards it. "Sarah!" a girl's voice sounded.
He looked back at her. "Not all things are as your father says." He took her hand pressing a kiss to the back of it. "Mind your manners… m'lady."
Someone crashed through the bushes and Sarah turned to look. Kitsune yelped as she fell onto her face. She looked up wearily. "Ello Sarah."
Sarah blinked and turned. "He's gone…"
"What?"
She looked back at Kitsune then shook her head, bending to get the basket. "Nothing."
Kitsune grumbled and got to her feet irritably. "Your father…" Kitsune paused and turned her head, lifting her face up slightly, nose twitching.
Sarah scowled, hand on her hip. "My father what?"
The fox blinked at her in confusion then shook her head to clear it. "Your father has ordered half the guards to look for you." She looked proud. "But I knew where you were."
Sarah rolled her eyes as she refilled the basket. "Thank you Kitsune for knowing all my secrets and taking the occupation of best friend."
"No problem. Now get back home or your father'll skin me." She stood and picked up her basket following after her fox tailed friend. She glanced back at the river, almost expecting to see someone. When she didn't, she frowned slightly then turned, following Kitsune. "Jeez Sarah!" came the fox's voice. "What took you so long to get a basket of water?!"
Sarah opened her mouth, shut it then rolled her eyes. "Kitsune, some people like to take their time and enjoy life instead of bounding from here to there and spilling half the water they went to get."
"Oh shut up you brat!"
"I can have you hung for that!"
"Like I really care!"
In the branches of a nearby tree, Jareth cocked his head in slight confusion then shook it off and bounded away.
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Scowling darkly at the food on her plate later that evening, Sarah stole a glance in Kitsune's direction. The fox didn't look too happy either. "What the hell is this?" Sarah asked hoarsely.
"Watch your tongue," Kitsune grumbled, poking at the… thing on her plate with the end of her fork.
"Kit. I'm serious. I thought we were supposed to be having dinner. What is it?"
"I dunno… supposed to be some sort of healthy dinner… you know, veggies and stuff."
"Kit this thing is gonna kill me. It will literally kill me to eat this."
"Yeah well… deal…"
Sarah pouted, prodding the food on her plate with her spoon and watching it jiggle and morph back into itself. She glanced at Kitsune whose nose was wrinkled as she lifted a fork of the food and watched it slowly dribble its slime back to the plate. After a gurgle of disgust from her stomach she pushed the plate away. "I'm done. I think I'd rather starve."
"Me too," Kitsune said quickly, face turning green as she caught a whiff of the next plate coming up. They raced from the room, shouting their not hungry-ness to the chef.
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Sarah sat in her chair by the doors to her balcony in her white nightgown, brushing her long hair as Kitsune made her bed. She'd once been offended that the fox made her bed for her everyday because she was her best friend. After her father gave her a harsh scolding about not letting the 'servants' do their job effectively, she allowed Kitsune to make the bed and take care of all the other needs. Now she found it amusing to mess up the bed like a tornado had gone through it just to keep her there longer to chit chat before bed. It was a ritual she needed before she could even think about sleep.
She set the brush on the table beside her and turned, staring at the moon. It's so dark… She recalled the demon's dark nature and frowned slightly. I wonder if he's out there… a smirk covered her face. Killing some poor innocent creature… maybe I can hint it to him to slaughter that kid in town that always flirts with me.
"Sarah?"
"Wha?" She turned to Kitsune who shifted.
"You'd tell me if something were wrong right?"
Sarah's eyes widened then narrowed. "What's going on?"
Kitsune pouted, bandana set aside so Sarah could see her ears flattening against her head in annoyance. "I'm being serious!"
"Yes Kit. I'd tell you. Why?"
"Oh. Nothing. You just seemed upset earlier."
Probably cause a demon just threatened my life… "Ah. It was nothing Kit." She stood, stretching, then raced towards the bed and leapt onto it, laughing as it was all messed up.
"Sarah! I just made that!" Kitsune wailed.
Sarah cackled and kicked her feet. Kitsune hit her with a pillow. "Ack! Okay! Okay I'm sorry!" Kitsune pouted and sat down beside her, staring at the floor. After a moment she glanced at Sarah who was making a face in her direction.
"Sarah!" she laughed and hit her with the pillow again. Sarah laughed and grabbed her other pillow, smacking the fox with it.
After the pillow battle, Kitsune realized she had to get back to the kitchens and reluctantly stood, heading for the door. "Good night Sarah," she called as she pulled the bandana back on.
"Night Kit!" she chirped, pulling the covers up.
The door closed halfway then reopened. "Sarah?" The brunette looked over at her. She looked uneasy again. "You're sure you'd tell me if something were wrong?"
Sarah frowned then nodded. "I'm fine Kit. Are you all right?"
She nodded with a small smile. "Night." The door closed behind her.
Sarah frowned in the darkness. "Night…"
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Yawning, Sarah stepped into the barn. She stretched her arms above her head then sighed happily as she reached Bella's stable. "Good morning Miss Bella!" The horse whinnied, batting at the girl who laughed. "Yes, yes. We're going for a ride, after I brush you out of course. Imagine the horror of allowing you in public looking like that!"
The horse whinnied again. Sarah giggled and put a harness on the horse, leading her out of the stable and into the walkway, tying her to a post and taking out a brush. A guard walked out from the other room and left the barn. She watched him leave, then turned and faded away while working, mind in a far distance place.
"You didn't tell your friend."
Bella whinnied in surprise as she gasped and jumped, spinning to find Jareth leaning against the wall, looking in the other direction coolly. "Excuse me?" she asked, grabbing at her chest and trying to still her breathing.
He frowned at her. "You didn't tell your friend… the fox."
"Didn't tell her what?" she asked irritably.
"That you met another demon."
"I didn't think it necessary. She'd tell my father who'd give orders to hunt you down. You've saved my life… haven't killed me yet… I'm just using the same courtesy."
He growled and started towards her, eyes darkening dangerously. "So as soon as this courtesy is used up, you'll tell your father to hunt me down. Is that it Princess?"
She backed up into the horse, staring up at him, eyes wide. Her mouth moved but no sound came out. "I…I…" Bella stomped the ground angrily, trying to turn to attack him but was tied off and unable to move.
"Lady Sarah!" a voice called. They both looked towards it as a servant boy bounded around the corner. "Lady Sarah! Your father says that a demon was spotted nearby and you're not to go out!" Sarah looked in front of her, only to find Jareth gone. "Lady Sarah?"
She shook her head lightly and looked back at the stable boy with a slight smile. "Oh. Thank you for telling me. But sure to tell him I won't." The boy nodded and hurried off. She frowned looking around. "Now where'd he hide?" she murmured.
"Right behind you."
She jumped and spun, only to find him standing there. "Oh… well.."
"Why don't you tell them?" he snarled viciously.
She stepped back as he stepped forward, bumping into the wall and swallowing. "I…" Bella was trying furiously to detach herself from the post and get to Sarah but was failing miserably.
His lip curled and she spotted pearly white fangs. "Do I have to hurt you before you tell anyone princess?"
Something twanged out of tune inside her head and her horrified expression turned murderous. "You little…augh!" She reached forward and shoved him back. "Get the hell away from me!"
Stomping back over to Bella, she unclipped the horse (who held her tail up triumphantly) and led her out of the barn into the back to the paddock. She let the horse into the paddock and went over to a shaded area of the fence, climbing up on it and sitting comfortably underneath a tree.
"Why?" She jumped with a squeak and looked up quickly. He was sitting on the branch above her, watching her cautiously.
"Why what?" she spat.
"Why won't you tell anyone?!" he snarled angrily. "And don't say anything about repayment or courtesy." She noticed that he looked more curious than angry. She sighed heavily and looked out over the paddock, pondering her answer and how to word it.
It was awhile before she spoke. "I… I suppose it's because the only demons I know are either my friends, like Kitsune, or the ones of legends… you know, the ones that everyone always make up so that their kids will come inside the house before nightfall." He snorted from above her. "My mother always used to tell tall tales like that to me at night." She smiled softly. "It always made me come inside too…"
"Humans are idiots…"
She snapped her head up quickly, a glare forming. He glanced down at her, lounging on the branch on his stomach, legs crossed over the branch, right arm cushioning his chin, left dangling.
"Well they are. They're scared of demons… why? Because our laws are different then yours? Bah." He looked back at the horses. "We simply don't take honesty and courtesy into account. Things like that will kill you in demon society. You do something wrong, it doesn't matter what, but you'll die. Simple as that."
Sarah snorted. "That's why humans hate demons good sir. Your rules are simply barbaric."
"Oh?" he asked in amusement, leaning over to look down at her, a smile quirking on his lips. "And it's not barbaric to behead them for killing another, throw them in jails to rot, enslave them to keep yourselves comfortable? My dear lady, you might want to think of your own crimes before condemning ours as barbaric."
"SARAH! WHERE ARE YOU?!"
Both winced and Sarah turned to the barn, Kitsune walking out. "I'm over here Kitsune!" The fox spotted her and began running towards them. "Why in the world she exceeds normal sound I'll never know…" Sarah murmured.
She heard his chuckle before his shadow dropped down behind her, out of sight of Kitsune. "I'll see you soon princess," he whispered in her ear before vanishing.
Kitsune reached her, panting, holding her side. "Good… lord… why… the hell… do… you have… to be… all the… way over here?"
Sarah grinned. "I'm simply… barbaric."
In the tree line behind her, a smile spread over his features before he let out a genuine laugh. I'm going to be looking forward to getting to know you princess…
"Sarah… the cook wants you… to try… his new dish."
"Augh! Like hell I am!"
"Sarah!"
The brunette let out an insane cackle as Kitsune dove for her. She leapt off the fence and raced for the herd, Bella hearing her cry and hurrying to her side. Kitsune pouted as both human and horse raced to the other end of the paddock, Sarah sending her a victory sign. Narrowing her eyes she leaned back against the fence and sighed irritably. As she inhaled, however, she caught the scent again. Frowning she turned and looked up in the tree. Not spotting anything, but knowing something had been there, her ears flattened against her head, pupils narrowing in anger.
"You hurt her and die," she hissed at the emptiness before backing away, plastering a pout on her face and racing towards Sarah.
Jareth frowned, watching both run in circles around the paddock. The fox had caught his scent even though he'd been hiding it. He smirked. She hadn't told him to leave Sarah alone… meaning she wouldn't tell anyone he was there and he could still annoy Sarah. Chuckling, he turned and hurried back into the forest.
Life looked amusing…
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To all readers and reviewers,
Paper was completed! I kinda made up three pages of it, but it was still done and handed in on time! YAY! To celebrate three days of no school, but only one real day of not having to work, go to school, get up before noon, I'm updating AGAIN! (insert gasps, fainting, shock here)
Kadasa Mori
Next chapter preview: Chapter 3
Lady Annabelle of the third state of Sylvia looked around the room with a dull look on her face. The knights had been fighting a group of demons in one of the northern countries and had just returned victorious. Each knight had to pass by the platform the King, his advisor, the higher members of court and his daughter stood on. Everyone but the young girl looked incredibly happy, nodding to each one as they passed by.
She smirked, just imagining Sarah's thoughts, the pretty brunette like a doll. A quiet smile was on her face, eyes closed and head bowed slightly, right hand atop her left and placed on her knees as she sat. Annabelle chuckled and lifted her wine glass to her lips, taking a sip as the last of the knights trotted by. Sarah's eyes opened a crack and her head turned slightly to her father as he began speaking, thanking everyone for being there and wishing them all a good evening. As soon as he stepped back to speak with someone Sarah nearly disappeared off of the platform.
Annabelle took a quick step forward, thinking she'd fallen but spotted Sarah a few feet away, walking calmly through the crowd. Smirking, the red head headed in her direction.
"Good evening Lady Sarah," people murmured as she walked past. She dipped her head in a greeting, walking calmly back towards the castle to go hide.
"Sarah! Dah-ling!" Sarah flinched and turned quickly as arms wrapped around her tightly, squeezing her into a tight embrace as a voice shouted loudly. "Oh how mah-velous it is to see you!"
"Anna…belle… can't… breathe!" Sarah gasped.