Chapter 11 ~Promise~

She stared into the fire; it crackled before hissing to life. Its radiant light stole away the dancing shadows in her room. Another cold night. This had been her life for so long that she couldn't remember the last time she saw the sun rising. They were told only the locations under the demons' control had been left in darkness, as if they were in a different world. The rest of the country was left alone. A legend had risen about this phenomenon.

"It's the place where no one ever comes back from."

It was the truth - any human who dared to go there was either eaten alive or trapped there, lost with nothing to do but try to survive as long as they could. Her father told her many stories about humans seeking shelter in their village. They were curious enough to come all the way here and regret it.

She tightened the blanket around her body as vapor escaped her lips with every breath she took. Loud footfalls echoed outside her room, and laughter followed after. They were running back and forth past her door. Sara rolled her eyes; she must deal with this again.

The door opened, and two small blonde boys jumped into the room.

"Haruto! Ren! how many times did I say not to do that?" she cried, placing her hands on her hips.

The boys laughed in response as they whispered words to each other. They were identical twins, except that Haruto had gray eyes while Ren had aburn eyes. They had thick hair like Father, but much shorter.

"Come on, sister, we just want to play with you," Ren said.

Sara shrugged and looked back at the fire.

Haruto rolled his eyes. "Are you moping over the boy you met years ago? Seriously, let it go. You need to move on."

That was it, the words that sent her over the edge. Angry, she glared back at them as a warning before she spoke. "Say that again, and you will be sorry."

Ren nudged Haruto slightly, knowing they had crossed the line. Annoyed, Haruto complied, and they two left the room.

Once she was alone again, Sara heaved a long sigh.

Kondo...

She'd yearned to see him for a long time, but his whereabouts remained a mystery. Ever since the day they discovered his parents were dead. Sara lived for years with questions that she could never find answers to. Perhaps she was a fool, holding onto an impossible hope for a reunion. Again, she felt warm tears wash her pale cheeks. If Kondo were dead, she would at least have the chance to grieve and move on instead of this torment of not knowing anything.

The door of her room opened again, and slow footsteps came in. She knew who it was.

"Mother."

Princess Sen of the Yase village. Over the years, she had cut her brown hair to shoulder length, and white locks snuck between the brown. She had grown older.

"My darling Sara, you must leave for the Yase village for another trade. Be prepared and..." The slight pause made Sara glance at her mother, confused. A bit of a smile formed on Sen's face. "My people have informed me that a man with raven hair has been spotted wandering about in the nearby area."

Raven hair? Her mind flickered with the memory of Kondo sitting beside her by the pond, his hair like a glistening shadow. She placed her hand over her heart as it picked up its pace. Sara didn't want to be excited by this - it wasn't the first time a clue turned out to be false - but she couldn't help it.

"You think it's him, Mother?" asked Sara.

Sen's face was sorrowful; she wanted to do something to help her daughter ease her pain, but it wasn't that easy. "I don't know, but it's worth checking out, right?" she said with a slight chuckle.

With renewed enthusiasm, Sara stood and pushed the blanket off of her. She must prepare to travel. Sen said nothing and closed the door behind her. Sara stood in front of the mirror, examining her face. Her hair now fell below her knees just as her mother's used to though its color had become slightly darker blonde. Shaking, she got dressed and packed some things for the ride.

...

The group wanted to minimize the chance of demon attacks, so they rode day and night to arrive at their destination in as little time as possible. This was the rule. Lord Haru and his other soldiers had carried a potion mixed with an unknown herb. It was something they discovered could help ward off the demons long enough for them to escape. At last, they made camp near a waterfall and decided to spend the night there.

"My lady, we are getting close to the village of Yase. Please get some rest."

Haru held onto the reins of her horse as she dismounted. Her bones cracked in several places; she wasn't cut out for long travel though it was something she loved. As usual, Haru made a fire for her alone while the rest of the soldiers sat on the side with their own food and drinks.

Sara watched the dancing flames in complete silence. Cold slowly snuck into her bones to an unnatural level, and vapor escaped her lips when she breathed as if she had just taken a shower and was thrust into the cold air. Her eyes darted around her, trying to locate the source of this cold. It must be him again...

A loud, gurgling scream started her. Looking back at her company, one of the soldiers had a sword poking through his throat, and a fountain of blood gushed from the wound, putting out the fire. The soldier's head fell back onto the ground. Haru and the other two soldiers stood, hands on their swords' hilts, ready to defend themselves. Black wind swallowed another soldier like smoke from a fire. He didn't get the chance to speak before he was torn into pieces right in front of them.

"You again," Sara whispered.

From the inky smog, the figure stepped toward her, its heavy boots making no sound. There was something not quite solid about it. The breeze blowing across the hilltop did not cause its cloak to flap, and there was nothing but blackness beneath its hood. At its hips hung a sword that Sara swore would be heavy enough to break her back if she dared to carry it.

Sara desperately tried to mask her fear with confidence. Looking back at the remaining two soldiers, they were frozen in time like always. She was alone to deal with this creature.

"Why are you following me, wraith?" she asked with her head held high.

The wraith glided closer to her, and Sara averted her gaze, unable to handle the creature's cold existence. Only very few survived an encounter with a wraith. Maybe the blessing her father did, had protected her so far, or the creature was just toying with her by demonstrating its powers.

"You are a delicacy, and I desire to make you my trophy," the creature hissed. Its cold breath made Sara lose the sensation in her fingers up to her elbow.

"I'll pass on that offer. You are just one of the few who seek my hand."

The wraith chuckled, like two rocks colliding with each other before breaking. Sara recoiled from the creature. "I am beyond the desires for the flesh," the creature replied, dragging the syllables. "A trifling girl like you must die for him to be in complete despair."

Sara felt confused at the creature's words. Was he following her to take revenge on someone else? Could it be her father? No, that can't be it; her parents had been living minding their own business for as long as she could remember, and this wraith had appeared recently.

"Who are you talking about?" she asked, her bravery wavering fast.

The creature glided behind her and whispered in her ear with its cold, freezing breath, "Where is the fun in telling you?"

Swallowing a lump in her throat, she replied, "Why didn't you kill me when you had the chance?"

The wraith glided around her again to face her. "You will never escape me, little girl." The last word was whispered as he dissolved in the mist.

Warmth returned again as time started to move. Haru, confused, hurried toward her.

"Are you okay, my lady?" he asked.

Terrified, Sara fell to her knees and took a breath. "I'm fine. Please see to those poor soldiers."

Haru's gaze fell; another tragedy struck them when they had been fine for a long time. It was like a curse.

"We must inform lord Kazama about this as soon as possible," the lone survivor of the attack said as he and Haru buried their fallen soldiers.

"We must hurry to the village of Yase. The road is dangerous."

...

They reached their destination by what they could calculate as nightfall. Time had been lost to them, and all they could do was guess. The wooden gate was decorated with a light red flower. A rare plant they were known for. Only by moonlight would such flowers bloom and grow, but they withered and lost their vibrant color ever since the phenomena started.

The soldiers opened the gate for the group. "Welcome, Princess Sara." The guards bowed before her as they made way for her to enter.

Sara and her company went to the village square, where they were supposed to meet the one who needed their trade.

The street seemed to be busy, more than usual for this hour. The whole village was so lively. The entire path was filled with lamps as the people moved about A group of stalls were giving away their special meals. Kids ran along, laughing with one another, and another group played ball. The sight warmed Sara's heart; at least these kids didn't forget to have some fun in the horrible situation they were forced into.

"Welcome, princess," a tall, red-headed man greeted her. "I assume you brought what we asked for?" he asked.

"Yes, sir," Sara replied and ordered Haru to hand over the bags they had brought. "All the potions you asked for are here."

The man took the bag, and in exchange, he gave them a carriage filled with fruits. They were told rooms had been prepared for them to rest for the night.

The room was simple and homey, if not a touch small. A window was set into the back wall where there was a single bed with just enough space for one person to stand. A small chair and desk sat in the right-hand corner of the room closest to the door. There was only enough space to lean back in the chair without bumping the wall. Still, it would do perfectly.

Sara tossed her bag under the bed and rested for a moment. Her bones creaked in several places. This was her chance to ask around. Her heart fluttered at the possibility that the rumor could be real and she could finally get closure.

"Princess." Haru stood at the door. "Promise me you won't leave without me if you are going to look for him. I'm your bodyguard, after all."

Sara chuckled. "I promise. Take it easy."

...

Sara placed an intricately woven silk scarf into her coat pocket, paying careful attention not to crease or mark it. It was a beautiful autumn red, a perfect gift for her mother. She thanked the merchant and went on her way, looking around at the lively nightlife. On the docks, the sailors gathered in sunken pits of sand and emptied a large amount of fish into a group of barrels.

"Sunk the ship, so they did," one of the sailors said in a whispered voice that may as well have been a shout. "Souma said he was one terrible demon. He promised them everything in exchange for their souls for him to feed on."

"Ah those poor humans." Another sailor replied.

Sara's ears perked at the words; it could be a clue.

The other sailors leaned in close, their eyes wide as they drank in the story.

"They say," the first sailor continued, "he has the blackest hair anyone has ever seen. Like looking into the dark sky."

That was all she needed to hear. Sara moved closer to the men. "Excuse me. I am sorry to interrupt. Can you please tell me about where you saw this dark-haired man?"

The sailors exchanged looks, surprised by her appearance.

"You are the daughter of our lady; of course, you may ask," a man on the left said with a smile. "Last time he was spotted, he was within the forest to the east from here. Please do not go there alone; it's not safe."

Sara thanked them greatly before she hurried on her way, her heart thumping loudly in her chest.

...

Grains of poison tarnished the tree bark and gleamed like witch's dust. Creatures haunted the dark copse, salivating over their prey and smearing blood over their faces. The decaying air and the stifling atmosphere provided the perfect abode for those who worshipped the darkness rather than the light. Spiders clutched their snare strings, and their webs shimmered like steel mesh dipped ins silver. Their eyes bright with hunger, they were eager to dine on bloated bodies and gorge on the prizes within.

It was a primordial forest. Centuries-old trees with sprawling limbs safeguarded the darkness, blotting out any sunlight. Their bark was mottled and splotches as if boiling oil had been frozen in time on its surface. Numerous clumps of wet moss dangled from their rotten boughs. Underneath this moss, lethal larkspur peppered the mulchy floor. A pungent tang oozed from every sentient being in the forest. Lamenting wails ghosted through the trees. Whether it was from victims or victors, only the forest could tell. It was indeed a place to make one's veins freeze over. Everything considered edible in other woods was nauseating here. It left one with the same sickening sense as blood seeping across the skin.

Sara's hair was bright silver, and her eyes shone gold. The place screamed trouble, and she had to be prepared in her demon form. Slowly, she walked further in, leaves crunching under her shoes. The sound made her recoil. She wasn't cut out for such things, but she needed to be tough no matter what. The air was shifting every second, and she could feel it. She stared at her feet, and almost dropped to her knees. They were walking backward, even though she was moving forward.

"Be brave," she encouraged herself and kept going. She made sure to keep her eyes forward no matter what.

A lone cry echoed above her, and she glanced up only to see a crow flying above her. She almost couldn't see it in the pitch-black sky.

"I wonder if this is an omen," she muttered.

A sudden scream interrupted the silent, dark forest. Terrified, Sara backtracked, eyes glistening with tears as she listened. The cry was primal and had a raw intensity that told of urgency, of desperate need.

"A child?"

Horrified, she started running toward the source of the scream. Reaching a parting in the trees, she saw a child curled up in a fetal position alone. Sara knelt down beside him.

"Hey, are you okay? I'm going to help you," she said.

The child's screams diminished for a second as he stared at her. "The demons are coming."

Sara knew who he was talking about. The ancient beings were in this forest. It could explain the reason behind the forest's appearance.

"It's okay, I will get you out of here," Sara said, lifting the child.

"Why?" The child's voice changed into a more mature tone. "I'd rather eat my meal here where my home is."

He growled the last words at he. Sara whimpered and pushed him off her. The boy's eyes were red. His arms started to stretch to a great length as if he were a lizard seeking her out. She made fists and prepared herself to fight; she would defend herself as much as possible. The demon screeched and charged toward her. Once he was a hair's breadth away from her face, its elongated arms stopped as the creature fell in front of her, crying out in pain.

"Ah my lord Michaelis, why?" The things cried.

Through her blurry vision, she saw him. A tall, lithe man with long hair, dark as the moonless sky flowing in the chilling air. Skin pale as the light of the star. Eyes the color of the lunar eclipse. He wore dark blue haori. Slightly similar to what the Shinsengumi used to wear, but still unsure if that was intentional to honor his father or not. Unreal was the perfect word to describe him.

Stunned, she watched him as he came closer.

"Revolting insolence like yours deserves to be punished," he said calmly. Once his eyes locked upon hers, a smirk grew on his face. "My my, a village girl." He grabbed her shoulders and pulled her closer to him.

Sara's eyes widened. It couldn't be...

"You are a fine one, I must say," the man continued. His eyes seemed like they were staring into her soul. "Scream for me, girl."

Like she had awakened from a trance, Sara slapped his cheek with all her strength. Surprised, he let go and touched his face.

"Do not touch me. I am not a toy for you," Sara snarled.

The smile returned to the man's face. "I just stopped a demon from feeding on you. Where are your manners, girl?"

Sara crossed her arms as she stepped away from him. "I didn't need your help. I could have protected myself."

The man was silent for a moment, studying her closely. His eyes twinkled for a second before he spoke again. "A fragile bunny like you? Sure." He chuckled. "What do you want? If you're here to pledge your loyalty to me, you already failed with that attitude of yours."

It must be him... He had Kondo's eyes and dark hair. This was nothing like what she expected, but at least he was alive.

"You are Kondo. Chizuru Yukimura's son." Her words seemed to rattle him for the barest fraction of a second. She could see the evident shock in his eyes. Veins started to spread across his cheeks and forehead. Ready to unleash his powers.

"Anyone who dares to mention that name would face my wrath." His voice was low and cold." Watch your tongue."

That was the answer she needed. This man was Kondo. It hurt to see what he had become. At the corner of her eyes, she spotted something. A flower poked from his clothes - a healthy white flower that never withered.

He pulled her closer until they were face to face. "Maybe I should teach you manners around your king, little girl." His hold was so rough that her top tore a bit, exposing her cleavage.

"You kept my flower," she replied.

Surprised, he let her go. He took out the flower from his pocket and showed it to her, its soft petals were slightly bent. She held back the urge to cry. That flower represented their beginning.

"I gave you this flower so you could remember me," she added. " That day, in the backyard of my home."

Confused, he watched her in silence, studying her face before his expression softened. "Sara?" he whispered.

Sara nodded, tears leaking from her eyes. "I finally found you after all these years," she cried and wrapped her arms around him in a warm embrace.

Still, he said nothing and didn't try to push her off of him. She let go and stared at his eyes, almost laughing at how tall he was when they were the same height in the past. Now he was a head taller than her.

"I know about the death of your parents, Kondo, and I'm sorry. My father will welcome you into our family. Please, come back with me. You still have a home."

Gently, he pushed her off of him and turned away. This was a surprise he hadn't anticipated. A blast from the past showed up in the forest where he'd chosen to live.

"Kondo died a long time ago," he said calmly. "My name is Michaelis."

"No," she replied. "I don't believe that. You are still you."

Anger bubbled up as he faced her, his eyes a vibrant red again. "You do not know me. Leave me before I show you what King Michaelis is capable of."

The words were like a stab to the heart. "You still have someone that cares, and you reject it?" Sara asked.

"I'm in no need for caring; it is a deceitful human emotion," he screamed, power pulsing in his hands. "You are a demon, too. How do you not understand this?" He turned his back on her and spoke no more.

Sara placed her hand on her heart, holding back the urge to cry. "I'm not giving up on you." Still, her words did nothing to move him.

The man stood there for a long time, unsure of what was he feeling at the moment. An odd sensation stung in his chest that he couldn't quite understand. No, her words just messed with his head, he was a demon king, and he was beyond such manipulative tactics. " You are wasting your time, foolish girl. Get out of my sight."

Sara sighed, then started heading back out of the forest. She made a promise in her heart to come back for Kondo no matter what. He rejected her, but he still kept her flower? She could try again.

Thank you for reading.

Thank you Samantha Novak for your help.