DK~Chapter Three

 

The sun peaked over the horizon to bring light into the dark stricken land. It streamed into the window of an angel. He stirred as he awaken and shifted himself to face the light. Alexiel slowly opened his eyes and smiled at the warm sky. He laid there for a moment to enjoy the sunrise. He sat up when there was a knock on the door. “Come in,” he said. The door opened to reveal Aikou behind it. “Good morning,” she said. “I…uh…brought you some clothes. I figured you might need some.” She choked up on her chuckle. Aikou closed the door then walked over and handed him the small bundle she was carrying. “Thank you,” he said with a grin. “I appreciate the thought.”

 

“I wish I could do more for you to thank you for what you did last night, but I am uncertain of how.” Alexiel shook his head. “It was nothing really.” She gave him a skeptical look. “I’m being serious here. It really was nothing,” he said. Aikou sat on the bed and rested her head in her left hand. “I’ve only known you for maybe half a day and I can tell that you are a rather modest man. That I find to be a good trait. I find that preferable in a man, but I have to say you are the only one I have met. I am very pleased with your company. I partially don’t want to see you go, but if you must then I understand.” His lavender eyes sparkled with a mixture of feelings along with something Aikou had never seen before…care.

 

“You’re blushing,” he said. Her eyes widen then moved her hands to cover her cheeks. Her voice stuttered as she spoke. “I-I-I… Oh my, I didn’t re-realize that I was.” Alexiel laughed. “It’s nothing to worry about.” She averted her gaze from him. He got out of his bed then went to the window and leaned against the stone wall. There was a trace of a playful smile on his delicate features that faded quickly.“How far?” he inquired. She looked at him then began to ponder why the silence between them was cut. To her it didn’t feel awkward for once unless it was awkward to him. She then began to think she was putting far too much thought into something so trivial. “It is rather far,” she said. “Quite a long distance for me to get home and the portal is just beyond that. We would have to leave the Lower Realm to get to where my home remotely is.”

 

He nodded then shifted his gaze back to Aikou. “I know this would be strange to ask, but is there an Upper Realm? And if there is… Is there a portal to reach it?” Her face went blank then a frown appeared. “Yes, there is. We are not allowed to speak of it, but I’ll make this one exception. And the portal has not been used…for many years… I was only ten when I first saw it and made a promise to myself that I would pass through that golden arch to gaze upon the splendors the Forbidden Ones have pleasure in. I have never been able to fulfill it because about three hundred and twenty-eight years after I saw it they destroyed it and declared that those from the heavens were the Forbidden Ones. We are never to speak their name. Many halflings, I should say the offspring of a demon and angel, if not all were exterminated… No other one has dared cross the boundaries of the realms. I’ve never have laid my eyes on another heavenly being since I saw the one who apparently started the forsaken war that is futile and meaningless. That is who the Elders claimed it was the very heavenly being I saw. There is no clear fighting, because we have kept our distance from one another now. Why, may I ask, do you inquire this?” Alexiel just shrugged his shoulders. “Just wondering…” A lot has changed since then… He thought.

 

Just beyond Alexiel’s door was an angel listening to their conversation. He pushed his blond hair out of his face. “Alexiel…Alexiel… I find this amusing that you are trying to find a way back home. Well, your wait will soon be over.” Aros chuckled then started walking away. “I am very surprised on how well he has adapted to this life,” Gabriel said. “We somehow underestimated his ability.” Aros nodded then said, “Well, that will not happen again. We will not slip up and this game will go as planned. We will be able to say ‘checkmate’ at the end.” He stopped in the middle of the hallway then pulled out a golden key. He dangled it in front of his face by the fine woven chain. “The incompetent wolf demon is foolish enough to think that we can’t reach her realm, but soon she shall know.” A keyhole appeared in the wall where he inserted it and an archway was formed.

 

Comet ran down the corridor moments later. She rammed Alexiel’s door open. “I figured you would be here.” Aikou looked at Alexiel than Comet. “I was just leaving anyway,” she said. Comet nodded then grabbed Aikou by the arm and began dragging her. “Food time!” Comet exclaimed. Alexiel shook his head then shut the door. He heard it open again then said, “Am I ever going to get a moment alone?” He slipped on his clothes quickly. “Well, I’m sorry, Alex, should I go then?” Toku chuckled while Alexiel sighed. “No point now. I believe we are meant to go eat with Aikou and the rest.”

 

“That would be correct.” Alexiel narrowed his eyes. “Kanamiri, what are you still doing here?” Hiroshi shrugged his shoulders while a sly smile crawled onto his face. “Oh, nothing… Just wondering if you have made a decision on my offer. So what have you decided?” Alexiel threw back his head and sighed. This guy seriously doesn’t know when to quit, does he? He glanced at Toku then put his gaze back on Hiroshi. “Kanamiri, do you honestly want to know what I think? Well, I’ll tell you… I am sure that there are other demons in this realm that can ’sense’ what I am and expose me. I would have to bribe them all and hope they didn’t kill me off because they mistaken me for something else. I have to tell you that I don’t have to. You want to know why?” Alexiel allowed a smirk to slide onto his face. “Because I am human. You are one of those I would have to try to prove that I am human which is quite simple.”

 

Hiroshi stood there dumbfounded. “N-N-No, you’re A-Alexiel, the one female a-angel in the Highest Order of the Upper Realm,” he stuttered. Alexiel laughed at Hiroshi. “You’re dead wrong,” he contradicted. “ Last I checked I was male. Come on, Toku, let’s go.” His friend was already ahead of him. “Now tell me what that Hiroshi guy say…is it true?” Alexiel looked at Toku with a smile playing on his face. “Alex…” Toku started to say. Alexiel shook his head while his smile turned into a grin. “Honestly are you going to believe Kanamiri? He is rather delusional.” They remained silent momentarily. “Let us put this from our mind and go on,” he said then walked on ahead. Toku watched his friend walk ahead of him. “Somehow I suspect otherwise, Alexiel. For now I’ll let this go,” he whispered then ran to catch up with Alexiel.

 

They walked down the stairs and stopped when they had reached a large foyer. The ceiling seemed endless above them. “Wow, this place is huge!” Toku walked in front of a large set of doors then said, “Hey, this is probably where we have to go.” The doors flew open sending Toku into the wall with Aikou crashing into him. “Thank you, Toku, for breaking my fall.” He forced out a hoarse chuckle. “Anytime…” She got off him then brushed off her clothes.

 

“Aikou, I wanted that strawberry!” Comet whined. “What difference does it make? Honestly it is not going to be the end of the realm just because you don’t have that strawberry. I mean there are more that came from.” Aikou dodged a bowl that Comet picked up. “Geez…Comet! What gives?” Toku rushed over and stood between Comet and Aikou. “Come on, girls. Honestly…” Comet glared at Toku. He had a small frown on his face. “She started it,” Aikou said childishly. “No, she did.” Comet pointed at Aikou from behind Toku. He grabbed Comet’s arm then said, “Stop being so childish… The both of you.” Alexiel stepped toward them slowly then said, “I was about to say the same.”

 

“Okay, Toki,” Comet said sadly. Toku slightly twitched. “Besides I was just in the mood to fight.” Aikou rolled her eyes. “When are you not in the mood to? You start arguments over the simplest things just to fight. I thought my clan was bad…you’re actually worse.” Comet reached towards Aikou’s head and tugged on one of her wolf ears. “Ow! That hurts!” Comet just giggled, but stopped at the un-welcomed sound of echoed steps. A deep growl came from Aikou’s throat while her ears flatten against her head.

 

“My lady, please don’t have that look. It doesn’t suit you.” Alexiel’s brows furrowed together then sighed. I was right at thinking Kanamiri couldn’t take hints… “I wouldn’t have this look if you actually payed attention to what I say and left,” Aikou said stiffly. “My sentiments exactly,” Alexiel interjected. Hiroshi glared at him then muttered something inaudible in a demonic dialect. If only he knew that I knew what he was saying… Calling me a ’stupid pretty boy’ isn’t really an insult. He needs to be a little more creative with that. Although I wouldn’t take the words to heart to begin with so… his efforts would be in vain. Alexiel shrugged the thoughts away and moved on to others that were more pressing and worth his time.

 

“Look, Kanamiri, I don’t have time to play your “Let’s stalk the Aikou” games today. I have more important, pressing matters than that. Now please, stay out of my way. We have a long journey ahead of us…it will only be longer with you and your bothersome games. Take it elsewhere.” Hiroshi took a step back like he had been stung. He looked like he was going to speak, but turned around and headed back up the staircase.

 

“Oh…my…Gods…” Comet said slowly in awe surprise. “Did he…did he actually listen?” Her eyes widen slowly as she looked at Aikou then at the stairs then back at Aikou. “Do you think he is…over you?” Aikou barked out a laugh. “You are joking right? Obviously you haven’t learned much about Kanamiri during the past several hundreds of years. He hasn’t given up…just he does this from time to time. He’ll act like he has given up, but in reality he is actually following my orders for a temporary amount of time. I have to say even that in itself is amazing. If he ever left me alone, Comet, it would be when he is dead.” Comet let out a sigh. “Well…that is never gonna happen.”

 

“Alexiel…Toku…it is best we head out now before Kanamiri comes back. I can’t guarantee how long it will be without him, because most likely he will follow us someway. We have provisions to last us to the next town if we use it properly. We also have a little for you to eat after we get about one or two miles away from here.” Toku frowned. “Why can’t we eat it while walking?” Both Comet and Aikou gave him a strange look. “Apparently, Toki, you have a lot to learn about this realm regardless how many games you mortals play on your game systems.”

 

Toku growled slightly, but stopped because he was stunned somewhat by what she said. “Whoa…whoa…whoa… Wait a minute, you mean to tell me you know about game systems yet you live so primitively. That is insane.” Aikou barked another laugh while Comet giggled. “Oh, Toki, you are so silly.” Aikou stopped laughing then set a hand on Toku’s shoulder.

 

“It is our choice to live primitively. If we didn’t we would be more advanced than you humans. Now our world often coexists with yours and we study the human realm. That is why we know so much about your world. Others have found it as a great opportunity to play “Chase and Kill”. You will also be surprised to know how human-like most clans are. Human-like meaning civilized. Of course there are those of us who have to remain warring clans because the leaders of other clans thinks it is fun to disturb the piece. There are a few clans that are neutral, but they do choose sides. Mostly it is in my favor…very, very few choose to be against me… Those that do…well let’s just say they don’t have the choice any longer.”

 

Toku’s jaw lowered quite a bit. “Amazing…” he breathed. Aikou’s face lost of its amusement. “You would think.” She then turned away and walked towards the entrance. “Alexiel, what do you think she means by ‘you would think’ ?” Alexiel shrugged. “I can’t answer that, Toku, but I believe it will present itself. Just give it time.”

 

Aikou pushed the large, heavy doors without the slightest effort. The bright sunlight flooded the entrance making the room seem darker than it already was. She pointed toward the horizon then said, “That is where we need to go. So…let’s move out!”

DK~Chapter Two

 

Alexiel shivered when he felt a cold draft breeze past him. He sat up then noticed he was only wearing his black slacks. He tried to remember what had happened, but he could remember was being in the portal then crashing to the ground. He scanned the room then stopped when he spotted Toku. Alexiel slid himself off the stone slab and made his way over to Toku. His body ached with every movement. He wondered at where he was while feeling as if he was in an Egyptian tomb. “Toku…” he said. His voice was hoarse and dry. Alexiel shook his friend. “Toku,” he said again, but this time was a little clearer. It echoed off the stone carved walls. Toku stirred just slightly while he made a groan.

 

He sat up while resting his head in his hands. “Man, I feel like I was ran over by something a couple of times,” he whispered. Toku rubbed his temples for a few moments then looked at Alexiel. “You okay?” Alexiel merely nodded then turned his head to the now open door. He saw a strange crimson haired man standing there. His well-toned arms were folded over his bare, finely chiseled chest while one of his feet tapped in a rhythmic fashion. Alexiel began to wonder at how long he had been standing there waiting. “You’re finally awake. Lady Aikou will be relieved to know,” he said. His voice was smooth as velvet, but was cold as ice. It held a certain darkness, mystery, and depth. Alexiel gave him a strange look and wondered at who he meant by Lady Ikirisu, but wondered at his presence. “And you are?” he inquired. The man gave a slight bow while he said, “Prince Hiroshi Kanamiri.”

 

Alexiel nodded then asked, “Who is this Lady Ikirisu you speak of?” Hiroshi looked at him as if he was crazy. “You, humans, are obvious to the real world. Lady Aikou Ikirisu is the warlord queen of her clan. You, foolish mortal, must treat her with the utmost respect. You do not then there is a price to be paid, is that understood?” Alexiel merely nodded. If only knew who I really was…would they treat me in such a way? I wonder if it would be worse. He thought solemnly.

 

He frowned deeply at Hiroshi. “What kind of man do you take me for? You obviously don’t know my personality very well,” he said. Hiroshi narrowed his eyes as he stepped toward Alexiel. He towered over Alexiel, who did not move his head to look up at Hiroshi. “I’ve seen the human male they are rather disrespectful when it comes to women. Oppressed them for thousands of years until recently you human males have just now started respecting the women. It is a wonder your species is still alive.” Hiroshi started laughing until Alexiel held his sword at the base of his neck. “I don’t know how many times I will have to establish this point with you, but I respect women. I believe they should have power. I don’t believe they should serve man to satisfy them when they could easily do it themselves.”

 

Hiroshi jerked his head in the direction of the door then fell on one knee. “Lord Anubis, I…” The god stepped toward Hiroshi then pulled him up by his neck. “I see you just get along with everyone so well,” he said. Anubis had a smirk on his face. Alexiel lowered his blade and studied Anubis for a moment. “I would have to disagree with you on that,” Alexiel said. Anubis turned his attention to him. His smirk turned into a small smile. “Sarcasm is a wonderful thing. Kanamiri hasn’t cut a lucky break with anyone especially Aikou. He has received practically every refusal in the book for the past five hundred and twenty-eight years.” Anubis chuckled while he pushed Hiroshi away from him.

 

“Lord Anubis,” Alexiel said while he made a slight bow. “We wish to return back home.” The god nodded then said, “I know all about that and Aikou is willing to escort you to the only other portal to the human world because the others were destroyed. Alex, if you would care to follow me I’ll take you to the ladies to discuss the arrangements.” Alexiel looked back at Toku then at Hiroshi, who was leaning against the wall with a crossed look on his face. He could tell Hiroshi was angry with him yet he did not care.

 

“So Comet, do you think you have had enough?” Comet shook her head and laughed. “Not a chance,” she said then twirled her sword like a baton. Aikou flicked open one of her bladed fans. “Well then, let’s continue.” Comet ran toward Aikou and swung the blade while narrowly missing Aikou’s throat. Aikou performed a few somersaults to create some distance between her and Comet then threw one of her fans like a boomerang. Comet dodged the fan then Aikou gasped. “Oops!” Comet looked down at the floor to see a small lock of her hair. Aikou caught her fan and closed it. “I’m so sorry,” Aikou said. Comet shot her death glare.

 

Comet chucked one of her dagger at Aikou, who ducked just as. Alexiel walked door. He felt the blade whiz past his cheek. He touched his cheek then looked at his fingers and saw a trace of blood. A frown crossed his face. He looked at other woman standing closest to him. Most of her body was exposed showing off her tensed muscles. “May I assume that you are Lady Ikirisu?” Alexiel inquired. The woman bowed then said, “I am she. Alex, may I say something?” He nodded once then she continued. “There is no need to be so formal with me. Please just call me Aikou.” Alexiel nodded then looked at her companion. “Who’s your friend?” Aikou picked up the dagger then threw it at Comet. “Hey! Watch it, Aikou!” Comet exclaimed. “I mean that’s twice today already! I am sure I want to keep my head just as much as you want to keep your life!” Aikou laughed at her friend’s discomfort. “That is Comet, the daughter of Anubis and my best friend. To warn you she has a bit of a temper,” she said.

 

Anubis stepped toward his daughter and held out a hand. Comet took it and stood up then smoothed out her dress. She wore a slight smirk on her face as she stole a glance at Alexiel. “It’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance and not to sound unappreciative of your presence, but I wish to get straight to my reason of seeing you.”

 

Aikou nodded then said, “Well, do you wish to discuss it now or when I’m in more suitable attire?” Alexiel’s face broke out into a smile. “It is up to you, Aikou,” he replied. “On second thought I better switch into more suitable attire. If you would please excuse me, Alex.” Aikou pushed past Hiroshi to get out of the room. “You really know how to ruin something, don’t you, Hiroshi?” Anubis said with a slight chuckle. Hiroshi narrowed his dark gray eyes. They glittered with the deep seated anger he felt coursing through his veins. He felt something he never felt before. He moved his gaze onto Alexiel. “I can sense envy and jealousy from you, Hiroshi,” Anubis said with a slight smile. Hiroshi averted his gaze to the god. “Humph…. You sense wrong, Anubis! Who do I have to envy? Why am I jealous?” he said. Anubis laughed then pointed at Alexiel. “Alex gets the kindness and type of attention from Aikou that you want. You envy him and you despise him because right off the bat she treats him differently than you. Don’t try to hide it because you’ve already made it quite clear.”

 

“Made what quite clear?” Alexiel looked at Aikou with an up and down glance. “I feel more comfortable in Hiroyoshi’s presence. Although I never am,” she said while tying a sash that was attached to her sword. “To answer your question, it was nothing really just Hiroshi is jealous.” Aikou laughed as she walked over to a chair and relaxed in it. “This is no surprise,” Comet said. “Strictly because he makes it so obvious that he is jealous.” Hiroshi screamed at them. “Seems like our little Hiroshi needs a nap,” Comet cooed then flashed behind him and struck him. Aikou stared at Hiroshi’s unconscious form for a moment then redirected her gaze. “You know in all honesty I don’t even like him this way,” Comet said. She then dragged Hiroshi out of the room and shut the door. “There now…is that better?” She said then locked the door. “Yes…much.” Aikou then smiled at Comet.

 

“Alright, Alex, now we can get down to business. Let’s-” There was a bang on the door. “Alex!” Comet opened the door then stepped aside. “Toki!” she exclaimed while hugging him. Toku gave her a strange look while trying to get her off. “No, it’s Toku,” he said. Come shook her head while tightening her grip. “No! Toki is just as adorable as you are. So you are Toki!” Toku fell onto the floor then said, “There’s no getting through to you, is there?” Comet laughed then said, “Nope!”

 

Aikou’s smile went into a crooked grin. “Shall we try this conversation again and hope for no interruptions?” she asked. Alexiel merely nodded then gestured for her to continue. “Well, I assume you want to return home and I know I am willing to escort you to the only portal. I will warn you it is a long journey. Not an easy one either. I don’t know about COMET!” Her friend stopped arguing with Toku and looked at Aikou. “Yes?” she said. Aikou straighten herself in the chair then looked into Comet’s lush teal eyes. “Wondering if you would care to come with me to get Alex and…” She paused then looked at Alexiel’s friend. “Toku.” Comet leapt off the floor. “Okie!”

 

“There you have it,” Aikou said while clapping her hands together. “Just one thing I have to ask you and that is… Can you fight?” She froze when she felt a hand on her shoulder, then glanced to the side and relaxed. “I have full confidence is his ability, Aikou, simply by watching his movements when he drew his blade against Kanamiri.” Alexiel gave Anubis a skeptical look. “I don’t honestly believe that you could judge someone’s ability simply by drawing a sword, because anyone can appear strong that way, but can be the opposite,” he said. Aikou chuckled at him. “You seem to underestimate the ability some people have to detect strength. No matter…” she said dismissively. “Sad really, but I guess I’ll have to find your ability out the hard way…through battle.”

 

Comet’s interest was now peaked at that point. “Is it a death match?” she asked. Aikou just shook her head as she stood up while Comet groaned. “Oh, come on! Why not?” Aikou merely frowned. Comet was all too death happy about Alexiel for her liking. “Sorry, but no death match. It is nothing more than a test for him and me. So just get over it.” Toku looked over at Aikou with a bewildered face. “Now is this test only for him or does this apply to me as well? Because in all honesty, I only did two years of martial arts. I didn’t keep up with it as much as I wanted to.” Comet shrugged her shoulders then sat herself down. “I’m just going to sit back and enjoy the show, Toki. I suggest you do the same,” she said. “Before I call you Toki again.” Toku flew into the seat beside her and began twiddling his thumbs. “Well, I guess I’ll fight you then,” Alexiel said with a sigh.

 

“COMET! I’M GONNA KILL YOU!” Hiroshi bellowed through the door. He punched the door a few times to relieve some of the anger he felt then slid down the wall. He sighed heavily. He hated the way Comet had treated him over the years. “You would think sharing my feelings about Aikou with Comet would make her sympathize or at least be a little more kinder to me. I’ve realized now that Comet doesn’t give sympathy to anyone except Aikou or maybe she does and just opts not to give it to me. Not that I’m looking for it just where Aikou is concerned. What is wrong with me? How could she hate me… after all that we have been through? Why do you hate me, Aikou?” he said. “Instead of worrying about why I hate you, which I don’t, try worrying about something that is worth it. Now either stay and watch the fight or go on home. Which will it be?”

 

He got off the floor then said, “If you don’t hate me, Aikou, then what do you feel for me?” Aikou closed the door behind her then looked away and sighed. “Walk with me, please,” he said softly then took her hand and led her out of the palace. Hiroshi let go of her hand once they were outside. The night sky greeted them with stars that twinkled like diamonds and ruby moon. They walked a short distance away before he stopped. “Some walk,” she said. Hiroshi shrugged his shoulders then crossed his arms. “Explain to me what I am to you, Aikou. To tell you the truth I can never sleep peacefully because that is unknown. My mind is restless,” he said. His tone yielded no expression. Aikou looked up into his eyes and saw they were distant. She thought she saw tears in his eyes, but questioned at why.

 

There was one thing she was taught and that was to never show weakness even to her friends. So many times she wanted to break down and cry, but she kept herself from doing so. “I don’t know what to tell you, Hiro, because I am uncertain of my feelings myself. I just know for sure hatred is nonexistent. When I was weak you fought to protect me from my brother all those years ago! How could I hate you? I mean sure you’ve been rather obnoxious with the constant proposals, but that doesn’t effect anything,” she said. Hiroshi placed a hand on her shoulder then drew away from her. “What? Saving you from your brother? I thought it meant nothing to you. Now you are telling me that it does. Why?” She stood there with one hand resting on the hilt of her sword and the other one running through her hair. “I don’t know,” she said.

 

“Why are you so opposed?” he whispered. Aikou frowned deeply then looked at the moon. “I feel like I haven’t done all that I am meant to and I believe that I haven’t found my life’s companion.” Hiroshi turned her head towards him. “What if your companion was right before your eyes?” he said. Aikou shook her head then said, “If we are meant to be, Hiro, then it will happen. No sense in rushing it. I must go.” Hiroshi nodded while she walked off. “Aikou, if you need me just send word,” he said. “Alright!” she replied. Her thoughts contradicted what she said. She was far too independent to depend on a man that seemed so weak to her, but strong to many others.

 

“Aikou, let me ask you… Is there anyway I could awaken something to get you to remotely love me?” Hiroshi turned her towards him then tilted her head up. She closed her eyes and shook her head. “No,” she said firmly. His thumb stroked her cheek softly then said, “You sure? We have never tried so who knows.” Aikou tried to get away, but her left arm twisted behind her back as he kissed her. She arched back her right arm and slammed the fist into his face. He stumbled backwards and hissed. “Don’t you ever handle me in such a way again or by Gods I will have your head! Do you understand me?” she said in a slightly elevated voice. Hiroshi now wore an odd smile on his face. “You’ll have my head, eh? Well, that will happen on the day you dare marry someone other than me, because I will have you! I swear it!” His face held a crazed look as if he had gone mad.

 

“No, you will not!” she screamed. Hiroshi grabbed her arms roughly then forced her to the ground. “You so sure of that, aren’t you? I’ve noticed over the years that you’ve treated every man fairly except me. None have received the look that you gave that human. I’ve seen it! Don’t you dare deny it! You feel for him! Don’t you?” Aikou turned her head away from him. “Whatever do you mean by look?” she asked him. Hiroshi laughed shrilly. “You’ve got to be kidding me? You want to say that you were not taken by Alex. That is rich!” He continued to laugh until he was jerked up off of her.

 

“I have found that I do not like your presence very much at all.” Hiroshi pulled away from Alexiel. “You wish to speak of respect for women and Aikou most of all, but you, I can see at this moment, do not. Now I suggest you behave yourself,” he said stiffly. A smirk slid onto Hiroshi’s face. “So the human boy is trying to tell me what to do?” Hiroshi chuckled in his amusement. Alexiel’s eyes met Aikou’s. She smiled at him. “Well, I must hand it to you, Alex, you do have the courage to stand up to someone who is clearly out of your league,” he said smugly. Alexiel shook his head then said, “I have to tell you, Kanamiri, I rather detest egotistical people.” Hiroshi tilted his head to the side then turned toward Aikou. His smirk turned to a grin. “Aikou, my dear,” he whispered. “Can you honestly believe him? Do you truly trust what he appears to you as?” She nodded once then said, “Yes,I can.” Hiroshi grin disappeared quickly. He pulled his arm back and before he could even strike Aikou he fell to the ground.

 

Aikou looked at Hiroshi then at Alexiel. “Thank you,” she whispered. “I don’t think it is necessary for that battle any longer. I am sorry that I’m going to be leaving you, but I wish to retire to my chambers.” He nodded then said, “I’ll see you soon.” She grinned then hugged him. “Good night, Alex,” she said then left. Alexiel kicked Hiroshi. “Get up,” he said. Hiroshi groaned as he stood up. “You know, human, I would be care if I were you. I wouldn’t want to break Aikou’s heart over you,” he said. Alexiel’s brow furrowed. “What do you mean?” he said. Hiroshi’s smirk reappeared. “Alex or should I say Alexiel. It is hard not to know if you know the legends well.” Alexiel narrowed his eyes. “I’ll make a deal with you, Alex. You don’t make any romantic moves towards Aikou or I reveal you.” Alexiel shrugged his shoulders then said while walking away, “Do you what you wish as I will do what I wish.”

 

Aikou stared at the ceiling of her room. She curled up and hugged her knees then closed her eyes. She felt like something was watching her then sat up suddenly. “Alex…” she gasped. He smiled at her. “I’m curious if he…tried anything.” She looked away from him then sighed. “He only managed to kiss me. I am not sure if he was going to progress any further, but I have a feeling he was.” Aikou moved her gaze back on him. “It is okay,” he said. “I believe Kanamiri will leave you be, but I can not promise you that.” Aikou nodded then laid back down. “Good night, Aikou,” he said then left. She curled back up and fell into a deep sleep.

DK~Chapter One

 

A young woman heard a scream coming from a distance then it was all the sudden quiet. “Comet, did you hear that…scream?” she asked quietly while listening intently for any more sounds. Her companion turned her head in the direction it came from. “Ooo, somebody is dying! Let’s go watch, Aikou. I’ve been waiting for awhile to see something like this.” Aikou shook her head then pulled her night hair up while leaving the white streak down. “Well, let’s go then. I am rather bored myself.” Comet hopped down from her perch in a tree then ran.

 

Moments later they arrived in a grassy clearing and found what they thought was the source of the noise. “Awe… They’re already dead,” Comet said disappointedly. Aikou knelt down beside the lavender haired man and studied him closely. She was almost afraid to touch him because he seemed like a delicate porcelain doll that would break under her touch. She wouldn’t dare call him an angel. They were forbidden in her realm. Aikou placed a bronzed hand on his pale cheek and found it to be soft and smooth. She moved her hand to his hair and ran her fingers through it. It felt like the finest silk she had ever touched.

 

“Aikou… Hello!” Comet said while waving a hand in front of her face. “Hello… Earth to Aikou!” She pretended for a moment not to hear Comet. She looked over at his friend and was satisfied enough to see him breathing then looked back at the man. Aikou saw something sticking out of his back pocket and took it out. She flipped it open and found something that had his picture along with a bunch of other information about him. “Alex…” Comet snatched the wallet out of her hand. “Yay! Stuff!” Aikou looked at her hand then Comet then back at her hand again. “That is not yours,” Aikou said stiffly. Comet shrugged her shoulders. “So… It’s mine now. Plus why does he need it…he is already dead.” Aikou shook her head while wagging a finger. “Quite the contrary. Comet, they are still very much alive.” Comet groaned. “First, I thought they were dying then I am disappointed when I get here and they are dead. Now you’re telling me that they are not. Well, if you want the job done right then you are going to have to do it yourself.”

 

Aikou stood up and said, “Don’t you dare!” Comet backed away only slightly while Aikou sat back down beside Alexiel. “If you are in that kind of mood then just go kill a demon of no real importance,” she said in an off-hand manner. Comet plopped down beside Aikou while keeping her arms crossed. “That gets so old,” she said with a sigh then groaned again. “It is rare to kill something different and steal from them.” Aikou’s brow furrowed as she looked at Comet. “I don’t see why. You should know as well as I do that our world coexists with the human world quite often. A few are even misplaced here and end up in their deaths during that time. Very few ever make it back because of certain demons like you, but I’m surprise you want to kill them when you are a third yourself.”

Comet looked at Alexiel beside Aikou and became skeptical. “Well, I’m not too sure on purple boy. He almost looks like…” Comet didn’t get the chance to finish her sentence for Aikou had forcefully placed a hand on Comet’s mouth. She in turn bit Aikou’s hand till blood was drawn, but Aikou kept her hand there. “Don’t you dare speak that word. You know it is forbidden, that we would have to fend the demons that heard you to protect these two humans,” Aikou muttered in a harsh tone. Comet glowered at Aikou while she ripped Aikou’s hand from her mouth. “And yes, Alex is a human.”

 

“Alex is purple boy’s name?” Comet asked while her friend merely nodded. “Hmm… Strange name. ” Aikou looked at her bleeding hand then clenched it close. She pulled the ribbon out of her hair then wrapped it around her hand and tied it tightly. She glanced at Alexiel again. She couldn’t help it. She was captivated by his beauty. “Comet, I suggest we take them back to your home because… What are you humming?” Aikou said. Comet put her arms behind her back and tried to look innocent. “Nothing,” she answered. Aikou narrowed her eyes. They glinted with suspicion under the metallic red sheen they held momentarily. She had this feeling deep inside that Comet was testing her. “What are you humming?” she demanded while standing up. She had Alexiel half way off the ground when Comet answered in a shout. “Angel!” Aikou dropped Alexiel then jerked Comet by the arm. Comet may have been taller than her by a long shot, but to her size did not matter. She wanted to beat Comet senseless, but decided that may not be for the best.

 

“What the hell is wrong with you?” she inquired. Comet threw her arms up innocently and shrugged her shoulders. “Well, you know you told me to go find something else to kill since you forbid me from Alex and his little buddy so…I made it easy for myself with your help.” Comet chuckled as Aikou’s face turned a faint red color. “My…help…” Aikou said brokenly. Comet nodded. “Yeah, see I knew you would ask me what I was doing so I started humming and when you asked I made up that I was humming the word.” Aikou glared at Comet then shoved her away. “User,” she muttered. Comet laughed.

 

Aikou ran over to Alexiel while pulling out her sword. She knew she made it just in time when she heard a clang. She rested her head on the hilt of her sword and let a breath out slowly. “Aikou!” Comet ran over then narrowed her eyes at the new arrival. Aikou lifted her head and saw her ’suitor’. “Hiroshi!” she breathed. He knelt on one knee then said, “My fair Lady, had I known it was you I wouldn’t have dared attack.” Comet glared at Hiroshi with a certain loathing feeling. Hiroshi held out a hand, but Aikou smacked it away. “I can get up by myself perfectly fine,” she muttered then stood up. She slipped the sword back in its sheath then looked at Comet. “We need to get Alex and his friend to safety before anymore unwanted company comes,” Aikou said while eying Hiroshi with disgust.

 

“My Lady, allow me to offer my services,” he said. Aikou had Alexiel on her back then turned toward Hiroshi and said, “I do not need your services, Hiro. Now leave me be.” Her voice was cold and stiff with the authority she held over him. He may be a prince of his clan, but he was weak when it came to his feelings for her. She walked away in the direction of Comet’s home. He rather disdained the use of his nickname. He found it to be disrespectful even through the very few times he heard it, but Aikou was the only one that spoke it. He never understood why she did. He figured she knew it bothered him.

 

He wanted to disregard her order, but at the same time he wanted to serve her. He bent down and picked up the other human then threw him over his shoulder. “What part of she doesn’t need you help, don’t you get?” Hiroshi left her standing there without an answer. “Hey! I am talking to you! Don’t you dare walk away from me! You come back here or I’ll gouge your eyeballs out!” Hiroshi didn’t stop for one moment. “Should I care?” he asked. “Without Aikou as my wife, my life is pointless.” His voice sounded defeated.

 

Comet couldn’t figure him out. She couldn’t understand why he persisted on pursuing Aikou after the many rejections she has given him over the past five hundred and twenty-eight years. “Hey, wait for me!” she called after him then ran after him. “Explain something to me.” Comet looked up at him. He did not avert his gaze in her direction. “What must I explain to you?” he asked gruffly. Comet’s brow furrowed while she grew frustrated. At one point in time she thought she had him figured out, but she just now discovered that she didn’t. She hated him and wanted to kill him, but couldn’t. There was a certain code that all clans had to follow. Once you were in a treaty then you had to remain in it and that meant you could not kill their leader. “Why do you continue to pursue Aikou? She has refused you at every corner yet you keep holding on, why?” She stopped while he took a few more steps then stopped as well. Hiroshi turned around and looked at her straight in the eyes.

 

He let out a breath slowly. “You want to know why I have persisted on never letting up on my proposals?” Comet nodded while he set Toku down. “My feelings for her are genuine. I wish for her not to fall into the wrong hands and what I mean by that is the one that does not love her, the one that would hurt her. I would protect her in anyway I could. I do respect her in the highest degree,” he said. “Her power amazes me so, impresses me. She is so…so beautiful. Her skill an art for many to envy. She is the only demoness I desire and I will never stop until I have her. The feelings I have for her I guess you could say that… I love her.” He whispered the last three words. “You know what?” she said. He gave her a puzzled look. “You’re gonna die.” She walked off while he merely shrugged his shoulders. “I don’t care. You could go ahead and try,” he muttered. He picked Toku back up and placed him on his shoulder again then continued on.

DK~A Game?

 

“You know it is a dire shame,” an angel said. He sat down while keeping his eyes on his friend from across the room. “Whatever do you mean, Gabriel?” His friend seemed tense yet relief flooded out of him. “Alexiel is gone,” Gabriel said. “So who are we going to play our little games with, Aro?” The other angel directed his gaze toward him then walked over and sat down in front of him. He leaned forward while wearing a twisted smile. “Now who said our games with Alexiel are over? I surely didn’t,” he said in an amused tone. Gabriel was now intrigued. “What are you scheming, my friend?” he asked while trying to contain himself from the overwhelming joy he felt. “Well, it will be more fun if it was put into action later when ‘he’ll’ least expect it. I’ll tell you the details at a later time. For now let us celebrate our victory over ‘him’.” Gabriel nodded then laughed silently to himself in glee.

 

Years later…

 

Alexiel sat at his work desk thinking of how to finish the assignment his boss gave him. He stared at his computer while he had his head resting in his hand hoping that the headache he had would go away. He shifted himself in the chair while running his fingers through his silken lavender hair. He felt something rest on top of his head. Alexiel reached up then brought it within his eyesight. “Demonic Kingdom?” he muttered under his breath. “Yeah, it is the brand new and the most awaited for RPG game of the year. You are looking at the only one in America to possess one. You can thank the game creator for that and he so happens to be my brother so I was wondering if you were free tonight for a little test drive,” came a familiar voice.

 

“Toku?” he said as he swiveled his chair around. “The one and only.” Alexiel looked up into Toku’s eyes then said, “I am.” His friend had a wide grin on his face. “Alright then,” he said. Alexiel glanced at his watch then back at Toku. “I have ten minutes left of my shift, but I want to finish this assignment before I go anywhere.” Toku shook his head while he made a tsk noise. “Did you know you work too hard?” Alexiel’s face broke out in a grin for the first time that day then chuckled. “It is part of who I am also I’ve procrastinated a lot today. Mainly because I couldn’t focus so I did my work in increments.” He then handed the game back. “Yeah…well don’t work too hard, alright man?” Alexiel nodded then said, “I’ll try not to.” Toku left while Alexiel returned to his work.

 

After about an hour or so of forced focusing and hard work he finally finished it. He felt satisfied with it and saved it then went out to his car. Moments later he pulled into the Toku’s driveway then walked up to the front door and dinged the doorbell. “Finally, Alex, you’ve been killing me man. I thought you were going to be at that office all night,” Toku said as soon as the door was opened then pulled Alexiel by the arm into the living room. Toku shoved him into the couch then grabbed the game and slipped it into the console. “Let’s get this party started,” Toku said while fiddling with his stereo system. “But before we play this thing there are a few things my brother told me. This apparently is the most realistic game you could ever play. It honestly makes me laugh, but he says it is actually like you are there in Demonic Kingdom. Many have thought him as crazy because he kept claiming for years that it actually exists. When he was close to being committed he basically kept to himself and created the game.” Alexiel nodded as he picked up a controller off the coffee table. You would be surprised about how right your brother is. The Demon realm does exist sometimes coexists with the humans, but no one would ever know it unless you were the other species. He thought.

 

When it finished loading a lone figure appeared on the screen. “Hey, that’s my brother! What is that nutter doing?” Toku said while backing up to the sofa. “Welcome to the portal of the Demonic Kingdom. Prepare for the ride of your life…Toku.” They exchanged confused glances. “What the… AHHHH!” Toku fell through the floor which now had a black hole. Alexiel jumped in after him while he made himself speed up. Once Alexiel caught up to Toku he gripped his friend’s wrist. “You know, Alex, I don’t believe he was kidding anymore,” Toku shouted.

 

Alexiel relaxed himself. He was use to transversing to different realms, but had never made an effort to go to the Demon realm. Strictly on the record angels and demons were not the best of friends not unless things have changed since he had last been to the Upper realm. He had wanted merely to experience their portals because he had heard they were different than the average and so far that has been proven.

 

At the end of the portal there was a blinding light. Toku’s screams ceased as soon as they hit the ground. Alexiel’s vision was blurred and could barely distinguish his surroundings. He let go of his consciousness and blacked out.

Prologue

“ ‘We the People of the United States, in order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common Defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our posterity, do ordain and establish the CONSTITUTION for the United States of America.’ ”

 

The words that my grandmother had just spoken echoed perfectly off the many bookcases that surrounded us. She had closed the book and brought it close to her heart while bowing her head. I bowed my head as well to observe the moment of silence we always held. Thank you God and everyone else before me who fought to bring this great country back on track to what it formerly was. I thought then lifted my head and saw the elderly woman placing the tattered book back on its shelf. It sat there limp with its title nearly gone, but it had so much life and power pulsing in its pages. I knew that power would never fade.

Curiosity began to plague me for I knew all too well that my grandmother never needed to read the Constitution’s Preamble from a book. She had memorized it long before now. My next words sat on the tip of my tongue while I stood there and wondered if I should let them be known. I noticed a certain glint in her eyes, but I couldn’t read into what they were trying to reveal to me. The meaning was hidden deep.

 

“Go ahead and speak your mind, James,” she said softly. Her tone was warm and tender, but I detected traces of her Presidential authority that encouraged me to have my say.

“Grandmother, I’m wondering…” I trailed off as I struggled to bring forth the words. It seemed as if I were afraid that she might ridicule me for asking, but that thought seem disappeared when she gave me a signal to continue. “I’m wondering why you continue to read from this book. Why continue when you already know the words?”

 

I jerked the book from its shelf to show her what I meant then cringed shortly afterwards as a few other books fell to the floor. I quickly bent over to pick them off the floor, but snapped back up in a standing position as soon as a laugh was expelled from her throat. She took the aged book from my hands and flipped through its pages.

 

“James, when I speak the words I do feel the great meaning of them, but when I read them while I speak that feeling intensifies. I can’t really explain it…but there is a special reason why I choose this particular book. Do you know why?”

 

I shook my head as my expression began to show my confusion when she held the book out. It was opened on a particular page.

 

“Read the words out loud, please,” she directed.

“ ‘This book was written and owned by Kyle Henry,’ ” I quoted.

“Do you know who Kyle Henry is?”

“No,” I replied sadly while I found it odd that she was smiling.

“I guess you haven’t gotten that far in your American and family history education, but I’ll tell you he was a great man.” She pressed the book firmly into my hands. “And you will have to find out how great he is yourself.”

 

She placed an arm around my shoulders and began leading me out of the room. A deep silence hung between us as we walked towards the exit of the Library of Congress. I pulled my jacket tightly around my torso while using the thick book as a semi-shield from the harshly brisk wind. Out of the corner of my eye I could see a limousine pull up to the sidewalk while a Secret Service agent was walking behind us. The sun was lowering itself behind some buildings in the western horizon while the street lights flickered on and began to brighten. Before my grandmother pulled me into an embrace I saw my father get out of the car.

 

“James,” he called.

I pulled away from my grandmother then ran over to my father. He pulled me into an one-armed hug then let me go quickly.

“Go to the car. I’ll be there momentarily,” he said then walked past me. I turned slightly then waved good-bye to my grandmother then got in the car while leaving the door open. I smiled at my mother then began to relax in the car seat.

 

“So how was your day?” she asked me gently.

“It was alright. The new building for the Library of Congress is stunning. I’m glad that is finally completed.”
“Maybe I could visit it with your father sometime,” she said mostly to herself. My mother soon noticed the book in my lap. “What are you going to be reading?”

“I don’t know to be honest. I only know that is about a man by the name, Kyle Henry.”

“Well, you’ll enjoy reading it. I’m sure of it.”

 

I nodded then settled even further into my seat. Moments later I heard the car door slam shut, cutting off the draft of cold air. The sound of the engine revving as it pulled the vehicle across the asphalt was a good sign to me. No need to keep up an image for anyone. I could hear the soft murmurs of my parents discussing a new bill to be passed in the near future.

 

The car slipped into a smooth and easy stop into the driveway of our home. My little sister ran over to me and wrapped her arms around my waist.

 

“Big brother, how are you?” she squeaked.

I smiled as I knelt down eye level with her. “I’m doing alright, but I believe it is your bedtime, is it not?”

She looked down with her bottom lip slightly protruding outward. “I want to see you and mommy and daddy.”

I chuckled softly. “It is fine, but I’m going to be heading up to my room to start reading this book, alright?”

 

She nodded then hurried over to our mother. I turned slightly and then my smile widened. “I’m glad to see everything is where it needs to be,” I whispered then averted my gaze. “Mom, Dad…I’m going to go ahead and head off to bed.”

 

“Alright then…” my mother said with a sigh.

“We’ll see you in the morning, son. Good night,” my father said gently.

“Good night and sleep well.”

 

I went up to my room then locked the door. I tossed the book onto my bed then studied its tired appearance. For the first time I noticed the faint, silver lettering on its cover. I swiped it off my bed and narrowed my eyes to attempt to read the words in the dim lighting. “Extinct Constitution…” I whispered. “Hm…”

 

I collapsed onto my bed and began looking through the book’s contents. There were many maps and pictures that had caught my eyes. I had stopped occasionally to look at them. It was amazing how it was depicted in the sketches. Excitement and enjoyment began to sprout in me. I found the first page then began reading.

Prologue

 Far away in a small village was a mother tucking her three children in when they asked her to repeat the tale of how the wars began. She smiled warmly and patted one softly on the top of the head. “Why do you want to hear this tired tale again? ‘Tis an awful lot of nonsense,” she said. Her tone following its usual delicate lightness. “We love hearing it, Mama. ‘Tis our favorite tale,” her youngest piped up. “Alright,” the mother said, chuckling. “In our world of Elemtias, wars were beginning to spread throughout the lands as well as the heavens. These battles have claimed many of lives over the course of a thousand years. A small alliance has formed among our beloved Divans. They began to plan in the shadows of our world to stop Ninsanyo Tano, the great war. How the war began after the olden yet rampant peace died out was the simplest of cause. A rift spread amongst our Holy Gods. Most were power-hungry and would not stop till they were satisfied. Here is how it began…”