A Hand In The Shadows. || MID

by MILKY_DUD

Summary:

It was known since the start of royalty on Daemos, that commoners and nobles Do not mix. But what happens when they do? And what happens when the royal misdeeds come to light. Impacting the very group no one expected to come together.

Head the warnings! Grab some popcorn, get ready, and be excited cause I have a 3k word per chapter goal!

Chapter 1: !Warning list and pronunciations! [ May grow, currently based on current story canon. ]

Labels!!!
TW: [ ! ]
Smut: [ * ]
Lime: [ # ]
Contains some freaky: [ - ]

The serious ones:

• Childhood abuse
• Prostitution
• CSA
• SA
• Forced pregnancy
• Alot of Dub-con and Non-con situations
• Pedophilia.
• Gore

What you may just not be into:

• Explained mpreg
• Knotting
• Male smex
• Threesomes, foursomes, fivesomes, sixsomes (probably)
• Not biologically correct intersexuality
• Probably some more.

Last name pronounciations:
Scardun (Scar-dun)

Snowlun (Snow-lun)

Hishok (Hi-shock) (the hi is pronounced like the hi in hit)

Steik (Ste-ick)

Maneger (Main-ger)

Ainslock (Ane-s-lock)

Forhir (For-here)

Chapter 2: Prologue

It was known since the start of royalty on Daemos, that commoners and nobles Do not mix. Not as a precaution, not as protection, but the simple fact that since Numeznos, the first king of Scardun, was crowned. The royals were pushed onto a pedestal so high, that there was no way for the common to scratch at them with their grubby claws. That left them with only four noble families, only expanded by those unfortunates enough to be wanted by them. Hishok, Scardun, Snowlun and Steik.

However, you may question just why I've mentioned this, Dear Reader. Because the last time that the common and noble mixed, the most powerful empire of Deamos was made even more powerful

And I'll be the one to tell you the story of how that came to be.

Chapter 3: Chapter one || Fulfilling a bitter prince's desires. [ - ]

Lady Granada stared down at the wet, limping Deamos. Her eyes focused on the bundle of black hair he carried in his arms, the white horns and deep red tail speaking of its connection to the royal hierarchy. The implications were clear. Shodow turned eighteen, he presented, the child was created. 

She fought back a gag.

`` Miss Granada, I... apologize for the intrusion. `` Shodow mumbled, he seemed unsure of every word he forced out, years of being silenced would do that to you, Granada mused, however her expression stayed bare, the humor, or misguided attempt at it, was just an attempt to keep her tears from spilling. A strategy she learned when she was a young queen. How would she ever expect to use it again outside of ruling for something as... Demented as this. `` I.. `` Granada was brought back from her thoughts, she watched as Shodow looked around for a moment. Eyes catching the trees for a stray light, the glow of a pair of eyes or horns. The rustling of a human. She silenced him before he could speak again, picking up a scent just barely drowned out by the rain. 

`` Just... Come in. `` She whispered. Pulling him inside of the royal estate.

---

`` Shodow! Don't just stand there-! It's on the run! `` Rhys yelled as he ran past the Daemos, staff in one hand and a goblet of ice encasing the other. His horns glowed a bright purplish blue, tail flowing behind him as he ran. Shodow quickly perked back up, his body snagging in a multitude of colors before correcting itself as he started to follow, careful to not slip on the patches of iced-over grass. `` The damn human is too fast, and I swear on Lumons if it's a hybrid...! `` Shodow thought back to the human's appearance. No pointed ears, whiskers, hunched legs-

`` Rhys, have you got eyes on it yet?! `` Another voice, so far off and yet it was so low the air still rumbled when you heard it. Rhys only sped up his running, clearly upset. Shodow fought back a snicker and instead leaped onto a tree. No use trying the same strategy as the five others.  `` Rhys??!! ``

`` This is SUPPOSED to be a SILENT hunt, General! ``

Shodow almost stopped to listen, but one fatal lack of movement would be, well, fatal. Or at least painful as-

`` Oh. . . Shit! ``

He paused to avoid choking, covering his already cloth-covered mouth with his hand. Sniggering. Before he was back at it again, leaping from tree to tree. 

Until he saw it.

A blur of brown, and gray combined with the smell of something uniquely sweet. 

A human.

Shodow's mouth watered as he jumped down from the tree, angling himself to land directly, or at least somewhere near, the human. He drew his scythe in mid-air, the purple glow announcing its presence before the bitter fizzles and hums did. Shodow landed on the ground behind it, but threw his scythe directly at the human, watching as it froze, counting the seconds. Before its head slid clean off, landing on the ground with a crunchy, wet thump. Shodow's scythe returned to him, its blade fading away as the sound of the human's body falling followed. He flipped the staff, placing it back on his back, and walking to the lifeless body. Ears perking as he heard four pairs of footsteps behind him.

`` Is.. Is it dead? `` One of them--Noi--whispered, watching cautiously as Shodow knelt down. Ever so clearly fighting back his stutters. A snicker followed.

`` Oh no, definitely not dead. Just.. lost his head. He's fine otherwise. `` Leif snickered again, phasing in front of Shodow on the other side of the body. Kneeling down with him. The other four came to a stop around the body, looking down at it. `` Clean slice. Shit much better than whatever Rhys would've done if he ha- ``

`` Enough of that. Shodow. `` The purple horned Daemos looked up, tilting his head ever so slightly. Rhys looked back down at him with a frown. `` Are you sure you can safely extract the soul. I could always do it if- `` He stepped closer, only to be pulled back by a ghostly, disembodied hand.

`` I got it. `` Was all Shodow said. Closing his eyes as he turned back to the human. He leaned down, almost reverently. And his horns glowed brighter. Hands, taking shape of the same one that pulled Rhys back, formed around the human, hovering over it. The rest of the Daemos shuffled back as the abstract sound of ticking got louder. 

Then, the soul.

It glowed brightly, brighter than the light from all of them combined. It rose, seemingly looking for a way to get out, but blocked by the hands. One reached out to grab it, it's fingers just barely wrapping around it, ready to-

`` I'll be the one to bring it to the prince, sorry! `` Leif reached out with a grin, grabbing at it as Shodow's focus broke. The hands disappeared, and the soul, along with the only fast reacting Daemos, was gone.

Shodow glared down at Leif as he stood. `` Misfit Steik. `` He spat. And in an instant, he was gone. Running along with the rest of the Daemos, leaving Leif sitting there for a moment before he quickly ran over to follow.

`` Wh- Wait for me ! `` He practically choked out.

---

Shodow leapt from tree to tree, before he stopped, the scent of smoke and metal clouding his senses. A recognizable scent. A Scardun. No, two. `` Your highness..es- `` He forced himself to bow, which was hard, as standing on top of leaves, as packed together as they were, left no easy foothold. `` We had captured the soul, but Dainsleif tried to- ``

The prince held up a hand, silencing him in an instant. Shodow stood, walking up behind him, standing in between him and the old former queen and watching.

A concentrated stream of water jetted towards the dazed soul. The source coming just around a tree. It fell with a thunk and the source, Pierce, walked over to pick it up. The energy hummed in his hand, not his stomach, but something higher grumbled slightly. He held it up, away from his face. The light from the agitated soul illuminated him. Shodow went to walk closer, but he was held back. `` Drop it! `` A rough demand resounded, along with the thump of the aggressor's feet.

`` You heard the man. `` Shodow rolled his eyes. `` Now drop it this way. `` 

Noi pointed a dagger both at Leif and at Pierce. `` It's mine, I rightfully cornered him first! ``

Shodow looked over to Lady Granada, motioning at the three men, `` Miss Granada- They aren't going to kill each other over this, right? `` Granada just shrugged.

Shodow looked back, eyeing the three of them again. `` I'm bringing it to his highness first! `` He scoffed, looking at Asch with a-

`` Petty. Both of you. `` His gaze was brought right back. `` Truly it doesn't matter which of you managed to capture it. The one who delivers it, will be me. ``

Pierce chuckled, not even looking back before he threw the soul back up in the air. `` Well then. Catch. ``

Leif fumbled with the soul, his sickles slipping up as he struggled to keep it still. Finally, it landed in his hand. `` It's MINE! `` Noi shrieked, leaping towards him. His dagger just barely being blocked by one of Leif's sickles. 

`` Really now? `` Rhys mused, a ball of innocent looking, but deadly snow pushing the two of them away from each other. Noi quickly recovered, however, and started to run towards it again. Right before he was rammed to the side by Pierce, landing directly on top of Rhys.

Pierce once again had the soul in his hands. He started to look around, ready to fight more if need be. Before he was hit by a fireball. His magic automatically set it out around him; however, a ring remained. He looked around in shock before his eyes landed on the prince, who stepped down from the trees gracefully on little fire-made islands. The Daemos, all of them, bowed.

Rhys was the first to speak once he stood. `` Your highness, I can explain, we had obtained the soul when it slipped from our grasp. And- `` He looked over to Shodow, voice dying.

`` We had a delay. `` Pierce finished his sentence. Before wincing at the sight of Granada, as she walked out from behind Asch.

`` Well~ is it hot in here or... is it just me~? `` Granada purred, staring right back at Pierce.

`` Lady Granada- `` Rhys blurted out.

`` Not now, Grandmother. `` Asch sighed, pinching his nose bridge his tail lashing, digging into the dirt. Shodow was once again caught between laughing and living.

`` SILENCE! When I was Empress of this land, I could have your tongue for speaking back to me like that! You all know what they say about Hishok men. Let a woman dream! `` Granada bellowed. Shodow grimaced. Right, she married one of them. He struggled to push away the images that had suddenly taken over his mind. No more laughing now, he just felt queasy.

`` Why are you here. `` Leif cut in, bluntly. But the rest of them knew that was the question they all were asking. Judging by the way they all silently waited for an answer.

Granada looked away from Asch, `` That soul you boys obtained, `` She started, `` We have to take it unharmed to the alter now or we won't be able to use it. `` She smiled at Pierce as he took out his satchel, placing the soul inside. But the smile was quickly dimmed into an annoyed frown.

`` I mean- The human we killed to get it was harmed but- `` Noi flinched back as Granada appeared in front of him in a plume of smoke.

`` DON'T SPEAK ILL OF THE DEAD! `` She yelled, knocking Noi upside the head with her staff. Before clearing her throat. `` Now follow me. You'll all be in the new world soon enough. `` Granada beckoned. Shodow placed a hand on his locket, before following along with the rest of the Daemos.

---

The air buzzed with a nervous energy as the seven of them filed into the alter. The doors groaning as Pierce and Rhys pushed them shut. Dust flying up before settling yet again. They joined the others soon after.

Shodow watched with a piercing eye as Pierce pulled the dimming soul from his satchel, impressed that he didn't eat it. Or lose it. Or worse. Or..- `` Bring it to me you handsome young man.. `` Shodow shook his head. Back at it again, she was.

`` Huh. `` 

`` In order to transfer the soul into my potion, I'll need to hold hands with one who possesses some light of magic.. And you just so happen to be my type Pierce..~ `` Granada purred, sending a wink off to Pierce. Who barely hid his gag. 

`` Uh.. Noi- You.. Take-Take it to her. ``

``ME?!`` 

`` You did say you'd be the one to deliver it to her highness. `` Shodow teased.

`` I don't want to hold hands with her! She- She's OLD!! `` Noi cried, looking at Shodow, Shodow shrugged, before backing away, just as a book flew right to Noi's head.

``YOU AIN'T GOT ANY MEAT ON YOU ANYWAY SCRUB! `` 

`` Quiet! `` Asch cut in. Silencing the room. He looked at the white-haired assassin with a scowl. `` Leif. Take it to her. ``

`` Pardon me-? ``

`` Did I stutter. `` 

`` I-- It's just- ``

Rhys squinted at Asch sighing. `` Do you think that is a wise choice, My prince. `` He went silent as Asch glared at him. `` Forgive me, My prince, for questioning you. However, all of us possess limited magic. And if anyone should use the last of theirs for this, it should be Noi. Speaking tactics, Leif is the best at healing, and Pierce can provide resource, Shodow is useful in com- ``

`` I don't care for your numbers. `` Asch growled. `` Noi, do it. ``

Noi mumbled a mix of intelligible words practically stomping towards Pierce, taking the soul, before walking towards Granada. They clasped hands, whispers filling the air from what source none of them knew. The alter seemed to shake, power filling it as their hand's glowed and the magic crossed. And as soon as the whispers came, they left. And the glow faded along with them. Noi stumbled back, dazed. Shodow inched towards him but stilled as he steadied himself. `` How... How do you feel? `` He mumbled.

`` ...Used.... `` Noi squeaked, and slowly walked away from Granada, taking back his position. 

Granada turned back, a grim expression darkening her face. Shodow fought his mind to force himself not to think back to where he last saw that look. `` And with that... `` She held up the potion, the glowing liquid sloshing inside. The light flickered against her skin, almost teasing her grief. `` The last spark of magic has fallen. ``

`` We.. really killed them all. `` Pierce's eyes glazed over, the glowing blue dimming. His tail swished behind him in agitation. The spikes and scales bristling.

`` Was this really worth harvesting the last soul? `` Leif muttered. For once quiet. Thinking. Worried.

Granada's frown deepened. `` Perhaps... That depends on if you boys are successful in your mission or not. The last soul would fade away at some point. We need at the very least fifty to make a sustainable source. We had.. only one. ``

Silence filled the room once again. Shodow frowned. Remembering. Souls were so.. rare but.. exchanged. To think they were running out, that they ran out. Was just... `` The counsel. Miss Granada. They mustn't find out. ``

Granada nodded solemnly. `` Not about this, nor.... `` She paused. `` If they are to find out, they'll have your horns. Not even you three will be safe. `` She sighed, Noi whimpered, Pierce let out a grunt.

`` There's a surplus of magic, from what I've studied. `` Rhys started. Voice assuring as he looked around. `` It should be a while until they notice... That it's dying. It'll give us time to survey the new world, if we're smart about it. `` Rhys stopped on Noi. Squinting at him. `` You... Noi. Are you able to use any magic? ``

Noi brought his hands together, closing an eye as he focused. His magic fizzled and spat, before it flickered out. `` It's.. all gone. `` He whined.

`` It won't be long until those who rely on human essence will start to go mad. The magic will follow. And if the council won't be able to remedy that... `` Granada's words hung heavy. `` Things will crumble. And if Asch wishes to take the throne from his brother.. Well he'll have to fix this befor- ``

`` Enough. `` Asch interjected, `` Our mission is clear. We go to the new world and seek out renewable sources of magic. Ones that don't die on us or interbreed like the last one did. And if that is found, we will take the world with force-! ``

`` However. `` Shodow stared at Asch, looking at the potion, motioning to it with his eyes. `` We have to be smart about it. Noi is depleted of magic, and after you are to open this portal-... ``

`` I'm the prince. My source of magic is far greater than Noi or- ``

`` But it is not unlimited. `` Granada stared at Asch. `` Creating this portal will drain you. ``

`` Prince Asch. We don't have to do this alone, `` Rhys reasoned. `` We can always request help from your broth- ``

`` Enough talk. `` Asch brought a hand to his forehead. Brows furrowing. `` I care not about the politics of Daemos nor how they'd react to the risk we are about to take. I would not be here, `` He motioned around the room. `` Sacrificing everything if I didn't have any second guesses myself. Give me the potion and let me cast. `` He held out his hand. Granada limped over, handing the bottle to him.

`` You're going in blind, Ember. `` Granada held his hand for one second longer, sighing.

Asch walked to the middle of the room. Swallowing his nerves. `` My keepers. If you are loyal to me, to the future I vow to bring when I am emperor, then follow me to this new world. I understand, should you choose to remain, fear is not something I wish to permeate my chosen. However, should I see you after you abandon me... Oh I will kill you. ``

`` But- Prince Asch! `` Noi yelped, Leif put a hand on his shoulder. Shaking his head.

Granada ushered everyone back, staring at Asch. She sighed, closing her eyes. 

``ᛚᚢᛘᚬᛋ, ᛘᛁᚢᛁᚱᛁᛏ, ᛏᛅᛁᚴᚬᛋ, ᛋᚢᛘᛅᚱ, ᚴᚢᛚᚬᛋ, ᚠᛅᛘᚢᚾ, ᚾᛁᛘᚬᛋ, ᛏᚢᛚᛏᛅᚱ. ᛚᚢᛘᚬᛋ, ᛘᛁᚢᛁᚱᛁᛏ, ᛏᛅᛁᚴᚬᛋ, ᛋᚢᛘᛅᚱ, ᚴᚢᛚᚬᛋ, ᚠᛅᛘᚢᚾ, ᚾᛁᛘᚬᛋ, ᛏᚢᛚᛏᛅᚱ. ᚴᚬᚾᚾᛁᚴᛏ ᚢᛋ. ᚴᚬᚾᚾᛁᚴᛏ ᚢᛋ. ᚴᚬᚾᚾᛁᚴᛏ ᚢᛋ. ᚴᚬᚾᚾᛁᚴᛏ ᚢᛋ. ᛒᚱᛁᚾ ᚢᛋ ᛏᚬ ᛁᛏ×ᛋ ᛋᚬᚢᚱᚴᛁ. ᚴᚬᚾᚾᛁᚴᛏ ᚢᛋ. `` Asch chanted under his breath. Eyes fluttering shut as a reddish pink glow encapsulated the potion, and him in turn. He breathed steadily, as the red light spread. Covering them all. Then. Darkness followed, leaving the Daemos to look around, waiting. 

The portal formed, like cracks in glass, scales against skin. The other world's light broke in. Shodow backed away but bumped into Pierce. He flinched forward, watching as Granada walked closer. He wanted to follow, to protect her from the strange new world. Even if she didn't need protecting.

``E...urth..`` She whispered. Backing away.

`` It's.. beautiful. `` Leif muttered.

`` We're expected to take over.. all of that? `` Noi choked out.

`` Eurth.. It shall be mine. `` Asch growled, before walking through. Five of the Daemos followed. However, Shodow stayed back. Still.. hesitant.

`` You will keep her safe for me, yes? `` He looked down at Granada, a worried frown taking over his features. He swallowed thickly. `` Keep her away from her father, continue teaching her... You will... Right? `` Shodow pawed at his locket again, holding onto it as he let out a shaky sigh. Watching as the Daemos who already crossed over seemed frozen in time or at least moving slower. Seven times slower at that. 

`` Between keeping things calm here and... making sure what we've done isn't discovered.. I'm sure I'll find some time. `` Granada placed a hand on Shodow's chest. Drawing it up to his cheek where she wiped off a tear. `` You are the only one of you among them all. Keep yourself safe. Nimos knows how broken I will be if history repeats itself. It doesn't have to be with... us. Just. Nolite te bastardes carborundorum. ``

Shodow smiled. Placing his hand on top of Granada's. `` Tell her I love her. And that Papa will be back soon, I left a gift for her on top of the wardrobe. Two. They're.. Labeled. Just in case... `` He didn't have to finish his sentence. The meaning clear.

`` You'll make it back to her. You always do. And I'll do the best for my grandchildren... `` She smiled softly, ushering Shodow through. Shodow could hear her mumble, but that was it. Her voice, the portal. It faded away all too fast. He stumbled into the unfamiliar world. The very... Everything. In this world felt.. off. He was too hot, and too cold at the same time. Too heavy, too too... In an instant, he fell unconscious.

---

Purple. Purple. Too much purple. Purple on the bedsheets, purple on his thighs, purple covering his child. It was all purple. Metallic. Sweet. Bloody.

Running. Running. In an instant he was running, guards left and right, following the purple footsteps, the cries, the pants. The scent.

Yells, screams. Whore. Whore they said. Concubine whore. Impregnated and running. Whore.

Stumbling through the rain, finding a house. Walking up to it. Quiet as a mouse.

Knocking quickly. Wincing, limping. The baby silent, whining, whimpering.

`` He has the Emperor's spawn! Find him. ``

---

Shodow woke up with the vague feeling of wetness on his mouth. He coughed and sputtered, bringing up a weak arm to wipe off his mouth. A black and pink blob hovered over him and another whom he guessed was Pierce. `` Shodow? `` Asch rumbled, looking at the recovering Daemos.

Shodow stood. `` I.. I'm fine, my prince. `` He rasped, backing away from Pierce.

`` Oh thank the gods. `` Noi sighed.

`` Let me go or I'm calling the COPS! `` The new being, a.. human? By the smell it was indeed one. Were they extracting their next meal?

`` It's calling reinforcements! Evasive maneuvers! `` Rhys ordered. Pierce drew his blade, holding it against the side of the human's neck. Pressing in... The human wriggled some more, forcing out a squeal. `` Wait- Wait wait! Peaceful evasive maneuvers!! `` Rhys quickly corrected himself. Shodow turned to watch Pierce hang the human on a tree by it's garments. Looking confused and slightly disgruntled. His tail wagged slightly when he looked back at Shodow.

`` What the-! `` Shodow walked up close to her, before a hand was placed on his shoulder. He looked up at Pierce, who frowned down at him. He shimmied his hand off, taking the hint and joining the others. They started to walk, following Rhys before Asch overtook him. His ears flicked as he heard the human yell and complain. `` Are you serious- How am I supposed to get down- .... `` It's voice faded as they walked away.

`` We almost died! `` Noi shuddered. Looking at Shodow with a weary expression.

`` This climate.. it's unbearable. `` Rhys crossed his arms, his breath creating mist in the warm environment. It was clear his body was doing triple to cool him down.

Leif, ever the adaptable, simply shrugged. `` At least the effects are wearing off, albeit slowly. It isn't too bad once you get used to it. ``

`` Easy for you to say! `` Noi barked. `` Mine and Asch's skins are burning, and Shodow- Shodow nearly died! On the ground, everything! ``

Shodow looked around, feeling eyes on him again. He chuckled meekly. `` Not to bash you and Asch, Noi. But it is getting better for me too. Maybe you're just.. weak? ``

`` Of course you-! `` 

`` Calm down. We are being watched. `` Asch gritted out. Nodding his head towards a pair of more humans. `` Prepare for battle and show no mercy.`` In an instant, weapons were drawn. The hum of magic filled the air. And in that same instant, the humans had an advantage over them. With a fierce battle cry both of them pulled out some sort of blinding device. It flashed multiple times.

`` GAHUH- I'm blind! ``

`` What is THAT?! ``

`` They're using some kind of magic! SHEILD YOUR EYES! ``

`` ARGH- MISS GRANADA DIDN'T MENTION ANY OF THIS! ``

`` Oh my God thanks for posing with us! We were afraid to ask! `` The human in front chimed, a smile gracing forming on it's face.
`` It's hard for us to approach such hot cosplay guys... `` The second one followed.
`` Mmmmhm! Enjoy the con! `` And just like that they were gone.

What is a con? What is coozplay? What was THAT.

Leif turned to Asch, panting slightly. `` Your majesty, are you alright? `` He asked, as if he wasn't the least effected.

`` I'm fine. ``

`` Those were human females.. `` Rhys brought a hand to his chin. Tail coiling and uncoiling behind him. `` How did they possess such powerful blinding magic? ``

`` Humans from Daemos seem to be lackluster compared to the humans of this world... `` Pierce added, brows furrowed as he blinked rapidly.

Leif frowned, crossing his arms. `` I refuse to believe Humans, especially the females, could ever disarm Daemos. `` He scoffed. `` We're simply.. vulnerable right now. ``

`` I agree. Perhaps the disadvantages as a result of this climate has impacted our sight to the point where simple magic such as that came out as blinding. I wonder if our abilities would be deducted compared to a Human's this is their world after all.. `` Shodow muttered. `` We need to- ``

`` Seek shelter. `` Rhys cut in.

`` What we need is a prisoner. A human informant. A... Piece of leverage.  But we can't do it without informing the nearby humans. `` Asch brushed off Rhys' 'Are you insane?' look.

`` Look! More Daemos! We're saaaved! `` Noi cried, running over.

 Shodow furrowed his brows before following. How? They were the only ones on this planet. Leif seemed to realize. `` Noi- Wait! ``

 `` Listen, `` He started, his voice clear even from across the.... place. `` We're new to this world and- ``

`` Whoooooaaa sorry bud, we don't do roleplay. `` The supposed Daemos chortled.
``Huh?``

`` We just cosplay because we like crafting the outfits, but we're really bad at roleplay.. `` She looked to her partner, as he nodded towards her.

`` I mean, we've tried though. `` He smiled. 

`` Whoa.. Check out the craftsmanship on his horns! How'd you attach it so seamlessly through your wig? `` She walked closer, seemingly examining it. Noi took two steps back. 

`` Wuh.. What are you guys talking about? `` Noi tilted his head.

`` Here, let me show you. See I personally run a wire throug- `` Noi shrieked as he watched the human pull off it's horn. Falling onto the ground. The five of them stared in shock as the humans just... ran. They shuffled over.

Leif stared down at Noi in fear. `` Did.. Did you see that? `` He stammered. `` They severed Daemos horns and wore them as trophies! ``

`` De-Demented freaks! I've never seen one do such a thing. Oh.. my Gods. `` Shodow had a hand to his mouth, eyes wide.

`` We.. We've far underestimated the humans. ``

`` We need a human prisoner. It's become increasingly obvious. Follow me. `` Asch gulped, starting to walk back. Back to that female human from earlier.

---

The human grunted and wriggled around. Shodow's eyes stopped on the obviously distressed human. It smelled far sweeter now. `` Oh no.. Beautiful men.. `` She whimpered.

`` Descend at once. `` Asch growled.

`` Huh..? You can drop the medieval roleplay. I'm not in any shape to participate. AS YOU CAN TELL. `` 

Shodow nearly gasped. Leif raised a brow. `` It's... Rejecting the prince's orders. ``
`` Wow.. ``

`` Do NOT disobey me! Descend! `` Asch commanded yet again. 

`` Wow. I don't know what your roleplay is, but I'm not into that! `` Shodow's jaw dropped further.

Rhys held out a hand in front of Asch. `` Let.. me try, your majesty. `` He walked closer to the human. Fixing his collar. `` Greetings, it's a pleasure to meet you. Before you stands Prince Asch. Rightful Emporer of- ``

`` Wow, you guys are really into this, huh? Okay fine. I'll play along. `` The human put on a nearly crazed smile. `` Oh cruel fate! How could a poor maiden like me get stuck in a tree? Oh, I remember-- BECAUSE OF YOUR STUPID MUSCLE-BOUND FRIEND THAT PUT ME HERE! NOW GET ME DOWN! ``

`` SILENCE. `` Asch yelled, tail lashing, a fireball forming in his hand. Shodow quickly shuffled in front of him, holding his hands up. But he heard the human land behind him.

`` Prince Asch. It's unwise to destroy anything on this planet, or in this realm- We will be noticed! `` Shodow stood there until his fireball went away.

`` Do not use magic on such trivial matters! `` Rhys scolded.

Shodow opened his mouth to add on, but a grunt came out instead. He bent down or rather was forced to as he was pulled by a horn. His eyes widened just slightly before they closed, a shaky unrecognizable noise leaving him. Soft soft hands tugging. Felt so.. Good.

`` How indecent- ``

`` In public?! ``

`` HEY?! ``

Shodow could barely recognize the voices or who they came from as he was finally pulled into Asch's arms. Before being steadied just as quickly. 
`` They're real... `` The human stammered.

`` How dare you-! `` Asch started to speak-

`` I knew I should've slept in today... `` It muttered. Before it fell. Shodow finally turned around after gathering himself at last. Staring at the dead human, and her garment that had been taken off, that still hung on the tree.

`` You.. Killed it..? `` Shodow frowned, looking up at Asch, who looked around and shook his head.

`` No- N-No I didn't...``

Rhys walked up to the human, bending down. He pressed two fingers to its neck. `` It isn't dead, `` He stood, looking back at Asch. `` We need to take her and establish a base of operations. ``

Meaw...

Asch looked down at his leg. ``Huh-uh... A spirit... `` He mumbled, eyes wide.  The rest of them watched in bated breath as the spirit walked away. Coiling around each of their legs.

`` It's trying to get us to follow it. `` Rhys examined, walking away from the human and towards the beckoning creature.

Shodow quickly followed. `` We must. It's bad luck to dishonor a spirit with ignorance. `` 

The rest of them started to walk after the spirit. While Pierce went back to grab the human. Shodow paused, jogging back to see if they were leaving it. He nearly bumped into Pierce, awkwardly staring at him as he simply stared back. He grabbed the garment, looking away from Pierce. `` Let's go. ``

---

Hiii!!! I've been planning this story for the past five years. I told myself when I finally got good at writing I'd write the story I've been wanting to write since this show came out!!
We're stopping at 4,864 words! Hopefully you all can give me any analogies about how Shodow interacts with the characters. Because trust me, I'm setting you all up EARLY EARLY.

This shouldn't be something I lose inspo in, thankfully. Any constructive criticism appreciated!! I'll work on a book cover soon!