Flightless

Cover by Rinochannn
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The world was once ruled by demons that terrorized all the other races. The races banded together and formed an alliance, wiping out most of the demon race and forcing the survivors to go into hiding. With the fall of the demons, the races were finally free.

However, the peace did not last for long. Twelve years after the war, the human race broke the truce and attacked the other races, killing and enslaving all of them. Finally, with all the other races out of the way, the human race declared war on one another. After many years of bloody conflict and betrayal, only two human kingdoms remain out of the original seven.

Kies is an orphan that was adopted into a noble family that is known for producing powerful magic-users. He finds that he can use magic, but since his magic lacks offensive capabilities, it is deemed useless. The war rages on between the two kingdoms and Kies knows that he will eventually be caught up in it, so he needs to find some way to become stronger. But as he does so, he discovers that not all things are as they seem...

The Heart of the Winds

Kies brought the small object to his eyes where there was more light to get a clearer look. It was a wooden carving of an awkward-looking bird. He didn't recall ever getting this. Was it something important? 'I guess I'll just leave it for now.' Kies didn't have any time to waste trying to figure out why he had this. He had to finish patching his clothes quickly before Ammine loses her patience. He could figure it out later.


Kies quickly sewed the cloth that Ammine gave him onto the holes. Interestingly enough, despite how soft they felt, they were actually quite tough. Kies had a pretty difficult time trying to pierce the needle through the cloth. Were all the demons' clothes made out of this material? It was comfortable to wear and very sturdy as well. 


After he finished, he took a quick look at his clothes. It didn't look that bad even though it was hastily done. Satisfied with his handiwork, Kies put the needle, string, and the remainder of the cloth back into the small box. He exited the hut and offered the box back to Ammine but she refused.


"Keep it. It's not like it is anything expensive or rare. Also, it would be a hassle for me to return it anyway."


"Okay, thank you then." Kies opened the door and tossed the box onto the bed and closed it again. He then let Ammine put her arms under him and carried him away to the castle. With the speed that they flew at, they were able to make it to the castle in just under a minute.


"Did you get faster?" Kies asked as Ammine lowered them to a safe height and then dropped him down. The past few times they flew, Kies was able to make out a few of the places that they flew by, but this time all he saw was a blur.


"I don't think I did. We demons usually stop growing at this age. Hm... But then again it might have something to do with my magic." Ammine replied as they entered the hallway.


"What exactly is your magic? I've seen it before but I don't really understand." Kies recalled Ammine coating her hands with magic which is similar to what he did but he didn't see her use any more magic other than that.


"I'm not sure of it myself and even if I were, I wouldn't tell you."


"Giving away one's abilities is the equivalent of asking for death in a battle. Are you really asking me to tell you how my magic works?" Ammine asked in response.


"Ugh nevermind, I'll just answer it for you," grunted Ammine. "As you know, we demons each have our own unique magic. From what I know, my magic works by enchanting my physical abilities. There are also a few other things that it can do but that is mainly it. We try to hide it unless we are forced to use it since it is our trump card, and you should probably do the same."


"So that's the reason why the demon I fought before didn't use his magic early on in the fight."


"Yes." The two stopped talking as they reached the large door. Ammine knocked on the door and said, "I brought him, your highness."


"Enter," said Tornon's voice on the other side. Ammine opened the door to reveal the same dimly lit room with Tornon sitting on top of the throne, most of his body covered by the shadows and a pair of glowing eyes staring down at them.


Kies and Ammine walked up and kneeled before him. Kies was no longer intimidated by Tornon now that he knew a bit about him, but the pressure that he gave off as he stared at them was still uncomfortable.


"Why did you call, sir?" Kies asked, minding his manners since Ammine was right next to him. He didn't want to get another earful from her for not being formal when speaking to Tornon.


Tornon stared at them for a few seconds in silence before replying. "I know that your power is still less than mediocre but I'm sending you to battle."


Grammar errors, story errors, other errors, and advice, email flightless05@gmail.com


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