Chapter Five: Jopp's Sinking Shadows

I couldn't quite understand why a stupid cat and a human had such a bond that broke my hold over him. I had a feeling this cat was much more than what she seemed. I was determined to discover her true identity.

Why was something so petty rattling me so? I just knew she was hiding something.

I tried to possess her, but she batted off my attempts with an uninterested blink. Who was she? Why was she tolerating an insipid name like Penny Lee?

"Penny Lee," I told her. She ignored me, the haughty cunt. "Who are you?"

She threw me an innocent meow. She continued gazing out the window.

The forest was vast, but the world became silent with the encroaching darkness. Movement across the canopy caught mine eye. Penny Lee growled at the approaching shadows.

My brethren would expect me to kill Tark, but I had bigger plans. If I wanted things to go my way, I had to win their respect, or beat them into the ground and eat them.

How does one demon defeat another?

Let's find out, shall we?

The eldest of my brothers was obviously the most powerful. He had taught me most of what I know about the human world. Despite that, I had decided to tell Tark his true name in case something went wrong with our reunion. It would be a last resort, to depend on a human that can die with the simplest of physical battles.

"Tark, this is very important," I told him. "My brothers are coming to either kill me, or have me join them on their mission. Remember their names, should they attack us."

Tark took a deep breath and nodded. "All right. Wait! Isn't that like betraying the ones you love?"

I growled, showing my impatient displeasure. "We're a band of brothers; we've seen the worst of humanity, and we've fought other factions to keep this world to ourselves. There's no end to the enemies we have. I've decided to take this chance of becoming as strong as I can. Are you on my side or not?"

"What will the others do?" Tark asked. He didn't seem enthused.

"They will want to eat you the moment they see you," I divulged.

Tark gulped and scratched his neck. "What will happen if I say his name?"

"He will become attached to you, albeit under your control." We didn't have much time. I glanced at the window. The trees were bowing to an ominous wind. What I was planning was a heinous betrayal, but it would be worth it.

Their first mistake was underestimating me. I had studied humans and their languages across the world. They weren't interested in speaking with physical beings, while I was brimming with curiosity. I discovered the true power of humans when Tark expressed concern for Penny Lee. Humans were still capable of love, even with the last angel gone.

The last angel called herself Alaris, and her light upon the world was brighter than the sun. I found myself clutching the darkness of my heart. She had shown me the good of the world, the hope and love that I thought would never be a part of me.

Why was I so determined to claim this world? Could I become strong enough to take her place? Was a demon capable of such a thing?

I had to try.

"Jopp!" Tark shouted.

My eldest brother was livid when I refused to leave Tark's body. The strong winds whipped around the patio, shooting leaves, rain, and mud against us.

"You dare defy me, brother?" Hekin snarled, his shadowy form enhancing the amber glow of his eyes. "Humans are nothing but fodder to our might!"

"You don't see it, do you?" I queried.

Hekin frowned. "I see dinner."

Before he could slash at Tark and kill him, Tark blasted out his name. I sighed with relief.

Hekin froze, unable to move. His eyes twitched with hatred. "You . . . traitor!"

Tark gulped as he poked the immovable shadow. "Wow, that's so cool."

Hekin growled at him.

"Whoa, there, Hekin," Tark began. "I know your name, so you have to do everything I say."

Hekin tried to break free from the spell, but it was ingrained in all of us. "How . . . did you find out?" he asked through clenched teeth.

"A little bird told me," I winked.

Hekin roared his frustration until Tark commanded him to be quiet.

"That's enough!" Tark barked. "Go hunt an elk and bring it to me. Penny Lee needs her sustenance." Penny Lee puffed out her chest and seemed to smile.

"I will not!" Hekin spat. He screamed in pain as he held his head.

"Do it, now!" Tark demanded.

Hekin stared at him long and hard before he succumbed to the orders. "The moment you show any kind of weakness, human, I will be there to strike you down and paint your blood onto your own damn grave."

Tark glanced at Penny Lee, and she meowed in return. He smiled as he crossed his arms. "Until then," he continued, "do as you're told, Hekin!"

Hekin flinched at the command. He snarled and grumbled to himself as he set off into the woods to retrieve the elk.

Tark beamed at the success. "That was fun! There are more demons, you say?"

I rubbed my hands together and smiled.

This is all for you, Alaris.