《The Demon Lord and Me》 Prologue The sound of keys being pressed rapidly echoed through room. The light from a computer dimly lights the otherwise dark room as a man sits, typing away. "annnnnd done ! " pressing enter the man leans back in his chair, this was the third day he went without sleep. "If the client asks for one more damn change I''m going to-uh.. tell him to fuck off !well.. probably..." i look around my room, there were various half built projects laying around, a super computer I never could finish building, faulty robotic limb schematics I drew myself and other random gadgets and trinkets." Not..I need the money If I don''t build them who will ! ?" as I get up I look at the clock "1:00 am .. Some food and sleep? hmm" I think as I head towards the kitchen and make myself a sandwich as I lean on the kitchen counter and eat I suddenly remembered " oh ! I wonder what happened to Michael....that damn alcoholic is missing for a couple of weeks. It''s a shame his company was the only that I enjoyed. He wouldn''t have offed himself, would he? no, that doesn''t sound like him but if he did....it definitely would be alcohol poising or something." After thinking about nonsense and finishing my sandwich I try to walk towards my room but every step I take I''m still in the same position.The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident. "huh ? " Am I asleep? I tried pinching myself "OW-" I''m awake? wait..am I awake?I haven''t slept in a while.. "...I shouldn''t have stayed awake this long, I''ve gone and done it now I''m paying the price" the surroundings slowly starting emitting a bright light flooding my vision a saying comes to mind ''don''t go towards the light'' what if It''s everywhere!? No! stay away ! I''m too young to die! I shut my eyes After a moment of silence, I hear the sound of dozens of voices whispering. I slowly open my eyes and look around. I''m in the middle of a large circle that has runic type drawings on it. On four ends of the circle, there are large black pillars that have glowing red lines engraved on it and wires wrapping around it and going through holes in the ground. The room itself was large hall decorated with one big chandelier, various paintings, and a lush red carpet. there was a big group of ''people'' surrounding the circle cheering, one of them whispers something to another and he pushes the main door, running outside "H-huh?" where am I? wasn''t I just at home? I frantically start looking around, one of the people in the room seems to have noticed this because he smiles in what I assume to be an attempt to reassure me. All that accomplished was reveal his large Fangs and canine-like teeth. the greenish skin didn''t do him any favors either. I take a few steps back out of reflex.The other ''people'' notice and start waving their hands and some even take a few steps forward. which only makes me take a few more steps back.before this continues a woman walks in, she is in a black dress and she looks like me, Human that is. She starts discussing something with them, after a short while she smacks one of them on the head and takes out a necklace pointing at it in an exaggerated manner. As she shakes her head she walks towards me then gestures for me to put on the necklace. It looks ordinary enough ...and she looks like the safest person to talk to....I put it on " How is it? .....do you understand me?" she asks "....where am I and who are you ?" She smiles as she says something I''ll never forget " I, The 96th demon lord, Welcome you! Future hero !" 1. I was not expecting this Silence fills the room as I stare at her with a blank face "....." "......" someone coughs "you''re not in awe...why aren''t you in awe? The red lines on the black pillars start emitting a brighter and brighter before sparks start burning its surroundings.The self-proclaimed demon lord shouts back at the group of people "What are you doing ?! Turn that thing off it''s ruining my grand introduction! " she takes out and waves a stack of flashcards "This is not part of the plan ! " "M-Ma''am The machine is overheating, I-It won''t turn off ! Please evacuate !" The group of people are scrambling. Some directly ran out of the door, some tried to approach a pillar before being electrocuted and sent flying back, and some approached me and the girl. "eh.." As she looks around the reality sets in " But I haven''t Intro-T-The plan..this isn''t part. ..Fine already ! " She grabs my hand, dragging me out of the building with her where two Giant hippos standing on their two legs shut the door and cover us with their body Boom ! The doors fly off their hinges in pieces while entire sections of walls are turned to rubble, which caused part of the building to collapse, how the building is still standing is a mystery. While the hippos took their distance and checked for injuries on the demon lord I looked around.We were in a forest. In front of me was a small clearing with tents and guards who are scrambling all over the place. By what looks like the only exit there are...cars? they look like the old 19''00s type. I don''t think I can run away yet..my heart feels like it''s going to burst and my back was drenched in sweat. " Are you okay? If you have any injuries just say so, we have trained medical experts nearby " The demon lord suddenly appears at my side. Before I can do anything she suddenly bows " And I apologize for what happened, We are the ones who summoned you yet we let something like this happen" I looked behind her and the two hippos were glaring at me. They had eyes that said ''You better forgive her or else'' or rather, that''s how I''m choosing to interpret it.The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation. "I-it''s fine" she thanks me as she raises her head and after looking a little lost in thought she suggests something "Seeing as how this place is...no longer suitable why don''t we head back to the palace and have a meal? I can answer your questions then." I nod my head and after a short journey we arrive at the palace ....or we should have We are still in front of the partially collapsed building, I''m leaning on a car while the demon lord is some distance away speaking with someone, I can faintly hear only what she says to him. " What do you mean the cars aren''t working?.............well fix them what do I pay you for?!................then what are we suppose to do?......W-walk?....and the horses?......they ran off....." She grabs a stack of flashcards from who knows where and with a yell throws them on the ground. after a few deep breaths she composes herself and approaches me. " It''s such a beautiful day isn''t it?~ It would be a waste to travel to the palace in a car and m-miss-uh...nnnnnnn-nature ! right ! miss all this beautiful scenery! " She is practically pleading at me to accept the lie with her eyes. It''s a sunny day without a cloud in the sky, off in the distance are huge storm clouds but they look like they would take days to get here. I nod " Then lets depart !" The people responsible for the magic circle which happened to be the first group of ''people'' I saw when I appeared here. While a small portion of the guards stayed behind to help clear the rubble and the rest accompanied us on the road to the palace which was just a paved road through a forest. The arrangement was guards, me and her, and guards.the first hour was normal mostly silence. The second hour, the rain clouds reached us and completely blocked out the sun. The demon lord looked worried while she played with her fingers and when she noticed me looking at her she gave off a nervous laugh. I think she became self-conscious because soon after with every step she took her left arm matched the stride her left leg took and her right arm would match her right leg resulting in an awkward penguin shuffle... On the third hour, it started raining,heavily. Naturally, since no one was expecting rain no one had an umbrella or heavy coat on and with the palace only being in sight we decided to hustle. Then It started raining some dead animals, no really, I guess even the wildlife wasn;t expecting this because huge birds were falling down from the sky.They all seem to target me and the demon lord because they only fall where we are ! in fact, one was going to land on a soldier but a mysterious strong wind blew the corpse over the soldier landing on my face. Why are there so many Birds here anyway ?! once that was over, we were close to the palace when suddenly a huge herd of deer like animals crosses the road engulfing only the guards in front and the back. In a panic, the demon lord runs over to me to try to reassure me but ends up tripping on a dead bird and face plants on the ground.. from the side of the road a deer bigger than the others with a goatee slowly emerges. From behind me I hear the demon lord complain " Thish wasn''t supposed to happen..." 2. The State of Things *Clop* *Clop* *Clop* The sound of hooves hitting the floor came to a stop. Gates to a Giant castle are slowly opening as Maids and servants rush out to greet us. ""Welcome back "" Me and the Demonlord jump off the back of the Deer with well groomed facial hair, and land on the floor with a plop. The sunlight showcasing the wonderfully scattered mud on our bodies. Did I say sunlight? yes I did, oddly enough the strom passed just as we reached the castle, If the sky had lips I can imagine it silently mouthing ''Fuck you'' with a smile as ugly as its personality. But that''s beside the point. The overgrown deer licks the side of my head leaving a large trail of saliva before it trots off disappearing into the forest where it damn well better stay there. I can see the guards that were with us glaring at the forest. You''re all fired. With a sigh, the DemonLord begins talking with a tired tone "What do you want to do? we can do a quick clean up and continue introductions or we can clean up, eat and put off introductions until tomorrow?"[Demon Lord] "What do you think we should name that Deer? Scruffles? Gerette Goatee? " "What about flamingo? " [Demon Lord] "But it''s a deer " " It''s a codename" [Demon Lord} "Now hold a minute, why would a deer need a codename?" The guards looked confused as to when we became so chummy, while the maids awkwardly stood there. "In Order to hide it''s full name?" [Demon Lord] "Which would be?" "Gerette Goatee, the undercover detective."[Demon Lord] "Ah. what about his family?'' " One son who is a dancer, and his wife was killed by the same criminal that killed his partner.A deer with a mission." [Demon Lord] "You really thought this through.."If you stumble upon this tale on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. "I was in too deep."[Demon Lord] I shiver from a sudden breeze, being completely drenched in water didn''t help either. "Alright, I choose the first option, I rather get introductions out of the way." with a nod, she turns to a maid and whispers something as I follow her through the gate. ---------------------------------------------------------- I''m sitting in a small Library. Well, small compared to what you would expect when you think ''Castle''. In the center of the room is a Table that could fit 4 people and all around the room are rows of Bookshelves with narrow pathways you can use to travel. There was one window in the room which was opened letting in a gentle breeze and sunlight. Finally, Besides the center of the room, the entire library gave off a cluttered feeling. I changed into slightly baggy black pants and a gray shirt that was provided to me by a Maid. I still smell like sweat but at the very least I don''t have saliva and mud on me anymore. Suddenly the DemonLord walks in with two soldiers that are carrying a tripod and a couple of slides, the guards place them down and leave the room. *Ahem* "We are currently in U.D.A or the United Demon Alliance continent in the capital called Tartarus." [Demon Lord] she points towards a slide " we are currently at war with the humans. as you can see from this graph with x coordinate being time and Y coordinate being natural resources, after the humans reached a critical low it started affecting the population with large amounts of people dying from famine." She removes a slide, revealing a map of the Human continent. " This, of course, does not mean they do not have enough land to thrive. the kings forbidding to farm anywhere too far from extremely small zones they approve of calling everything else ''Land of the evil'' limits their food production as well as inefficient methods and lastly war amongst themselves, with huge amount of farmable land they instead use as battlefields and buffer zones or lastly ''Holy zones'' large pieces of land that they proclaim must not be used according to God. The lower class which held large amounts of skilled workers and producers keep dying, with vital workers gone their economy is slowly coming to a halt. The prices are rising, making it difficult for commoners to purchase basic necessities ." She looks at me like she is waiting for me to digest what she is saying before continuing "If you were a king and all of your subjects look at you with anger what would you do?"[Demon Lord] hmm.. "I would blame someone else " "Exactly. So in short, we are at fault somehow and now they are attempting to invade us for our resources"[Demon Lord] "How long has this been going on ?" "342 years "[Demon Lord] So this war has been going on for generations but why wait until now to summon someone? she removes the slide revealing the one behind it. It''s several detailed drawings of gauntlets, swords, spears, crossbows. " I know what you are thinking, the reason we did not summon someone earlier was because we didn''t think the humans were going to summon one, 3 years ago. Through studying them they managed to make improved cheap magic weapons raising the fighting potential of their soldiers. we are being pushed back now."[ Demon Lord] She bows " I"m sorry for the trouble we caused you to go through but please help us"[Demon Lord] One minute passes by with her remaining perfectly still "ah....well....I''ll think about it." 3. Good Hippo "But first of all there is something we must discuss" I stand and slowly start making my way to the window, When I peek out I realize it''s only two stories high.I can make it. "I have been suddenly taken from my life back home and asked to be a hero. Do you know what heros are? Either the brave or the Fools and most of the time it is the latter! Do I give off the self-sacrificial attitude? Dear god, I hope not! I have only one life and I refuse to spend it saving others " We make eye contact " So, in short my dear Demon Lord, this is goodbye." Kicking off the ground I leap through the window eventually landing in a crouched position. Location, Garden. I jog briskly down the stone pathway making right at the end of the building. Do I really think I can escape her? No. But it''s not escaping, it''s the principal. What kind of man would I be If I just roll over and accept defeat when an overwhelming force basically asks you to sacrifice yourself? A Sane one? nonsense ! Surely going insane in this type of situation is an act of mercy, shame the man who in his callousness chose to remain sane! Suddenly a Hippo guard comes into view, His large frame covering the entire path. I may have been shocked at first but you''re an intelligent being, all the same. "What are you doing here?"[ HippoGuard] "What are YOU doing here?" " uh- well gee I wasn''t expecting that... I suppose I''m doing my job " [HippoGuard] " are you? because from my perspective you are standing around talking! Is that in your job description son ?! speak up! " The Hippo starts Panicking " No sir no! " [ HippoGuard]Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings. " Do you love U.D.A, son?! " "Sir yes sir ! "[ HippoGuard] Good ! Now Guide me to the barracks! the empty ones ! I Don''t want Soldiers interrupting my beauty sleep ! " " er-But you look human sir..I''m pretty sure I read somewhere we are at war with humans....sir" [HippoGuard] "You making fun of me ?! My parents, and my grandparents and fought and died for this land ! To protect this beautiful city for people like you, and you dare question MY heritage?! My Blood !? I''m 100% Demon, now do you have any more stupid questions son?!" "that does make sense...Sorry for doubting you, sir ! Please allow me to guide you, Sir ! "[HippoGuard] "Lead the way !" We walk through a series of corridors, Coincidentally my Hippo friend likes walking through the corridors with the least amounts of People. This is almost suspiciously easy. POV Changeemon Lord "So, in short my dear DemonLord, this is goodbye." He jumped. one minute passes.. He actually escaped! "GAHHHH" I roll around the ground while grabbing my head "THIS WASN''T SUPPOSE TO HAPPEN " I take out the flashcards the outlined my plan " It should have been the introduction and general information about the state of things and me asking him to be the hero. He should have been speechless and not know what to say in which I would have convinced him with my trump card ! But he jumped ! why would he jump ! wait, wait. I can still catch him ! he''s in the palace, there is no way he can go unnoticed ! " I rush out of the room POV Changerotagonist " And here we are, This is an empty Barrack I hope you enjoy your sleep, sir ." [HippoGuard] " Good work ! Now continue doing what you are paid to do " "Any high ranking officer or any demon in the military would have an idea of what I do. By using vague orders and having the appearance of a human your awfully suscpious. Should I repo-what was I talking about?"[HippoGuard] A large trial of drool can be seen coming out of his mouth and is collecting under his chin "......You were talking about how you love bubbles." " *Giggle* I do love bubbles.."[HippoGuard] And just like that, The hippo guard wandered off. Goodbye you stupid, kind beast. Opening the door revealed a large room with rows of bunk beds on each side. In front of the bunk beds were small chests in which I can only assume are their belongings, at the end of the room there is a hallway with an entrance. In the room within the room was a large space with clothes hanging. Specifically, it was their signature armor and the black tights they wore. The armor itself was full body, it was the color black with yellow trimming and weird swirling designs. Suddenly I hear the door open so I instinctively hide against the wall of the entrance and peak It''s the DemonLord. 4.The Start of Something "You''re in the capital, within the residence of the leader that governs entire races. Or in other words the most heavily guarded palace around." As she glances around the room it felt like her presence engulfed the room, displaying authority and demanding respect. Her poker face revealed nothing but her fingers were subtly grabbing the cuff of her long sleeved shirt. " It''s safer closer to me than away. Not everyone knows of your presence here....and of that, not many approve" ah, well It took less than I thought I would for me to get caught.All powerful ruler of demons aside, I suppose I shouldn''t drag this out. " I understand I won''t try to run anymore, you got me." Hands raised in the air I walk out until I''m a few feet away from her Her eyebrow twitched. "You make it sound like you''re a prisoner"[Demon lord] "Forcibly taken from my world? Does that not scream kidnapping to you?" " I admit the method is crude.." [Demon Lord] "Correct me if I''m wrong but I had this feeling that you are going to involve me in your problems? So I''m abducted and will be forced to work....feels more like a slave" She tightens the grip on her shirt "It was necessa-"[Demon Lord] "Hold on a minute"This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it. After stopping her I take a deep breath. "Ok, I got it out of my system. I''m still getting used to the whole idea so..let me get away with that much " "This...?"[Demon Lord] "It''s not every day I visit a different world," I say that while slowly sitting down on the floor "I..suppose you''re right" [Demon Lord] "Besides, you did what any person would do. when backed against a wall you reached out for any help you can get and fortunately, or rather unfortunately it worked...and you ended up with me. If someone went as far as to roll the dice and summon a stranger to help them then I should at least make an effort to hear them out and help If I can." Whether or not I believe this, I''m not sure. This is simply too out of the norm for me to properly deal with. Whether I help them from the goodness of my heart or because I''m afraid of death, does it really matter? ah. I''m thinking about nonsense again. She sits on the floor as well. I''m sitting with my legs crossed while she is sitting with her legs under her and her hands on her lap, from this distance I just have to reach out so I can touch her. Silence drowned the room. She was lost in thought staring blankly at the floor. I, on the other hand, watched her before letting my gaze wander around the room. "trust..." Mumbling she looks straight at me "You never once felt safe or believed a word I said..the friendliness on the way to the palace that was an act right?"[Demon Lord] With a bitter smile, I reply "I''m not sure what to say" " The fault lies with me.... I assumed if I rationally explain, then you would understand. But there is nothing rational about being taken to a different world is there? and to make matters worse I responded to your act with an act, as if we were putting on a show! "[Demon Lord] A lovely laugh escapes her lips "A relationship is built on trust. We don''t even know a thing about each other ! and yet I asked you for so much.I apologize for everything up until now not as the demon lord but as a person. Is it possible to start over ?" She says with a small smile For the first time since I came here, I felt comfortable. " I would love nothing more" She reaches out her hand "Then without further ado. It''s nice to meet you, my name is Stella" In a room in a different world, a hero and a demon lord talked about anything that came to mind.