《Two Sides One Coin》


 Prologue

    200 Years Ago


    I heard their screams. Some of them were running away from me, others raised weapons, while some simply stood and stared. I know they are dying, I feel the blood soaking through my clothes, I can feel death around me, souls leaving their bodies as I move. I gripped the blade in my hand cutting through skin that''s barely hanging on. My body is adorned with wounds, yet I can''t stop. I''m not here, not in control, not truly.


    The door to my escape came into view as I kept running, kept fighting, heartbeat fading. I rose to meet the seven guards in front of me, they are all that''s left, they will fall. Two of them stopped to look at me,or what I think is me. Their hesitation will cost them as I raised my arm and made a fist. Their hearts stopped as mine faltered and slowed again. I am running out of time. Two other guards raised their weapons and took aim. One held a bow while the other had a long sword, standard issue weapons for lower ranked soldiers in this realm. The other three had uniforms marking them as higher ups, however none of them seem to be looking to fight me, but rather observe as the two lower guards took aim. One drew back his bow, his heartbeat rising, I could feel his fear, and I could sense his time was up. I saw as he took a deep breath and then released the arrow, I could feel it soaring past my head. Missed. In a blink I charged and he fell, the other turned and started to run, His heartbeat echoed in my ears. Not worth my time to kill. Stolen novel; please report.


    The three higher ups stood, two had weapons drawn while the third simply observed me. Just one more test, one more monster he could toy with, one more to kill. Step after step I got closer, pulse failing. I only need to kill three more.


    ¡°Bow and we will be merciful to you.¡±


    Always the same demand, always the same empty promise. A growl rattled around us, Was it from me?


    ¡°Fine, your choice.¡±


    Fresh pain erupted in my side, magic cutting across my ribs, slicing me open, well, what was left of me. Magic ran down my arms and illuminated my eyes. I can always tell when they see it, you can''t fake that kind of fear. Darkness and shadows surrounded us, weaving towards the three guards left standing. The two with swords took a step back as the darkness rose from the ground to strike¡­Then the ground shook, and began to open around me. No. No! NO! Only three left, they had to die! My heart stopped, and I fell below. Darkness overtook me. I remembered the face of the calm man, even the other two faces were clearly horrified, I will never forget it. Even as darkness consumes my mind and the ground closed around me.

 Chapter 1 - Shad

    Light blinds my vision before the dirt below smashes against my face. Pain shoots through my body as the gash across my stomach only grows more painful. Opening my eyes, the light makes my head ache before I start to cough out blood. Inky red blood flies out of my mouth before I choke it down. Every bit of my body is begging for rest, pushed beyond its natural limit but I can''t stop now. Taking a sharp breath of cold air I focus, hearing no footstep or shifting steel. I was safe for now, but still in danger.


    Shifting my hand to my hip causes agony to shoot through my waist, pain making my movement slow and clunky. Working my hand to grip the handle of my dagger only to find it missing. Fuck. Ok no time to panic, panic only gets you killed. Strangling on a cough I refuse to let out, I begin inching my hand back down my side and around where I fell. The ground around me is covered in a tall dry grassy plant with something sticky coating it. Cracking my eye open as they adjust to the light, tall thin plants surround me, stretching out in all directions. A fence is faint in the distance, my magic reaches out, telling me its approximate shape and location. Beyond that, the faint beating of hearts going about their day beyond it. Some however seem to be stalling by the fence.  Great. Not far from witnesses, means people could be coming and if some are loitering, it means they know something. Being face down in some farmers field isn''t what concerns me however, it''s the dark red, nearly black liquid covering the area Im on. Blood¡­ My blood soaking the ground. I''m more injured than I thought.


    Forcing calm to wash over myself I begin to focus on my form. I bring my sharpened teeth and claws back in to help disguise my demonic origins. Anyone who  knows basic demonic traits will still know, but anything to appear more human helps. Next, how injured am I? One leg is numb below the knee, can''t tell if my toes can even move. Second leg is better, capable of movement  with only some stinging pain around the groin and hip. Abdomen took the brunt of the injuries, the landing only made it worse.  Head could be worse, nose broken, my headache has subsided and is now a dull ache on my parietal bone above my ears, potential fracture.


    After what feels like hours looking for my dagger, I feel a sting against my hand. My blade. Grasping the handle I could feel myself calm down just a bit. Despite the cut, the hilt in my hand gives me a sense of safety. I am armed, and in a place I do not know with threats I can only imagine, that''s what matters. Closing my eyes for just a second I could hear some people yelling in the distance. I can''t make out what is being said but with how quiet the voices are they are not close. No way they know I''m here.  Attempting to take a deep breath backfires on me, as I start coughing up even more blood, setting my head down to help muffle the sound. A soft thud nearby brings me back to the moment. Opening my eyes for just a second I see the sun has moved lower than it was. How long have I been laying here? Did I pass out?


    ¡°Found it!¡±


    The voice yells, footsteps coming closer, accompanied by the sound of shifting metal. A guard of some sort. The person stops only a foot or two behind me before immediately suppressing a gag. I keep my eyes closed, unmoving.


    ¡°It smells like death.¡±


    Most wouldn''t even hear the words with how quiet they were.  More footsteps rush up behind, and come to a sudden stop, turn around and vomit a few feet away.


    ¡°Saran! Control your damn stomach and call for backup, this is serious!¡±


    Saran, the one with the weak stomach, seems to compose themselves and take a few uneasy steps back towards the other man.


    ¡°That can''t be blood, there is so much¡­what could- co..could make so much blood?¡±


    ¡°A dead man can make that much blood, did you call for backup or not?¡±


    ¡°Yes¡­ yes sir, they¡¯re on their way.¡±


    ¡°Then go be useful, as a guard you will see worse stuff then some blood on the ground. So calm your stomach and try to figure out what made the damn blood!¡±


    They don''t know I''m here? I thought they were closer than that. How out of it am I? My head throbs as I strain to hear their movement. Not that it should be this hard. Saran, clearly in training, is not a stealthy walker, his harsh, uneasy steps crunching towards me. The moment the man sees me is obvious as a high pitch shrill scream rips across the grass..


    ¡°It''s a monster, and it''s dead! God it''s dead! I''m gonna be sick again, I can see its guts!¡±


    ¡°Monsters aren''t real you idiot¡± The first voice stomps closer. And then stop dead.


    ¡°But you are right about it being dead, god what happened here?¡±


    ¡°If that ain''t a monster then what is it, a demon?¡±


    Silence fills the air for a moment, I can hear their heart rates increase, the seasoned one however is maintaining his calm appearance and tone of voice.


    ¡°Alright if you''re gonna be like that go inform the farmer that we will be out here for a while and stand guard at the fields gate.¡±


    ¡®But sir.¡±


    ¡°NO BUTS! That''s a command,  do as you are told!¡±


    Definitely a leader of some sort. Saran runs off at the command. His superior remains close to me and lets out a heavy sigh. I can hear him pull out a flask and take a drink. In the distance my magic flares up in response to people moving towards the area. Fuck, I can take this guy in my currrent state but dont think I can take anymore


    Magic can¡¯t help me here, I need to save what strength I got left. Bringing my magic in causes all the beats of life to fade, I''m now left with my senses and training.


    They assume me dead however so that will help, unlikely they will try anything. Hopefully they will just survey the scene and I can run for it when the area settles down.


    Over what I assume to be several minutes, the leader is walking around me and observing the area close by, periodically muttering under his breath. I don''t put the energy in to make out what he''s saying, it''s just a waste of effort.


    After a bit the people that were coming towards the field approach and begin to talk to the guard that was already here. I can''t be sure but it seems like three people. They settle a little way away but I can make out some of the conversation with little effort. At first it seems they were talking about portals, evidence of them and how one was detected.  The guard leader, Tari, as I hear him called, reported what he found, a dead body of what might be a demon based on the blood''s smell and colour. Tari knows a thing or two about demons then, identifying a demon off blood isn''t easy.  However none of them have gotten close to actually inspecting me directly thankfully, I don''t want to fight anyone. But it seems my peace is to be broken sooner rather than later. A few of what I can safely assume to be guards begin walking over to me with Tari. The one that remained behind, however, I can tell is different. I can feel it in my core. I just can''t place why.


    It has to have been at least an hour since the first guard arrived. An hour of being face down in the dirt. As the group approaches me I feel a cough trying to make its way up my throat, I choke it down, but blood still seeps out my mouth as I struggle.  I am keenly aware when each person comes into view of me, their pulses skyrocket and a silence falls over the once chattering guards. Tari is the one to break the silence


    ¡°Call him.¡±


    ¡°Really? You actually think its a demon¡±


    ¡°Yes, and I doubt it''s truly dead¡± Tari¡¯s voice is barely audible.


    ¡°How could a thing that looks like that be alive.¡±


    Rude and not a question. The loud, cocky confidence in the voice gave that away. I''ve heard that same tone from newer soldiers who think they know all there is to know. Survived training and think they know the job inside and out, there is alway one in each group. Typically they learn that they do not in fact know anything the hard way. I hope I won''t have to teach him that lesson. The guy should listen to Tari. Many of us can survive what would normally kill any other creature. I happen to be one who can take that to the extreme. Even I don''t know how injured I truly am. However I''m in pretty bad shape, even by my standards. The fact I couldn''t accurately tell how far away they were confirms that.Support the creativity of authors by visiting the original site for this novel and more.


    ¡°If that''s a real demon we can''t be sure it''s dead, and more importantly no checks have been conducted to confirm death. Remember, it''s alive until proven deceased.¡±


    Tari¡¯s voice is calm but I can feel his distaste for the man he''s speaking to, and yet he does not pull rank on him.


    ¡°Ya right watch me.¡±


    A dull thud with the clattering of metal rings out. A sheathed sword tossed to the ground.. Oh boy here we go. I crack my eye open just before the man walks up around to face me.  Not enough for him to know they¡¯re open, people like this overlook small details like that when they are convinced they are correct.


    ¡°Jax dont you..¡±


    Too late, the man crouches down in front of me,  I can sorta make out blonde hair down to his jaw, hazel eyes and what I can guess is fighting leathers, my vision is too blurry to make out much more. He starts touching my head and shoulders, shaking me slightly as he tries to prove I''m dead. Shaking makes my need to cough worse, but I must keep it together, snapping will cause more trouble. I can not, however, control the blood that runs from my nose as a result of the shaking. Seeing the blood seems only to encourage him.


    ¡°They think this insult to nature is alive! How cute that a freak like this could survive birth let alone this much blood loss.¡±


    ¡°JAX STOP!¡±


    Jax does not stop, by this point the others who had been standing to the side have now approached to see what is happening. At this point I can feel my strength is returning, not much but enough to fight If I absolutely must. I feel a distinct aura coming up behind us but I''m too injured to get a better reading off it. Staying down and playing dead remains the best option. Realms be damned, why couldn''t they have been at my front so I can actually see what''s happening. would make it easier to judge my odds. Suppose sight is not a mercy I get today.


    Jax, ignoring the command, opts to drop me, letting my face splash against the pooling blood before I feel his foot on the back of my head. His heel grinding into my hair before he shifts to kick me. Finally a different guard walks up behind the breathing asshole that is Jax.


    ¡°You are gonna get yourself killed, stand up and back away.¡±


    Taris'' tone leaves no room for argument. And yet Jax ignored him entirely, continuing to prod at my body. Each poke and kick causes fire to run through my body as more blood flows out of my wounds, my control starts to slip.  I feel my grip tighten on the hilt on my blade, a movement that goes unnoticed by Jax but I feel tension rise in some of the others. I can hear the guards  trying harder to get Jax away from me, one even talking about how it''s disrespectful of the dead. However Jax does not stop, why none have stepped in to physically remove him is beyond my understanding. And then he does it. Jax stomps the back of my neck and pushes down.


    In an instant my control evaporates.  Instinct takes over as I grab his foot, throwing him off. A moment later I am over him. His face goes from cocky enjoyment to confusion and finally fear as I bare my fangs, and the realisation that a not so dead demon is on top of him with a knife at his throat, a knee pinning him down, dripping blood and realms only knows what other fluids directly onto him.. I can sense that damned aura getting closer by the second, however my entire focus is on the terrified man underneath me.


    Raising his hand Jax tries to get me off, a pathetic attempt at that. I give a quick jab, breaking his nose. He screams as pain and the realisation that he is powerless sets in. Finally the others around us grab me and throw me off him. They only get me about a foot away as Jax desperately tries to get away. Unfortunately for them, even half dead I am faster and better trained than all the guards here. Using my one good leg I push off the ground, pulling myself free from the guards and tackling  Jax with so much force we slide several more feet through the long grass. He shrieks as I grab his head and push down, knife at his throat. He tries to kick and flail his flimsy body to get me off him. Nothing works.


    All the heart rates around me rise, they genuinely believed the creature on the ground was dead. A fatal mistake. A hand goes for my neck again, before contact can be made my arm is gripping it as my nails dig in.  The grunt of pain is instant as I let go and the arm vanishes from view,  not my issue at this time, the skin will heal and won''t even scar.  Shifting focus back to Jax as he continues to squirm, my training kicks in. shifting my weight to pin his legs. My heartbeat slows and breathing deepens as I raise my dagger.


    An aura overtakes my senses, and next thing I know I''m being lifted off the man and held up. Jax scurries away the second I''m off him. Finally the aura settles and I realise what the aura belongs to, stretching my neck looking up at it.


    ¡°Cunt.¡±


    The insult comes out as a growl through my teeth at the archangel holding me up. Of all the crap this shitty day could throw at me an archangel is definitely not the one I wanted to deal with. Worse yet, I didn''t realise that the aura was that of an archangel. He grips me tighter at the insult.  On instinct my elbow rams into his gut and my body twists faking a bite. He shifts my weight to avoid the feint. I twist his arm and slip out of the hold before I crash to the ground. Falling hard on my back, a hiss of pain makes it past my teeth as the impact rakes through me, forcing blood out of my stomach. Any strength I had is gone, which means I''m at the mercy of the archange.


    Out of the angel¡¯s grasp and able to open my eyes properly, the realisation of just how terrible of a state I''m in sinks in. Left leg is twisted past the natural range at the knee. And my stomach¡­. A large gash goes across, a large bruise where  the skin is intact. Smaller cuts are spread across my legs, chest, and arms paired with bruises that are nearly black, with smaller minor blue and yellow bruises claiming the unbroken skin. I''m a mess. I can''t imagine what my face looks like with how much blood has been dripping from it.


    Looking back to the archangel, he feels familiar. Archangels have distinct auras, each unique to the individual. A result of the power they wield, in the magic they can use, but also of the bloodline they come from. This archangel¡¯s aura is¡­ familiar, but I can¡¯t identify why. He however differs in how he looks from most of his kind. Short wavy, dark brown hair, black eyes, smooth tanned skin. That isnt what is abnormal about him. White long sleeve shirt, brown looser pants, a belt at his waist where a long sword sits, and black boots, all have the look of being worn. Well made yet worn, practical  clothing that lacks any affinity to the usual high end clothing archangel wear. I still can¡¯t figure out who this archangel is.


    An odd look flashes across his features. It''s gone in an instant as a calm mask slips over his features. The other people behind him, a mix of military and guards are watching this show, all clearly trying to keep their face neutral. With them an older looking man with white hair and a white beard, wearing overalls and work clothes. He looks the calmest of the lot. Farmers, not a thing phases them. I glance to the distant crowd near the fence. I can see some not paying attention while others openly gawking at the scene before them. The itching in my throat comes back, along with a throbbing headache as I look back at the archangel standing over me.


    ¡°Not every day a stranger falls from the sky in this town.¡±


    The archangels'' voice is that of a leader. I''m well aware that statement is meant to be a question, but no one here needs to know my voice. Instead I simply bare my fangs at him again. He raises an eyebrow as he scans me over.


    ¡°No need for that. I, nor anyone, will harm you.¡±


    A low growl leaves my chest. God I really am out of it, I never growl or even bare my teeth at anyone, I''m not an animal. My distrust at his words must have been obvious as he takes a half step back. Everything spins as the urge to cough kicks in again.


    ¡°You are in Akarin, a city within the Anthaval Realm.We will not harm you if you don''t harm us.¡± he glanced at the man I beat and seemed to dismiss him.


    ¡°We do not know how you got here, but we need to know as you did not enter from the city''s portal. And with the¡­um state¡­you are in¡­¡± I would normally appreciate his attempt at kindness but as my vision spins again it''s hard to focus on that.  ¡° It is of utmost importance to tell us so we can process any potential threats that could come after you.¡±


    Trying to sit up causes agony to rush me, making the world spin even more. One of the guards steps closer to the archangel at my movement. As the world stops spinning his features come into focus. Black curly hair that has specks of grey and white throughout it, fine wrinkles sit at the corners of his eyes. Wearing a simple armour that has an insignia marked on the shoulder, the captain of the guard. The man they called Tari, if my assumption is correct.


    The archangel raises a hand, making Taristop, before returning focus  to me. Clearly waiting for a response of some sort to his statement. I won''t give them anything. Who I am, why I''m here, why I''m injured, what I was doing. Nothing. They dont trust me and I have far too many reasons to not trust an archangel. They aren''t exactly known for being kind to us.


    ¡°Not a talker? Understandable. I haven''t given you any information either,but that must wait. As of now all I can tell you is this. You may call me Sol.¡±


    Sol? Don''t recognize the name immediately, not a realm or person I''ve dealt with. Or at least one I haven''t investigated yet. Sol takes a step forward and stretches out his arm. I shift away, causing my vision to darken and spin as pain splits my head one more. Gritting my teeth and spooking everyone around, I detect the uptick in speed of every heartbeat nearby. Squeezing my eyes shut a wave of nausea causes me to lean back on my elbows. I feel the guards around shuffle, but the angel remains calm and unmoving.


    ¡°You are clearly very injured if you come with us we will-¡±


    Throw me in a cell to rot once more? Beat me senseless to know what I am and what I may know? Use me as a weapon to take out your enemies?  They never help us, detesting us until the moment they can gain something from us. His words never reached my ears. The cough I''ve been holding back finally breaks free, sending blood flying down my neck and splattering across my chest. My head slams on the dirt as finally, the world rolls once more and the peace of darkness sinks in.

 Chapter 2 ~ Shad

    Stones grinding against each other slowly digging into my mind.  Pushing away from consciousness, I tried to fall back into the veil of the crossing .The abyss has been something I crave, but rarely obtain these days.  Hushed fast voices seep their way into my mind along with footsteps in the distance. Recoiling, I try to put distance between myself and the sounds, I do not wish to go there now. My hands are trembling, I can feel them pressing into my sides as I struggle to breath. Yet I can¡¯t. I simply float, no body, no breathing, no weight, simply existing in this place once more. I''ve been here more than once, this Void as some call it.


    The voices are back, clearer this time, I''m able to make out some words.


    ¡°What will it¡­.¡±


    ¡°People are panicking abo¡­¡±


    ¡°No. It''s going to die¡­¡±


    ¡°The leg is shattered...¡±


    It''s not one person, I can sense the different beats of life to each one, even through the haze.  Are they talking to me? About me?  Where even am I, what happened?  Visions flash through me, I see the blond man under me, the long grassy plant around me. The sound of weapons clashing. People screaming, and..blood, so much blood.  Flinching, I feel something on my wrists, preventing me from moving. Throat burning, panic  accompanied by pain races through me. That damn beeping getting louder again. No! I don''t want to go back!


    Voices grow louder and louder and the bindings keep me trapped. Adrenaline shoots through my system as bright spots appear in my vision. Everything flashes hot as panic threatens to take over. Calm people live, panicking people die, the thought flashes through me. Instinct forces my heart to slow and my breathing to deepen, the scraping returns as it slows down.  The bright spots in my vision fade as the surroundings come into view.


    Tall panelled marble ceilings, soft white walls, and a window to the right with bars over the outside. Looking to my right I see the source of the grinding, a heartstone hovering over a table a few feet away. Looking down at my body, blankets cover my legs, one of which is raised up slightly on some pillows, foot poking out showing it''s been braced.  My upper body is bare, covered with small patches of silver stuck on my skin. Looking over I see the heartstone glowing and dimming in time with my heart beat. Below it I see its magic displaying other numbers. Where my stomach was sliced there¡¯s now a long series of clean, evenly stitches closing the wound. The other cuts on my chest have been cleaned and the bruises are either gone or fading. Looking at my wrists I see medical restraint tying me to my bed. I can also see the cut on my palm, where my knife sliced, had also been stitched closed. Not a drop of blood or dirt anywhere.


    Turning focus, the room is fairly plain. The machines monitoring my vitals clearly run on some form of magic, dozens of ways to make that work. The room as a whole is simple and clean, the only things in here aside from me is a chair and a rolling stool in the corner. Bars over the window indicate this is most likely in a prison hospital of some sort, or a regular one with extra security.  The opposite wall has a glass pane allowing a view into the hall. Offices line part of the hall, and down the hall there appears to be reception. Medical staff rush in all directions, just as many guards among them. I can just make out a small item high on the wall, most certainly a monitor of some sort. Definitely a prison hospital then, wouldn''t have so much security if those in here weren''t deemed a threat.


    ¡°Admiring the team''s work?¡±


    The voice was mocking, if anything. Looking up I see a tall, lean, poker faced young woman with light brown hair pulled back in a messy bun. She¡¯s holding a clipboard, standing in the doorway. Her facial expression is mostly neutral with the exception of her eyes, cold and pointed as they observed me.


    ¡°You caused quite the scene being brought in by the city''s leader and half a dozen guards while you were dripping blood on the floor.¡±


    She was trying to get a rise out of me apparently. I lean back into the pillows behind me, loosen my posture and lock eyes with her.  Her already stiff posture manages to stiffen further as she grips the clipboard tighter. After a moment, she speaks.


    ¡°What brought you into the realm?¡± after a beat she continues.


    ¡°What caused your injuries?¡±


    I can tell my silence is clearly getting to her, the clenching jaw gives it away. Unfortunately for her, I can sit here all day, the same bland expression on my face in silence. After a minute, she stands straighter and walks up to the monitors on the left.


    ¡°Is your pain manageable? You have been unconscious for several days.¡±


    I''ve been out for days? Shit. I really was injured. That lady could lie, making someone unable to know what time or day it is helps  keep them compliant. Simple way to disorient someone. They may have cleaned and treated my injuries, that does not make me safe.  Finding out one has been unconscious in an unfamiliar place would scare most, but I''ve woken up in worse places. But it''s still not good. I''ll stay calm and compliant but answering their questions is a no. Maintaining eye contact, she frowns at me.


    ¡°Can you understand what I am saying to you?¡±


    The smile that comes on my face is practised, I use it to piss people off. When someone already dislikes my mere presence, a smug grin always manages to make them madder. The huff this lady lets out proves it.


    ¡°Some people will be in to speak with you soon.¡±


    And just like that she turns on her heels and half walks, half stomps out the room. There are worse welcomes. Many people in angelic realms are scared and or hates most of us, not to mention the distrust when a stranger covered in blood and gore appears out of thin air and fights your town leader. As the door opens I can see two guards stand on either side of it. I can''t make them out fully as the door closes behind the nurse.


    The form I''m in now is mostly human in appearance. The only real tell showing I''m not human is my slightly sharper teeth. The only other tells I showed would have been my blood and the fact I bit and clawed some skin off a few guards.


    The hall and reception area within view seem to match this room too, off whites, sandy beiges, gold accents, and the same marble ceiling spread around. It gives a calming feeling, almost as if one is on a beach. It was odd to me why a prison hospital would be made so nice and beautiful.  Even my bed and blankets are high quality. The bed itself is very soft, moulding to the body like it''s hugging you while the blankets are soft and plush, like being wrapped in a cloud..Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit.


    Looking back out to the hall, I see the receptionist  looking up from his work as a person walks up to him. The receptionist¡¯s large kind eyes light up as he begins talking to the person, smiling and laughing as they talk. After a few moments the person walks away and the receptionist turns in his seat, locking eyes with me. The receptionist¡¯s face went pale and his eyes widened with fear. He swiftly turned away and put his head down. One of two reactions to demons. Either soul rotting hatred or world shattering fear. Can''t say either reaction isn''t deserved on me. I''m well aware of the atrocities I have done. Not to mention countless other demons. Every conflict has two sides however, they are also guilty.


    The door swings open once more as a petite young woman walks through. Her long raven hair with delicate curls, is in a half up, half down style, a bit messy as if she''s been running around. She looked over to me and I''m greeted by her open, kind eyes and a large smile on her lips.


    ¡°Hello! Glad to see you awake.¡± She walked over to a board on the wall and began flipping through some pages. ¡°You were found in a local farmers field about a week ago with severe injuries to nearly every part of your body, including a¡­¡± She turns to face me once more. ¡°...broken left leg with dislocated knee, a large wound across your abdomen exposing your internal organs, broken nose, a concussion, and a variety of other small cuts, wounds, and bruises of differing severity.  Not to mention a substantial amount of blood loss.¡±


    She continues over and stands about a foot from the bed, letting out a slight laugh as she continues.


    ¡°You scared everyone who was treating you. The guys here have seen a lot, but you might have taken the spot top story.¡± Not the first time I''ve been told that.  ¡°It has been eight days since you were brought in and you have remained unconscious  since you fell unconscious the first time. Granted, you were very much still putting up a fight, hence the wrist restraints. I can take them off now if you promise you won¡¯t try to punch anyone else.¡±


    Taken aback by the ways she''s speaking, I just stare at her for a moment. No hint of anger or fear, just talking like I''m normal, like this is normal.  There was nothing but kindness in her tone and facial expressions. Realising I''m just staring like an idiot, I look down at my wrists and nod, leaning my upper body away. Hopefully she will take that as confirmation. Thankfully she does, swiftly moving to remove the restraints. As she leans over me to undo the restraints on my wrists, I feel a familiar aura. It felt like I''ve been around her before, which I definitely have not. I remember everyone I''ve met.


    With the restraints removed, I pull my hands back to my lap, inspecting the stitch work on my palm. The stitches were spaced perfectly and clean, already healing well. The slice won''t leave a scar. The raven haired lady watches me closely, I simply dip my chin in thanks. The door swings open once more as an older man walks in, wearing what must be the local guards daily wear. Seeing his face I realise it''s the man that was standing near the archangel Sol in the field.


    ¡°Irean, I said you should wait to enter.¡± The lady, Irean I suppose, turns and looks at the man.


    ¡°No, you suggested that Tari, and although your concern is appreciated I will continue to do my job as normal.¡±


    ¡°You freed him?¡± His shock is evident. Was she not supposed to take the restraints off?


    ¡°Why would I not? He has not indicated any intent to harm and has been calm. There is no reason I shouldn''t have given him that basic freedom.¡±


    Irean settles her gaze on Tari, who seems to have no retort to that statement.  Tari dips his head and walks further into the room, finally closing the door behind him.


    ¡°Your fa¡­um, Sol will join us shortly. Any changes in condition?¡± Tari side eyes me as he stumbles over the words.


    ¡°I was just going to start the evaluation.¡± Tari reddens and walks a few feet closer, still maintaining a healthy distance between us.  ¡°Anything we need to know?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll tell you and start the review once Sol arrives.¡±


    Tari simply nods. I can tell he''s trying really hard not to look at me, but I see him grinding his teeth while glancing at me, trying to hide it.  My vision and hearing aren''t all that superior to the average angel¡¯s. Better yes, but the big difference is I''m trained to notice everything, regardless of how small or unimportant a thing may be. Like how he nearly said father to Irean. That would explain the familiar aura if she''s his daughter. Many families have similar auras between the members, different but still connected.


    The door opens and Sol walks in. He nods at Tari and then looks at Irean, indicating to start whatever it is they have planned. With both Sol and Irean now facing me, the father daughter relationship is obvious. Tari stands near the door, keeping eyes firmly on Irean while Sol opts for the chair in the corner.


    ¡°No one else on the way?¡± Irean asked.


    ¡°I''ll inform anyone else of relevant information.¡± Tari said before Irean turned to face me once more.


    ¡°Is it ok for me to inspect your wounds?¡± I give a nod. Tari¡¯s brows raise at my lack of vocal response. Irean simply moves to my legs and takes the blankets off them,


    ¡°Your left knee was dislocated and you had a small fracture in this ankle, but scans show both are healing extraordinarily well, even with it only being a week later.¡±   Probably best they don''t know that I''ve had the fracture and dislocation before I was in that field. Like, at least two weeks longer.


    ¡°Can you move the ankle at all?¡± Irean asked and I obliged, moving the foot up and down without issue. ¡°Ok that''s perfect! I can take this brace off.¡± Removing the brace, she sets my leg back down and moves her hands to my abdomen. ¡°This cut was very severe.We estimate you lost nearly forty percent of your total blood volume, largely due to this wound. We were able to use magic to help rebuild your blood volume, but it is still low. Despite the healing you have already had done, you are not out of danger and must be careful.¡±


    After inspecting the stitching some more she brings the blanket up to my stomach and back over my legs before stepping back.


    ¡°Your smaller injuries have all mostly healed, those that haven''t will shortly.  Soon enough you will be fully healed and able to leave this hospital. Which brings up the next series of questions we must ask.¡± Here''s the fun part. ¡°First off, what is your name?¡±  Hope these guys are comfortable with silence. ¡°You didn''t come though the main portals, so how did you get here and what caused the injuries you arrived with?¡± Sol sits up straighter as the silence stretches on. Irean looks back at him before continuing.  ¡°Is there anyone we can contact? Are you going to a certain place?¡± They never learn anything. Closing my eyes for a minute, they¡¯ll eventually realise I have no answers for them. Sol then spoke for the first time since entering. ¡°Alright¡­If you do not answer any of our questions you will be declared a prisoner. Without any information on who you are, where you''re from, or how you even got here we are forced to assume you are  a threat, or could lead a threat here due to the circumstances of your arrival.¡± Irean looks down at her notes, sighing as her whole body seems to slump. Seems to have accepted I won''t answer any questions. She turns and nods at Tari, still standing stiffly by the door.  He walks up and begins to speak.


    ¡°As a result of the circumstances leading to your arrival, and your refusal to cooperate, you are now a prisoner under Akarin City,  ruled by Sol Prescott. Until you cooperate, or are deemed to not be of any threat or political importance, you will remain a prisoner.  Your basic needs will be handled by the city which include clothing, food, and shelter. You may be offered the chance to work if you meet the requirements while incarcerated. As of this moment this room is your cell. Once you are healed you will be moved to one of the city''s prisons and be given a cell. Until then, a guard will always be outside or inside this room and you must always be accompanied by a guard. Do you understand everything I have told you?¡±


    My usual nod causes Tari to sigh before he gives a goodbye to Irean and Sol and leaves. Got a hunch I''ll be seeing him often. Irean proceeds to explain the hospital, how to call for help, when food is brought around, where the bathroom is, all while checking a few of my charts, writing stuff down and ensuring all the medical equipment is working correctly. I wasn''t listening that intently, more focused on watching people go up and down the hall. Finally she too makes her exit, leaving just me and Sol in the room. He''s been intently watching me the entire time. I take a mental note that once again, his clothing isn''t overly flashy unlike other archangels. Finally, he stands and takes his exit, but before he leaves he turns back to me.


    ¡°If you wish to answer the questions and earn your freedom, let us know. We shall grant it immediately.¡±


    The door shuts once more leaving me alone, once again, as a prisoner.

 Chapter 3 ~ Shad

    That fucking door is going to give me an aneurysm. For three days every time someone walks in or out it drags on the floor causing a screeching sound. Nurse walks in for the tenth time in an hour? Screeeeech. Food is brought in? Screeeeech. Guard rotation? Creek. Worse yet,  no one else seems to be able to fucking hear it. And people think advanced hearing is a gift.


    Screeeeech. That''s it, I''m done pretending to be asleep! Opening my eyes I immediately see Tari sitting in the chair as a guard walks in. That old man seems determined to keep an eye on me. Not like I''m gonna leave, well not yet. This bed is comfy, the room is warm and the food is alright. Not gonna throw out those mercies yet. Don¡¯t have anywhere else to be, and no one is waiting for me at home. Realms know I don''t really have a home anymore. Their mercy is enough to keep me here for a bit.


    Sitting up spooks the guard that had just walked in, most of them avoid entering if they know I''m awake. A fact that became obvious quickly.  It''s not just the guards however, I''ve heard the nurses arguing on who has to come in here. It¡¯s not that anything has happened, the last three days have just consisted of me pretending to sleep, eating, and not answering questions. Other than that, I''ve been eavesdropping too. Not my fault they talk loud and the walls are thin.


    Throwing the blanket off, I stand and walk into the bathroom, not acknowledging Tari or the other guard who jumps as I stand. The heartstone finally came off  and showering is now my only retreat. Having a hot shower just feels good. I was in a dark damp cell for two months and before that where I was staying didn''t have running water, heat, anything. Basic amenities to many become a luxury to countless others. Once the door to the bathroom closes behind me the guard that just walked in starts talking.


    ¡°That''s the demon from the field? He''s massive. How didn¡¯t he kill Jax?¡±


    ¡°That man is none of your business, what did you need me for?¡±


    Tari has been pretty quiet about me. He also seems to refuse to call me demon, or anything other than ¡®man¡¯. Most who enter only ask him questions when im in this bathroom, assuming I can''t hear anything. I''ve actually begun spending more time in my showers as a result. While I''m in here, more people come in to talk to Tari. He seems to be the only one willing to watch me. The nurses come change the bed and finish any other tasks in the main room before quickly leaving. Many would take offence to their blatant avoidance, for me it''s just normal. The fact everyone knows I''m a demon fuels the fear. Every angel grows up with horror stories of us and, from the way everyone talks outside, my arrival is only causing the fear my arrival caused to grow.


    Staying in the shower lets them do their jobs without having the extra fear of looking at me. That''s the only comfort I can offer them in exchange for the help they have given me.  Tari has been in my room the most, tied with Irean and her attempts to make conversation as she does her job, whatever that is. Tari hasn''t tried to interact or make conversation with me at all. However, over the days spent in silence, the tension has lessened. I have a feeling I know exactly why he''s the one guarding me the most. The same reason I haven''t spoken a single word. Distrust. Turning the shower on quickly fills the room with steam. I honestly forgot how much I loved that sensation. It has been years since my last proper shower. Slicking my hair back and closing my eyes, I focused on the sensation of water running over me. I can''t help the thoughts that begin to swarm.


    Tari sits out there for one simple reason. He''s the leader. From the conversations I''ve heard he seems to be Sol''s second in command. He does not believe I will do anything, the fact he''s been dozing off at night proves that, but that doesn''t matter. He''s the leader, he hands the commands down, and is responsible for every single soul he hands a command down to. If he has a guard, one that is clearly afraid of me, guard me and something were to happen, that weight sits on him. Better have himself do this over someone who could be more prone to fear. I''ve made the mistake of putting someone in a position they couldn''t handle, and had to bare the responsibility of their burial when they broke under my command. Tari knows that I''m an unknown, a complete wild card. That alone makes me a threat, and history isn''t on either of our sides.


    Turning up the water temperature I grab some soap and work it through my hair. If my guess on Tari¡¯s age is right he would have witnessed several of the worst angelic demonic wars to ever happen. Countless atrocities committed on both sides. I doubt he''s old enough to have served in them, but simply living through events like that changes you. Enough to change how you view others.  It''s why, despite the mercy and kindness I''ve received here, I haven''t spoken. I am still a prisoner. It''s why I haven''t been sleeping. Every sound, every creak, every whisper and footstep sets me on edge. Like a razer blade is being dragged along my throat, waiting for the order to slice. Some of the same reasons Tari sits by the door in silence, one eye always on me.


    The room outside is silent. Rinsing my hair before shutting off the water, I quickly dry and dress. They gave me some generic pants and a shirt to wear. I''ve opted to go without the shirt as it irritates my scars.  Looking in the mirror, I notice the dark spots under my eyes seem to have worsened since yesterday. I look like death, no sleep and constant stress does that to a person. Shouldering the door open, I stalk into my temporary prison once again and stop as I realise Sol and Irean are there. Tari still sits in his chair along with another guard. Lunch sits on the bed, the smell of chicken soup and fresh bread filling the room.


    Irean gives me that calming smile, how does she always look so calm? Giving a nod I sit back down and began eating pieces of the bread.


    ¡°How are you feeling today?¡± Irean must always sound that happy. Never heard her not sound like that.


    ¡°He won''t respond.¡± Tari grunted.This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    ¡°I''ll still ask.¡± Shrugging, Irean begins the talk of why she and the others are here.


    ¡°You will be moved to your cell once you finish eating. KiKi and Tari will escort you, along with Sol and myself.¡±  She pauses in case I respond, she is the only one who does when speaking to me. I pop the last piece of bread into my mouth and grab the soup.


    ¡°You must have your hands restrained behind your back for the escort. Once you arrive at the cell you will be given time to settle in. After an hour or two you will be given some clothing to choose from, then have the rundown of how each day will go for you.¡±


    Emptying the soup I set the bowl back on its tray and returned my eyes to her. Tari and Kiki seem surprised by how fast I ate. I''ve not had many chances to eat in recent months, and besides, it''s good food, especially for a hospital of all things. Granted, I''m also just a sucker for fresh bread. Kiki steps forward, biting her lip as she crosses her arms behind her back. She''s nervous, but manages to speak in a clear confident tone.


    ¡°This escort wont be like most. Many people, those working here, other prisoners, and civilians alike have heard of the arrival of a demon.¡± Tari side eyes Kiki at that word. ¡°Rumors have been flying and many reporters and civilians will want to witness this transfer just to see if something happens.¡±


    ¡°They¡¯ll want to see a fight, or to start one. If you are done eating and have nothing to attend to, we will begin.¡± Irene''s calm is almost unnerving. If she is nervous at all she''s hiding it well. Most people in any of their positions would be nervous.


    Nothing to wait for in this room. Kiki stiffens in response,as I stand before turning my back to them, crossing my hands behind my back. No need to make this difficult. The air stills as they take in the sight. Irean, Sol, and Kiki have never seen my back. Tari has only ever caught glimpses of the scar at the base of my neck. It''s a mangled mess.  Lines showing several long cuts, from pale white to an angry red. Bumps and dips running all the way down. A few scars branching out along the rib cage. All twisted together. The base of my neck only hints at the damage. Seeing it, one would never know the true extent, nor what caused it.


    Each one of them has their heart rates increase. Irean¡¯s rises the most, I can nearly feel it in my chest. Over my time here I''ve learnt each one of their heart beats, Kiki¡¯s I can tell based on my inability to recognize it. Irean¡¯s seems to be the one I can sense the strongest. The ability to detect a heartbeat, one''s life force, let alone being able to identify an individual off it is rare. I gained the ability in my childhood. I''ve been training this ability and developed it to reach and identify  those around me. I¡¯ve trained myself because I''m unable to hold magic for ages, it¡¯s exhausting, so unnoticeable ways like sensing heartbeats is how I keep my energy levels manageable. A useful skill, I always know when, and often who, is approaching me even when I can''t see or hear them.


    Throwing on a shirt, their shock finally wears off as Tari and Kiki walk up and place the cuffs on me. Generic metal ones from the feel of them. Easy for me to get out of if need be. Escaping during this escort would be the best time.  I¡¯ve recovered enough to get out and far away. I know I can easily take down some of the guards or just climb a building and escape once outside. Easy but foolish. I don''t know the layout of this prison or the city outside. I would be running blind with a target on my back. Besides, they have been kind thus far. I''ll hold onto their mercy, warm bed, and good food for as long as possible.


    Kiki and Tari grab my elbows and turn me around towards the door. They are all talking about how to do this, going over lines I¡¯ve heard a thousand times.   I''ve done prison escorts countless times, both as the prisoner and the escort. Something about this just feels different, as if something will happen once I''m out that door and in a cell. Tari and Kiki both place their free hand on their weapon as the doors open and they  walk me out. The sensation of dozens of heartbeats crash into me the second we are a step outside. Drawing a deep breath, I relax my senses as everything calms and I''m able to take in my surroundings as we pass the reception desk.


    Sol and Irean stand in front of us, backs straight and alert, taking the lead. Guards every twenty feet line the walls and form an opening to the exit. As we pass, several of the guards fall in around us. Dozens of people also watch, even those in rooms peek through the hall windows. All eyes on me. I feel the weight of the stares and the judgments no doubt being made of me. Straight ahead, towering double doors await us. Are we going outside? That would be a mistake, I''m a demon in an angelic realm, and they¡¯re gonna make this a spectacle? If one angel decided to try and kill me now, that would be enough to spark a riot. Tari¡¯s grip tightens as we begin walking.


    Sunlights blinds me as we walk outside. Great, now I''m on guard too. Tari must have noticed the change in me as his eyes snap to look at my face. I stand a good head taller than the man, but I do not return his look. I keep my back straight and scan ahead of me, waiting for something to attack. They were trueful about many people wanting to see this, if anything they under sold it. What must be hundreds watch on. Buildings stretch around us, all in various heights and colours, ranging from dusty neutrals, to bright pastels. Some wood, some brick or other stones, but all are breathtaking in their design. If a building has a balcony people are on it watching, reporters are getting as close as the guards will let them, all shouting about what type of demon it is, what it did, how it got here. All the questions remain unanswered..


    So I''m an even rarer oddity here. Setting my shoulders, I keep my head high and make eye contact with every person I see, civilians, guards, and journalists alike. I do not hide. I do not cower.  Most seem to stare in curiosity, some have fear or hate in their eyes, but they are the exceptions. The majority simply seem curious. It seems demons haven''t lived here in decades, even just to travel to other realms. I understand. War changes everything. Even what is normal.


    Tari and Kiki now keep glancing at me, both must have noticed I walk like a soldier, not a prisoner. Tari is studying me more than usual as I march. Can''t blame him. I''d be doing the exact same thing, in fact I am. Just not to him, but instead everything around me. Then I feel it, in the back of my mind an awareness comes into focus. An object flying towards me. Instinct takes over as I pretend to misstep, I jerk, causing Kiki and Tari to stumble two steps forward. A gasp rings from the people close by as something lands.. A rotten apple reduced to mush landing where I was just standing. Tari''s eyes widen as he looks at me, realisation sinking in. I glare at him, hoping he will understand.  His gaze is different, like a puzzle piece just slid into place.


    Tari shouts the order to hurry up as hell breaks loose. The guards push civilians back as more garbage is thrown at me. Sol looks back at us but Teri just shakes his head. Finally, we¡¯re rushed into a building as the chaos is quickly subdued. I''m more focused on real dangers rather than an apple being thrown at me. The doors close behind us as the crowd is cut off from view. I am swiftly shuffled down a hall and brought to my new cell. Without a word I am placed inside, cuffs taken off and doors locked as I am left alone in my new home.