Chapter Text
Hitoshi was pulled from sleep by the feeling of a large hand brushing through his hair. He leaned into the touch without thinking, blindly chasing the offered affection. A deep chuckle prompted him to open his eyes.
All the air vanished from his lungs as he saw who was touching him.
A monstrous face stared down at him, eye sockets completely covered by gnarled scar tissue. Something similar to a smile stretched over his face and exposed rows of sharp teeth. A pair of horns arched above the head and Hitoshi could now feel the claws brushing his scalp. The beast was covered in scars and carved runes, but rich robes hid most of his skin from view. Magical energy radiated from him in waves.
The Demon King had come for him.
Without thinking, Hitoshi lunged to his feet and scrambled away. There was nowhere to run, so he wedged himself into the corner of his cell, eyes fixed on the intruder. The man's smile hardened slightly as he stood up.
"There's no need to be afraid little one," the monster soothed. "You're needed for a very special mission."
Hitoshi's eyes flicked wildly around the tiny cell. He knew there was no way out, but desperation was clawing at his chest. His breaths became quick and shallow as he fought against panic and the muzzle that was digging into his face.
The Demon King swept across the room and reached out for him. Hitoshi tried to dart to the side, but the beast seized his arm with chilling speed. He let out a muffled yelp and the monster chuckled softly.
"Really now, there's no need for dramatics. And I hardly think you need this contraption anymore."
Hitoshi froze as the demon reached for his muzzle. Nobody had ever taken it off except for meals. What was he playing at? Confused, but willing to go along with the charade for now, Hitoshi held still while the Demon King muttered a spell and unlocked the muzzle. He lifted it off Hitoshi's face with a flourish and said,
"There, now isn't that better?"
His jaw ached and his exposed wounds stung, but Hitoshi nodded.
"Good, good. I'm sorry for the rough treatment you've experienced child. We deal with escape attempts all the time, so precautions are necessary. But I think that, with a little time, you'll find that you will fit right in here."
He sank into a comfortable seated pose and gestured for Hitoshi to come closer. Seeing no other option, he obliged. The Demon King tilted his head as he approached, staring at him with those empty eye sockets.
"Mmmmm you are of mixed human and Siren lineage, are you not?"
He nodded.
"And you have a natural affinity for emotion-based magic. Now that's something I wish I had. The ability to put others at ease, convince them to do what you want. You certainly are a rare creature."
The demon reached out again and brushed a hand through his hair. Hitoshi froze at the touch, shivering as the claws stroked his scalp.
"There's something I need your help with. Others have tried, but I believe you will be able to do what they could not. I have been... let down far too often for my liking."
The hand in his hair tensed and Hitoshi could feel the air around him thicken with malevolent energy. The Demon King's hand trailed down his face and tilted his chin upward. Hitoshi's breath froze in his chest. He found himself unable to move as those empty eyes bored into him.
"You are young and pure of heart, but you've already endured much suffering in your life. It's made you strong. You have a powerful will to survive and to fight. I'm sure you're planning ways to escape right now, aren't you?"
The hand on his face tightened slightly, claws digging into his cheek. Hitoshi's heart was pounding. He was sure the Demon King could hear it.
"Speak child. You will not be silenced while I am here."
"Y-yes," he stammered.
To his surprise, the Demon King softened at his words. He let go of his chin and stroked his cheek affectionately.
"That's exactly what I wanted to hear. You're a little fighter and I think you'll do wonderfully. Now come. There's someone I want you to meet."
In one smooth motion, the beast got to his feet and scooped Hitoshi into his arms. He gasped at the sudden movement and clung to the Demon King's shoulder as he swept toward the door. With another murmured incantation, the door swung open.
They were in a long hallway lined with other cells. Hitoshi had often observed this hallway through the small window on his door. It was where he had seen other prisoners come and go. It was also where he had caught his first glimpse of the monster that was now carrying him like a small child. He had watched it enter cells and emerge with bloodied robes. Screams echoed through the prison in a way that spoken voices could not.
Hitoshi glanced up at the face of his captor, fighting back the rising fear.
This encounter had gone differently than he had imagined. The beast seemed to... like him in some strange way. If he could stay on his good side, maybe he could find a way to escape. The outside world hadn't been kind to him, but at least he would have a chance to survive if he made it out. He swallowed hard and began to scan the rooms and hallways they passed, looking for exits.
They seemed to be in some underground compound. There were no windows and no sounds of traffic. The lighting was also extremely dim, not allowing him to see further than 30 feet or so. Hitoshi assumed that the Demon King didn't use normal vision, so he had no use for excessive lights.
The hallways were deserted as they passed through. Hitoshi once caught a glimpse of movement up ahead, but nobody was there by the time they arrived. Either there were very few people here, or they tried to stay out of the Demon King's way. He couldn't blame them if it was the latter.
"Just a bit further," the monster remarked. "We'll have to get you into something more appropriate though."
They veered into a side room where the beast procured a set of loose white robes. He stepped outside to let Hitoshi change in privacy.
After examining the room and finding no possible weapons or escape routes, Hitoshi resigned himself to his fate and donned the new clothing. It was admittedly better than the ragged street clothes he had been wearing since his arrival several weeks ago. The cloth was soft and seemed to glow with a faint light. His hands were slick with sweat as he tied the sash and he took a few deep breaths to try to get his heart rate under control. It wasn't very successful.
He stepped outside, avoiding the Demon King's gaze as he cooed over the new outfit.
"You'll be perfect, I just know it! Come on, it's just up ahead."
A huge clawed hand wrapped around his, pulling him forward. Hitoshi struggled to keep pace with the hulking man. He had no idea what was in store for him and every new development just confused him further.
The Demon King brought him to a metal vault with a huge round door. After undoing a series of locks and muttering more spells, the door creaked and swung open.
"Go on inside and introduce yourself. I'll watch from here, but I don't want to interfere."
Hitoshi stared at the open vault. The hairs on the back of his neck stood up and he had a vivid mental image of being locked inside forever. However, his other alternative was being gored by the Demon King, so he decided to take his chances.
He stepped through the door and into a short hallway. A creak and a loud thud echoed behind him as the door closed again.
Hitoshi closed his eyes and took a deep steadying breath. He was still being watched so he couldn't freeze up now. With numb, shaking legs, he advanced down the hall until he reached another door. This one was much smaller and a warm light shone through the window. He peeked inside and was greeted with a baffling sight.
In the heart of this dark underground base was a bright and cheerful bedroom.
Toys were scattered across the floor and bookshelves lined the walls. A bed sat in one corner, drowning in a sea of pillows, blankets, and stuffed animals. Colorful paintings of butterflies, unicorns, and fairies adorned the walls.
For a moment he couldn't locate the occupant of the room. But after a brief scan, he spotted a small figure that was huddled in the corner. A sheet of silver-white hair covered most of the form, but Hitoshi assumed it was a small girl (based on the decoration of the room).
Feeling confused, but a bit relieved, Hitoshi slowly pushed the door open.
The tiny form let out a muffled squeak and clutched their knees to their chest. Hitoshi cleared his throat self-consciously. The Demon King had told him it was okay to speak, so he had to assume it was still permitted.
"Hey... It's okay. I'm not going to hurt you."
The figure looked up at the sound of the unfamiliar voice. Large red eyes peeked out from the curtain of hair. Hitoshi grinned nervously and gave a little wave.
"My name is Shinsou Hitoshi. Wh-what's yours?"
"...Eri."
"That's a very pretty name."
Her head raised a tiny bit more. Hitoshi saw her eyes dart toward the door.
"I... I don't know you," she whispered. "Is he... here?"
"It's just me right now," Hitoshi said, hiding behind a half-truth. After all, the Demon King was outside, but not interfering.
The girl nodded solemnly.
"He scares me," she admitted.
"Me too," Hitoshi said without thinking. He inwardly cringed, hoping the Demon King wouldn't be offended by that comment.
"So... what are you doing here?" he asked, genuine curiously taking over. This was the last thing he had expected to find. But as the girl sat up a little straighter and pushed the hair away from her face, Hitoshi understood everything.
A single small horn protruded from the center of her forehead. He was face to face with a young unicorn, a race that was all but extinct.