How long must I live like this? Honestly, it's getting irritating. Mere maggots continuously declaring war. Don't they get bored? And their damn justification is always "justice"—bleh. Just say you don't like someone you can't control.
How long has it been since I knew peace? Ah, probably never. Even when I was nothing but a young demon, it was still the same power struggle. We are a chaotic race, after all. What did I expect?
As I walk down the dark halls of my castle, all I feel is hollow. I have fought and bled for this castle, and yet it brings me no joy. What is the solution?
To leave. As I thought it, my claws dug into my palm. This thought had plagued me since I began ruling. I'm the strongest. The biggest fish in this large sea. Who dares bind me?
Which is true. I know it is. Nobody could. But then what? I leave and do what, exactly? No matter what, I will be feared, and those of justice will find me and attempt to kill me yet again. A futile attempt. My fangs dug into my bottom lip, frustration boiling within me. As I stood on the edge of the balcony, staring into the distant universe, I spread my senses outward until they covered the entire universe. Everyone, no matter how strong, was within my gaze. Some noticed. They ignored it. Too scared, perhaps.
I ignored those of strength. They were all the same—arrogant and without feeling. No, what I need is feeling. So I moved my senses towards the mundane. The mortals.
Weak. That's what they were. And yet, as I looked at them, their entire past, present, and future laid bare to my eyes, there was one thing profoundly different. They felt. Now, I don't mean those of power don't—I'm a good example. But they felt differently. They had meaning. Even the tiniest of things to them held meaning.
As I watched, my eyes drifted to a middle-aged man and his wife. With their feelings laid bare, I could feel a deep, profound love radiating from them. I clutched the metal railings until they bent. A deep feeling of anger and jealousy rose within my immortal heart.
Why could they love? What had they done to deserve such a feeling? Why can't I love? I have a heart, don't I? Is it because I'm a demon? No, I have seen demons love. Twisted, but love. What makes me different? Is it my power?
Ah… yes, that's it. It's my power.
Throughout my life, from a tiny, pathetic demon to eventually becoming a progenitor, those who have been in my presence have looked at me with a multitude of emotions. None of them good. Some look with greed. Some with fear. Some with lust, and some with disgust.
None have ever looked at me with love. Not with compassion. Not with kindness. They believe I'm not deserving. And it's not like I have not looked for such. In my younger days, after becoming a ruler, I believed myself free.
I went out looking for love. And I did find it. I didn't go for a woman of power. I went to a mortal—a woman. A beautiful and loving woman. She became my world. And I—I loved her. But of course, she never knew I was a demon.
I couldn't tell her. I couldn't tell a woman whose children were killed by the very demons I ruled. Just thinking about it disgusts me. Eventually, I had chosen to leave her. No, not chosen—I was forced. No matter how much I wished it, enemies would come, and eventually they would find her to be my weakness. And she was. I admit it.
So I left. Without a word.
My senses shifted again toward a distant planet. A weak planet. On that weak planet, in a town, was a woman. She had brown hair, a beautiful face, and a loving smile. Gods, that smile. I had seen it so many times, and it still makes my dead heart skip a beat.
She was talking to friends—people who had been my friends. She should have been dead by now. It had been millions of years since I left. I knew that when I left, she'd eventually die, and I could not stand such a future. So I played with time. An arduous task. But I did it. I had to kill a primordial of time and steal his power just to do it. But I did. And I slowed time down on that planet until the ratio had become one to one. One year for her was a million for me.
It hurt me knowing she thought I abandoned her because I didn't love her anymore. But no, I loved her. The truth had been I loved her too much. And it was that love that made me leave her. Because at the time, I was too weak. I still love her. But alas, I can't. And won't go back. No matter how I mess with time, she will eventually die. Yes, I could help with prolonging her life, but she would not accept. For I know she wishes to die. She wishes to see her children again. And I don't have the power to bring them back.
So I must leave.
Yes, I will leave. But where? This universe is far too small to escape to anywhere. Yes, it cannot be this universe. I shall leave to another universe. But how? Even I don't have such power. That's for beings beyond me. And I know they won't allow me to ascend. For I have tried, and they have intervened. For my power is too damning.
I cannot fight them. I would die. To leave, I would have to sneak out. Like a rat. My senses returned, and I looked upward towards the very edge of the universe, where a deep void existed. A barrier stopping people from leaving and people from entering. It's an annoying barrier. It's the only thing in the way of my escape.
Taking a step forward, I reappeared just outside the void. Just being near it sent deep chills down my spine. Shit. I need a damn break. There's literally no way. If someone just had the power of void, I could take it. But all this universe has is imitations. Ah, I guess it was futt—What!? I snapped my head around. Stood in front of me was a being. Not humanoid. It was a formless being. Damn, who's this, and why does he give me the chills?
"Hello, demon king," the being spoke. An eerie sight, as his mouth was all messed up with jagged teeth. I suppressed another shiver and replied, keeping my voice icy. "Who are you? Wait, no—I don't care. What do you want? I'm busy." Ugh, I hate talking to people. Why don't they just leave me alone?
The being didn't reply. It just kept staring at me with those ugly-ass black eyes. Before its mouth stretched into a wide grin. Fuck, that's creepy. Is this man the devil? Oh wait, that's me. Doesn't matter. Wait, why does he seem to look more demon than me? Well, whatever. Finally, the being spoke, its voice sounding like static and like multiple voices.
"Worry not, demon king. I come in peace," it said, raising its hand in surrender. Its tone was casual, as if it wasn't standing in my presence. Should I feel insulted? Nah, I'm not so vain. And not so stupid to believe he's from this universe. He's an—"Outsider," I said, my voice lowering. Another annoying problem had found me. Damn it all. I wanted to leave and live in peace.
The being waved his hand dismissively. "Nah, bro, I'm from there," he said calmly, pointing. What does this "bro" mean? Anyways, my eyes followed his finger until they landed on the void. It felt like my brain had malfunctioned. He's from where? The void? That's impossible. Ah, it seemed I let the mask slip.
"Ah, my friend, your imagination is so limited. Well, that's to be expected. You're like a whale living in a pond. Tch, how did you even end up here?" the being said, spouting a bunch of random words. What the fuck is a whale? Is it some sort of place? A power, perhaps? Well, whatever.
"And what does someone from there wish with me?" Honestly, I just wanted to leave. I seriously hate talking to people. Especially people with power—they're always so boring. Tch.
"Ah! Straight to the point—I like it," it said, then continued. "Well, first let me explain a few things." It waved at the void. "This place, as you know, is the 'void'—a place between universes. A sort of barrier, if you will. Ah! And you're right—normally, people can't live in this place. It's not designed for life. Anyways, I need help, and you, my new friend, can help. Of course, not for free. I'll give you what you wish. Just ask, and I'll grant it." My wish. Normally, I'd have scoffed at such an idea. But… this being. Just looking at it, I could tell it's stronger than me. Immeasurably so. If it wished to force me, I don't think I'd be able to stop it. Ah… well, as long as it can help me.
"So, what do you say? Yes! Ah, please say yes!" It said, practically chirping.
Sigh.
I let out a deep sigh, rubbing my temple, pretending I could actually get a headache. "Fine, what do you want? And I won't help if you can't help me," I said, finally trying not to get my hopes up. Okay, I was maybe a little excited. Just a little.
"Ah! My friend, I knew it—you're such a kind soul. Ah, yes, what I need is something only you could do! After all, your unique power is the only thing that could help." Ah… he seriously knows everything, huh? What a pain. "Just get to the point. What do you want me to do? Eat you? I'm sorry to say, but you'll die. Unless that's what you want." I said, cocking my head sideways a little. Did this being truly wish to die? Why? Honestly, the thought of it wanting to die kind of pissed me off. I'm not sure why, though. Maybe because I'm trying so hard to live, and it's trying to do the opposite. Who knows?
"Ah! Die? How could I ever want to die? Haha, I wish to live. I've got so much manga to read. Hm, and pizza to eat!" the being said, spouting some weird words again. Honestly, it's getting strange now. And he seemed to be reminiscing—he seemed almost sad. Well, at least we have the same goal. To live.
"You still haven't told me what to do," I said, getting impatient. "Wait, no—firstly, what gender are you, and what's your name?" I asked for personal reasons.
The being paused, then glanced at me, its eyes incredulous. "What do you mean, what gender am I? Do you not hear my manly voice? Are you assuming I'm female? No—worse—are you saying I have no gender?" The man's—I assume man's—voice was hurt. Like I genuinely felt he was upset. Like this was perhaps my fault? Now I felt incredulous.
"What do you mean? Manly voice? You sound like static and look like someone parents tell children about to scare them before bed," I said, slightly irritated. Even my tail began swinging violently. Could they finally get this over with? I'm tired already. And far to excited.
"Tch. Well, perhaps that's my fault. Anyways, I'm a man, so speak to me as such. Anyways, we need to hurry up—I'm getting antsy," the man said, his voice filled with anticipation. And honestly, I was feeling excitement coursing through me too. Freedom. That's what I would get. Well, hopefully—who knows?
The being approached the void, turned to me, and grinned a manic grin. A grin I matched. Perhaps I could like this guy after all.
"Alright, demon king. Devour me."
Oh, I will~ freedom here I come.
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~End~