Excerpt: Eketa

Aerith folded his arms as he sat on an ancient wall and watched the people walk on the street far below. His long raven hair blew in the breeze as he searched for his master. It would be much easier, he noted as he drummed his claws against a crumbling portion of wall, if he knew what his master looked like. If only his master's demonic powers had not been suppressed as an aftermath of the battle.

Aerith stood up and jumped off the wall. He descended onto the ground then smoothed down his robe. Perhaps traveling on foot would be easier. He wasn't sure why but he was drawn to the town of Ralonu. Ralonu had a strong holy influence which would normally make a demon like himself nervous but there was something else hidden in this quaint village. It was only an infrequent flicker like the flame of a candle about to go out but it was something familiar.

Aerith narrowed his eyes as some humans walked past him. He then relaxed when he sensed nothing coming from them. They were normal humans and he had nothing to fear. He folded his arms as he began walking then lowered his head as he thought about the situation he was in. It had been two years since he had lost his master. There had been a large battle between demons and the Church of Ildelia near the border of his master's realm. As a means of protection, his master had used a tremendous amount of power. The skies lit up with a blinding light and when the light had died down, his master was nowhere to be found. He hadn't died because Aerith had not sensed the soul of his master being spirited away. It was if the soul had just...vanished.

Aerith paused when he neared a church and involuntarily shuddered. He hated the aura around churches. Their sole purpose was to wipe out demons and any self-respecting demon would feel threatened near one. He took a few steps away from the church then glanced beside him when he felt a hand on his shoulder. A young woman stood there wearing the official garb of the church. She wore a pale blue dress with gold embroidery and her auburn hair was tucked up neatly underneath her beret. The emblem of Ildelia was proudly emblazoned on the front of the beret and she bowed low in greeting.

“Good day to you sir. Would you like some spiritual guidance?” she inquired and Aerith flinched when she gently touched his hand.

“No thank you. I'm looking for someone,” Aerith replied then resisted when she tried to steer him closer to the church. He wondered if she had sensed his true nature and was preparing to take him somewhere out of the public eye. No, Aerith decided, she didn't emit the energy of a warrior. She was just someone trying to promote the church.

“Let our lord enlighten you. After all, we were all searching for someone at one time.”

“You don't understand. I'm actually looking for someone. A man,” Aerith said as the woman pulled him closer to the church.

“Then come in for guidance.”

Aerith felt his chest growing tight as he was drawn closer to the hand engraved doors of the church. He had to think of a way out of this situation before a cleric sensed his aura. Aerith reluctantly pulled out a money bag and opened it. If word got out that he, a high ranking demon donated money to the church...

“Would you like some money instead? I really need to continue on my way. It is quite imperative that I locate my ma...this man as soon as possible.”

“Why you are most kind sir and please, visit us when you are ready. Religion need not be a stranger to you. In the eyes of Ildelia everyone is equal,” the young woman said and gratefully took the money Aerith handed her. Aerith then quickly put as much distance between himself and the church and continued walking. He needed to find his master. He had spent two long years searching the land surrounding his master's home and he was quickly running out of time. The longer his master was away from his castle, the more vulnerable his realm was to a conquest. Also, the Annual Demonic Gathering would happen in a few short months and he could not show up without his master. Demons of all ranking would be there. Especially one who had his eye on Aerith's services for many a year. If he got word that Aerith was without a master, he would most likely try and bid for his services. He did not want his hundredth attendance to the Demonic Gathering to go down as the worst night in his life.