by George Fry
Drifter drew his sword, prompting Tap to bolt in front of his master, using both himself and his hostage as a shield to protect him.
“Goddammit, every time…”
Tap, Spinal and Tuffnail, moved behind the group of hostages they gathered, further shielding themselves from any potential attacks.
“You see what happens when you play by their rules, kid? Now we’ve got more layers of bullshit to deal with.” Drifter berated.
“What do we do!? I’m fast, but I don’t know if I can beat them without someone getting hurt again.”
Tuffnail laughed in mockery.
“Stupid humans. What a joke of a species. Their empathetic nature only impedes their progress. Leading them straight to their own demise. Allow me to remind you who the superior species is!”
Tuffnail fired a spine from his arm, piercing through the head of the man closest, killing him instantly.
“And in the blink of an eye, another human life is snuffed out.”
The rest of the hostages cried out in terror, but Tuffnail refused to let them disperse any further.
“Sit perfectly still! Anyone who tries to escape dies next!”
This was exactly the kind of scenario Drifter wanted to avoid. No matter how hard he tried, human lives would always be lost when dealing with demons, whether it be through collateral or slaughter.
Even so, he held his tongue. Dale however, was absolutely livid, but still hesitant to act, unable to find a way to approach them without causing further harm.
“YOU HEARTLESS BASTARD!”
Shocking the pair, Reine snapped at the murderous monster.
“How dare you treat human lives so trivially! No one deserves to die like that! You disgust me!”
Tap could barely keep her under control, as she fidgeted and ranted.
Entertained by her outburst, Tuffnail confronted her, lifting Reine’s chin with his finger.
“Feisty one, aren’t you? Maybe we’ll keep you for later.”
In retaliation, Reine immediately bit down on his finger, digging her teeth deep into his flesh. Tuffnail pulled away in shock.
“You bitch! You bit me!?”
“You taste as rotten as you smell!”
“Living, breathing, filth!”
Tuffnail raised his hand, angered by the disobedient human, but was quickly stopped by Spinal, who grabbed his arm before it came crashing down.
“Stop! She’s our hostage, you fool!”
Tuffnail yanked his arm out of Spinal’s grasp.
“I’m the one in charge, weakling! You’d be dead if it weren’t for me!”
“We gathered these hostages to use as bait, killing them will accomplish nothing!”
“I will not allow this human’s disgrace go unpunished!”
“Why!? Why can’t you see that impulsiveness is what got the others killed!? And not just Smalls and Hubbs! So many demons have died pointless deaths in this world, all because they underestimated the humans!”
“Any demon dumb enough to be killed by humans doesn’t deserve to live! Obtaining the Demon Sword is all that matters! With its power, we can make both worlds kneel before us!”
“Tuffnail… if you continue down this path, you will die here. Not as a proud demon warrior, but as an utter failure.”
“It’s no wonder you were barely able to survive in that wasteland. You’re too soft! Tap, unhand the woman!”
Tap didn’t want any trouble and simply did what he was told, releasing Reine from his grasp.
“Uh, Drifter, shouldn’t we do something?” Dale asked.
“Shh. I want to see where this is going.” He replied, with a smirk.
“What are you going to do!?” Reine yelled in scorn. “Kill me!? Squash me like a bug, to make you feel like a big man!? Did the pathetic little human hurt your precious feelings!? Is that it!? I despise cowardly men like you! You’re a-”
Before she could finish, Tuffnail smacked Reine across the face, knocking her to the ground. Cutting her cheek.
“Stupid woman, you’re better off dead.”
“Tuffnail…”
“What now, Spi-”
Spinal immediately dashed in front of Reine, shielding her.
“I knew I should have left you to die in the wasteland.” Tuffnail chided.
“This is pointless, Tuffnail. Five years and not a single demon has managed to obtain the Demon Sword. Shouldn’t that be evidence enough that your ambitions are completely out of your reach?”
“Obviously, they were all weaklings. Just like you.”
“Are you deluded!? Just look those humans! They aren’t even making a move! They’re just watching! They’re not scared of you, Tuffnail! You’re not a danger to them! They’ll kill you!”
“As long as I have my hostages, they can’t touch me.”
“I see… in that case…”
Spinal suddenly unleashed a blistering punch, as he finally awoke to justice! His fist planted squarely in Tuffnail’s face, crushing his nose, forcing him to back away from his hostages.
“S-Spinal… you traitor!” He cried, cupping his bleeding face.
“I’m sorry, but if this is the hill you wish to die on, that’s your choice, but I for one refuse to die for another demon’s selfish ploy for power.
If you truly had any sort of pride, you would have faced that man in the white coat head on! To prove you deserve to wield that weapon! Instead you wasted our time with your entitled display of cowardice!”
“When I get my hands on that sword... I swear, you’ll be my first victim!”
A sharp pain suddenly pierced through the side of Tuffnail’s ribs. The sword he so desperately craved was now jammed into the side of his abdomen.
“There’s your sword!” Drifter mocked. “Have fun, cunt!”
The Demon Sword glowed a searing white. Its energy infiltrated Tuffnail’s body, as bright light beamed from his mouth and eyes, with the power of the sword quickly incinerating his insides. In a final anguished scream, there was a burst of white light, as Tuffnail was cremated alive, his body reduced to ashes.
“Why didn’t you do that earlier!?” Dale exclaimed.
“I needed him away from the crowd, so no one else would burst into flames. That punch was the perfect opportunity.”
In the aftermath of the scene, Spinal and Reine locked sights, only for Spinal to grow flustered.
“M-my apologies.” He bowed. “I should leave now…”
And so, he fled.
“What about you!?” Drifter called to Tap, still bemused by what just transpired.
One look at Tuffnail’s ashes and Tap tapped out. Opening a portal to the demon world, and retreating.
“That’s the first smart demon I ever met...”
“Reine, are you okay!?” Dale rushed to help her up.
“Yes, I’m fine…” She responded, her mind elsewhere.
“I can’t believe you screamed at him like that!”
“Oh please, I hate men who so desperately try to assert their dominance.”
“Well, let’s grab our stuff, get you cleaned up and head to that garden party, so we can try to put this whole ordeal behind us.”
“Yes… let’s...”
As the group prepared to leave, Drifter was even more suspicious over the lack of police interference. Surely someone amidst all these people must have called the emergency services.
Once they drove away from Westgate, they at least saw ambulances pass by. Drifter never bothered to pay attention to the emergency services before, but now that he was, he found their lack of presence slightly worrying.
The drive to the University helped take the edge off of such a stressful day. The group parked just outside the College, where in the large building, the garden party took place.
Changed into their brand new outfits, they strolled up to the front door, with security standing guard, with a tall, bald, well-built man in a business suit, checking over the guests.
Reine flashe
d the guard her invitation allowing her access to the swaray.
“Ah, Miss Lajioe.” The man greeted. “I see you’re… um, are you okay?”
She bashfully touched the bandage on her face.
“Oh, this? It’s just an unfortunate bump, don’t worry about it.”
“If you say so…”
The guard turned his attention to her guests.
“Hold up, you ain’t coming in with that filthy coat.”
“The fuck you say?” Drifter argued, offended by the remark.
“You ain’t getting in, Rapunzel.”
“At least I have hair, Cue Ball.”
“You looking to start something?”
“No, but I’ll finish it!”
“Nathaniel, stop!” Reine ordered.
“But, Miss Lajioe.” The guard whined.
“Don’t! That’s my guest you’re insulting and he’s here for my own protection. Now, let him pass.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
“Nathaniel's a dumb name.” Drifter mocked under his breath.
The group entered the building, walking through the large hall, decorated with expensive curtains, rugs and paintings.
“You know, this particular college has raised three prime ministers.” Reine explained. “And the man holding this party is hoping to become the fourth.”
Drifter’s disinterest peaked immediately upon hearing the words ‘Prime Minister’.
“Ew, politics. I’m zoning out.”
“I’ll listen.” Dale assured.
“Well… all kinds of people show up to his gatherings, but Adam Basil himself doesn’t always make an appearance. I heard he’s become quite the recluse lately, leaving his gatherings in the hands of his personnel.”
“Why even hold them in the first place?”
“What better way to get the elites of the country on your side than by offering them free food and alcohol? God knows, it’s not for the conversation…”
Without warning, Drifter yanked Reine back.
“What are you doing!?”
“My job. It’s vague, but there’s definitely a demonic presence here.”
“Is he nearby?”
“I don’t know… it’s weird. Normally I can pinpoint a demon’s location by just concentrating, but this feels cloudy, like the whole building’s being masked.”
Suddenly, the sound of echoing footsteps rang out in the distance, growing closer and closer. As it came running towards them in a mad dash, Drifter and Dale prepared themselves for whatever horrible abomination was coming for them.
“Please! Help me!”
A senior citizen, stripped down to his underpants wailed.
“Some fiend knocked me unconscious and took my expensive suit!”
“Is this the demon you were sensing?” Dale asked.
Drifter cringed. “God, I hope not.”
Reine quickly took the initiative.
“I’m sorry, but we’re just guests, but I'm sure the guard at the front door can help you.”
The underpants man fled to the security guard, not letting the fact that he was half naked, deter him from bringing his suit snagger to justice.
“Now then, shall we get going?”
Once they were in the secluded garden, Dale saw that the guests looked just as cliched as he imagined. Men in posh suits, woman in extravagant dresses, violinists playing music for atmosphere. It was almost comical.
“Jesus…” Dale chuckled. “These are the kinds of people you associate with?”
“Ugh… if I want to get anywhere in the music industry, then yes.”
“Can’t you just make good music?”
“Good music means nothing if you can’t get anyone to listen to it. I need to make connections to attract distributors.”
Dale tugged on Drifter’s coat.
“Dude, check it out.”
Before them lay a large, sprawling table, covered with only the finest of fancy foods.
Drifter was more than happy to help himself to the buffet.
“Have fun with that whole socialising thing, or whatever...”
Reine was left to her own devices, as she reluctantly prepared herself to join in with the rest of the socialites.
She picked a group at random and wormed her way into the crowd. Luckily, some of the party goers recognised her as the daughter of the late, great Bryan Lajioe. Unfortunately, Bryan was the only thing they were interested in discussing, Reine herself was mostly ignored.
It’s not that she demanded to be the center of attention, she just wished she could show them there was more to her, than simply being the daughter of a celebrity, the heir to his fortune. All she wanted was a chance to step out of her father’s shadow and express her own musical talents.
She remembered how her father would effortlessly win over people at social events with his charm and charisma, explaining to her how these were the people she needed to impress, if she ever hoped to have a bright future in the world of music, but Reine didn’t understand any of it. All she saw were a bunch of stuffy old people talking politics.
It was always politics. She never cared for it, she was a musician after all, her passion lied in entertainment and creative endeavours, not bureaucracy, but without any knowledge of the current political climate, no one would pay her any attention and she didn’t want to risk accidentally saying the wrong thing. It was like all they cared about was parroting their own opinions at each other, rather than actually having any meaningful conversations.
Perhaps it was her own fault for attending a politician’s party, but she hoped that, it being a party, the people within her community would unwind and act more casual for once, but that was never the case. Ultimately, she just wanted to play her music, but here she was, stuck at another social gathering with nothing to say, again.
Among the rich toffs and snivelling snobs. She caught sight of an interesting fellow, but all he did was hand her some strange pamphlet. A bizarre, leaflet with religious text.
“Daemonism?” She read.
“Yes. It was founded by our Lord Anderson.
‘To protect ourselves from demons, we must accept them.'
Please consider paying us a visit some time. We would love it if you could spread our words to the people.”
“Sure…. okay…”
As soon as the man left her alone, she tossed the pamphlet away and sulked over to the beverage table, hoping the sweet numbing taste of champagne would make the event more tolerable.
“I just don’t understand these creatures." A voice rambled to himself. "I don’t know who they’re talking about or why they’re even important, but it's all they seem to care about. Perhaps I shouldn’t have come here...”
“I feel you, I feel you deeply....” Reine admitted. “Wait, who said that?”
She looked to her side to find a tall man, in an old fashioned suit, complete with gloves, monocle and top hat, with strangely pointy ears and unnaturally pale white skin. She almost giggled at the sight of him, but the innocent embarrassment on his pretty face kept her attention.
“I don’t think I’ve seen you around before. What’s your name?”
“Oh… I-I’m Spi…… Spi, just Spi.”
“Spy? Odd name. You’re not here on some secret mission are you?”
“Wh-what!? No!”
“I’m only teasing, so what are you really doing here?”
“I-I’m not sure anymore… I’m just… fending for myself, in a world I don’t really understand. These people don’t really seem to be interested in helping me though, or anyone, really.”
“Yes… It’s like these events are just an excuse for them to bolster each other’s egos, instead of just socialising like regular people. Still, at least you seem somewhat normal.”
“Y-you really think I’m normal?”
“Somewhat… compared to these tarts, Mr. Monocle.”
“Thank you, M-miss Sunglasses.”
“Don’t diss the sunglasses, darling
. They’re my trademark….” She replied, flicking her glasses on, only to sheepishly raise them back up.
“My father gave them to me, before he passed...”
“I-I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to insult them. I was just joking.”
“What? I’m not insulted. You’re the first person here to even notice them.”
“Oh, well, they look nice.” Spi replied, awkwardly looking down at his feet.
“Aww… that’s sweet. Too sweet, what’s your game?”
“G-game? There’s a game? I wasn’t prepared for this…”
Reine laughed out loud, amused by the flustered gentleman.
“Would you like to join me at the buffet?” She asked.
“Yes. Of course.”
Spi was a bundle of nerves, but he was amazed, that the woman he was pining for seemed to finally be enjoying his company. His happiness was swiftly cut short however, when an old man, still in his underpants, came charging towards him.
The enraged man confronted Spi without a hint of shame.
“Oi! That’s my suit!”
“P-pardon?”
“That’s my suit! My hat! And, my antique monocle!”
“Are you okay, sir? You seem confused.”
“Don’t play stupid with me, you little bollock!”
The ranting old man left the gentleman utterly embarrassed. He was causing a scene, but it seemed the guests were more concerned over the man’s sanity than his accusations. Just when Spi thought he could weasel his way out of the situation, he spotted his worst nightmare.
“No, not him!” He thought. “Not that human! Anyone, but him!”
The one person who wasn’t buying his charade, the one person who could easily ruin his entire day, his whole life even, put down his plate of chicken wings and marched straight toward him.
The man in the white coat.
He shoved the ranting senior aside.
“A missing suit, stolen makeup and a stalker.” He commented. “I wonder what these three things have in common. Any ideas?”
Spi’s plans were falling apart so fast he didn’t know how to respond. The man was just standing there menacingly, but Spi could still feel an immense pressure coming from him. He couldn’t tell if it was the man’s power, or if he was just so terrified his mind was playing tricks on him.
“Drifter?” Reine asked. “Is there a problem?”