The Demon's Return

by Selva, SK

  “You have every right to see this world. I assure you it is incredible,” she said. “Do not worry. I promised your grandmother I will protect you, and now I am promising you. I will make sure you are under my ward while there.”

  It was but a few words, but Veeran felt comforted all the same as they continued walking, now in silence. Moments later, Roshna looked around to make sure no one was watching as they entered a small park.

  “This is it,” she proclaimed.

  Veeran had to take her word for it, because he could not tell what she was talking about. It looked like an everyday bush surrounded by trees.

  Roshna stuck her hand through it, and Veeran gasped as it disappeared. She held out her other hand as Veeran took a few paces backward.

  “It’s okay to be scared,” she said. “It means what you’re about to do is going to need all your courage.”

  Veeran looked behind himself to a world he knew, a world he was comfortable in. Ahead of him was the unknown and the greatest decision of his life.

  He grabbed Roshna’s hand and stepped through the portal, his life about to change forever.

  Veeran felt himself tumbling over and over but made sure to hold on to Roshna as tightly as he could. His other hand gripped his hood while his legs flailed. Suddenly, his shoulders hit something solid. The tumbling had stopped as he lay sprawled on the ground. Picking himself up painfully, he stood up and looked around, realizing he might never look down again.

  Creatures, or were they human? All different kinds were excitedly running and jumping, laughing and crying, embracing. There were those with faint blue skin and tall ones with manes like horses. Some had claws instead of hands and others sneered as they lifted heavy clubs. More and more creatures kept appearing out of what Veeran could easily assume were other portals. They all had one thing in common: pure joy across their faces.

  They were telling the truth.

  A long stone bridge led to two enormous double doors. Dark brown clouds surrounded the overpass as Veeran looked over one edge, seeing nothing. The other creatures were making their way to the doors, only to be caught up in seeing old friends.

  “Incredible,” he said aloud.

  Any doubt he had about Ilemuria and everything being a practical joke vanished from his mind. He was going in. He was a creature. Veeran excitedly let go of Roshna’s hand and took his first step forward.

  A loud thump followed as he fell flat on his face.

  He was lucky he was still wearing his hood to hide his embarrassment. He could hear some creatures coming toward him to help, but Roshna waved them away.

  “You’ll get used to that tail quickly,” said Roshna.

  Tail? thought Veeran.

  He quickly reached back and let out a small yelp to find a long tail coming out of his lower back. It was lucky he was wearing a big sweater to cover the hole in his pants. Veeran then saw his hands as he slowly got up. His skin was a crimson hue.

  Oh my god.

  He quickly tore off his suddenly tight shoes and saw hooves instead of his toes. His knees bent in a way he had never known possible. He reached to his face. He still had two eyes, a nose, and mouth.

  At least that’s normal.

  And then he touched the top of his head and felt something different.

  “Do not take your hood off just yet,” said Roshna. “Hide those horns.”

  Veeran pulled his hood even farther forward. I have horns!

  He turned to Roshna and saw the same version of her that had come out from the shadows not too long ago with a glowing horn in her hand and on her head. She beckoned to him to follow her to the gates, and Veeran was only too happy to oblige.

  His first step was awkward as his hooves clacked on the stone path, but he stayed upright. His next step was easier. With each and every step, something was happening to his feet.

  I don’t know where my feet end and the ground starts. He could almost feel the land pulsating beneath him.

  Are you breathing?

  “It’ll take a few minutes to fix that balance,” said Roshna. “I know it’s a lot right now, but stay close.”

  If Veeran had been able to see everything around him, he would have noticed the curious eyes. Some looked in small amusement, while others stared with an expression that would have been a bit too interested for his liking. Thankfully, most were so happy to be back in the land that they celebrated with their old friends.

  Picking up his pace and getting used to his new balance, Veeran ventured forward, keeping close to Roshna. He knew that she commanded respect, but the way the creatures moved to give her a path still astounded him. For the first time, he was truly grateful for her.

  “Did you say something, Roshna?” he asked suddenly. She shook her head.

  “I’ve read about those ears of yours.” She smiled.

  Veeran turned his head and realized he could pick up conversations from those who weren’t even beside him. It was as though they were whispering right in his ear..

  “I can hear everyone, but I don’t understand,” he said, suddenly nervous. Were they talking about him?

  “We’ll fix that soon.”

  The dusty clouds seemed to ignore the bridge in their vast cover. Maybe they’re being controlled, thought Veeran.

  “Here we are, the Great Vayil. The gates to Ilemuria,” Roshna exclaimed suddenly.

  Veeran had been so interested in the other creatures on the bridge that he had not noticed they had reached the end.

  “The first dragons built it so that only those with a creature gene can come through.”

  Carved at the top of the Great Vayil were dragons, clearly at their most powerful. Veeran could see the other creatures added throughout time etched into the stone for eternity. An entire civilization’s history was clearly written on these doors.

  Perhaps not an entire history, as Veeran suddenly noticed a giant black stain in one spot. He did not need to think any deeper as to why. The demons had not only been banished, but also erased from history.

  Several guards were placed in front of the Great Vayil. Even though Veeran towered over the one they were waiting for, he still felt intimidated. The guard put up a short, stubby finger, beckoning them forward. Veeran could not tell what sort of creature he was, and he sure was not going to ask. A few words were exchanged between the guard and Roshna when they got close enough, in a friendly tone that Veeran still couldn’t understand. She held out her hand, and the guard waved a thick piece of wood over it. A bright green light shone from Roshna’s fingers. He grunted his acceptance and tried to give her a gold ring, which she politely declined.

  Rather rudely, the guard turned his attention to Veeran and grunted again, eyeing him suspiciously up and down. Clearly, Veeran was not worthy of the same hospitality.

  Trembling, he raised his arm as the guard waved the block of wood over it. Astonishingly, Veeran’s hand glowed a bright red.

  The guard immediately grabbed Veeran’s hand and pulled him tightly forward. Terrified, Veeran could feel the creature’s breath upon his face. Even up close, the look of disgust on the guard’s face was evident.

  Roshna quickly separated the two and shouted at the guard, still maintaining her grace. He began to argue, and Veeran did not need to understand their words to know that he did not want to let him in. Roshna stomped her foot. The guard knew he was not going to be able to win against a member of the Council of Elders and grudgingly stepped aside. She grabbed a ring from his case and gave it to Veeran herself.

  “Put it on,” she said.

  Not wanting to cause any more trouble, Veeran put the ring on. It fit perfectly.

  “I cannot let you do this, Madam Roshna,” said the guard. Veeran didn’t question why he was now able to understand him. “We have been preparing for this day for many years. It is why they put us trolls in charge of manning the gate. We were warned that they might come back, and look! He’s a menace, trying to sneak in under disguise.”

  “He is un
der my clan,” Roshna calmly countered.

  “He is not a unicorn. Clans must be of their own creatures.”

  “Strangely enough, I’ve studied our amendments, and not once does it say anything about clans needing to be of the same creature. We are all Ilemurians. Veeran here, yes, please, take down his name on attendance, is a member of the unicorn clan.”

  There were other trolls turning to see what was causing all the commotion. Veeran wished they would look away.

  “Balaraj would never accept this,” the troll proclaimed.

  “It’s a good thing that I’m the clan leader then,” Roshna responded coldly. It was clear she was running out of patience.

  The troll was furious but nodded and let them through. Veeran braved a look behind and saw an abundance of curious creatures trying to see what was causing the holdup. He chanced another look at the guard. He was an older gentleman, clearly having visited this world for many years. His deep mistrust and loathing could have bored a hole through Veeran’s mind, and he immediately looked away.

  For you, Ammama, he thought.

  The Great Vayil loomed before them, doors slightly ajar. Just enough to allow the creatures back home.

  Veeran shyly followed closely behind the unicorn leader, who did not break her regal manner.

  “Thanks,” he said shyly.

  “I got your back,” Roshna said.

  I hope I can have yours.

  Together they stepped through the Great Vayil into the land of Ilemuria.

  CHAPTER 7

  ***

  I t was a good thing that by then Veeran was used to being shocked.

  “Welcome to the market village, or as it’s more famously known, Kiramam Square,” Roshna announced.

  Veeran was thankful that it looked so busy and no one paid him any mind. Creatures of all sorts were shuffling into what looked like different shops. His new hooves clacked across the stone path that led to a massive fountain that stood in what could only be the middle of the square. An intricate dragon statue perched at its top, spewing fire into the bright sky.

  The different Ilemurians were engaged in boisterous discussions, and Veeran was amazed that he was now able to understand.

  “Think I’m finally going to enter the race competition this year.”

  “The merpeople really want to be back on the council, I hear. Been over fifty years.”

  “You think anyone will be able to take down the dragons in the battle games?

  “I’m still struggling with your ackal. Are you an orc or a troll?”

  “I’m a bloody ogre!”

  Veeran hurried up to view the beautiful stonework on the fountain. There were strange markings all around that he couldn’t make out.

  If I didn’t know any better, this looks like text.

  Pulling his eyes away, he examined the shops closely. The same strange text adorned the signs at another store, which had books piled in the windows. What looked like a coffee shop was near the entrance of the Great Vayil, but why was there smoke coming out of the drinks? A boisterous scene unfolded next to it, drawing disapproving looks from the coffee shop owner. Maybe it was some sort of pub. The clinks of glass were loud and frequent as the Ilemurians celebrated their return.

  A few creatures were leaving another store, Veeran noticed, with garments slung across their shoulders. He was suddenly aware of how odd he must look in his human clothes. Cloaks, robes, and gowns seemed to be the norm here. There was even someone who looked like he was wearing battle armor.

  “Here,” said Roshna, pushing a small bag into Veeran’s hand. “Go to the clothing store and get some comfortable clothes for yourself.”

  Veeran was suddenly aware that he had not come with any money.

  “Wait, I can’t take this. How can I pay it back? And where are you going?” he asked.

  “The money is from our unicorn clan fund. Do not worry. I budget very well. I need to meet the council,” Roshna explained. “We have things to discuss.”

  Veeran knew exactly what things she was talking about.

  “What if something happens or someone recognizes I’m not one of the expected clans?”

  “They’ll hear from me,” said Roshna. “However, I do like to partner my new arrivals with some of my top clan members, sort of like a mentor program. I know exactly who you would get along well with. I will send him over shortly.”

  “Where is he now? Will he be a while?”

  Roshna looked at the pub. “Depends how far into the party he is.”

  Veeran looked down at his small stack of coins. “Okay,” he said gratefully.

  He resisted the temptation to tell her to come back quickly. A grown man by his standards in the human world, he still had his independence and pride to look out for. He knew he couldn’t rely on Roshna for everything.

  Having finally figured out his balance, he made his way to the clothing store, still in complete awe of where he was and what was happening. Busy as Kiramam Square was, a few creatures did turn their heads but paid him no mind. Veeran quietly stepped into the shop, which was thankfully not crowded.

  *

  Roshna subtly glanced behind herself to make sure Veeran entered the clothing store without any trouble. Even though she was a long-standing council member and clan leader, anxiety still raged across all of her decisions. She found the best way to help was to have complete focus on her tasks.

  “Never thought you would be one to join our first-day celebrations, Madam Roshna,” said an old centaur when she walked into the pub.

  “Apologies; I’m only here to find someone,” she responded politely. “I’ll be in and out without disturbing too much of your party.”

  It had been years since Ilemuria had been open, and they all deserved a chance to let loose. Eyes scanning the many pub patrons, she found exactly who she was looking for.

  A young unicorn was gripping the edge of a table, facing three dwarves. Several ogres and orcs watching on excitedly.

  “Stand down, young one,” said one dwarf. “You would not be able to keep up with us.”

  “Bring it on!” he shouted.

  A bartender strolled by and casually placed ten small glasses on their table, five in front of each side. Some were bubbling, others were billowing smoke, and another looked like it was about to explode.

  “Ten gold coins he doesn’t make it to the third drink,” an ogre whispered to an orc, who quickly refused.

  “Ready!” shouted one of the dwarf’s friends. “Three...two…”

  “If I may…” Roshna interrupted.

  “Of course, Madam Roshna,” said the dwarf, who clearly respected her.

  “I knew you’d be here, Aaryav,” she said to the young unicorn, not unkindly.

  “It–it’s not what it looks like!” he stammered. A drink toppled over, and the mead started to flow off the table and onto his hooves. Aaryav kept still.

  “I’m sure it’s not,” Roshna responded, choosing to ignore the still flowing drink. “I have a job for you, and I’d rather hope you would be sober for it.”

  “Of course! Anything for you.”

  “Saved by your leader, young one,” laughed the dwarf.

  Roshna quickly turned to face the laughing creature, who immediately put on a serious expression.

  “I am not one to look down on these festivities. You all deserve to celebrate being back, but I do wish you would not impose your way on the young and impressionable.”

  The dwarf stood his ground. “You might want to double-check if you can trust this one for whatever it is you need him to do. He’s been talking about the race games and how he’s going to win. He can hardly concentrate on holding his pint, let alone stay afloat a whole race.”

  “I can’t think of anyone else I’d rather have.”

  The unicorn leader beckoned to Aaryav to follow her, and he gladly followed. Before they left, Roshna turned around, grabbed a drink still on the table, and downed it one gulp.

  “Don’t talk
down on my boys,” she said with a smile, turning elegantly and walking away. She slipped some coins on the table to pay the bartender for the drinks, enjoying the shocked impressions she left on everyone’s faces.

  Thoroughly impressed, Aaryav followed her out, trying to dry his hooves along the way.

  “Sorry about that,” he said a little sheepishly. “They were getting to me.”

  “You might not be able to control someone else’s behavior, but you can control how you react to it.”

  A little embarrassed, Aaryav kicked a nearby rock away. It went farther than he thought and struck an ogre. He turned and stared down Aaryav with a rather annoyed look.

  “Sorry,” he muttered as the ogre walked away, still looking back.

  Guilt etched across his face, Roshna put a comforting arm on his shoulder.

  “Still want to partner up and mentor a new member of our clan? Show him the ropes?” she Roshna.

  Aaryav could not believe his ears. “For sure! You know I’ve always wanted to. I can teach him all the ropes. Thank you!”

  He had all the enthusiasm in the world, a trait that Roshna loved deeply. The young unicorn was always looking for a way to bring glory to their clan.

  “Great,” she replied. “I’ve been saving a special case just for you.”

  “Doesn’t matter who it is. Where is he?”

  “At the clothing shop, just over there. His name is Veeran.”

  “What are we waiting for?”

  Before Roshna could continue, Aaryav raced away.

  “Wait!” she shouted.

  Before she could follow, a lock of hair floated down to her, landing in her hands. She held it up to her ear, listening carefully.

  “Emergency council meeting at the embassy starting soon. Need you here now.”

  It was Karnan’s voice. She looked longingly as Aaryav entered the shop.

  Turning swiftly, she rushed to the embassy.

  “I must be out of my mind,” she thought out loud.

  *

  Aaryav tore open the door so quickly that it nearly broke off its hinges. The store owner, a leprechaun, was quickly at his side.