Yuu:
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The trees here are incredibly full, and I'm rather thankful for that. Otherwise, I doubt I'd be getting very far without their shade. Regardless, the heat in the air did make me feel more tired than my party. I tried my best to keep my spirits high, so there isn't two grumpy people around.

What is it with angry people that they can walk so damn fast? Ryan was always ten steps ahead of us, and the rest of us struggled to keep up. He kept his arms crossed over his chest like a moody teenager.

"Something wrong?" I dare prodded.

He gritted his teeth, "I get why we have to bring the elf. I get why we have to bring the elf's boyfriend, but why do we have to bring the elf's boyfriend's brother?"

Quite frankly, I don't understand why Vinny decided to tag along, either. He seems on the reserved side. In regards to new people, at least. He speaks to his brother and Yuu in a far different fashion than how he timidly addresses me. I've yet to see the boy fight either. Perhaps separation from his big brother scared him more than entering the home of a demon lord.

"Do you want Kuza healed or not?" I said.

Ryan groaned, "When the Master gets pissed, the blame's on you. He likes his privacy."

"Demon lord or not, he can't have a double standard like that. He sends Kuza out to spy on everyone else, their village included. But, yeah, if he gets mad, I'll take responsibility, if that'll make you happy."

He didn't give me acknowledgement in return. This was my plan to begin with. I don't see why he needed to clarify that, outside of just being a dick. Well, at least everyone else is pleasant. Over the course of our journey, I got to learn a lot about my new friends.

Ezra told me his story, and it was one I was grateful to hear. He's lived a rich and eventful life, though he chooses to act incredibly humble about it. I've always enjoyed hearing goodhearted people tell their tales. Throughout my many years on Earth, I'd often times volunteer at homes, hospitals, and events for veterans to hear their stories. It helped fill time for me, which is something I have an abundance of as an immortal creature, and it kept me grounded. Listening to Ezra reminded me of those times.

I learned that there are six seasons here—The usual four, between fall and winter rested ashe, and between spring and summer rested vida. Though that is part of the reason why their years stretch so long, it's mainly because the seasons last far longer. Ashe and vida only last two months, while every other season lasts eight months. Because of this, children born in either unique seasons were often considered special.

Not only was Ezra born on a sacred holiday in the height of ashe, but he went on to survive a historically harsh winter that should've killed an infant. Because of this, his people believed him to be destined for greatness. When he was just a young boy, he was sent away to a temple to train. A year in, Vinny joined him there. Vinny, apparently, was nothing special, but he was having trouble being away from his brother. I thought only dogs got separation anxiety.

Vinny struggled to keep up, but never once was Ezra annoyed or angry with him. He always treated him with kindness and provided guidance. When Vinny would fail, Ezra wouldn't move on. He'd pause his own training to make sure his little brother wasn't left behind. I can't say I've ever known any humans who were that loving.

After five years at the temple, they returned home, where they reside to this day. Often, Ezra would leave for weeks at a time. He'd journey into nearby countries and take on job requests from anyone in need of a warrior. The jobs could range from delivering packages, defeating monsters, protecting royals, retrieving treasures, you name it. From time to time, when he was looking to pick up less dangerous work, he would take Vinny with him. They'd use the money they'd made to buy supplies and even luxuries for their village.

Of course, his adventuring came to a screeching halt one day. A nobleman, who was a loyal customer, placed an urgent request. The nobleman himself was married to a beautiful moon elf. Though she hadn't returned to her home in years, she grew concerned for her family when word spread of a warlord attacking her kind. Ezra didn't encounter the warlord himself, but laid waste to many of his men. He helped relocate the village somewhere hidden, and even lent them a hand in performing a grand protection ritual.

Despite the relocation and spells, the village leader worried greatly for his heir's safety. He had no money to offer, so he set aside his pride and begged Ezra help purely out of the kindness of his heart. "I told him there was no need to beg." Ezra said, "Yuu was the most breathtaking creature I'd ever seen. Getting to bask in his beauty every day was reward enough. Of course, I didn't tell his father that part." He laughed, going on to explain, he took Yuu back to his village a few years ago. It wasn't long before a romantic relationship developed, and they've been deeply in love ever since.

Vinny seemed to go suspiciously quiet when Ezra was talking about Yuu. I'm going to go 'head and guess he's jealous someone else gets his brother's attention now. Well, maybe the kid needs a chance to break free and get some life experiences detached from his guardian. He's grown enough.

When we finally reached the castle, Ryan so crudely told me he was going to take a bath and I had to see this through. You know, I'm the one fucking the Master now, and in these situations, they tend to listen to their lover over anyone else. He really should attempt to be nicer to me than this.

Anyways, I gave Ezra and Vinny my room to stay in. Ezra, naturally, wasn't too happy to leave Yuu alone. I'll try my best to make this quick. Ricky wasn't in Kuza's room, nor was Kuza. I instead found him in his own bedroom. He'd given Kuza his bed, while he worked in the adjoining room—The one with the glass coffin table and chase lounge.

Without looking up from the papers clutching in his hand, he addressed me, "I recall explaining to you how I value my seclusion and privacy. So, why, pray tell, have you brought strangers into my home?"

I gestured to Yuu, "He can heal Kuza. The other two came along because they were a little concerned about letting him visit a guy named Demon Lord God of Shadows. Understandably so."

Ricky glanced up over the edge of his pages, narrowing his eyes at me. His stare lingered a moment longer than was comfortable. "I've decided I don't like vampires. You're as fragile as mortal humans, but you're not as fearful as them. Which means, you're not afraid to talk back to me. I don't like it."

"Hey, even demon lords need someone to give them shit every one and awhile. Keeps you grounded." I replied.

A sigh left his mouth. Ricky tossed the papers down as he stood up. He approached Yuu so calmly, I was a little taken back by his next move. His hand swiftly grabbed a chunk of the elf's hair, pulling his head down. Yuu reached his hand back, guiding his long hair out of the way. He must've known what Ricky was looking for. On the back of his next, there was a small pearl embedded in his skin.

"I'll be damned." He released his grip, pointing to the bed. "Go, now. Before I change my mind."

Yuu scurried off into the next room to begin treating Kuza. I wonder how much worse his condition has gotten in the few days it took us to retrieve a solution. Well, at least he'll be okay now.

"That was a little harsh." I said.

"You've got a lot to learn about this place." Ricky replied, "Witches like to pose as beautiful creatures like elves to sneak their way into places like this. You can tell an elf is real if they have a gem on the back of their neck. Witches can't fake that."

"Still, with the threats. He didn't have to agree to help us."

Ricky just stared back at me with contempt. He pulled a cigarette out of thin air and placed it between his lips, lighting it with fire from his own fingertips. "I'll think about being nice after he helps Kuza. There's a meal for you in the dungeon. Go eat. You're grey."

I glanced down at my hands, seeing I was starting to turn the wrong shade of pale. Ricky is kind, in his own weird way. I can't explain it, but I have trouble seeing him as a bad person. His soul is powerful and dark, yes, but those two things don't make someone evil.

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a/n: what would you guys like to see happen next?