A strange conversation with a demon

The next day, you’re walking to the cafe indicated in the letter. As requested, you’re alone. Maya and Elys wanted to hide nearby in case you needed help, but you asked them to stay and protect Anna and Lynn, since they were not as strong as the rest. Even Sadie agreed to help protect your home while you were gone.

Approaching the cafe, you see a rather slight figure in a hooded jacket sitting at a table near the back. You assume that this is Kali, and make your way over. You sit at the table, and they don’t react for a moment. After what feels like a long time, they look up. In the depths of their hood, all you can see is a pair of red eyes.

“It looks like you’re alone,” she says, in a surprisingly melodious voice, “a good decision. A good way to stay healthy.”

“You’re the infamous Kali, I assume. Take the hood off, I won’t be speaking with someone I can’t see.”

There’s another long pause, before delicate hands reach up and pull down the hood. You get your first look at your antagonist, and you’re slightly taken aback. It turns out that she’s quite pretty! Light blue skin and dark purple hair, with black pinned red eyes, and framed by horns that in no way detract from her admittedly devilish beauty. And...maybe you’re seeing things, but you think you see a slight blush on her cheeks.

“I am Kali, daughter of the demon lord, and you will treat me with the respect I deserve, mageling. I am here because you have something I need, and wasting my resources on fighting you has been...counterproductive.”

You nod. “Sending minions to be killed or captured does seem wasteful. However, I don’t take threats against me or my family lightly. You obviously know I grow stronger every day, I will defend my girls with everything I have.”

Kali scoffs, giving you a sidelong look. “Family? Your little harem of misfits and outcasts? Why would you risk yourself for them?”

You sigh, wondering what this line of questions is about. “I imagine demons don’t understand compassion or affection that well. My girls are family, and family protects each other.”

Kali just stares at you for a moment. Shaking her head, she continues. “Fine. It’s not relevant. You have something I need, human. And I find myself under a bit of time pressure now, so I’ll be short about it. I need you to empower a portal for me. I need you and the goblin to do it. What would it take to get your help?”

You raise an eyebrow at her. “As I understand it, Lynn could be hurt or killed by this. There’s no world where I accept that. Also, what do you gain from empowering the portal?”

“I gain access to this world to recruit and expand for my father’s realm. He has no interest here other than a source of power. Without an empowered portal I am stuck here.”

“And why do you want to feed his power? Why did you choose to come here if you knew it could be a one way trip?”

Kali looks away, eyes growing distant. “I need to prove I’m not a weakling. I need to prove my human half doesn’t taint me. I have to be stronger than my sisters...why am I telling you this? Ugh, just serve your purpose, human! Fine, I will personally assure the safety of the goblin.”

Kali crosses her arms, refusing to make eye contact. You hear her take a shuddering breath, and watch her visibly collect herself.

You lean forward, and she quietly gasps, eyes going wide. “I’m sorry, Kali. Your father is exactly the kind of creature I can’t support. I’ve heard stories, from the AWIO and from my girls. His realm in the old world is full of slavery, misery and ****. Other places might not be perfect, but the demon lord lives up to his name, it sounds like his realm is hell for everyone but himself. Like I’ve told my girls, I believe everyone deserves the chance to feel happy and safe. And you can’t find happiness at the expense of others, happiness comes from sharing that happiness with others...”

You trail off, finding Kali staring at you. Her mouth slightly open, you see something in her eyes you didn’t expect to see. She almost looks...****? Hopeful? What is going on here? What is she looking for but not finding?

She seems to collect herself again, and she clenches her hands into fists. Taking a deep breath, the steel enters her eyes again. “So you’re determined to be my enemy?”

“I’m determined to protect the people I care about. If that means I have to fight you, so be it. I would rather not, after our short conversation you don’t seem evil, just misguided and used by someone worse. I think you don’t realize that you’re being taken advantage of, but it’s not my place to fix every wrong. If you attack us, we will fight back, and the only way that ends is tragedy for someone. Thank you for attempting to be peaceful, Kali. I think this is the end of our meeting. If you have more to say, you know where to find me.”

With that, you stand and move to leave. Kali stays seated, staring at the empty chair. As you leave, you glance back, surprised to see her with her head in her hands. If you didn’t know any better, you’d think the demon girl was crying. You turn away and head out the door. You need to prepare, there isn’t time to worry about the condition of someone determined to attack you.