Demona: Darkening Skies

The gargoyle hesitates as she approaches the lone stone building in Riverbend. How long has it been since I went to a church like this?

Her thoughts are interrupted by a man exiting the church, flinching when he spots her. "Ah! Sorry, sorry... I'm still getting used to..."

"Things changing quickly?" She chuckles, rubbing the back of her head. "You're not the only one. Can you please point me in the direction of the local priest?"

The man blinks and gulps. "Um..." He clears his throat as he composes himself, taking a moment before staring down the gargoyle. "That would be me."

"Woah there, priest. I don't mean any harm. You see, I'm Demona, and I'm on guard duty tonight, so I wanted to ask if I could use the church as a roost." She points up to the steep roof. "Gargoyles can't fly forever, so it's good to have a spot to keep watch from."

He looks up, then inside the church, before saying under his breath: "Goddess forgive me." He nods. "I will allow it tonight, but ask me again tomorrow, after I consult Ramel."

"I'll make sure to do that first thing tomorrow night." Demona nods. "Sleep well." She takes a few steps back before beginning to flap her wings, slowly lifting off the ground and rising. She circles the church several times as she goes higher and higher, eventually landing on the stone steeple. "Good old perching..." Did he say Ramel? I thought this was a temple to Korbal... Things keep changing... She gazes out across the village. Town's a lot smaller than back in the day...

Demona lands on the steeple, knocking off a few shingles. "My king, the humans are retreating to Recuan."

The devil takes off his helmet as he gazes across the expansive town from the balcony. "Let them run. Guide all remaining citizens to the church."

"Yes, sir." She lets go and begins gliding down.

. . .

The king exits the church tower, walking down the aisle of fearful onlookers as devils, therians, and other soldiers line the walls. There are maybe a hundred already here, and even more being corralled in by the minute. He climbs the two steps to the altar and gazes up to the stained glass. "Forgive me, Korbal."

Demona approaches from the side. "Sir, we're still searching, but it seems that this is all that's left."

"Thank you, Captain." He turns to address the mass of people. "I understand you all are afraid. I understand you all think we're going to imprison you and **** and **** you to our hearts' content." He pauses. "I am Demon King Adalbaal. I will personally ensure that doesn't happen...on one condition: one maiden must take the place of the rest of you. One of you must willingly be imprisoned to save your family, your friends, and the entire town. I will not pretend it is a luxurious experience, but on my word as Demon King, you will be the only one taken. The rest of you will be allowed to live your lives as normal, albeit under my dominion. You have one hour to contemplate your decision." He walks down the aisle again, and from the back of the entryway, before he enters the steeple, he speaks again. "I would recommend not trying to fight your way out of this. My army is prepared to kill any that resist."

. . .

Demona lands on the steeple roof again. "My king, the humans have chosen their tribute."

His stoic face unchanging, he continues gazing out across Riverbend. "Was there a volunteer, or did the group **** someone to become the tribute?"

"The group, sir. A young woman who some claim to have been a sympathizer...her own family were the first to offer her up."

He nods, closing his eyes. "And they claim us to be the monsters... Lead her up here."

. . .

The gargoyle lightly pushes the woman, the king now in sight.

"Tell me, maiden. What do you see when you gaze upon your home?" His voice, despite booming through the church before, is soft as he speaks to his new ****.

With another push, she cautiously approaches, gazing out across the large town. "I-I see...houses?"

"I see cowards. I see traitors. I see those who would rather send an unwilling maiden to a fate worse than **** than volunteer themselves to save their families." His soft voice betrays anger before he takes a breath. "What is your name, maiden?"

"...Mara..."

"Mara..." Adalbaal finally turns to look at her. "A beautiful name for someone who does not belong amongst the rabble of humanity." Reaching out a hand, he continues. "You did not choose this fate for yourself, Mara, so I will grant you a second chance to choose. Bend to the whim of your home and become a ****, or join me, and become one of the monsters you've been taught to despise."

After a few moments, Mara takes his hand.

Demona blinks, gazing back onto the small village of Riverbend. 'Become one of the monsters'... I wonder if that has anything to do with Dusk's situation... She sighs. Adalbaal... I could use your advice right now...