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Chapter 2

Chirping. The morning birds chattered nearby on the windowsill. Their sweet melody floated in on the gentle breeze through the open window. The song danced around the gold and emerald painted room. In bed slept a figure nestled in the duvet and safely tucked away in a dreamworld. Bookcases lined the bedroom walls broken up only by a ornate mahogany writing desk. A tome lay open revealing its secrets, a leftover from the previous nights adventures. Next to the book lay a stack of school books and a pile of parchment, a half emptied bottle of ink and a quill beside it. Yesterday's homework already finished and prepared for the coming day.

A noise from downstairs echoed and the two birds on the windowsill fluttered off to sing somewhere else. The nestled figure shuffled slightly. The noise threatening to stir it from a deep slumber. More noise as crashing could be heard from downstairs followed by the sound of a smashed glass. A deep rumbling followed and then stopped. The sleeping figure jumped out of bed in alarm revealing a black furred wolf. A silver crescent moon mark shining through the dark fur on his back.

Ruby pupil-less eyes stretched wide in panic as his features still grasped at sleep. Senses regained the bipedal wolf knocked open the door to his room and bounded down the wooden stairs in a flurry. Jumping the last step he dived into the kitchen and nearly fell over a Fawna kneeling on the floor. Broken glass littered the oak paneled flooring. Hurriedly hiding something that had been strewn on the floor, the (herbivore) rose with a long sigh. The Fawna towered a full foot over the black furred wolf despite this the gentlest smile graced his features.

"Morning goof ball" A rich hearty voice boomed out from the Fawna as he greeted the wolf. Kicking some of the glass out of the way the broad shouldered male (herb) gestured to the dinner table. Upon it a full plate of cooked ham lay smoking next to a cup of orange juice. "Made breakfast. Should keep you going till lunch eh?"

"Cheers Alex!" Tearing into the meat, the wolf sat down upon the seat Alex pointed to. Both Fawna and Demon feasted in relative silence. The bustling noise of a town filtered in through the broken window as they ate. "So, kids again?" Questioned Shadow.

"Hmm?" Alex's ears perked at the question. his features carefully hidden behind a piping mug of coffee.

"The brick that was thrown through the window Alex. The one in your pocket?" Shadow's piercing gaze fixed on Alex's unflinching.

"Your eyes are far too bloody keen for your own good sometimes you know that?"

"One of the few perks of these red eyes mate. Although it does have its downsides..." Shadow's voice faded off as he gazed out the broken window.

"I'm just surprised they haven't run out of bricks after all the windows they've broken." Alex chortled as he removed the brick from his pocket and placed it down on the table. "Next time I'll toss this back at them and we'll see how they like it."

"And I'm the demon!" Sighing, knowing full well he would follow through with his threat. Shadow returned to his breakfast as the kitchen was filled once more with joyful slurps and gulps.

Fully dressed and ready for the day, Shadow ran down the stairs two at a time. Alex stood there waiting by the front door. He wore a suit of plated chain mail armor. The standard outfit of the town guard. His sheathed blade attached at the hip, a small curved wooden bow and sheathed sword were held in each hand. His trademark grin plastered his face.

"All set kid?" Alex questioned, tossing the sword and bow at Shadow as he hit the last stair. Nodding the minute demon caught the weapons and fastened them to his belt, the bow slung over his shoulder. Grabbing a small quiver of arrows from the bin beside the door, he was all set.The duo left the house ready for the day. Shadow breaking off from Alex to go to school while his vulpine guardian set off for his job of protecting the town.

The bustling crowd filled the main street of Ristiga as they all carried out their duties whether it be shopping or traveling to work. Large ornate statues dotted the street as Shadow kept to himself blending in with the crowd. His hooded face hiding his identity in the relative safety of the green cloak he wore. The ornate statues were reminders of the great war that happened a few hundred years ago. They bore the likeness of many heroes who gave their lives against the demon threat.

A grim reminder of the threat Shadow's race were to the Fawna that lived here. Unfortunately this did not make it easy on the young demon who now strode beneath their shadows. He always drew the ire of the city folk towards him due to his heritage. For a city of artisans and peaceful folk, they held onto a deep rooted fear of demons that still held merit with the many towns that fell to their raiding parties.

Not everything was all sadness and gloom however. This could be seen in the beaming faces of many of the stall owners and folk who shopped at the various stalls set up through the street. Hope and happiness still remained in the light in their eyes and this gave Shadow joy. He dreamed that one day he could smile with them in the bright sunlight of the day and just enjoy their company without having to worry about his own safety.

The throng of passerby's in the street soon became filled with the khaki and green uniforms that Shadow bore beneath his cloaked as he neared his destination. The combat and training academy of Ristiga came into view at the very end of the main street. It's symbol of a mace and book symbolised the stance of knowledge of fighting and intelligence that the people of this city believed in.

The many hundred students that inhabited this school filled the streets as they journeyed towards the large decorative black gates of the school. Stepping into the city square Shadow passed by the largest statue in the city. This one a dedication to the greatest hero of Risgrawl. The Arbiter of Creation, the hero who led Risgrawl against the demonic army. His shimmering black armor emblazoned with a crescent moon. The bright smile the statue bore shone over the people of the city a reminder to what he gave his life for. He was one of four deity like heroes who protected this world in the past, one who's very name was known to all.

Despite this knowledge many of the students simply walked by this statue and into the school which stood behind the statue at the other end of the square. The statue was simply another decoration on the street as each day they saw it and each day it just became a passing thought in their mind. As the bells of the school rang out in the square, the students quickened their pace and journeyed by the gates.

The chiming bells signaling the start to another day of learning for these students. Shadow kept pace same as them passing the statue and offering silent thanks in place of the students around him. Alex had always thought him to honour the memories of those who had left this world as they usually had the most to lose at the time and seldom didn't leave those who still needed them behind.

Crossing passed the large walls of the schools perimeter, Shadow passed through the dual oaken doors of the school. The hallways lined with lockers for each student. They held most of the students bags and books for study in class as well as a holding place for any of their weapons for practice and safety. Today it just marked another day of study and silent oppression as the lone demon ignored those around him and journeyed to class.

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"Now class I know it may not seem important but the events that led to this day can teach us a lot. It may not be so clear but everything that led to this point in time, can teach us how to deal with the problems in the world. For instance the demonic invasion three hundred years ago didn't just happen over night. It because with many small raids that took down smalls towns and villages. This built up to the point where even bigger towns began to fall. Eventually the kingdom of Mindar was evacuated of Fawna as it was too dangerous to have towns there anymore. People retreated to bigger cities and towns in other kingdoms such as ours and Astin." Their history teacher instructed, she was an older hare who had been here teaching for many years.

"Why didn't they fight back rather than just running? Demons aren't that tough from what I've seen" One of Shadow's classmates interrupted her, choosing to glare at Shadow as he did. The male Mastiff Fawna always tried to make an issue of putting Shadow down at every opportunity. Ignoring him was usually the best option. Derek usually liked when someone fought back against his bullying.

"Well although that thing is a demon we believe he is a runt of the litter so to speak. Most demons have skin and bones that are as tough as steel and a pain endurance to match. They can hit stronger and take more damage than any Fawna. It is best to avoid fighting one on one at all costs. If you can read the chapter on the battle for Mindar. You will discover that just through the sheer power and destructive strength of the demons, even the arbiter's armies fell under the onslaught. Leading to them leaving Mindar just after retaking it. Never underestimate an opponent no matter how strong or weak they may seem. If that is the only lesson you will learn from me then I'd be happy." Miss Eldritch responded to the inquire. Apart from the insult at the part, Shadow at least agreed with the final lesson. It was one Alex thought him from an early age. In his mind however Alex was the better teacher anyway.

The class continued in much the same way with random intervals of questions thrown in. Ignoring the usual insults thrown his way Shadow simply waited till the bell rang. Passing the time by rereading the history textbook that had already been read five times previous by the small demon. Reading was a useful way to pass time and escape the boring classes, especially when Alex had already thought him most of the material already. The rest he had already picked up from a book.

The bell rang out above the drone of Miss Eldritch, signaling the end of the school day. Shadow leaped from his seat, grabbing his bag and books and went for his locker as most classmates were just packing away their apparel. Cloak once more fastened and hood up, he journeyed through the throng of students at a quickened pace. Outside the crowd once more welcomed him and he was one with the hustle and bustle of the city once more.

Arriving at the meeting point without incident, Shadow was pleased to see Alex gazing out at the plains in the distance. The city wall usually was the best scenic view in the city, whether you wished to gaze over the plains and forest in the distance or to gaze upon the town in its entirety. This particular spot was a favourite of both Shadow and his guardian as it was too far away from the busy streets and the city guard only seldom dropped by on the wall watch.

Alex looked distracted. Shadow tried his luck. He crept up without so much as a sound and hunkered down just behind the herbivore. With a subtle flick of his hands he undid the clasp on Alex's quiver and loosened it slowly. When his work was done he fell back and sat on the wall with the city behind him. Eyes on the quiver as it slowly slipped down from Alex's waist. The quiet laughing tipped off Alex as he spun around just as the quiver fell to the ground with a soft thud. The herbivore simply sighed in exasperation then grinned once he saw the mirth it brought to a certain demon.

"It's a good thing you are not a thief, the mischief you'd cause would be something else. How was your classes? Nobody gave you hassle today?" He questioned, his unblinking gaze looking for any slight hesitance in tone or voice. Honesty was always best with Alex. He had a way with finding out when you weren't.

"Nah just the usual crap, "Omg a demon how terrible!" You know the usual stupidity." Shadow joked imitating the many students and teachers responses to him. "You'd think they would have learned by now that I don't want to hurt them."

Alex simply gazed at him before returning to gaze at the forest to the north. The quiver forgotten on the floor. A slight look of sadness took hold of him as he gazed into the branched arms of the forest. It was gone as soon as it appeared and instead he turned and faced Shadow, leaning back against the parapets of the wall with his arms crossed against his chest.

"They'll come around eventually when they see the goodness in you I see everyday." Alex grinned menacingly after saying this, one of his hands bawled into a fist as he pounded it into his open hand. "Until then I'll beat the crap out of anyone who says otherwise!"

"You were doing such a good job of being sentimental there too. I'll make sure to warn them before you can get your hands on them then. Don't want you to get arrested on me Alex. Then who will I have to prank." Shadow smiled back appreciated the sentiment behind his joking at the same time.

"They can't arrest the captain of the guard. Who else would want this position?" He retorted before breaking into laughter once more. His demon companion shaking his head to his attitude.

"You're hopeless Alex, I wonder who takes care of whom sometimes." Shadow smiled slightly at his elder's antics. "When we heading off?"

"Good to go." Alex commented as he readjusted and fixed his quiver. He gestured over the wall to the ground outside of the city. "Want to try it?"

"I don't think accidentally killing the captain of the guard is a good idea, you can get this one." Shadow joked before the duo vaulted off the wall in unison. Below stone slabs jutted out from the wall at Alex's whim and formed a staircase down to the soft grassy dirt below. The pair dashing off towards the forest at a jog.

Once beneath the emerald canopy of the forest they slowed to a halt deciding to walk at a leisurely pace through the dense foliage. Alex led them onwards as the forest began to get more dense the further they walked. Within an hour they came to a large clearing with sunlight just peering over the western summit of trees. Large think base trees circled the clearing, many gashes and slashes dotting their thick bark. Several dead trees littered the clearing., their trunks cut cleanly in two. The duo's secret training grounds.

"Alright then lets get down to business! Few stretches then come at me!" Alex beamed as he dropped the bag he was carrying on the base of a chopped down tree. From the gray leather bag he pulled some wooden training swords and a shield for himself. Tossing a sword at Shadow as he was stretching, he took a fighting stance with a foot forward and shield raised. He smirked at Shadow from behind the shield, taunting him to come forward.

Without hesitation Shadow leaped at Alex with the practice sword outright, his strike aimed for the area just to the side of the shield beneath his raised sword. With a deft swish of his wrist the herbivore parried the sword causing it to smack harmlessly against his metallic shield. Using the force of the hit Shadow went into a roll getting behind Alex in a split second. His blade struck outwards towards his lower back. A solid wall of stone rose from the ground and blocked his sword. Alex looked from over his should and smirked as Shadow backed away and took a defensive stance.

"Magic really? Thought we were just practising!" Growled the demon a slight quickening to his breathing.

"You use all the tools at your advantage ya goof. Nothing is unfair in a fight. Now come at me like you mean it or you'll never hit me!" The (herb) resumed his stance facing his demon student once more. He gestured again still smiling.

Growling in response, Shadow struck forward determined to break through his defense. Repeating blows, switching targets. Slowly but surely as the sun moved through the sky, Shadow's moves became smoother and struck quicker. Alex sped up in response his counter-blows and blocks parrying every strike and lunge. Sweat matting their fur the duo clashed forward. Sword pressed against shield. Both struggled air into their lungs.

Pulling back Shadow struck forward with all his strength. A sliver of dark swirling energy drew forth from his arms and coated the blade of the wooden sword. It met with the solid steel of Alex's shield. Like a bread knife through butter, the energy coated sword slashed the shield the metal warping and cracking around the gash. The steel no match for the raw destruction of the energy coating the blade as it pierced through the shield and grazed Alex's arm.

With a cry of pain Alex threw the shield from him quickly. The metal quickly being consumed by the dark swirling magic. A slight wisp of the same magic wafted from a small graze on Alex' arm. Blood dripping through the furred arm in a deep hue matting the hair on his arm. The skin and fur on his arm burning away into nothing as the magic consumed it. Shadow cried out in shock throwing his weapon to the ground. All frustration leaving his face in an instant as he rushed to his mentor who had fallen to the ground in shock. At Shadow's command the magic dissipated leaving a matted blood and a cauterized gash on Alex' arm. The fur now gone in the area around the injury.

"Oh damnit Alex I'm so sorry it just slipped out!" Shadow gasped looking over the wound he had caused, ruby eyes glistening with tears threatening to fall. At his words the vulpine burst out in deep bellowing laughter. Birds suddenly flew off from their perches at the sudden outburst to quieter branches.

"You fool I wanted you too! Can't force you to use magic if I don't push you right?" Alex smirked once again the pain gone from his features. His brown hair waved in the gentle forest breeze. Eye to eye with his student once more he smiled. The kind of smile you feel inside. One filled with pure warmth and joy. "Now I know, if you are pushed and I mean really pushed. This magic can help you Shadow. Hopefully it can even save your life or with any luck, someone else also."

"But I hurt you! I can't do this to anyone, let alone those I care about. This magic can only destroy Alex and I don't want to destroy anything like that!" Eye's dripping suddenly overcoming the dam. The tears slowly fell to the ground soaking into the soil. Alex's soft gaze fell on Shadow, outstretching an arm he took the young demon's head and brought it to his shoulder. Shadow shook slightly as he sniffed and embraced his guardian's hug. Tears now falling on the comforting arms of a loved one.

"I won't always be there kiddo. To survive you need to use every tool at your disposal, Your magic is a tool. It obeys you. It's not something to be afraid of but something to use to defend yourself and embrace. You can't turn away from a part of yourself Shadow you have to grasp it and control it or it will control you. Stop fighting to hold it back and let it out. Then and only then will you be able to use it correctly. You will be able to choose who you can hurt and who it won't hurt. Got me kiddo?"

A slight nod could be felt against his shoulder even through his armor. In silence the pair just lay there in comfort with each others company. With a reluctant sigh the duo rose and once again began practising well into the evening. The final rays of evening light drifted through the canopy and into the clearing when they decided to leave the clearing and call it a day. In blissful silence with only the slight crunch of leaves and twigs under feet. The chirps from small birds and gentle swaying of trees adding to the silence rather than breaking it, they headed back towards the town. Years of training in the woods meaning both had no trouble walking back in the darkening forest.

Through the branches and trunks in front of them a dim light came into view. The forest broke around them and they stood overlooking the warm lights of the city once more. The torches and lamps lighting up the streets and walls in a glowing orange aura. Small dots scurrying in the streets as they visited homes or restaurants under the twinkling stars of the newborn night. The city of Ristiga a beacon on the grassy plains of Risgrawl, welcoming those tired from a long journey.

"How about we eat out tonight? My treat of course. I'd say we could both go for food after that training eh?" Alex chirped out in the dark as they stood overlooking the town from their their perch on the hill. Shadow's stomach growled in response, a definite answer to his mentor's question.

"Food would be good."

They set back on their way, up the winding makeshift stairs and down from the city walls. No one disturbed the pair on the street as they passed by a variety of Fawna. The night watch taking over for the guards and keeping the peace as they patrolled the town. Their journey taking them through the city streets, the warm hum and glow of the lamps guiding them towards their destination.

Their favourite restaurant soon came into view, The Honey Trap. The ornate oak building lay nestled between two residential apartments. Glowing red lanterns hung from the overhead rafters guiding in hungry customers. A deep rich aroma of various foods drifting through the street enticing those still outside at this time of night. The Demon wolf and his Fawna guardian strode through the maroon painted front doors eager to fill their bellies with delicious food. A fitting way to end a day of hard work and tougher training.