Chapter Text
Ness was the most loyal servant in the Kaiser reach. Yet, he was constantly being overlooked, once the masters personal lapdog that was displayed like a treasure such as the blue rose—now an irrelevant shadow who does not get the recognition he once craved tentatively, soon resolved and desperate.
He wishes to be special to his lord, someone unexchangeable to the demon. So to gain that recognition, he tirelessly worked, strategized war plans against the great hero’s who dare oppose his masters rule, because dogs defend their owners.
Although some may call it arrogance, Kaiser does not need to dwell on eliminating easy inevitably squashed bugs when his dog can do so. Kaiser does not need to lift a finger to do anything, his dog will tend to his every need. Kaiser is his light and glory. What Kaiser bestows upon him is great honor and fortune even if others consider his lazily spoken words penniless.
And, the fruits of his labor had become ripe, from a boy who his master had taken on a whim—to greater heights, a loyal advisor who would help him conquer the world. To become the true emperor, pure domination of the land far superior to the demonic Itoshi bloodline. Kaiser was the devil of pride and Ness would be the one to reinstate it.
“Good boy, Ness.” Even though they were of demon-kin, the words felt sacred, a blessing bestowed upon him. And the best part was, no one else would ever receive such a heartfelt revelation. The smooth, long fingers running through his hair, his touch whom melted Ness into a mess. Even if it wasn’t sexual intimacy, it still granted immense feelings of pleasure.
He kept those moments deep in his heart, locked away as overstepping would leave Ness in ruin. One should not covet his master in the way he has done so dearly. What they were now was sufficient, no competition or anyone could replace him.
That is, before one who was far superior to him came. Isagi Yoichi, the one who finally moved the still, never-changing mountain the golden emperor was. Originally refusing to meddle with those weaker than him, he stood lounging in his chair in boredom for eternity, choosing not to do anything much sentimental. But eventually, that lazy was replaced with a subtle amusement, then a drive. Who had the invitation to come and instill this deep blue fire in his beloved kaiser?
At first, Ness felt curious about the man who desperately wanted their heads decapitated. He sure spoke justice and had fire in his eyes, but he had seen many waver in the face of power. The dog and his master did not really care for small fry like that. Ness had his idea of him grounded, a cute plaything who spoke harsh lies. After failing to defeat the two and being taken prisoner, his drive still persisted even when he was close to meeting the face of death.
Screams and pleas rippled across the inhumane dungeons from creatures—or humans that were locked up. A mix of them were already submitting by lifelessly waiting till they died of starvation and the most recent ones; Isagi’s companions, were still screaming begging to bet let out of the hell.
Isagi stood in the special cage reserved just for him, the leader, yet his morale never wavered. Ness had changed his impression of this pet slightly—his dear future emperor, on the other hand, changed his dramatically. From bored to heavily entertained. For his lords happiness, he was willing to let him have fun.
Until the pet finally bit back. Escaping and almost threatening his lords life with his ingenious ability of adaptation, reading situations and using the right cue to finally strike. A branch that wasn’t cut loose. Kaiser had evidently had a change from his usual easy life, although still alive—while Isagi was about to be sent to the chopping block and was already being graced with mercy as Ness was forced to hold back from obliterating him with demonic flames.
“I’ll fucking kill him!” Kaiser yelled in agitation, still in recovery mode from all the poison and other tactics devised to end him.
“That bastard!” Ness cursed, enraged at the thought of his lord almost dying from a mere human with a weak lifespan. His lords horrid face seemed to be in deep thought seconds later, in devious plot. His anger finally subsiding, his thoughts deviating from their original path, far from the hot inferno Ness’ were in. He knows the second he does not remember who he truly is, a loyal dog, he will be abandoned so what he thinks is sealed in his heart.
“No, spare him.”
Ness secretly prayed to any deity willing to listen to a demon, to get rid of that bastard. The one who shifted the casual life they had (besides the war but he didnt consider himself as someone who mattered regardless) focused on Kaiser.
“You were furious earlier! We have to cut the bud before it comes back to bite us!” He screamed, appearing extra agitated. He was unaware of if Isagi could succeed next time but refused any chance to put it to the test. If there was no Isagi, then no one who dare (could) attempt to harm his lord. He was unaware of what he was plotting within his head but Ness believed that they should’ve took measures to eliminate danger.
Ness could hear Kaiser mutter under his breath which could’ve slipped by his originally sharp senses which dulled as he continued to speak in an enraged manner. “Hmm... he is a flower.” It appeared that Kaiser was deluding himself to lessen the internal blow but he still was soundly crazy in Ness’ books. His hand pressing against his mouth, going a full 180 from his original stance.
Ness could feel his body physically ache from the words, the Isagi who had been with them for only a short period, somehow had managed to obtain such a versatile reaction. Ness, in his hundreds of years spent with his lord, had never once seen the face pictured on Kaiser. What did Ness not have that Isagi had? It was confusing to him. To even consider that dimwit a flower? Pfft. Ness doesn’t even consider himself cocky for thinking that.
From that moment on, Kaiser became doting. Even when the one who’s will declined such acts—with annoyance and a tinge of hatred, he still was patient. Way more patient than in comparison to the moments Ness overstepped. He hadn’t done such acts anymore, but his inner self; the imperative envy that seeps its way out—into the cracks of his facade. He was acting foolish but even so, Ness would never leave him if he had a choice. Believing that even when Kaiser finds him tiring, he shall stay. He knows he is a piece that Kaiser will always keep around, even if he ever hates him. That is his pride, his security to be in this place, what he is secretly proud about.
But this foreign piece? It completely shifted the balance. His safety shaken, his masters attention is diverted in some sort of plan he doesn’t even bother confiding in to his most trusted subordinate; what he considers as himself. Regardless if he was a demon, he had feelings too that he tried to bury long ago, which began to act as a ticking time bomb; enabling stress. He isn’t levelheaded nor composed anymore.
Ness can’t smile and look down on others with pity anymore, because he is pitiful. He knows he shouldn’t feel. Feel anything really; something that is undeserving for him who is selfish. His desires make him feel human, whole, not like the empty shells of demons who just focus on strengthening their vessels and achieving absolute dominance and power.
He doesn’t know how to earn his praise anymore when his mind is constantly being flooded with wholesome content between former enemies—well, forced to reconcile. He hates the idea of Kaiser spooning (forcefully shoving) soup in Isagi’s mouth. Because, deep down, he wished that was him. The affection he once worked so hard for, given to him in droplets was being handed to a miscreant who acted out of place by a waterfall.
And so, he acted out for the first time, attempting to poison Isagi which succeeded. His skin turning a dark crimson. But behold, the consequences of his actions; instead of being rewarded, he was deemed crazy and driven out. Did he regret it? No, not all. But, he didn't enjoy the scream of his master.
“Your insane—Really fucking insane. Did you really think you could win my heart with-with this! Get the fuck out!” Kaiser spat out—venomously, which Ness took with a grain of salt. He didn't bother listening to his master anymore, rather choosing to seethe in silence. Nevertheless, his face expressed everything that he was thinking. He clenched his fist tight and bit his lip, drawing blood even if he unintentionally did so.
If he killed his precious possession, it would go back to how it always had been. Gentle praise, life casual and unchanging. However, that blueberry shifted the balance, destroying what Ness felt was comforting. Even if he must commit taboo, he must do what he can to save the home they once had. He made a quiet exit, opposite to his reaction, deep in thought.
It seemed mercy was the final accommodation for his actions, for the loyalty he once shared. With only his outing clothes and a decorative cloak, he descended down the stairs and into the exit of the happy home they once lived in. Little children wandering the halls, being chastised by their mothers. The gossip of the maids. Even the floral scent the servants used to burn became foul.
The pink haired man traced his way through the corridor with his hand, the dust latching itself on his finger. Kaiser had kicked out all of the servants, his people—from the castle; for his favorite toy. But could he really be considered a mere toy? No, he had his lord wrapped around his finger. And now, since Ness was being kicked out, Kaiser would finally be alone.
A lesson learned, love is destructive. Ness coveting his lord sped this sentiment up. Because they were immersed in the roles of the master and his student. If he had carved his own path, refusing to accept the hand of his master, maybe he could finally win his heart. But he is seen as less, a mere child. Yet he desires a younger being.
They had been living life for hundreds of years without interruption, safe from the greed of humans to conquer, but instead of the riches they take; they stole his precious lord's heart. But deep down he knows he cannot will anything, his being a hypocritical view as well. He holds greed in his heart as well, wishing to possess the exquisite treasure himself.
Ness contemplated, his irises shaking and his eyes shedding tears, finally feeling the aftermath of the shock. His heart beats heavy, and his chest tight. It was only after the heat of the moment that he had realized his true mistake, not knowing his place.
But he couldn't just sit still, watching another seduce his master. The other demon refused to let his filthy obsession rest. No, never. He was molded to be a loyal dog, and Kaiser was too weak to handle what had evolved from it. Even if he must leave, he will make sure; that he will be valued—wanted by his Kaiser. A void permeated in his body, a subtle emptiness after his initial reaction subsided. Its humiliating to feel this way, his conviction from his heart telling him to beg for the subtle scraps of forgiveness, but his brain told otherwise.
It wasn't logical but everything that was happening to him was illogical, he lacked the understanding to comprehend why this was so complicated. It was illogical that his head hadn't been blown clean already from infuriating his lord and how he gained such an interest a bastard that almost killed him. What even kept him going now? He relied on his lord—his savior that slowly cracked him piece by piece from the inside. It had almost driven him insane. whywhywhywhywhywhybastard-
It's so fucking unfair, so unfair, why would you extend a hand then push me away? I had only done something which was protection. You are not familiar with betrayal yet you doubt my actions? My love for you?
He wandered, far from the dark abyss where the sky was constantly a heavy rouge, where sunlight was afraid to glimpse into. To the skies where it was a bright blue, to peaks of mountains which displayed the villages below. And his destination, indefinite. He gripped his staff and crushed anyone who dare block his path. He was a master of magic, the ability to de-buff or curse anyone in his way. He walked and walked, unaware of his dream.
"Who are you.." An outsider voice besides his own spoke.
A figure who Ness sensed almost immediately when walking into the deep forest. Ness observed him from far, long flowing purple hair, uneven bangs, and eyes dull; devoid of the usual light in a regular persons eyes. He was knelt down picking at a flower, a delicate embroidered dress decorated with gold thread flowed down to the floor; slightly stained muddy. He cast aside the longer side of his bangs and Ness finally came to realization, that he was an elf.
"What's an elf doing in a human forest?"
The elf retorted back, "What's a demon doing in a human forest?" He was caught red—handed. He knew they were sharp, but he'd never really encountered one, only heard and read about them. He was often secluded in the demon realm and elf's didn't really meddle in the affairs of humans, choosing to hide. Ness awkwardly smiled and shrugged, dodging the question. The man's face was dark, still absorbed in plucking petals off a dandelion. He was almost done though, finally removing the last one, the flower finally completely naked; away from its shell. He turned to face Ness, giving him a service smile. If Isagi was a blueberry based on his hair color, he was a light colored grape; purple. "Answer my question? Hmm?" the so-called grape hummed.
"Answer mine wont you?" Ness propped up a greater smile, accentuating his sweet voice. He clasped his hands tight. "Fine. It is quite the honor for someone like you to ask. I'm Reo." He emphasized the 'like you', demons weren't in much of the peoples hearts. He knows he himself is a bad person but the idea of demons being evil originated from propaganda. Reo gave the impression of being unguarded but deep within Ness' gut, he knew. Knew that he himself was walking on the thin tightrope before a battle. "It's Ness."
"Heard a lot about a demon named Ness."
"It's all rumors." (Its not) He urgently needed to find an excuse to weasel out of this situation. Any could do. Ahah.
"Was looking for a powerful elf like you!"
"Hmm? What for?" That gave Reo interest, someone seeking his help? Ness calls himself a genius.
"Uhhh to visit the...underworld?" Ness needed more time to think but he wasn't a man that was willing to fight battles he couldn't win.
"Uhuh.. you know what. Sure." Reo appeared puzzled but still agreed, in confusion. Ness was quite familiar with the underworld, housing the souls of the dead. People went on the journey to retrieve loved ones, take souls for illegal practices, or to permanently eradicate someone from existence. "Lets.. uh set out." Nevermind, he doesn't call himself a genius. Social skills aren't under his belt. "Kay. Teleportation?"
"Yeah."