[316 Years Ago]
A young-looking elf woman was sitting on a chair, her arms and forehead covered in bandages as she held something in her arms, wrapped in blankets. She had silver hair and mismatched eyes, her right eye was purple, while her left was red.
Even while sitting down, anyone would tell that she was short and petite, with not much meat on her bones from the looks of it. Her white dress was too big for her, hiding her small frame as the skirt reached her ankles. Despite that, she had an air of maturity as her eyes were serious and cold as they looked at what was in her arms.
She sat in a wooden chair, next to a window of a small house. The sunlight shone through the window, illuminating her long silver hair and her pale skin. Despite her appearance, it was quite obvious that the Elf was ethereal and beautiful, a rare sight to see. One would say that her beauty surpassed any human woman that she would be compared to.
She didn't move, she didn't say anything. Her eyes were merely on what she was holding: a small infant that was asleep, wrapped in blankets.
The Elf's ears perked up as she heard a footstep in front of her. She looked up to see a tall and burly man with grey hair and a beard. He was wearing commoner's clothes and an apron, his large and muscular arms covered in scars.
"So it is true." The Man said, "You've lost.....everyone....."
The Elf's face was stone cold, her eyes went back to the infant while she stayed quiet. This unsettled the man as a middle-aged woman approached them, wearing a brown commoner's dress and her brown hair was tied in a bun.
"...all of the Heroes....." She said softly, "They all died.....?"
The Elf looked at the infant, "...Yes."
The Man let out an exhale, "This damned War...." He said, "It is claiming the lives of even the Heroes who pushed back the Devil Lords....."
"War is Brutal." The Elf said with a monotone voice, "It is the downfall of many empires. My comrades knew what we were getting into. They wanted to stop the War and liberate the people from an oppressive clutch. But sometimes, the oppressors have powers beyond our imagination. It is not something we can ignore. The best thing I can do is...live.....in their memory...."
"And the child?" the woman said with a frown
"I don't know." the Elf said
"We can take care of him." The woman said, "If you.....do not wish to..."
"No." The Elf said with a firm tone, "He was entrusted to me."
"No disrespect, young lady....erm.....Uhm....." The Man said with a frown
"I'm your elder." The Elf said
"R-Right.....ma'am." He said, "But.....do you know anything of raising a child? A Human Child?"
"Not particularly." the Elf responded
"I do not know much about Elves. But I do know that out of all the races, they are the ones who age the slowest. You might be around a hundred years old, ma'am. But for an Elf? That is but a juvenile age." The Man said, "Humans.....we are different. In twenty years time, that boy will be but a man...and you will be the same. Time will pass by faster than an elf can blink. If you leave him with us, who owe a life debt to you Heroes.....perhaps, the heartache will be lessened."
"No." The Elf said, "He is.....mine...."
"We are trying to save you from an inevitable heartache, Ma'am." The woman said, "That is all. In twenty years time, we might be too old to move, but at least....our time with the child will be cherished."
"You speak as if I cannot cherish the time I will spend with the boy." The Elf said with a cold look, "Is that it?"
"N-No!" the woman said with a pleading look, "B-But...we are trying to help you. We know how much they meant to you. You....you will lose again.....that is all....forgive us."
"The boy is mine." the Elf said, "He was entrusted to me. Do you truly think I will break my promise? After everything that I went through? After everything I witnessed? Do you think I will do that? I may be an Elf, who are Immortal.....but...I was a friend....and now....I am going to be what this boy needs....a Mother."
The Man let out a sigh, "Very well." he said, "The fighting in this region has completely stopped. For now, there is peace. There is a small hut over by the eastern hill next to the village. It is empty. Nobody will complain if you move in there and raise the boy."
The woman nodded with a slight smile, "If you need any help, just ask us." She said, "We won't mind helping. All of the village is family, so don't be shy in giving us a call."
The Elf looked at them, "You are too kind."
"No, Lady Solana." the Man said, "This is the least we can do for you. You were a part of their group as well. You, too, are a Hero."
"M-May I ask what the boy's name is?" the woman asked, "If you don't mind."
"I don't mind." Solana said as she looked at the infant, "Daemon."
"His name is Daemon."
*************
[Six Years Later]
"Mama!" a redheaded boy said as he jumped around on some rocks, "Look at me!"
He was swinging around a wooden sword as he jumped, keeping his balance as he held his sword by the handle, a focused on his face. He swung the sword a couple of times as he balanced on the rock, jumping occasionally and continuing the swinging.
A few meters away, Solana stood, holding a basket of fruit while wearing a simple white dress that fluttered in the wind. She looked exactly the same, not aging a single bit. She had her hair tied in a ponytail, her pointy ears in full display as she looked at the boy with a slight smile.
She was standing in front of a small wooden house with an open entrance in the middle. Next to the house, there was a small garden and behind it, an apple tree that was slowly dropping leaves in the wind.
"Good job." She said with an elegant smile, "You are improving."
"Hehe!" the boy said as he jumped off a rock, "Mama, I promise I will one day grow up to be a strong knight. And I will end the War, protecting you and gramps and grandma!"
Solana chuckled, "Oh, is that so?" She said with a calm and serene voice, "That is quite the ambition, Daemon."
Daemon nodded and waved the sword around, "I will be known as the Mighty Knight-Hero, Daemon!" He said, "I will defeat my enemies and will bring peace to the land! I swear it!"
"How about you defeat lunch?" Solana asked, "I haven't seen you eat a single thing since this morning, Daemon. I have prepared some sandwiches from the bread and ham your grandma gave us."
"Ah alright." Daemon nodded, "Only because you say so, Mama."
He bowed slightly and ran back into the small house, humming something brightly.
Solana's calm and serene expression didn't change, her eyes stared right at where the boy was. It was as if she was taking in the sight of him already grown. It had already been six years and she had lived in this village, away from all the fighting and destruction that was ravaging the Kingdom and other nations.
Six years may be some time for mortals who age normally, but not for an elf. Elves think Six Years as nothing but a quick week in the middle of a busy year, that is all. And despite it being the same for Solana, she did feel those six years. Simply by watching the boy grow up did she feel the passage of time. And over those six years, she has grown to care deeply for the human boy she calls her son.
"Lady Solana." a voice said
She turned to see The Man walking up to them, his hair already growing white. Behind him, the woman walked behind, grey hair appearing on her faded brown head.
"Tor." She said, "Milla."
Milla stopped and smiled, "Excuse us for intruding, Lady Solana." She said with a soft tone, "We simply couldn't resist in visiting the little Daemon."
Solana gestured inside, "He's inside, having some food." She said, "You can walk in and see him if you'd like."
"You are too kind." Milla said as she walked past her and entered the house, "Oh, Little Daemon~"
"Grandma!" Daemon's bright voice was heard
Tor simply looked at Solana, a serious expression on his face.
"Speak." Solana said, knowing that something was bothering him
"There seems to be no end to the War." Tor said seriously, "Day by day, it keeps taking lives. At this rate, our Kingdom is sure to fall within a few years."
"That won't happen." Solana said seriously, "The enemy have been pushed back far enough the year prior, they won't advance enough to topple the territory."
"It is not from outside that this Kingdom will be at risk from, My Lady." He said, "You know that."
"I have heard whispers...." Solana said, "Even from before the War broke out, even before there was even tensions. But I do not think that would come to be. But I do admit that there is a possibility for this region to be once again caught up in the battle. Within a few years, if the war doesn't end, the land around us will be covered in blood and bodies."
"That is something else I fear." Tor said, "Why did our King decide to declare war on them? I would never understand."
"The Devil Lords had some hand in it, I presume." Solana said, "We did our best to sever their influence. But it was ineffective. That is why my comrades wanted to help out in the War to end it. But.....as you can see, it was futile."
"I know that." Tor continued, "But.....I just want all of this to end. This village is suffering....even if we don't show it. Every year, the War claims three of our sons...and every year, three more wish to enlist and join the fighting.....when will the day come that Daemon won't wish for the same."
"Daemon..." Solana said softly, her eyes looking down, "Will seek just that....it is in his blood...."
"You have to do everything possible to prevent that." Tor said with a determined expression, "By no means, must he be allowed to seek that out. It will destroy him."
"I understand." Solana said, "I will do my best."
Tor let out a sigh, "I know that you have gone through a lot." He said, "The last thing we all want is for you to go through another tragedy."
"Yes....." Solana said softly, "I know."
"I understand he wants to be a warrior." He said, "While I don't agree with him going off to war, it isn't a bad thing if he learns how to defend himself. I am not trying to shelter him too much that it will end up harming us.....I just don't want him to die foolishly in a bloody and meaningless conflict....that is all."
Solana looked over to the house, "He...." She said, her voice was serene and soft, "He is born to wield a sword.....he reminds me of her.....so much....."
"Hm..." Tor said, "Yes.....that much is known...."
"He is but a child." Solana said, "He is my child. He is mine....my son....."
"Yes, Lady Solana." Tor nodded, "That, he is."
"My beautiful boy...." Solana said, as if she were in a trance, her lips curling into a beautiful smile,
"I adore him."
**************
[Eight Years Later]
"What do you think you are doing, Daemon?" Solana said as she stood in the doorway of the house, "Who do you think you are?!"
In front of her, a tall redheaded young man stood, his back facing her as he held a bag on his shoulder. He was tall, had broad shoulders, and his body was toned for a boy his age.
It had been two weeks after Daemon turned 14 that year, and he had resigned himself to becoming a warrior and joining the fighting that broke out in the region. Their village had been visited by an army captain, recruiting able-bodied young men who were willing to fight the enemy on their lands.
Daemon wanted to become a Knight and fight in the war, ending it and protecting his family no matter what. A noble yet childish dream of his when paired up against the cruel reality of the world.
The War has been going on longer than he has been alive, ravaging the lands in their Kingdom and the nations around them. It has been described as demonic and barbaric, stated to be a ritual to resurrect the Devil Lord that was defeated prior to its beginning.
Daemon clenched his fists, "I....I have to do this, Mother....!"
Solana frowned as she walked up behind him, her much smaller frame noticeable, "You want to go off and die?!" She exclaimed, "Your place is not on the battlefield, it is here! With us! You promised to keep us safe? What happened to that, Daemon?"
Daemon looked at her, "I'm going to protect all of you by doing this!" He shouted, "It is something I have to do! I have to do something! I cannot sit by and allow all of this bloodshed to continue! People are dying left and right while I sit here doing nothing! How long until that violence arrives here?! I have to do something!"
"You cannot end this brutality by yourself, Daemon." Solana said with a serious tone, "You know that. I have taught you better than that!"
"You have taught me to be a better person, Mother!" Daemon said, dropping his bag, "My heart cannot handle all of this injustice. Men go off and die to a ruthless conflict while their wives and children are pillaged and raped in their absence. I have to go and help make a difference."
"What if we are pillaged and raped in your absence, Daemon?!" Solana exclaimed
"You are not some helpless girl, Mother!" Daemon shouted, "You are strong, don't pretend you aren't!"
"I am your Mother!!" She exclaimed, "Don't you dare tell me what I am or what I am not! You belong here! With us!"
Daemon swiped down and reached for the bag, "If you want to stop me, you will have to break every bone in my body!" He said as he straightened up and turned to walk away, "I am going to leave, dammit! I do not intend on coming back until the region is free of bloodshed!!"
As he walked down the hill, Solana scowled, "Don't you dare walk away from us, Daemon!" She said, her body filling with anger, "Don't you dare walk towards death, Daemon!"
The further and further that Daemon got away from her, anxiety and desperation filled her body.
"N-No...." She trembled slightly, "Don't leave, Daemon! Don't you dare leave!!"
As Daemon reached the village and began to walk on the street, far from her sight, Solana began to tremble uncontrollably.
She collapsed on her knees, tears forming in her eyes, "No.....Daemon....."
"Don't leave me.....not you too....."
*****************
[Four Years Later]
"Tor, no!!!" Solana shouted as Tor's body fell onto the muddy ground, covered in blood, "Why?!"
She was on her knees, in the middle of the field outside of the village. The entire area was covered in rain puddles, courtesy of the storm that had hit them during the day. Now, it was nightfall, and an unknown enemy had struck the village and lit it ablaze.
Milla was caught in the fire, losing her life as Solana tried her best to put it out with her magic. She was, however, unable to do so due to a strange mist filling the night sky, dampening her powers.
As many of the villagers tried escaping to the fields, they were ambushed by individuals that pounced at them from the shadows, ripping them apart and consuming their blood.
Solana watched the horror as she and Tor tried to escape, having suffered a wound from a shadowy creature, which was encumbering her leg. Before they could get far, Tor was assaulted by a winged shadow, his entire stomach ripped apart in midair as she had watched.
Now, she was on her knees, completely horrified by what had just happened.
"Tor...." She said softly as Tor's lifeless body laid in front of her
"Well....well.....well....." A deep voice said
Solana saw a figure descend from the sky, a tall and pale man with bat-like wings on his back. The man was wearing a noble attire, dark in color with some silver embroidery. His hair was grey and slicked back, while his eyes were a blood red. His pale lips were covered in blood as he licked them with his tongue.
Solana caught a glimpse of two fangs in his mouth, making her realize what she was facing off against.
"Vampires....." She whispered under her breath
As the Vampire landed on the ground, several other winged shadows appeared before him, their wings flapping as they hovered behind him in the air. Their circular and bright white eyes gave off an eerie appearance, staring right at Solana as she stayed there.
Solana then saw as multiple figures emerged from the shadows, unlike the winged-shadows, they had corporeal appearances akin to a human. They surrounded Solana as they wiped blood of their mouths.
"Lady Solana, the Sun's Flower." The Vampire said as his wings furled into his back, "A mighty figure that once aided in the defeat of the Devil Lords."
Solana looked at him, "Vampires...." She said, "From the Castrella Coven."
"Oh!" the Vampire said, "I am honored that a Hero such as yourself can recognize us lowly vampires."
"What.....why are you here?" Solana asked him
The Vampire chuckled, "Don't be silly." He said, "To kill you. Why do you think I performed such a powerful dampening spell? To disable your powers. This took years to plan.....but....there were some bumps on the road, I admit.....which makes this very.....satisfying....."
"Keheheh!" one of the other vampires said, "Let's butcher her already! Can I do what I want with her body?!"
"Patience." the Vampire said, "We must first extract some important information from her. Like...for example.....where is the Red Key of Formulus?"
Solana looked at him, "What?" She said, "You're seeking that? Why?"
"That is my business." The Vampire said with a serious expression
"The Red Key...." Solana tried to get up, "I....."
Before anything else could happen, a figure launched past her and shot right at the Vampire. The Shadows flew in front of the Vampire and tried to defend him, but they were all cleaved in half, letting out loud shrieks as their figures flickered violently.
"What the fuck?!" one of the other Vampires exclaimed
Then, Solana saw a glimpse of red hair as a tall young man swung his greatsword downwards at the Vampire, cutting through his shoulder as he widened his eyes in shock.
The young man was wearing damaged armor with a red cape, holding a steel greatsword in both his arms as its swing was stopped by the Vampires hand, which caught it by the blade.
"Y-You.....!!!!" The Vampire said as he grunted in pain, a vicious glare appearing on his face, "You lived?!"
Solana's eyes were widened and filled with tears, "D-Daemon!!"
"Sorry, Mother!" Daemon said as his black eyes pierced the Vampire, "I took forever...but I have returned!"
"Get the human!" one of the other vampires shouted as they rushed past Solana and lunged at him
Daemon pulled the greatsword out and spun around, slashing at the Vampires and cleaving their waists. Blood sprayed everywhere as they all shouted in pain, being affected by some sort of effect caused by Daemon's blade.
Solana saw that there was a trail of light in his swings, "Daemon...."
Daemon then swung the sword right at the Vampire, "SILVA!!!" He bellowed as the Vampire jumped away, recovering from his wound, "DIE!!!"
Silva glared at Daemon, "You filthy mongrel!!!!" He shouted, "I should have ensured you were ripped apart, piece by piece!!!!"
The two clashed, Silva's hand with Daemon's blade, emitting a powerful shockwave that ripped apart the ground. Silva's fingers had shifted into sharp claws, emitting a black smoke-like aura.
"I will kill you in front of your mother, boy." Silva said, "And after, I will kill her and have my fellow compatriots rape her corpse."
Solana stood up, "Daemon!"
"Stay back!" Daemon shouted, "His spell hasn't run out! He devised it specifically for you!"
"I'll handle this!"
**************
After the fierce battle in the field, Daemon and Solana were forced to retreat. The power of the Vampires was too much for them to face, since Daemon was heavily fatigued after a previous battle.
As they ran, they encountered two Elves who were seeking Solana by chance. Drawn in by the flames and smoke from a distance, they rushed over to see what had happened. They encountered Daemon, who was carrying Solana on his shoulder, claiming that they were looking for her after they heard that a Vampire Coven was targeting her.
Daemon, noticing that the Vampires were on their tail, tossed Solana onto them, telling them that he would hold them off long enough for her to be taken to safety. He clashed with the Vampires, who gave him a ruthless and brutal assault, swarming him from all around him.
But now, Solana was watching as Silva, the Vampire that was leading this assault, snuck Daemon from behind and impaled him with his claws.
"DAEMON!!!!" Solana exclaimed as one of the other Elves had her on his shoulder, "NOOOO!!!!!!!!"
Daemon coughed up blood as he nearly lost his grip on his sword, "Shit...." He said as he looked at Solana, in the distance, "M-M-Mother...."
Tears flowed from Solana as the Elves continued running, not looking back, "NOOOO!!!! PLEASE, NO!!!" She sobbed, "TAKE ME BACK, PLEASE!! NO!!!"
"We cannot!" An Elf said, "We had strict orders to retrieve you, Lady Solana!"
"He's my son!!!" She pleaded, "Please, my son!! No, don't let this happen again! Please!!! Take me back!!! I beg you!!!"
"I am sorry!" the Elf said, "But we cannot! The Castrella Coven has risen and is ending the War themselves! They have destroyed this kingdom's armies and are spreading throughout the country, laying ruin to everything! We don't have time! We have to return to Treanem!!"
"HE'S MY SON!!!" Solana sobbed
She watched as the figure of Daemon impaled by the Vampire was getting smaller and smaller, tears blurring her sight as her entire body went numb and light.
Despair was all she felt at that moment.
Back to Daemon, he simply coughed up blood as the winged shadows were ripping his legs and arm apart.
Silva smirked, "I got you now, brat."
Daemon then pulled away from him and swung his greatsword at him, nearly cleaving him in half. The other Vampires were able to stop this by impaling his stomach while hissing loudly.
"....ughh...." Daemon coughed out more blood, "D-Don't underestimate me, Silva...."
Silva chuckled as he pulled away from the blade, "I must admit, boy!!!" He said, "You are strong! Despite being a brat who hasn't lived long, you are a powerful human!! Your blood is quite tempting to consume, but we have plans for you.....! Despite my hatred for you, I must be a good servant to Our Lady after all...."
"You will make a fine Vampire."