The Demon Alliance : Part 2

"…And so Because it's a battle of time until we run out of blood, that's why you think the Vampires will lose to your king? I see, I do admit that does make things more difficult…"

Damien had been pacing back and forth. His cape would sway against the air ever so slightly, almost like rose pedals calmly fluttering in the breeze as he pondered this predicament.

"I think you know as well as I do that Goliath isn't the type of opponent that should be underestimated. His strength has been his priority for many years, so much so that his weakness has shown through his inability to protect his people from within the kingdom."

"I think I'm starting to understand the state of the Demon country a little more. With that being said, I still have no interest in backing down. The Vampires have come this far to take down the threat that ruined our beloved homeland. Granted, the blood source here being a bit slim does create another challenge in of itself."

"I thought you might say that…that's why I would suggest creating a treaty with the Hollow Forest, the reapers are the protector of the forest. They are home to everyone that belongs to the forest, including humans. I'm quite sure they would be capable of suiting the Vampires hunger for blood without anyone dying should you enter that treaty."

"Oh? You make it sound so simple, what do you suppose would compel these reapers to go so far for a rogue vampire clan?"

"That's exactly where you come in. It's to my understanding that you're knowledgeable in the area of curse magic, correct?"

"I've studied extensively, yes?"

"Well, I'm fairly certain that the Grim Reaper has some sort of curse placed on her that alters memories."

"Is that so? I've never heard of such a thing…although, given the time to study how this alleged curse works…I'm sure I could figure out how to use reverse engineering to cancel the whole thing out within no time at all."

Damien's outward appearance was like a devil, but his words and actions were that of someone very dependable.

"Sounds pretty good doesn't it?"

"I suppose so."

"Although…there…is one thing that's a little tricky."

Damien's eyes moved across the room to find Shirone.

"And, what might that be?"

"Well, everything seems perfect at first with the plan to make a treaty with the Hollow Forest. But, it sounds a lot easier than it will actually be. You should already know that in order to get to the Forest you'll have to go through the mountains.

There's huge flying monsters that attack anything close by their nests. This will require exceptionally skilled hunters to even survive that journey."

"I'll send General Rellik and her party. They're all capable of that, no problem."

"There is one problem actually, say they get there. Then what? The reapers protecting the Forest will attack them believing they are Intruders."

"If they explain their business I still don't see why there is any issue."

"In order to get them to accept the treaty you first have to speak to the Grim Reaper herself, and that's not an easy task. We've already sent some men in attempt to restore communication to the reapers. But they were mostly wiped out and sent back home without so much as a single reply from the Grim Reaper.

This is how we know that you need an 'in' with her to even propose your treaty in the first place."

"So…what then? If what you're saying is true then this whole discussion is completely useless."

"Oh no no, you misunderstand me. I'm saying that you have to have an 'in' with the Grim Reaper to propose your treaty. It would be useless to go there otherwise, right?

But, it just so happens that 'in' is sitting right over there. That girl is the daughter of the Grim Reaper. If she travels along with your party to the Forest then you should be able to get the negotiating started."

Shirone pointed towards Sadako as he spoke, she nodded in return.

"Is this true? You're the reaper's daughter?"

"Certainly. As long as the curse on her hasn't devoured all of her memories yet then she should remember me…"

"If that's the case then it will probably be beneficial if we all come. I am the only one who can interfere with the curse binding her and you're the only one who she will know once that happens. If you will help us propose an alliance then I would be most grateful."

"Sounds good."

"So, you will go to the Hollow Forest aligned with the goal to form this treaty?"

"I will if you unlock the chains and undo the curses on me and all my friends. That includes Shirone too."

Damien paused for a moment in a deep thought and then proceeded to release everyone from their shackles. There was a relief in the atmosphere as if they had finally gained the vampire's trust.

"Oh yeah…one more thing. After you captured and imprisoned us you also took a key off of my friend remember? I want that key back please."

"…I was hoping to study it, but if it's that important to you then I shall happily oblige."

He pulled the dull metal key from a pocket in his cape and handed it to Sadako.