I walk until the moon rises and falls again. As the sun peaks over the mountains to the east I see the village of my people. My ears perk up at a familiar sound, a woman screaming, but not in a fearful way, in a way that sounds angry and upset. As I get closer my eyes identify the source, its Silvia.

*Hm, so she did make it.*

I make my way towards the gate as she loudly yells at two of my guardsmen who are seemingly cowering in the face of this clearly upset woman.

"I-I'm sorry miss, but we cannot allow you to enter the village. By order of captain Lux no one but our kin may enter at this time."

By this time I can practically see her head ablaze with anger.

"I've told you a thousand times! Your king has given me the right to enter, he told me to come here himself!"

The two imps continue to cower in fear until they instantly perk up at the sight of me approaching. The woman turns and sees me her face also softening at the sight of me.

"Leo! Your back! Thank the gods, I've been trying to get in since last night."

I walk up and crouch down to my imp brother's.

"This woman is under my protection, she may come and go as she pleases, but that does not apply to anyone who accompanies her, understood?"

They bow and simply give a yes sir as I stand up straight and gesture for the woman to follow.

"Thank you Leo, I never thought I would get through. Although now that I have I must say that your people seem to take orders very well. Most of the men I've met break down after about an hour."

I chuckle and look at her while we walk.

"Well those are human men, my kin are more durable then you think, physically and mentally."

I set down the two crates in the middle of town looking to a nearby imp.

"Go get Captain Lux immediately, tell him the king is back and I require his assistance."

The imp bows and immediately runs off to get Lux.

"You imps are curious creatures…"

I sit down on one of the crates.

"How so?"

She sits on the other.

"Well most of the imps I've red about are you know small, grey skinned, wings. But your people are indeed small but there skin is an assortment of colors and none have wings except for you which brings me to my next point. What exactly are you?"

I open my mouth to answer but soon realise that I dont have an answer to give. I think and think about what to say eventually saying the only thing I can say.

"I dont know."

She looks at me in shock then in confusion. She attempts to open her mouth but is interrupted by footsteps approaching.

"My king, I'm glad to see your still alive."

Lux bows and looks up at me as I get off the crate and smile.

"What else would I be Lux, I merely went for a walk."

I chuckle lightly.

"These are our weapons and armor, freshly forged for our kin. Make sure that everyone is armed by tomorrow."

"Of course my lord."

He accepts my orders but doesn't move instead begins to speak.

"Forgive me my lord but.…why is there a human woman here?"

I look over at Silvia then back to Lux.

"This is Silvia, I saved her on my way to the mine. She is allowed to come and go as she pleases but for now just take her to an unclaimed house and give her food and water."

Silvia smiles in appreciation as Lux orders an imp to escort her and another to start handing out weapons and armor.

"What shall you do my lord?"

I think for a moment.

"I am going to get some rest, I've had a eventful two days Lux and I have much to think on, watch over the village while I sleep."

Lux nods.

"Of course my king, nothing ill shall happen while I live."

I smile and nod.

"I know Lux."

I walk away and enter my home taking the sword from my back and setting it aside as I lay down and think about the past 48 hours, specifically about my conversation with Din.

*I can't believe he was king.… how did he let everyone down… What should I do about the elves….*

So many questions and no answers, I soon come to realize the physical toll all that walking took on me, my mind races for answers but my body shuts down in need of rest. My eyes close against my will and I fall into a deep sleep.

As the sun begins to rise over the hills I see the walls and gate of the mine in the distance. I am relieved to see it still standing, part of me expected to see it burning and all inside to have been killed, thankfully that is not the case. I approach the gate and knock loudly.

"Who is it?" A loud voice calls from the other side.

"Leo, your king, open up so I may speak with Din."

The gate immediately begins to creak as it opens allowing me entry. Two imps appear and bow.

"Our apologies lord Leo, we did not know you were coming."

"Well you didn't have lookouts posted so you wouldn't know if anyone was coming, fix that immediately."

"Yes sir!" They bow again and leave.

*Now where is that old man.*

I walk around the mine looking for Din but stop to see how things are coming along. Imps are bringing carts of ore to the blacksmiths and they are shaping them into works of art, spears, shields and armor.

*Hm I should remember to tell Din that we will need to have a ranged option eventually.*

I continue to walk around the mine when I hear a familiar voice doing a familiar thing.

*The old mans chewing someone out*

I walk to the tent where the sound is coming from and I was right the old man is standing there chewing out one of the human soldiers.

"I don't care what your reason was! You never ever attack a fellow worker under any circumstance do you understand me?"

The soldier does nothing but look down in defeat and udders a simply yes sir before Din shoos him to leave. He ducks out and bows to me slightly before going on his merry way, I walk in to the tent and smile.

"I see you've got things handled here."

Din turns around and smiles.

"Leo my boy, welcome."

He walks over to me and gives me a hug.

"On what occasion do you visit us so soon after your departure?"

We both sit down as he pours us some tea.

"Well Din it's a matter of security and curiosity."

He tilts his head

"Alright Leo you have my attention."

"What can you tell me of the elves in the forest near the town we just reclaimed?"

He thinks and takes a sip of tea before setting down the glass.

"Well I've heard that they have a strange monarchy, there is no king or queen there is simply the mother. The mother guards one of this worlds greatest treasures, the world tree. It is the symbol of all life, it serves as a monument to all this world is and will be. The people who live under her rule are all indeed her children, the mother receives a vision of the man who will next be her mate, then her children seek out the man so that he may give the mother a child. This man is supposedly pick by the world tree to give the mother a child who will grow to be a prodigy."

I can feel my eyes going wide and my face staring at him dumbfounded.

"Din, none of what you just told me made any sense at all."

He chuckles and looks at me.

"You asked boy, I didn't make history I just remember it."

"So what you just told me is that theres a woman who guards an ancient tree, and around her are guards who are hand picked from said tree to be the best at what they do?"

He laughs and smiles.

"That is one way of looking at it yes."

I stand and sigh pacing back and forth.

"Leo calm down where's the issue?"

"Wheres the issue? Din these people live within a stones throw of our city. And your telling me that every warrior is chosen before birth to be the absolute best at what they do. Can you imagine if they decided to attack us?"

He sighs.

"Leo, listen theres more, but it will get worse before it gets better."

I sit down and put my head in my hands

"Go on Din…"

"These people are part of the Alliance."

My heart sinks and I almost fall over.

"But wait, they are a part in name only. They joined so the other members would leave them be, they rarely go outside there borders and almost never start a war without a good reason."

I sigh and look up.

"Din that doesn't make me feel much better, at any point in time these people can just decide to destroy everything we've built. This doesn't terrify you?"

He gets up and walks over to me.

"Leo, do you hear yourself? You are worried about these people that in thousands of years have never thrown the first punch in a fight. But yet you confidently took a town that belonged to King Bron of the humans, who would gladly without a second thought send his dog of war Grave to immediately and permanently wipe out our existence."

"So what do I do Din? I feel like I'm being closed in on all sides, how do you expect me one man to go up against these Titans of power alone?”

He sighs and looks me in the eyes.

" I don't expect you to do anything Leo you are our King I've done nothing but guide you on the path that you have chosen. And you are anything but alone, what would you call those men and a woman who have chosen to follow you? Do they truly mean nothing? You have the opportunity Leo to change the course of history, whether or not you take that opportunity it's up to you and you alone. In a matter of days you have conquered two of the alliances locations a feat that has not been done in a hundred years this is no small achievement I assure you, what you've done is given hope to those who had none. If what you've done truly holds no meaning to you remember that it holds meaning to those who follow you if you do not continue down this path for yourself then do it for them. You have done things that cannot be undone whether you continue down this road or not the alliance won't take these losses lightly they will surely come after you and all that helped you, me, Lux, and all the men women and children that you just liberated from the village."

I stand up and sigh deeply.

"I have a lot to think about Din."

"Yes you do, and while your thinking remember this. No man goes through life without doubting what he's doing at least once. You are a good man Leo, I wouldn't be following you if you weren't."

"Thank you Din."

He nods as I leave the tent

*I need to return to the village but it's been 2 days since I ordered the weapons and armor. I mine as well wait here until there completion.*

Just as i think that an Imp walks up to me.

"Leo sir the weapons and armor you ordered is ready."

"Really? I was told it would take another day."

"The third day was accounting for travel my lord but since your here you may have them now."

"Hm, well good job, I will take them to the village myself."

He simply bows and leaves to prep them for transport.

"Leo."

I hear the old man

"Yes Din?"

He hands me a black long sword with a red gemstone in the hilt.

"Take this, you will need it in the days to come."

"Din I can't take this."

"Please it belonged to the last king of the free people, as current king I pass it to you."

"Din, are you saying?"

"Yes Leo, I was the last king of our people. I let them down many years ago and almost brought our race to extinction. Don't make the mistakes I did, trust in yourself and those around you. Go in alone and you will come out alone."

He turns back around without another word and enters the tent again as I mount the sword and scabbard to my back thinking about what was just said before a voice breaks me out of my trance.

"Leo sir two crates carrying the weapons and armor have been set by the gate. Are you sure you don't need help carrying them?"

"Yes, I can handle it, thank you."

I walk away as he bows and i pick up the two crates as the gates open, I take a glance up and see two sentries and smile walking out and back down the path towards the village.

The woman stares at me for what seems like hours in total silence, you would think she would blink or at least say something. I finally break the silence before I go mad.

"Look I don't know who you are or where you came from but I'm not a demon I'm an Imp and I live near here and was just looking around. Now if you would kindly allow me to stand up I will get out of your hair.

I slowly rise as she backs off keeping her bow drawn at me at all times.

"Now see, that wasn't so hard was it."

I give her a small smile and begin to back up as she speaks to me

"Never come back here filth this is the holy land of queen Teresa, mother of nature."

"Oh you don't have to worry about me dear, I'll leave you and mother Teresa alone."

She disappears so fast I couldn't even see her leave as I quickly leave the forest and return to the village and go to Luxs house

"Lux open the door now."

He quickly opens and looks at me

"Lord Leo your hurt come inside please."

I walk in and sit down and am greeted by a female Imp the first I've seen, she looks like Lux if not for her chest and lower parts just like a human although of course with scaly skin and a menacing face, and I believe there are two smaller ones behind her trying there best to hide from me, can't say I blame them I must look like a dam monster.

"Lux is this your family?"

He nods in response and quickly starts to mend my wound as his children slowly approach me in wonder with a hint of fear

"W-who are you?"

They ask with trembling voices. In return I give them a smile

"I am Leo, your King."

They look at Lux for confirmation and he nods

"Yes boys this is your King he has saved me and you on top of that he has freed us from the Alliances grip so show him respect. He has earned his title and then some."

The tone in the room changes a bit from awkward tenseness to a calmer sense of relief.

"There you go my lord, you won't be able to fly for a while but you will heal nicely."

I nod and stand

"It was nice meeting you all but I must get going."

They nod and see me out as I go to town square

*Mmm this mother Teresa and people of the forest may pose a problem, I don't think they'll attack us but its unsettling to have them lurking around. But it would be totally unreasonable and stupid to attack them with no information about them. Perhaps the old man knows, I don't want to send a messenger, not with this information I'll have to go myself.*

I begin walking out of the town and back to the mine.

I make it about halfway back when my ears perk up to the sound of screaming. A woman specifically, she sounds injured and afriad.

*what is it about today.*

I sprint to the source and find a woman being grabbed and thrown around by three men.

*Typical humans, not only do they disrespect other races but they can't even be civil to there own kind*

I make a dash towards them and take ones head without being seen. The others scream seeing there companion fall to the ground missing a quite important piece of anatomy. I make another dash and cut one in half letting his guts fall onto the floor. The remaining one looks around in horror.

"Look I don't know who you are or what you want but please we were just having a bit of fun with this whore."

I make one more dash behind him and put my finger on his back pushing slightly so some blood dribbles out

"Now listen to me closely, you are the worse scum of them all. Taking advantage of those weaker then you and making fun of it. I want you to leave immediately, don't look back and don't stop until you reach town then turn yourself over to the guards. If you do not do this I will hunt you down and remove your spine from your body. Do we have a understanding?"

He slowly nods

"Then go."

He walks away not looking back. I watch him until he is out of sight then turn back to the woman who's clothes are ripped even though she wasn't wearing much to begin with.

"Miss are you alright?"

She looks up at me and sniffles taking my extended hand and getting up.

"Thank you for saving me but why? Why help me?"

I smile

"Is that truly a question? I helped you because you needed it."

I begin backing up then turn and walk away as she speaks again through sobs

"Wait please."

I turn back around

"How can I repay you? You saved my life, I can give you information, i can give you pleasure."

I laugh

"Your pleasure does not interest me but information that is definitely useful."

"Yes of course what do you want to know?"

"Well first who exactly are you?"

she thinks over her answer carefully

"Well my name is Silvia, I am what they call a gypsy, I travel the land as a dancer and a user of magic."

"Dancing and magic? That's an odd combo."

"Well some magic requires dances but the dancing is mostly to get money."

"I see well on your travels have you heard anything about pointed ear people and a mother Teresa?"

She thinks then her face lights up

"Yes actually, the people are called elves and mother Teresa is the watcher of the world tree."

"World tree?"

"You've never heard of the world tree? Well they say it's the source of all life in the world."

"Hm, that does sound important, perhaps I'll visit her and try to work out a coexistence."

I bow slightly

"Thank you Silvia you've been a great help."

I begin walking away again

"Wait mister, those men burned down my house I have nothing left."

I sigh and turn around

"Well if you truly wish there is a town half a days walk from here that my people occupy, tell them I sent you and they'll see to it that your taken care of."

She smiles and almost jumps for joy

"Thank you, mister?"

"Leo is my name, and you definitely seem more open to all of this then I expected."

"Well Leo you should learn that not all humans are heartless and I'm a gypsy, I've seen a lot weirder things then a overgrown horned imp."

She giggles and walks away

*fair enough, now i mine aswell get to the mine and check on the old mans progress.*

I begin running toward the mine again as darkness begins to fall.

I am awoken by the pounding of my head, I sit up slowly and look around.

*Where am I again? Oh right the battle, we took over the town yesterday. I don't remember hitting my head or straining myself, so why does my head hurt so much?*

I slowly stand and try to shake it off walking out of the cabin I slept in and look around the town. It's mostly empty looking, besides 2 sentries that Lux must have placed out here.

*Good thinking Lux, it's nice that you can think on your own and not have to be ordered, definitely a good quality.*

I walk around the village checking for damage and things we can use. Just then a Imp walks up to me and bows slightly

"Excuse me Lord Leo."

I look to him nodding for him to continue

"I have a message for you."

He hands me a piece of paper wrapped in a black string. I open it and read it to myself.

"Leo, a messenger has sent word that you succeeded with no casualties, this is wonderful news, in these times we need all we can get. And with every feat you accomplish your story will spread and once that begins to happen, once your legend grows the Alliance will start actively seeking you out and that's when they will lose. Once they see you as a threat and attempt to eliminate you others will see that the Alliance bleeds, and that a simple imp that comes from nothing holds the bloody blade. It will weaken there position to say the least, but enough about the future, let's focus on the present, you need arms and armor to supply the new soldiers, we have things mostly set up here so I can get you your gear in about two days time, just hold off until then and I will have it to you on the third day." -Din

I wrap the letter and throw it into a nearby fire stand as the imp walks away.

*Hm three days huh, well that will give Lux time to train them. We can get defense's built too.*

I walk up to a cabin with light coming from inside and knock

"Lux open up."

I hear movement and talking then the door opens and Lux is there.

"Yes my lord what is it?"

"Lux, good job on the sentries you did well to post guards while we slept."

He smiles and nods

"I do not deserve such praise."

"You do and more, but now is not the time. I have spoken to Din and he can send us weapons and armor in three days time, but in the meantime I need you to get defense's up and train the new recruits."

He nods

"My lord may I ask what you will be doing?"

I look behind me to the forest

"I will be looking around the area. Maybe doing some hunting while I'm at it, understood?"

He bows

"Yes my lord, understood."

I leave as he shuts the door

*Now that that's settled I can see what kind of area this is.*

I spread my wings and fly about 50 feet off the ground and to the west looking around the area. I see a vast forest spreading beneath me and into the west, a lake to the south, a mountain to the east and a large body of water to the north.

*Wow it seems this place is in the perfect location to grow and prosper.*

As I admire the view I hear a strange whistling noise from below. I look down and see an arrow heading straight at me, I attempt to dodge but it goes through my wing and sends me hurdling down to the ground. I fall down into the forest snapping branches as I make contact, I hit the ground mostly unharmed thanks to my hardened skin and growl looking around.

"Who did that?!?"

Just then I see the culprit, a tall woman with long blonde hair and perfect pale skin. She holds a bow drawn with the arrow pointed at my face, and if I'm not mistaken her ears are pointed

"Don't move demon filth or the next one goes through your eye!"

I sigh and slowly look into her glowing green eyes

"Well that certainly was a nice introduction."

*Night is in full bloom, the moon is high but offers little light when covered by the clouds. I sneak up to the gate. "Two guards as foretold."

I dash quickly towards them using my wings for extra speed and quickly and cleanly sever both there heads*

"Simple enough, now for town center."

*I enter the town and look around at my soon to be home, its plain but has a calm feeling to it, like coming home after a long day. Just then I see the three guards at town center, once again I rush taking two down and staring at the other one.*

"Surrender now and you may yet live."

*he drops his weapon and bows.*

"Please oh mighty one, please dont kill me."

*he cries like a child and looks at me, his eyes pleading for mercy.*

"You cracked quickly, and without much incentive."

*I rush and crush his skull. After words I look around for any other undesirables*

"This seems too easy, strange."

*I begin making my way to the barracks and open the door, and sure enough there is 7 men in here I begin to slowly walk up to each one and cover there mouth slitting there throat*

"This is odd, retaking a whole town cannot be this simple."

* i walk out and find my men there including Lux."

"Master."

*He bows.*

"Report Lux."

*he nods and begins to speak*

"The guards are dead your highness, no casualties and only minor cuts and bruises."

*i smile*

"Excellent work Lux, well done"

*he stands and walks back to the troops, I sit down on a nearby pile of Lumber and think*

"Theres something wrong here."

*I look around. Then it hits me.*

"The people, the imps, where are they?"

*just then Lux returns*

"Master, our family's, there gone, no trace."

*just then something inside me comes to the front of my mind*

"Leo my child, look north."

*I recognize this voice and look to the north where I see a single man standing. I cannot see any features because he wears a black cloak and hood, I wave for Lux to stay back but ready and approach him.*

"Who are you?"

*He continues to walk ignoring me.*

"Answer me now, of face the consequences"

*he stops and laughs like I've never heard, so evil, so cold.

"My dear boy, you do not give me orders, not now, not ever."

* He smiles*

"Now, you are Leo yes?"

*I nod and get ready*

"Good, don't worry, I'm not here for a fight I have a message."

*i lower my guard and stand more straight. He tosses a piece of paper at me*

"Dear Leo, I've heard of your exploits, well done, but this is just the beginning, dont let success go to your head, that's the best way to lose it."

*there is no name simple a stamp of a tombstone. Wait, Grave…. I look up and the man is gone and is replaced my Lux looking confused*

"Leo my king are you ok?"

*I look down at him and shake my head*

"Lux check the third houses celler, no questions."

* he nods and checks coming back with all the imp family's, they rejoice at seeing loved ones, I rejoice by seeing fresh numbers. Lux comes back up to me.*

"Excuse me lord, but how did you know?"

"I didn't Lux, It just felt right."

*I sigh and look at him*

"Lux, listen, get all the able bodies you can and train them for battle, build up the walls around the city and build watchtowers, also send word to Din we will need more weapons and armor."

*he looks confused but nods not wanting to argue with me*

"Dammit, there are things I work here that i dont understand, we took back the village but why do I feel like I lost…"

*i walk into a vacant house and lay down*

"Tomorrow is another day."

* I fall asleep surprisingly fast.*

My eyes open as I slowly rise from my bed. The sun is peeking into my window, letting me know it's morning.

"Morning already, huh."

I move to the edge of the bed and stand up. My soreness is doing well today and my pain is minimal.

"Today is the day I make my rule public. I should feel nervous but I'm excited, putting my life on line seems to light a fire inside me like nothing else."

I walk out of my tent and am greeted by five Imps fully clad in black armor. Their spears glow in the light.

"Lord Leo!"

They all bow and look up to me with a pride in their eyes like I've never seen. I can't help but smile at them seeing how far they've come in such a short amount of time. Din appears next to me and seems to read my mind.

"Leo, you did this, you got them here. A few weeks ago they were clinging to life and forced to work under the iron hand of King Bron, but you freed them and brought hope to their lives. Believe in yourself as they believe in you and I assure you that you will do great things by our people."

I turn to him and try to speak but I can't think of any words to describe my feelings of gratitude, so I just nod and turn to my warriors.

"Everyone, I cannot say how proud I am of all of you, you've done me proud in the face of overwhelming odds. Now our hardships shall be rewarded. Today we fight to free your families. I'm sure I do not need to tell you all how important today is; not only will we be freeing your loved ones but we will be starting our path to glory.”

Their eyes turn fierce and they bang the butts of their spears on the ground creating a loud harmonious rhythm as they shout in unison.

"For Lord Leo, our families, and the freedom of all!!"

I yell over them: "Now my brothers, let us show the alliance that we are not to be underestimated!"

We burst from the gates and march down the gravel road to the village of our people.

The sun is setting as the village comes into view. An imp comes up to me and bows.

"Leo, my lord."

I look over to him. "Speak" I say in a commanding, but not threatening tone.

He lifts his head. "I have information for you, sir. Master Din has questioned the men you recruited and they have told us what they know of the village."

I kneel beside him "Go on."

"There are two guards placed at each entrance, north and south, 3 guards patrol town center and each guard has a night counterpart, that makes 7 in total." I grin.

"I know that sounds easy to you lord Leo, but please listen."

My grin disappears and Is replaced by a look of confusion.

"My lord I don't mean any disrespect but we have families down there. At any time they could be taken hostage or killed. We need to do this quickly; no mistakes can be made. There are 10 women down there, at least 6 children, and 5 men. None are warriors; please, lord Leo." He begs me with his eyes as tears begin to form.

"Alright Lux." I smile as he looks at me shocked.

"Yes, that is your new name. You showed initiative and advised me well, and probably saved lives in the process. Use this name well as captain of my troops."

I stand as his head hits the ground from bowing low.

"Thank you lord Leo, I will not disappoint you."

I turn to the other four. "Everyone, you shall all follow Lux and attack the north gate. I shall take out the guards to the south and make my way towards town center. We shall meet there; afterwards I shall go to the barracks and kill the remaining guardsmen. Use the darkness as cover and stick together. Everyone check your gear and get ready, let's go to war." We descend the hill and rush into battle. For better or for worse, the war to free our people has begun.

*I push open the large wooden gate, it creaks and cracks slowly opening revealing my foes, 4 swordsman and a knight, the knight walks up to me with courage and determination while the swordsman look on with fear in there eyes* "You, beast, we are here under the command of General Grave and his royal majesty King Bron, I would advise you to lay down your arms and give yourself over quietly or we will be forced to take you down." * I smile at the man as I bare my fangs and slink out my forked tongue* "You seem very sure of yourself knight, but you are the only one, your men here are smart, they see what I am, they know they cannot win, I have transcended time and space and defied all logic to achieve what I have, and no one especially not someone's lackeys is going to stop me now." * The knight laughs* "The general said you would be stubborn, very well." * He unsheaths a longsword, polished and freshly sharpened with no cuts or scuffs what so ever* "Do not fret beast, you shall soon know your place." * he grins at me his teeth so perfect it makes me ill* "Oh I see now." *I laugh* "Your a noble aren't you?" * he stops and looks at me.* "Well yes I am, I am son of lord Rose, why?" "It all makes sense now, those men behind you, they are fighters, warriors, they have seen battle, killed many men all for there king and country. But you, you have been brought up on fairy tails." * I begin circling him letting my wings make me seem larger* "You have lived a life of luxury, you have been homeschooled and taught swordplay but teachers all your life, and when you became a man they granted you a title and land and authority over those who have fought more battles then years you've been alive." * my eyes glow red as I stare at him, a single bead of sweet drops from his chin* "Now, knight." * I get into a battle stance* " Show me what money can buy." * He rushes me, his form is good but he lacks experience and makes a critical error, I run into him ducking under a slash and using my newly hardened claws to rip through his stomach, leaving him breathless and tripping over his insides, he collapses and tries to breath until going silent. I look to the men* " Now." * I lick the blood from my nails* " Do any of you know what his big mistake was? *I look at them and grin* "He was impatient and took a aggressive approach, but I was faster and suited to close quarters combat, he should have played defensively and set the pace for me to follow, but anyway what to do with you. * I tap my chin and smile* Alright I've got it, you men have a choice, three of you die and one carrys the heads back, or you may join me and help bring this land into a golden age." * I stand there and stare at them as the talk, then 2 walk over and bow to me while the others try and run* "First lesson to you men." * I fire my bolt of lightning in the middle of the runners, after my evolution it is now much stronger it causes a small explosion ripping the men's bodies apart into a mess of blood and guts* " Do not disappoint me." * They nod and look at there former comrades in horror as I walk back inside with them in tow, the old imp looks at me and smiles* "Good job Leo, you made quick work of them and even recruited new hands, and these come with there own gear and inside knowledge." * I nod* " Yes, speaking of that, take them and see what they know about the village, we leave in the morning." * he gives a short bow and takes them into a tent as I enter mine and sit on the bed with my head in my hands* " This day has been nuts, and it shows no signs of slowing down, I guess this is just life now, I'll have to get use to it, but the scary thing is, I think I'm enjoying this, is this the affect of my new body? * I shake my head* "I cannot worry myself with these thoughts now." * I lay down and rest, my injuries still cause me to tire quickly* "Tomorrow is a new day."

I arrive down at the campfire my fellow Imps gather around it as I step forward* "My people, I have failed you, I was incapacitated when you needed me most, for that I am sorry." *i Look down at the ground unable to look at them, I hear low murmurs that I can just barely make out* "Is this really ok?" "Are we being apologized to by our king?" *I Look back up at them* "I know you all have not known me for long, and I haven't exactly made the best case for myself, but I must selfishly ask for your help again, my job is not done, I will not stop until my people are safe, I will free this land, and I'm going to need everyone." *my eyes look out to all of them watching there expressions, they all smile and bow on one knee* "Hail Leo, King of all!!" *I can't help but shed a tear* " Thank you everyone, I will not fail you again." *the old imp speaks* " Everyone, the time for rest is over, go into the mine and gather all the Hellstone you can, we shall fashion weapons and armor like none have seen!" * they all cheer and head into the mine* "Lord Leo, may I speak with you?" *the old imp sits and looks to me* "of course." *I sit next to him* " Now that things are moving I need to get you up to speed, we lost some men in the revolt and recovering Axels body, were down to 11, I will make sure you have 5 warriors but the other 6 will need to stay here, gathering food, repairing the mine, making arms and armor, and guarding all that we have and will fight for." *I nod* "I think I know what your going to tell me." *he smiles* " Yes Leo, we need more people, and I have an idea." *he pulls a map from his bag and shows me an X* "We are here, there is a village to the east where these Imps came from, there are children, woman, elderly, and men there still, they are under guard but I believe we can take them, when we arrive the people will learn of there kings appearance and what he has already done, they will follow you I'm sure if it." *he Looks to me with fierce eyes as if something in him has awoken* " Ok, I will trust you, and your gonna need a name, how about-" *he cuts me off* "Din, my name is Din." *he looks away* " Din, but I thought Imps don't have names?" *he gets up and walks away* "Well that wasn't mysterious or anything, probably just trying to be cool." *I get up and look around seeing a pile of dead bodies and the men's weapons* "Why don't we just use these?" *I grab a sword by the blade and immediately yell in pain* "Son of a bitch!" *I drop it and notice a fierce burn mark on my hand* *just then a imp runs up to me out of no where* "My Lord what happened?" *I Look to him* " All I tried to do was pick up a sword and it burned me!" *he looks over my wound* "No disrespect sir but don't you know?" *he seems completely dumbfounded* "Know what, spit it out!" *he backs up slightly* "Its just everyone knows that humans use a special metal in there weapons and armor the hurts supernatural beings, it makes it less likely that we will die so that they may sell us into slavery, and most humans just find pleasure in our pain, that is the only reason you live my Lord, when he stabbed you the wound cauterized around the knife preventing you from bleeding out. *my expression softens* "That is troublesome, but useful for that moment, thank you." *he bows and walks away* "Dammit, well that sucks, and if they do that why did that officer seem surprised, so many questions with few answers." *I sit down and think when a voice comes from behind me* "Leo." * I turn and see Din with a far away expression.* "Oh hey old man" *he sits beside me* " First of all thank you for letting my name go, I just don't feel like talking about it right now." *I nod* "But that aside, we have a problem, there's a patrol on the way, I knew they would respond but I figured we would have a little more time, I'm sorry, but I need you to take care of them, the men arn't ready." *he sighs but I stand* "Don't worry old man, I need to blow off some steam anyway." *I smile and head for the gate ready to test my new body*

My eyes slowly flutter open, my head hurts and my chest is sore but other then that I feel pretty good, as well as one can after being stabbed in the chest I suppose. I slowly move to the edge of the bed and get up wincing but managing to pull it off, I slowly make my way out of the tent and to the center of camp where I see my Imps gathered, one looks at me and smiles* “Lord Leo it’s you, your alive!” *they all turn and look to me cheering* “Lord Leo!!” *my ears pound and I get a headache* “Jeez was everything always this loud?” *I think to myself* “No you fool, it wasn’t, remember you evolved?” *The old imp walks up to me with that face he gives me when I’m apparently being stupid* “Lay off me old man, I’m still getting use to everything.” *I roll my eyes* “Leo listen, I don’t wanna put something on you when you have just woken up but there is no use in waiting.” *I turn and lock eyes with him* “Alright fine, lay it on me, I just survived a knife in the chest so I’m feeling pretty good right now.” *I give a smile* “There is good news and bad news, the good news is Axel has been found he’s here.” *I smile wider* “Well that makes my job a hell of a lot easier, where is he?” *I Look around* “I’ll take you to him” *the old imp walks away leading me up a hill, after a short walk I see a stone in the earth, it’s a normal stone with the imp language carved into it, it simple says ” Axel the hero of us all.”** I hit my knees as tears stream down my face, the old imp turns and looks at me* “I’m sorry Leo.” *my tears continue but sadness is replaced by rage* ” What happened!” *the old imp stays calm* ” We can only guess but, we found his body surrounded by those who were sent to find him, he killed all of them, seemingly single handedly, but it seems he lost his life in the process.” ” If he truly killed all of them, shouldn’t he have evolved like me, that’s an amazing feat?” *The old imp sighs* “Leo, remember what I told you, there is a one percent chance that evoulution takes place, even if he did enough and the soul evolved, his body was dead, it couldn’t reflect his inner strength, there wasn’t a vessel, I’m sorry.” *the old imp lowers his head* * I grip the grassy ground shoving my nails into the earth grabbing mounds of soil* “Dammit, why did I let this happen, I was in bed for days, lounging around while he ran for his life for us!” *I slam my head into the ground* " Leo, don't do this to yourself, yes he was a hero, yes he was your friend, but him passing doesn't change those things, all this means is that he go's on, he leaves this plane for another, and one day you will see him again I know it, now dry those tears, what would Axel say to you right now?"* I look up to the imp*" He would probably say that there was nothing in the legend about their savior being a cry baby." *I chuckle* "Thank you, old man." *I stand wipping my tears* "Your welcome my Lord, now time to tell your people what we do next." *I smile lightly and turn going down the hill rejoining my comrades*

“I-I evolved?”* I thought to myself, how can this be, evolution doesn’t take place over night, that’s impossible, I cannot simply change, especially this drastically.* *My expression said it all, the old imp laughed* “My dear boy, you wish to lead us all in a grand revolution but you don’t seem to know anything.” *he sighs and sits next to me* “Evoulution is a rare process, there’s only about a one percent chance that a creature will evolve into a superior version of themselves, you my friend have lead your fellow people in a revolt and freed them from there slave life’s, and in the process you killed a high ranking officer of the Alliance, these are not small feats, and for these you were gifted life experience, and that was enough to make you evolve, you did great things so your outwards appearance changed to reflect the soul inside.” *for the first time he smiles at me* “So get some rest boy, you have a grand life ahead of you.” *he gets up and leaves the tent* “wow, I can’t believe it, I actually evolved, i wonder how strong I am now, I guess I’ll have to find out once I can move.”*I shift to lay down again wincing at the pain* “A lot has happened in such a short amount of time, I wonder where Axel is, if he’s ok, I’ll have to get better soon and search for him, this wouldn’t have happened without his help.” *my eyes grow heavy* “Dam, that’s all the energy I have huh, oh well no use fighting it.” *I close my eyes and drift off into a dreamless sleep*