Demon King: Awakening

Chapter 12

Kobel entered his room, finding the same servant standing at the far corner accompanied by Battaleon.

“Your Majesty, it would seem that you've read my note and took my advice.” The servant bowed deeply, happily knowing he had helped to save the king's life or at the very least saved him from walking into a trap.

“Yes, thank you for your invaluable information.” The servant nodded, still grinning beginning to appear idiotic, clearly pleased with himself.

Battaleon waited a moment before speaking, “You can leave now.” He instructed the servant, nudging him toward the door.

“Yes, of course, Battaleon.” He bowed to them both before exiting the room.

Battaleon smirked at Kobel, knowing he and his underling had done well, “Have I ever failed you?” He inquired proudly as walked over and sat down on the edge of Kobel's bed, seemingly satisfied with himself.

“No, you have not.” Kobel responded while rolling his eyes, “Remind me again why I don't just send you to the dungeons for speaking to your king in such a casual manner.” He spoke with a small smile while trying to appear perplexed.

Battaleon only made himself more comfortable on Kobel's bed, leaning back and placing his hands behind his head. “Because I have saved your life a few times and always inform of the whatever may be happening in your kingdom and castle, of course,” he smirked, feeling very confident in his usefulness to Kobel.

“That's right, you do have some use. Albeit sometimes too much attitude, but useful none the less.” Kobel chuckled, still standing in the center of his own chambers.

Battaleon became more serious, straightening himself and then slipped off the bed, “Your majesty, what is your next move? Those against you are growing in number. Why not give them what they want?” He inquired, not out of any malice, but concern for the Kobel’s wellbeing.

“Simple, war will be bloody, and we are not as strong as those who come from Cadorac. Those demons are larger in number and strength. While we are fewer and do not have strength on our side. Humans have grown and evolved in their ways of battle. They now use strange weapons, that give them more power than ever before. Whereas we use the tactics of brute force.” He sighed as he went over to a chair and slumped down onto it. Listening to his own words, he himself was unconvinced by his own explanation. He was tired and exhausted with having demons questioning his decision on this ridiculous war.

Drawing in a deep breath, Kobel changed the topic, “My plan is simple, I've called for all to be gathered in the square. It is then that I will make sure that those who oppose me will understand where they stand.” As he spoke, his anger rose. Normally, he would release this anger, however, recently he felt the need to keep himself in check.

“And what understanding would that be?” Battaleon asked raising his eyebrows, curiously.

“They will understand, that to question me could mean to end their own lives.” Kobel responded as he watched Battaleon take the seat across from him.

“Your majesty, the last gathering obviously did not deter, but rather called more to come up against you,” Battaleon stated, looking at Kobel hoping he had a better plan that involved more action and less talk. Making speeches was obviously not working.

“This trial will.” Kobel grinned demonically, “I have had enough of those standing against me.” He nearly growled, before pulling himself back in.

Battaleon appeared to think for a moment before speaking again, “I look forward to seeing what you have truly planned for the trail. However, I am still concerned as to why you are truly opposed to this war? In the past, we would have fought. In the past, you would be the one standing on the front lines on the battlefield.” Battaleon spoke, carefully choosing his words. He was one of the only demons that could question the king without being thrown into the dungeons or losing his life immediately, but there was a limit.

Kobel sighed, he himself was not sure of what had changed in himself but knew something had. “Things are different now,” he responded simply, without elaborating. He couldn’t. He didn’t know what was going on in his own mind.

“Your Majesty, may I please speak honestly?” Battaleon inquired, he knew Kobel would tolerate only so much, even from him, however, he needed Kobel to more aware of what he was doing and what had caused the change. It appeared he didn’t see it himself.

Kobel took a deep breath, he had a hunch as to where this was going and was not exactly happy to revisit the topic, but it was better to allow his friend to speak freely than for him to suddenly bring up the topic at another more inopportune time, “You may speak.”

“Your Majesty, you know that I will loyally follow you no matter the direction you take in the coming battle.” Kobel nodded, encouraging him to continue. “Then you will understand my confusion and the demons' with this change in our king. The king we are used to seeing is a strong demon standing at the front and willing to battle no matter who is on the other side of the field. No matter how many lives could be lost,” he spoke truthfully, “Your Majesty, I believe that after meeting Areana, something has shifted in you. Far more than even you have come to realize. You appear to be more human.” He said frankly. It was an odd statement considering Kobel had never been human.

Kobel sat for a moment taking in everything he had heard. “I see what you are saying. Looking back, I can see that I have changed in my tactics. I have become more caring, attempting to ensure the safety of all when battle inevitable.” He sighed, “I don't understand why meeting her has caused you to shift. I’ve met humans before, thus my mind should not be changed by the appearance of one.” He spoke, the last part was more to himself than to Battaleon.

“Your Majesty, what is it that you truly want? Do you want to allow us to go to battle or do you want to stop the coming fight? Or do you possibly want to abdicate the throne?” Battaleon allowed the questions to tumble from his lips.

Kobel glared at him, angered by his final suggestion, as though it were even an option. He had never thought of simply leaving the throne, he had no desire to. “No, I wish to be king, but I do not want this battle. This battle is much more than anything we have ever faced before. We have never prepared for battle against the majority of the human territories.” He continued, frustrated with how weak he sounded, but he couldn’t get the small voice out of his head. If he pushed away the voice, then war appeared entertaining, but the more he pushed, the louder the voice, that apposed war, became. He had never shied away from any battle, he had always been ready to fight, even enjoying it.

“Your majesty, please do not be distressed, I will do my best to keep you seated on the throne for as long as you desire it. As for the war, it is coming whether we like it or not. Therefore, you must be prepared for what is to come.” He spoke with a reassuring smile, although it was apparent that Battaleon was wary of what was going to happen when this war did indeed come to their doorsteps.

“I am greatly appreciative of your loyalty.” Kobel smiled, standing up and going over to the wardrobe, exhaustion suddenly coming over him. He had never felt so many emotions. He had always been steady in his views and in his rule, however, with Areana here, everything was shifting. But would it be for the best or worst?

“I believe that you are due in the courtyard soon. I look forward to your performance.” Battaleon bowed and headed toward the door, ending the conversation that appeared to be going around in circles. He knew Kobel had yet to figure out what he had already come to understand.

“Thank you, Battaleon, you are a good and faithful servant. I will make sure it’s a show you’ll never forget.” Kobel grinned, seeming almost excited with what he was about to do, “be prepared for what is to come.”

“Of course, your Majesty, I look forward to it.” He raised his fist to his chest and bowed. Kobel watched as he exited the room. His dearest friend, a medium height red fox demon, was kind, but still vicious to those who stood against him while still being fiercely loyal.

He turned to his wardrobe, pulled open the dark wooden doors, and took out a deep purple, red-trimmed shirt. He pulled off his current shirt, replacing it with his new shirt. He then dropped his pants and replaced them with ones that flowed down to the ground and matched his shirt. His white ears straightened, the hairs on his tail straightened as though he were preparing for battle. His eyes shifted to red.