8. Malakai

8

MALAKAI

A s the god-forsaken ‘ATV' speeds across the vast desert, the endless sea of sand stretches out before us. The sun hangs high in the clear blue sky, its rays reflecting off the dunes like a million shimmering diamonds. Inside the vehicle, the air conditioning provides a welcome respite from the wet and oppressive heat, but my thoughts are far from the comfort of our surroundings.

After spending the day bribing both conmen and mystics alike, we found a name and location. Apparently, this sage is known to work with both demons and humans, a rare bridge between our two worlds.

Evelyn drives the infernal chariot beside me, her brow furrowed as she pores over the endless sand dunes. I can see the determination in her eyes, the fierce intelligence that drives her to unravel the mysteries before us. I feel a surge of protectiveness towards her, a need to keep her safe from the dangers that lurk in the shadows of this quest.

Up ahead, I sense trouble. "Shit. There shouldn't be a military checkpoint here… We aren't even at the border," Evelyn says, slowing the chariot.

I immediately sense that something is off. The soldiers manning the checkpoint are not ordinary military personnel, but the same mercenaries we've run into before. "Looks like trouble."

Evelyn tenses beside me, her gaze locked on the armed men ahead. "What do we do?"

"Just act natural, and if it goes south, we wing it."

"We what?"

I step out of the vehicle, squaring my shoulders as I approach the mercenaries. They turn to face me, their weapons at the ready.

"Good afternoon, sir," he greets me, his voice calm and controlled. "We're conducting routine checks in the area. May I see your identification, please?"

I narrow my eyes, studying the man more closely. My demonic instincts surge to the surface, and I have to fight to keep my powers in check. "I don't think that will be necessary," I reply, my voice low and even. "We're just passing through. If you'll let us be on our way..."

The leader's facade cracks, a smirk twisting his lips. "I'm afraid I can't do that," he says, his tone turning menacing. "You see, we have some unfinished business, demon."

Around me, the other mercenaries tense, their weapons shifting to aim directly at me. I can hear Evelyn's sharp intake of breath from inside the Land Rover, and I know she's ready to act at a moment's notice.

"I'm going to give you one chance," I growl, my claws itching to break free. "Let us pass, and no one has to get hurt."

The leader laughs, the sound harsh and mocking. "You're in no position to make demands," he sneers. "We have our orders. The artifact, and the girl. Hand them over, and maybe we'll consider letting you live."

That's the final straw. With a roar of fury, I let my demonic powers surge forth, my speed and strength catching the mercenaries off guard. They open fire, but I'm already moving, dodging and weaving through their bullets like a lethal dancer.

I tear into them with savage efficiency, my claws rending flesh and bone. The scent of blood fills the air, mingling with the screams of the fallen. I lose myself in the thrill of combat, my demonic rage taking control.

But as I turn to face the leader, ready to end this once and for all. I will tear him limb from limb and I will feast on his entrails!

Evelyn's voice cuts through the haze of bloodlust. "Malakai, stop!" she cries out, her tone desperate. "You've won, you don't have to do this!"

I freeze, my claws hovering just above the leader's throat. He's beaten, his weapon lost, his eyes wide with fear. Evelyn's words reach me through the fog of rage, reminding me of my humanity.

I take a deep breath, fighting to regain control. Slowly, I lower my claws, stepping back from the cowering mercenary.

"Go," I snarl, my voice rough with barely contained anger. "Tell your masters that the artifact and the girl are under my protection. If they come for us again, I won't be so merciful."

The leader scrambles to his feet, fleeing into the desert without a backward glance. I turn to Evelyn, seeing the compassion and concern in her eyes. "Are you alright?" she asks softly, reaching out to take my hand.

I nod, my breathing still ragged from the battle. "I'm okay," I assure her, taking her hand in mine. "Thank you, for being my anchor."

She takes my still-shaking hand in hers. "I'm proud of you," she says softly. "I know how hard it must be, to fight against your nature like that."

I look down at her, my heart clenching in my chest. "It's worth it," I murmur. "If it means keeping you safe."

She smiles, a real smile that lights up her whole face. "Come on. Let's go find that sage."

I can't help but return her smile, feeling a warmth spread through my chest. Despite the danger we've just faced, her presence is a comfort, a reminder of what we're fighting for.

We climb back into the blasted chariot, leaving the carnage of the checkpoint behind us.

Evelyn navigates the terrain with skill, as we travel at speeds not meant for humans or demons, the vehicle's tires kicking up plumes of sand as we race toward our goal. The journey seems to last an eternity, each minute stretching out like an hour.

But finally, as the last rays of sunlight fade from the sky, we crest a ridge and find ourselves looking down into a small, hidden valley. There, nestled amidst the sand and rock, is a simple dwelling, little more than a hut of mud and straw.

I can feel a sense of anticipation building within me as we draw closer, a feeling that we're on the cusp of something important. The sage's dwelling may be unassuming, but there's an aura of peace that surrounds it, a tranquility that seems to shimmer in the air like a mirage.

We bring the vehicle to a stop a short distance away, not wanting to disturb the quiet serenity of the place. As we step out into the cooling desert air, I take a moment to stretch my muscles, still tense from the earlier fight.

Evelyn moves to stand beside me, her hand slipping into mine. "Are you ready for this?" she asks softly, her eyes searching mine.

I take a deep breath, feeling the weight of the moment settle upon my shoulders. "As ready as I'll ever be," I reply, giving her hand a gentle squeeze. "Let's save the world, or whatever."

She nods, a look of determination settling over her features. "Together," she agrees, and in that moment, I feel a surge of love and gratitude for the incredible woman by my side.

As we approach the sage's dwelling, the door swings open, revealing a figure standing in the doorway. He is an old man, his skin weathered and wrinkled like ancient parchment, his eyes bright with wisdom. But what surprises me is the aura that surrounds him, the unmistakable sense of demonic energy that clings to his very being.

"Welcome, travelers," he says, his voice as dry and whispery as the desert wind. "I have been expecting you. Please, come inside and make yourselves comfortable."

Evelyn looks at me, seemingly shaken by his words. It's likely her first time seeing a sage. I forget how uncultured humans can be.

We step inside, the cool air of the dwelling a welcome respite from the heat of the desert. The interior is simple but comfortable, with cushions scattered on the floor and a low table set with a pot of fragrant tea. "Please, sit," the sage says, gesturing to the cushions. "You must be weary from your journey. Rest, and refresh yourselves."

We sink down onto the cushions, gratefully accepting the cups of tea he offers us. The hot liquid is soothing, the delicate aroma helping to calm my racing thoughts.

But as we sip our tea, the sage regards us with a knowing look, his eyes seeming to pierce straight through to our souls. "You have come seeking answers," he says, his voice low and serious. "About the prophecy and the bond that ties you together."

Evelyn sets down her cup, her brow furrowed in confusion. "How did you know?" she asks, her voice tinged with wonder and a hint of fear.

"I would not be the sage if I did not know things…" The sage smiles, a small, enigmatic curve of his lips. "The prophecy foretold of your coming," he says as if that explains everything. "I have been waiting many, many years for just this moment. Look at me, giddy as my first day at the temple."

"What do you mean?" she asks, her voice rough with emotion. "What was foretold?"

He turns to Evelyn, his expression grave. "The world will end," he says, his voice ringing with a terrible certainty. "Or you will fall in love. There is no other way."

"Me, fall in love with him? But...but I'm just an archaeologist, I don't...I can't..."

"Then it is love? Easy. Love. The human concept that I know so much about. Should be able to complete this feat within the week no?"

"I, uh," Suddenly her face is flushed and red, her projection so much smaller than usual. Her blush deepens, only serving to further endear me to her. Her gaze darts to me and then away again, her hands twisting nervously in her lap. "I… I don't know," she whispers, her voice barely audible. "It's all so sudden, so… overwhelming."

The sage nods, his expression thoughtful. "Love is not always easy," he says, his voice filled with the wisdom of ages. "But it is always worth fighting for, worth sacrificing for. And in your case, it may be the only thing that can save us all."

I feel a sudden rush of emotion, a wave of fear and hope and longing that threatens to sweep me away. Could it be true? Could love for Evelyn, our bond, really be the key to stopping the apocalypse, to saving the world?

I turn to her, my eyes searching her face, my heart pounding in my chest. "Evelyn," I whisper, my voice rough with emotion. "I… I know this is a lot to take in, but...but if it's true, if our love is the only way… I'm willing to try. I'm willing to fight for it, for you, for us."

She looks at me, her eyes wide and shining with unshed tears, her lips trembling with emotion. "Malakai," she breathes, her voice barely more than a whisper. "I… I don't know if I'm ready, if I'm strong enough… but… but I'm willing to try too. For the world, for… for you."

The sage watches us, a small smile playing at the corners of his mouth, his eyes glinting with a knowing light. "The road ahead will not be easy," he says, his voice filled with a quiet certainty. "But with your love, your bond, you have the strength to face whatever challenges may come. Trust in each other and the power of your connection, and you will find the way."

We nod, our hands finding each other, our fingers intertwining in a gesture of love and support. And as we sit there in the sage's dwelling, the weight of the prophecy hanging heavy in the air, I feel a flicker of hope, a glimmer of possibility, that maybe, just maybe, we can do this.

"Wait," I say, my voice barely above a whisper. "Are you saying that I'm the demon king? That I'm supposed to bring about the apocalypse?"

The sage nods, his expression grave. "Yes, Malakai. It is your destiny, foretold in the ancient texts. But there is a way to avert this fate, to change the course of history itself. You must fall in love with this woman."

Evelyn steps forward, her eyes wide with a mix of fear and confusion. "How?" she asks, her voice trembling slightly.

I laugh, the sound harsh and bitter in the quiet of the sage's dwelling. "Love? Me? I must fall in love with her, too? You've got to be joking, old man. I'm a demon, a creature of darkness and destruction. I don't do love."

Evelyn's eyes flash with sudden anger, and she steps forward, her finger jabbing into my chest. "Listen to me, you arrogant, stubborn demon," she snaps, her voice rising with each word. "I don't care about your destiny or your prophecy. But I do care about the fate of the world, and if there's even a chance that our bond could stop the apocalypse, then I'm willing to try."

I stare at her, stunned by her outburst. For a long moment, we simply stand there, our gazes locked, the tension between us crackling like electricity.

Finally, I sigh, my shoulders slumping in defeat. "Fine," I mutter, looking away. "We'll try it your way. But don't say I didn't warn you."

Evelyn nods, a hint of a smile tugging at her lips. "I knew you'd come around," she teases, her earlier shyness forgotten in the face of sending the world into eternal damnation.

The sage clears his throat, drawing our attention back to him. "The road ahead will not be easy," he warns, his tone serious once more. "The fate of the world rests on your shoulders, and there will be many who seek to stop you."

I feel a sudden weight settle on my chest, the enormity of the task before us hitting me like a physical blow. But as I look at Evelyn, at the fierce determination in her eyes, I feel a flicker of hope spark to life within me.

I feel my heart skip a beat, my mind reeling with the implications of the sage's words. Love? Could it be true? Could the strange, inexplicable feelings I've been grappling with actually be something so powerful, so transformative?

But even as the thought takes root, the sage's expression darkens. "But beware," he warns. "The demon world will stop at nothing to prevent your bond from growing stronger. They know that it is the only thing that can stop the coming invasion, and they will do everything in their power to tear you apart."

I feel a chill run down my spine, a sense of foreboding that settles in the pit of my stomach. But as I look at Evelyn, at the fierce determination in her eyes, the unwavering courage in her heart, I know that I will do whatever it takes to keep her safe. To nurture and protect this bond between us, no matter the cost.

"Thank you, sage," I say, my voice rough with emotion. "We will heed your warnings, and we will not fail."

The old man nods, a glimmer of hope in his ancient eyes. "Go then, children. And may the strength of your love light the way in the darkness to come."

As we turn to leave, I feel a sudden pulse of energy in the air, a dark and malevolent presence that sets my teeth on edge. I whirl around, my sword leaping into my hand, my senses straining to pinpoint the source of the disturbance.

And there, on the horizon, I see it. A massive, hulking figure, wreathed in shadows and flame, its eyes glowing with the fires of hell itself.