Demon World

by Balvir Bhullar

  ‘Grandfather, when did you get back? I thought you were in China!’ Rowanne shook his hand eagerly, eliciting a warm smile from him.

  Her grandparents gestured towards the couch, and Rowanne sat down and looked at them expectantly. How lucky that her grandfather should come back now.

  Grandmother Angelique looked at her husband, who nodded his head in encouragement that she should tell her the truth. ‘I’m afraid, Rowanne, that I haven’t been entirely honest with you-’

  ‘That should be we. I also take the blame,’ he smiled at his wife before turning back to Rowanne.

  What the hell is going on here? Rowanne felt a shiver run up her spine - she sensed that something momentous was about to happen, and looked at them steadily, giving them the time to elaborate.

  The rain began to fall hard outside, and Rowanne was lulled by the sound as it struck the windows rhythmically. She looked out of the window briefly and noticed that the sky had suddenly gone dark as the clouds blocked out the light. It was as if she were cocooned in a dark blanket; but it was only a false sense of calm.

  Grandfather Hou walked towards the light switch, instantly flooding the room in a soft glow that pooled the light in the centre, leaving the edges of the room in shadows.

  Grandmother Angelique waited for him to sit down before continuing. ‘When I said I didn’t know who my parents were, that was the truth. But there was a very good reason why my mother, if indeed it was her, left me with the Knight family.’

  Rowanne remained quiet, not wishing to interrupt, and waited patiently.

  ‘She knew that she had to leave me with a family who’d understand my predicament... Someone who’d not hand me over to the authorities, once they learned the truth.’ She took a deep breath, ‘Even as a child, I knew I was different... I knew that my mother was like me. I grew up in this world that had few of my kind...’

  Though Rowanne found it all very cryptic, she did, however, feel a warm glow as the necklace responded to the truth of the words, and perhaps also to being in the company of its former owner.

  ‘You see, Rowanne, I don’t actually belong to this world.’ said her grandmother.

  Rowanne’s eyes widened as it slowly dawned on her what her grandmother was trying to convey to her.

  Grandfather Hou nodded at Rowanne, ‘I see you are just as sharp as your grandmother. You know, don’t you?’ he asked, looking at her steadily.

  Rowanne laughed in disbelief. Here she was worried about sounding crazy to her grandparents, when it turned out, they had a little secret of their own! She ran a trembling hand through her hair, and her maniacal laughter subdued as the enormity of the situation finally dawned on her.

  Rowanne stood up and began to pace the room. ‘I can’t believe this! I want to hear it from your lips,’ she demanded, finally coming to a standstill before her grandparents. She looked at them with hurt and anger shining in her eyes.

  ‘Sit down, please, Rowanne,’ asked her grandfather gently, realising how hurt his granddaughter must be.

  Rowanne sat quietly, but there was a questioning look in her eyes.

  Slowly her grandmother began again, ‘My mother was a demon, and she brought me over from Demon World to Earth. I don’t know why she did this. But she placed me in a family of humans who knew all about my world. They never once questioned why I was left on their doorstep, they took me in and raised me. They filled in the blanks of how my world worked, the rules and regulations that governed it.’

  Rowanne listened intently, but was puzzled by what she heard. ‘Hold on a minute, Grandmother, you said the people that raised you were human. But then how could they possibly know of the existence of Demon World? I mean, I’ve never even heard of there being an alternate world to Earth, am I missing something here?’

  Her grandmother nodded, ‘The Knight family is made up of humans and... half demons.’

  Rowanne tried to get her head around it for a moment. She eventually asked slowly, ‘So, the people that are half demons, did they all die as well?’

  Her grandparents looked at her in shock and confusion not comprehending what she had just said.

  ‘Why would you assume that a human has to die to become a half demon?’ asked Grandfather Hou sitting forward, suddenly alert.

  ‘Well, am I correct in assuming that you know what I am?’ The secret was out, she thought.

  ‘As soon as I opened the door and saw you, I realised that you had become a half demon. I wasn’t sure though, how it had happened. And I suspect you have a lot to tell us, as well,’ replied Grandmother Angelique.

  ‘Grandmother, how are half demons formed?’ asked Rowanne slowly.

  ‘You mean, born,’ corrected Grandfather Hou. ‘When a demon has a child with a human, it can, but not always, result in a half demon being born.’

  ‘No wonder you were surprised with my question! So, is there no other way that a human can be converted into a half demon?’ asked Rowanne, and held her breath as she wondered what they’d make of her situation. She felt nervous and sick to her stomach.

  ‘There are other ways...’ replied Grandfather Hou, ‘but they are forbidden, as are half demons. A relationship between a demon and a human is strictly against the law!’

  ‘But then, how is it possible for the Knight family to still be free, and why has no Demon World law stopped them?!’ asked Rowanne.

  ‘Now, we get down to it! The Knight family stretches back countless generations. They were the first, and as far as I know the last, humans to ever be made aware of the existence of Demon World,’ replied Grandmother Angelique.

  ‘I thought that humans were not to know of the existence of Demon World, so why was there an exception made for this family, and what was so special about them?’ Rowanne was intrigued by her grandmother’s adoptive family. And she felt that she had finally found a place where she might belong, and people to whom she could talk to about her experiences. She had a lot of questions, and if anyone had the answers then it would be them - also her grandparents, who were a fount of knowledge themselves.

  Her grandmother answered, ‘The Knight family, as Ju Long and any other demon knows, were especially invited at the behest of the First Family, who are the highest authority in the land, second only to the Courts, of course.’

  ‘I’ve heard that term before... who are the First Family?’ asked Rowanne, recalling Lady Enid mentioning them.

  Her grandparents exchanged long looks, ‘How do you know about them, and who have you been associating with? It is very important that you tell us, as for a human to know of these things could result in the death sentence, or at best a complete memory wipe.’

  Rowanne broke out in a sweat; she didn’t want to endanger Alexander. ‘Let me start from the beginning...’

  An hour later, Rowanne’s grandparents were now seated on either side of her with tears in their eyes after having heard the ordeal she’d been through. Her grandfather looked as if he had aged a decade, his eyes gaunt.

  ‘Rowanne, you have met some of the most prominent members of our world, and how you are still alive is a miracle! These Noble families cannot always be trusted... I will have to make arrangements to meet with Lady Enid, she is after all the ruler of Demon World, not to mention the fact that she belongs to the First Family. I must find out what her intentions are towards you,’ said her grandfather.

  ‘Wait, Grandfather, are you sure it’s safe? Lady Enid does not know of your connection with me, it might complicate matters.’

  ‘What could be worse than losing your granddaughter and not knowing what happened to you!’ said her grandmother, distraught, her hands shaking. ‘This is my fault. If I had kept in contact more, then I would have known! I thought I was doing the best for you and your mother by keeping you both out of our world.’ Sobbing, she shook Rowanne by the shoulders, trying to make her understand just how hard it had been for her, and at the same time trying to convey how sorry she was for all of it.

  Rowanne had spent almost two we
eks in the world of demons: so much had changed, and she’d also gone through so much. Not just her, but Alexander also. And no wonder her grandparents had wanted to keep her safe; well, as safe as anyone can be in the world of humans. She now understood why her grandparents had distanced themselves. It was akin to what Alexander had done to her, but she didn’t like it, not one single bit; no one would. Having her memory tampered with felt like a violation, although she knew that at the same time, they had done it for her own good, to keep her safe. And it must not have been easy for them; it had cost them, as well.

  Rowanne hugged this strong woman who’d been separated from her family for so long... how alone they must have felt. She turned her tear streaked face to her grandfather, who patted her head awkwardly. He was never one to show emotion or displays of affection towards his family easily — only with her grandmother could he be so carefree.

  ‘Why do you omit the name of the demon who saved your life? I would like to meet him, make him aware that you are not alone, that you have supporters from Demon World behind you!’ said Grandfather Hou, strategising his next moves, and planning for Rowanne’s safety to ensure that she had a future to look forward to.

  ‘You also spoke of a ghost, Rowanne? You said it belonged to Demon World. Can you summon it here? Your grandfather and I would like to talk to this entity. We could find out what its purpose is and ask it why it possessed you,’ said Grandmother Angelique.

  Rowanne did not want Lillian to be harmed. She had omitted a fair share of the truth in respect to the people involved; they had only been trying to help her. After all, some of the secrets were not hers to share, and some of the events were beyond anyone’s control.

  ‘I’m not sure that would work here,’ said Rowanne, remembering Lillian expressly asking that her name not be mentioned to anybody else, and she was sure that there must be a valid reason behind it.

  ‘You are already displaying loyalty to these people, I see you fitting in perfectly with Demon World. But beware, it is very easy to be caught up in their power struggles and games. Make sure that you do not become a pawn to these people, being pushed around until you are no longer of use to them,’ warned her Grandfather starkly, who was at his wits end as to what he should do with his granddaughter, who had so embroiled herself in their World; possibly to her detriment.

  Rowanne breathed slowly. She could not blame them for being upset and angry with her; that was their right. And even though they were worried for her, she was nevertheless powerless to tell them everything that they wanted to know.

  ‘Grandmother, have you ever been back to Demon World? And Grandfather, were you born on Earth, or do you come from Demon World? Sorry, I know I’m asking a lot of questions, I’m just very confused. It’s like you said earlier, if I’m to navigate Demon World safely, then I need to arm myself with knowledge.’ Rowanne did not realise what she had just revealed, as she said it in a matter of fact way.

  Grandmother Angelique looked at her husband and spoke to him telepathically, Do you realise she’s been reading our thoughts all this time as if we had spoken them aloud?

  She isn’t even aware that she’s doing it, and she hasn’t picked up on everything we’ve said. If she was actually doing it on purpose, we’d know! Well, she has started to develop as a demon, replied Grandfather Hou, as he purposely kept his face neutral.

  We have to keep an eye on her. I wonder what else she is capable of, and I don’t think she even realises the strength she now possesses, said Grandmother Angelique.

  An untrained half demon could be a danger... said Grandfather Hou, coming to the slow realisation that he was in fact talking about his own granddaughter. She’d have to be taught eventually to control her powers; to keep not only herself, but others safe as well. He looked at his wife, who with an imperceptible nod of her head, made a silent pact with him to ensure their granddaughter’s safety.

  Grandmother Angelique turned to Rowanne, and replied, ‘I have not been back to Demon World, even though I am a fully fledged Demon. The Knight family and I agree that there must have been an important reason why my mother chose to leave me on Earth instead of raising me on Demon World. We feel it would be unwise and not safe for me to return.’

  ‘I am also a fully fledged Demon, and I do belong to Demon World. I have homes there, as well as here on Earth, in several locations.’ Ju-Long looked at his wife as he continued, ‘It took a long time for your grandmother to build her trust in me, let alone in other people,’ and turning back to Rowanne, he said, ‘I do not choose to live by the strict code of conduct demanded by Demon World. Their penalties are severe and cruel, especially when it comes to maintaining its secrecy, and all interactions with Earth.’

  Grandmother Angelique looked lovingly at her husband as she addressed Rowanne, ‘One day, I’ll tell you the story of how we met. Your grandfather is actually a Noble, and his family belongs to the First Families! Thankfully, he isn’t a bit like the others... from what he tells me, anyway,’ she winked at Rowanne. ‘Why he chose me is a mystery, since I don’t even know my lineage. What you have to understand is that in Demon World, people marry not for love necessarily, but rather to form powerful alliances and political relationships to advance their status and family name.’

  ‘Even humans do that, it’s called an arranged marriage or a marriage of convenience,’ stated Rowanne, as she wondered about the minefield that she had walked into; namely, Demon World politics.

  Grandfather Hou spoke, ‘To me, it matters little where a person has come from. Not all demons from the First Families agree to the law against associating with humans and half demons. However, we do all understand the importance of keeping our world a secret, and it is as much for our safety as it is for the humans.’

  Grandmother Angelique looked at Rowanne in earnest, ‘Imagine, if you will, what would happen if our two worlds were ever to collide. Imagine the far reaching consequences, the unimaginable loss of life on both sides; even demons, being powerful as they are, do not easily dismiss humans. They realise the threat that humans could pose to Demon World and its citizens.’

  Rowanne had never had the knowledge before to consider all of this, she’d been too caught up in her own world, her own experiences. ‘Grandfather, do they know you are married?’

  ‘They know that my wife is a demon, that is good enough for them. They do not question me openly as to why they have never met her, and even if that day comes, they would not be able to uncover much. And your grandmother and I are not unduly worried about this.’

  ‘Earlier on, you said the Knight family were the last humans invited to Demon World, can you tell me more about them?’ Rowanne wondered how it would be like to visit another world, one inhabited by demons! She thought of the Knight family as explorers.

  ‘You could call them that! Lady Enid’s family are the Morning Star Clan and the First Family. They invited them at the behest of the highest authority of Demon World because of their special skills, and knowledge of ancient weaponry. They were masters of their profession. It’s a mystery as to how they obtained the knowledge they did... The Knight family accepted the invitation, and were made aware of the knowledge of Demon World, and its laws. They knew the consequences of breaking them,’ said her Grandfather.

  ‘I’m assuming that something went wrong if they were the only humans... The experiment didn’t work, did it?’ asked Rowanne.

  ‘That’s an understatement!’ replied her grandmother. ‘However, I am not that well informed on the topic,’ and turning to Ju-Long, she gestured for him to continue.

  ‘You have to understand, Rowanne, that this scandal occurred more than seventy years ago, and the precise details are shrouded in mystery. All we do know is that it involved the First Family. Specifically, the heiress to the throne.’

  Rowanne wondered what happened. After all, the First Family were protected by their status, so what could they possibly fear?

  Her grandfather answered smoothly, ‘All citizens of Demon Worl
d are subject to the law of the two Courts: the First is the Noble Court, this is where the initial investigations are carried out for misconduct of demons in their own realm, as well as investigations into possible demon and human altercations and interactions. The Nobles of the First Families preside over these Courts represented by the heads of each clan.’

  ‘What are clans?’ asked Rowanne, as she connected the pieces of the puzzle to form a complete picture of the inner workings of Demon World.

  ‘Each family is known as a clan, and this conveys their status and power within Demon World. And obviously, The First Families have the most power. Therefore the power passes through Lady Enid’s family, and the Morning Star Clan are the only demons that are allowed to rule our world. The next heir would have been her daughter, the Princess.’

  There was something puzzling Rowanne, ‘So, you’re saying that no other First Family are potential heirs, but what if there was no Morning Star Clan?’

  Grandfather Hou answered, ‘First of all, as far back as any of us can remember, they have always been the ultimate rulers of our world, and this is stretching back thousands of years.’

  ‘How can it be possible for the same family to rule for such an unimaginable span of time? The Morning Star Clan must be made up of so many people.’ Rowanne’s imagination ran wild, just picturing it.

  ‘Actually, it doesn’t quite work that way. In Demon World, families do not produce many children, we are not quite sure why this is the case. You might be interested to know that one of the perks of being a full demon is immortality...’ Grandfather Hou waited for Rowanne to digest this, and watched her eyes go wide as she coughed and sputtered in surprise.

  She raised an eyebrow in consternation, not quite believing what she had heard, ‘You really expect me to believe that?! Now I know you’re making things up. If, as you said, ‘full demons are immortal’ then why have you both-’ Rowanne was too embarrassed to continue.

  Her grandparents smiled, bemused. Grandmother Angelique answered, ‘Demons view immortality as both a gift and a curse,’ she looked at her husband, who readily nodded his head in complete accord with her, and smiled as a knowing look passed between them. ‘Imagine what it would truly be like, to live forever, especially, as you watch loved ones pass from both worlds, and how barren a place it becomes as the world changes. It becomes a curse, as you slowly lose the will to live. And the things that once gave you great happiness lose their meaning over time. You die inside, even though outwardly you can have the youth and exuberance of a twenty year old, and you might eventually feel as if you have become a living corpse.’