As soon as Drachen arrived as just a head in a box he told me this story. I have no idea where it sprang from and it's nothing like I would have written so I hope you enjoy. There are currently five parts at the moment and there will probably be more when I get inspired. I'll post the first part for now and see if anyone wants me to post more!

Part One

The weather was warm after such a long, cold Winter. The sky was a light, startling blue and our sun a delicate pink-tinted orange. It streamed its wonderful, golden light upon the waking buds of flowers. I clutched my own perfumed bundle to my chest, occasionally lifting it to delight in its exotic scent.

I smiled dreamily to myself. For two months I had been away from home doing my great Uncle, the King’s, bidding. New homes had to be built for our growing population and peace had to be kept.

But I was coming home at last! To my wonderful Juliana, my wife to be in only a few short days, and our unborn child growing in her womb. She loved flowers and I longed to see her beautiful smile when I presented her with them.

I lazily strolled along the tree-lined pathways that would lead me towards my home. As I rounded a bend it came into view. The palace! It’s long, spiral towers stabbed forcefully into the sky, a dark blot against the beautiful backdrop. I could see the home guard marching around its borders, the portcullis open awaiting my arrival like a huge, wicked mouth.

As I approached the guard stopped suddenly in their movements, parting to allow me through – bowing with respect. I waved at them cheerfully, stepping into the darkness. It was much colder within the ancient stone of the palace. Its walls bare, grey stone decorated with the occasional finely weaved tapestry. My steps were light upon the matching stone floors, polished by thousands of footfalls and I soon found myself within the bowels of the place, the mighty throne room!

The King was seated, a leg hanging cockily over an armrest as he lay with his head thrown back. His favourite wife sat with him, feeding him small chocolates that we had procured from the Human Realm. Such treasures were quite rare and hard to get hold of. Such big clumsy things the humans are, almost three times our size – completely powerless in the ways of magic but dangerous none-the-less.

The King turned his head as soon as I entered, leaping joyfully from his seat and taking me into his arms.

“Ahh my dear boy, you’re home at last! How good it is to see you!” He tossed his long black hair over his shoulders, the impressive gold crown resting on his brow.

“Yes, it’s been too long, I’ve missed everyone!” I laughed casually with him, grateful to be home.

The King’s wife came to stand at his side. Her dark hair was piled on her head, gold thread and trinkets wound into the neat braids. She wore a long, light dress that shone almost transparent in the sunlight filtered through from the crystalline ceiling, concealing nothing of her full breasts and slight frame. She winked at me from outside of the King’s view and I blushed, confused.

“Where is my Juliana?” I whirled around the room in search of her. “She is always here to greet me home. I hope she is not sick with the child?”

“Ahh…” The King’s bright red eyes flickered with sympathy. “She was… No longer required so I had her killed.”

The ease, of which that confession tumbled from his lips, astonished me. My mind whirred. This had to be some kind of sick joke. I had known this man to tire of his ‘toys’ his wives and mistresses and to throw them to the dogs, but surely he would never…

“NO!” My stunned brain couldn’t comprehend this. My beautiful Juliana and our child, gone!

“Oh yes, she was being rather dull, complaining of stomach aches and then she went and wet all over my favourite rug!” The King waved dismissively as if the matter was finished with.

My heart felt cold. Juliana must have gone into labour, too early for my return, and because of it she was now dead. I was too late to save her.

That last thought sent a cold tremor through my body. I was numb and I barely registered being lead to my room, washed and dressed for bed and tucked beneath the silken sheets.

***

It was months later that I began to force my feelings back into the pit of my mind, to stop the never-ending pain. It wouldn’t do for Lord Drachen to be a gibbering wreck. What would people say?

I emerged from my room, my self-inflicted prison, and headed to my lavish living room. An elaborate bowl of fruit rested in the centre of the room, too large for any table.

Stepping forwards I plucked a large, purple grape from the bunch. I held it up but I couldn’t bring myself to eat it. Juliana had loved grapes. I dropped it to the floor as if it had bitten me.

“You know, the grape goes IN your mouth, not on the floor!” A light, friendly voice pierced my thoughts and I turned to face the King’s eldest son.

Prince Deggory, a young man thin like his mother, and the King’s favourite son but with hidden strength beneath the skin. He was at least three inches shorter than I was, his short black hair, bouncing around his head as if it had a mind of its own. His light red eyes shone with mischief.

“Here, let me help you!” He plucked another grape, pressing it to my lips. His fingertips lightly grazed my chin and a spark shot through me as I took a bite.

I launched myself at him, enfolding my arms around him and pressing my lips to his in a powerful embrace.

And he let me.
***

It was easier than I had imagined, burying the memories of her face, her touch, her eyes. I had a new game to play now. The King’s son was very agreeable, his next eldest sister too found my company and several of the King’s wives.

I felt alive again in the thrust and moan, the taste of salty skin and rich wine, the scent of sex laced heavily in the air. And in the morning it wouldn’t matter because I’d do it all again and I would lose myself. I would forget.

Unfortunately I had also forgotten how dangerous being this reckless could be.

It was as I lay with the King’s favourite wife, and a couple of the others on his grand bed, our limbs writhing together like a pit of vipers, that the King stormed in upon us.

“Oh shit…” I murmured as he bellowed his rage.

“How DARE you infest my household with this debauchery!” He gripped his wife, his hand clamped about her neck so tightly I heard the snap as he broke it. He threw her crumpled frame onto the bed, her dark blood seeping out to stain the golden sheets.

I lay there as his men dragged me out, my silken robes hanging loosely around me. I hung my head, not with shame but relief. Soon I would be with my beloved again, the King would take my life but I would see her beautiful face once more.

I was thrown roughly against something hard, my head knocking painfully and sending my vision blurring.

“Take the treacherous snake through and dump him there to rot!” The King’s voice growled above me, his magic snapping and curling around the air with his emotions.

I shook my head to clear my sight, lifting my eyes to find myself slumped against a gigantic, blood red crystal. I stared at its glittering surface confused but transfixed by the moving patterns within. Mysterious forms of strange buildings shot in and out of focus and then faces of humans could be seen.

It was then I realised what he planned to do. This was the famous travelling crystal, bound by blood to the King’s line. It was his way of crossing the barrier between our world and the realm of the Humans.

“Oh shit!” I repeated, attempting to scramble away from it’s now steadily glowing form.

“Oh shit indeed!” The King spat, his mighty wings unfurling dangerously around him. “Throw him in!”

I was lifted none too carefully and hurled towards the crystal which appeared to leap out to capture me, smothering me as it swallowed me down. All around me was choking red and then my vision went dark and I hit the ground hard.

I awoke, cold and shivering, laying in leaves and soil – the scent of rain and decay all around me. A strange thunder in the distance sounded and I leapt into the nearest bush, afraid. Carefully I examined myself. Threads of ripped silk draped my body as if my robes had shrunk on the journey leaving me bare to the elements. Impossible!

I stood slowly; my body seemed strangely different somehow. I patted my shoulder experimentally and gasped with shock. The black-feathered wings that my people wore when we came of age, were gone. I stupidly glanced down at the ground, the image making my mind real with vertigo. How was it possible that I was now human sized?

I shook my head, sliding to the ground, my back against a rotting tree. The King’s magic, he did this to me – trapped me in human form!

“Hey cutie, you look cold!” A voice startled me and I stood hurriedly, gripping the tree for support.

A young woman stood before me, a small smirk gracing her features as she took in my naked flesh. She wasn’t beautiful, but she didn’t look dangerous either. I stepped towards her, sensing her lust and gave myself over yet again to my baser instincts.

I've already read them all on myspace, but POST MOREEEEEEE hehe

Thanks Li, you know I wubs you!


Part Two

I shivered in my sleep and slowly slid my eyes open. My newest companion from the previous evening lay in an unattractive, snoring heap far off to my side. I dimly remembered she had wanted to cuddle me after our fun but I had pushed her away.

I climbed elegantly to my feet, despite the alcohol I had consumed still running through my system, taking hold of my plain black t-shirt and pulling it over my head while searching for my faded black jeans. These were gifts from those I spent time with in this world, presents for a job well done. I smirked to myself as I located the jeans, wrapped around the bars of the headboard.

I heard a loud groan behind me as my companion awoke, hair a total mess and eyes droopy with sleep. I ran my eyes over her form, she was pretty but I could do better.

“Ooh no! Oh my god!!” My alcohol fogged brain winced as she shrieked. “Look at the time! Oh my god my boyfriend will be here any minute!”

I chuckled darkly to myself, picking up the circular frame which held the frozen form of a young male. “Mmm he is rather appealing, I always did prefer dark hair in Humans.” I grinned wolfishly as she stared at me open mouthed like some dead fish.

The sound of the front door to her small flat being unlocked soon brought our attention. The woman shrieked again in fear, rushing about her bedroom in a rather hilarious manner. I was unafraid but it was too early and I was too hung over to bother with her enraged mate. I lightly picked up her purple-rimmed sunglasses to hide my inhuman eyes, sliding them onto my face, before skipping over to the window. We were at least a couple of stories high; the fall would shatter my bones if not kill me outright. I turned to look at her, winking at her terrified face as I leapt from the sill.

As the ground began to rush towards me I felt the pull of my wings as they shot out from my shoulder blades, allowing me to swoop majestically to the ground. I had learnt a few months back that my wings were not gone for good but instead were hidden from view by the magic that permeated my body – unless they were needed of course. I had long ago adjusted to my new height and weightiness of my body and was able to blend in a lot better.

I tutted irritated – I had forgotten my shoes. Still, I could get some more quite easily. I looked around the early morning street as I walked, the sunlight barely breaking through the dense clouds, and spotted her. A lone woman walked purposefully across the road from myself. Her expensive coat swishing around her as her shiny black shoes clicked excitedly against the stone paving.

I moved swiftly and silently until I stood in front of her. She lifted her gaze, almost walking straight into me. I chuckled softly to myself, lifting my hand to my sunglasses, pulling them down the bridge of my nose. She gasped, staring intently into my eyes as I moved to cup her chin in my hand.

“Please may I borrow your money card?” My voice was silky and luring. She dug into her purse immediately, blindly groping for her purse as I held her gaze, trapped and unable to look away.

“Thankyou, wait here please.” I nodded to her, breaking eye contact as I hurried to the small shoe shop that was only just unlocking its doors. I disappeared inside, reappearing with a brand new pair of dangerous looking black, biker boots – The most expensive in the shop.

I pressed the card back into her hand, pausing briefly to place a heated kiss on her lips. She tasted of posh tea and mint toothpaste. I smiled at her charmingly before seeming to vanish before her eyes.


***

The sky was darkening, it was nearing evening and there was a distinct chill in the air. I rubbed at my bare arms, the black t-shirt was barely enough to keep me warm. I had to find somewhere to sleep tonight.

I began to head down a now familiar road, the bright lights of the local pub extending its friendly arms to me. I rushed towards it gratefully; the buzzing laughter and chatter sending an alien thrill through me.

Inside it was crowded but not excessively so. Patrons gathered in small groups, dotted about the place. I entered, strolling lazily towards the bar, gaining appreciative looks from both the women and men alike. I positioned myself at the bar and waited.

It didn’t take long before I heard a voice behind me asking if they could buy me a drink. I smiled smugly to myself before I turned to the woman. I opened my mouth to speak but my voice died on my lips as I looked at her. She ran her eyes over me in an almost caring manner without the slightest hint of lust. It was confusing and strange to be under her scrutiny.

She turned to smile at the barkeep as if they were old friends, ordering three Jack Daniels and coke. When they were poured she merely took two, instructing me to carry the other, without paying the man.

“Follow me please.” She smiled at me over her shoulder before plunging forwards into the crowd. I walked along behind her, my mind whirling unexpectedly.

“Here you go sweetheart!” She trilled happily, handing one of the glasses she held to a young man already seated at a private table to the back of the pub. It was secluded here, almost romantic if I believed in that stuff.

I slumped disorientated into a spare seat next to the woman, carefully placing my drink in front of me lest I spill it. I glanced up at her bright olive green eyes. Had she said something to me?

“Pardon?” I enquired, my voice sounding rough in my own ears.

“I said my name’s Screaming Angel and I’ve been waiting for you to show up.” She smiled softly, knowingly at me. Her dark brown hair framed her pale face and the exotic-looking swirling makeup she wore. It was all so mesmerizing.

“This is Frankie.” She smiled again, and I dragged my eyes away from her enough to see him. His black hair was cut short with a bleached stripe at the front, but stuck up around his head as if he’d just woken up. He wore a thin black net shirt under his exquisite leather trench coat. I always loved the scent of leather and I breathed in deeply. There was something strange about him too and yet so familiar as he sat, hunched up a little in embarrassment, the sunglasses he wore glinting with the light from the small candle in the centre of the table.

“Ahh…” I muttered, finding my voice at last. “You’re a halfbreed!” I smirked, relaxing into my seat. The scent of his half-human, half-demon blood now strong in my focused mind.

Frankie glared at me but said nothing, instead taking a gulp of his drink. The Angel frowned, half in amusement and irritation. “Actually…” She sipped her own drink delicately, fixing me with her eyes. “He’s your cousin.”

I spluttered and coughed, choking on the cool liquid in my glass. “But… How can that thing be related to me? Royalty would never soil its family line with THAT!” I thrust my finger towards him shakily.

“Aww well it wasn’t exactly planned, Frog!” A small, familiar voice came seemingly out of nowhere. I glanced around, confused at the name, used only in my homeland as an affectionate term for one much younger than yourself.

“Un… Uncle Dorian?” I stared incredulous as the small figure appeared, sitting on the Angel’s shoulder. His black wings folded neatly behind him in his natural form. Do us demons really look that small to humans? “But… you’re dead. The King said…”

“Yes, yes! Of course!” He nodded enthusiastically at me, looking somewhat like those bobble-headed dogs some of my companions had favoured in their car machines. “I wanted you all to think that so my dear Frankie would be safe.” He flew towards Frankie, patting him on the nose while the half-breed swatted at him affectionately.

“But… But… How?” I shook my head, this was so very unreal!

“Quite simply,” The Angel took another sip of her drink. “Your Uncle Dorian stumbled upon that big crystal thingy you guys have to travel to our world. He met a human and fell in love.” I snorted at this but she ignored me and carried on. “Frankie was born but you demons have some ridiculous rules. Your King found out about it and sent in soldiers to destroy Frankie and his mother and to drag Dorian back home. Well Dorian managed to escape with Frankie and end up here, but his mother wasn’t so lucky.”

I quickly glanced at Frankie; his shoulders had slumped even more at the mention of his mother. If I had been kinder I would have comforted him.

“Do they know you are here?” I sipped my drink for want of something to do with my hands.

“Of course not.” Frankie spoke, his voice was soft and almost alluring. “If they knew we were here, we’d already be dead.” He glanced up at me over the top of his dark glasses, the uppermost rim of red iris, glinting demonically.

I turned my head from his sharp eyes and faced the Angel once more. “You said you were waiting for me, how could you possibly know I was here?”

“Oh that was easy. Lethian told me!” She smiles proudly, flicking her hand towards the dark figure that stood behind her, hidden in the shadows. I had not even seen him.

Lethian had a deadly air about him as he scowled at me; his icy blue eyes sent a cold shiver down my spine. His skin was ashy and slightly sunken against the prominent cheekbones as if he hadn’t eaten for days. He also wore a leather trench coat but all I could smell from him was death.

“What do you want from me?” My voice was weak now and I hated it.

“We want…” The Angel spoke softly before correcting herself. “I want you to come home with us. You’re family as far as I can see and we always look after family. Right guys?” She smiled brightly as Frankie grumbled something into his glass.
“Home… with you?” I was shocked to my core. Could it be possible that these people actually wanted me? “Sure why not, I could do with a warm meal and a clean bed.” I shrugged more nonchalantly than I felt.

“Excellent!” She beamed, excitedly. “Let’s finish our drinks and head home!”

YAY *claps hands excitedly*

Well this certainly isn't what I expected with a sudden swift death in the beginning and all....but very interesting....