Since I started living here we had very few ceremonies. We had one for the demon version of Halloween which they called ghouls night. It was the day parents took there kids that were ten or up to the real world. Me, Masai, Tristan, and Koro went together. Though that's about all so I'm still not used to ceremonies all that much.

     Me and Tristan still have an awkward relationship but it's getting better. It's just... Strange. But I don't mind. Whether he does I don't know.

     Though back to ceremonies. I have only been to one and that was just going back to reality so I really hope this goes well. I've barely met the people here. At ghouls night we had masks on so you couldn't tell it was me. I just hope people like me... How nice that would feel.

***

     I put some black boots on before going downstairs. As I walked down the stairwell I changed my hair from black and red to brown and blue. Anyone nearby gasped in awe at the transformation.

     I finally looked perfectly normal. Perfectly mortal. I've always wanted that. Though in the world of demons it may not be the best choice. But I didn't care. I'll look like this anyway.

     As I reached the end of the stairs my pace slowed. A lot more maids and servants scurried around, preparing for the ceremony. In all the time I've lived here I've never seen it so busy. And to think all of this was for me.

     I stopped a maid who was scrambling past me. I recognized her but her name I couldn't remember.

     "What do you need my lady?" She asked, quickly bowing.

     "Sorry to stop you but do you know where Masai is?" I asked politely. I always tried to be nice to the servants and maids.

     "Lord Masai has already started the ceremony I believe. Though your just in time! You can head over there now to make your entrance," the maid said.

     "Thank you so much. You may resume your duties," I said and the maid scurried away to whatever she was doing before I interrupted her.

     If Masai had already started the ceremony then he should be at the front gates. That's where the kingdom gathers for this kind of stuff.

     I started to head to the front gates so I wouldn't be late. Though I guess I'm technically already late. So, I don't want to be any more late.

     As I headed to the gates I spotted more and more demons running around frantically. I never realized how big of a deal this thing was.

     Finally I reached the tall doors that led to the front gate. A smile creeped onto my face. This is it.

     As I approached the door I could hear Masai's voice coming in. It seemed he was in the middle of a speech. Best to not interrupt him.

     I pressed my ear against the door so I could hear Masai. The downside of my ears retracting is that my hearing goes back to normal. It's sad at how used to my super hearing I've gotten. Now everything sounds so quiet. Still, I was able to make put a few words. Though the last sentence is really what I've been waiting for.

     "And now, here is the love of my life, Kai Murami!" Masai declared. I took this as my cue to enter so I pushed open the doors with surprising ease. Everyone's eyes flew to me. Including Masai, who was smiling like a madman once seeing me.

     I walked up to Masai who looked me up and down. "You look beautiful. And your hair! You got it back to normal!" Masai said cheerfully.

     "I've had enough time on my hands," I replied casually.

     I turned my gaze back to the swarm of demons gathered here. I was surprised at how many showed up. In the front row was Tristan and Koro. Though I recognized no one else.

     I smiled awkwardly. This was going to be fun.

     "As Masai said, my name is Kai Murami and it's a true pleasure to be here," I said, trying my best to sound professional.

     As soon as I finished talking whispers were sent into the crowd. Some on my looks. Some on my outfit. Some on how I didn't refer to Masai as "Lord". And even some on my name. Though I don't know why so much of this is a surprise speaking that the newspaper made a whole page talking  about me. I haven't read it myself.

     "I would be happy to answer any of your questions," I said carefully. That seems like something I should do. Right?

     Multiple hands shot up from the crowd. Guess I'm still really mysterious to this realm.

     I pointed to a tall man in the middle of the crowd with raven black hair and light scarlet eyes. Seemed around my age, maybe a few years off.

     "How long have you been in the Omin?" He asked.

     "One season at least. So that's what, 3 months? So 3 or 4 months I'd say," I said. It was sad how unprepared I was.

     The next one was a younger women. Very pretty with pale blue hair and silver eyes.

     "Lord Masai has been a hater of love for as long as I can remember. How were you able to change his heart?"

     "I'm not sure. I always thought love was overrated. I was surprised when I fell in love. And I think Masai felt the same."

     A little girl went next with lavender hair and deep azure eyes. "Your really pretty!"

     "Umm... Thanks?"

     I pointed to another man, twice my age or so though short. Still taller than me though. His bloody red hair caught my attention, making me curious.

     "Your a mortal!" He stated, a hint of hatred in his voice.

     My body slightly tensed. Right. I don't really belong here.

     "Hio, that's enough," Masai growled at the man in the front.

     "I mean, how long did it even take Masai to convince you of us? Do you even know what he is?" The man taunted.

     "Hio!" Masai shouted but I interrupted him.

     "I know what he is. I know what you all. All of you. I know your powers, your weaknesses. Masai never had to convince me," I said calmly.

     "Then do you really think your worth the attention of our king? You're just a pathetic mortal!"

     "I'll take you up on that," I said with a smirk.

     Everyone went quiet. Even Masai seemed surprised. But the man who Masai called Hio seemed to be the most shocked.

     "Hio, right? How about we have a duel. A friendly one of course. No serious wounds and a healer will treat both of us in the end. What do you say?" I continued.

     "Kai," Masai said quietly.

     I turned to face him. "I'll be fine. You of all people should know that."

     Masai smiled. "Ok then. I won't stop you."

     I turned back to Hio. "So do you want to duel? After all, I'm just a mere mortal," I teased.

     "I accept your challenge. No magic?" Hio asked.

     "Since when has magic been against the rules? This is the demon realm. Magic is preferred," I said.

     Hio looked surprised but said nothing. Slowly, he made his way up to the front until he was standing only a few feet away from me, giving me a better look at him.

     Instantly I recognized him as a Shōbō-shi. Or the demon equivalent of a shape shifter. Though there form always stays human. Or human like I guess. And there appearance can appear different to different people. Though no matter there appearance they always have hot magic.

     Right now he was fairly short, only a little taller than me. He looked twice my age with deep crimson red hair and pure black eyes. Kinda eerie looking if you ask me.

     "So is this your true form?" I asked him.

     "You were already able to tell what demon I was?"

     "I like to research. So is it?"

     Hio nodded. "It is. I wouldn't want to disgrace our soon to be queen by wearing a fake appearance unless asked by our Lord." He motioned to Masai who didn't seem all that happy to see him.

     "The rules are simple. Magic is aloud as well as whatever weapon you have on you at the moment. The battle ends once someone forfiets or when I say so. No serious injuries. After I will have a healer look at both of you by request from Kai. You understand?" Masai said.

     I nodded. "Seems easy enough."

     "I know the routine. It is the battle we had so many years ago," hio said which warned him a glare from Masai.

     "You ready to begin?" Masai asked.

     I nodded. "Glad I didn't wear a dress."

     "Ready as ever. I'm a guard after all," Hio said.

     Masai looked between me and Hio. "You may begin!"