Alliance

By R C MacDonald

Welcome to a world full of demons. Humans are generally tolerated and thought of as inferior. It's a harsh world for them. One demon university decides to take a step towards equality and opens its doors to human students. Shadow Delaney is the first to be accepted. Can he start bridging the gap between demons and humans? How will the other students react?

• Language: English
• Publisher: R C MacDonald
• Release date: Apr 26, 2013
• ISBN: 9781301857180

R C MacDonald

R C MacDonald is the author of Alliance, Alliance: Dawn, Sweet Endless Terror: An Anthology of Nightmares, and More Than Meets the Eye. They're a clarinetist, love to learn about cultures and languages, travels internationally through cooking, a blogger, amateur photographer, an animal lover, a lover of all things horror, mystery, humor, suspense; and more.

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Alliance

By R C MacDonald

Copyright 2013 R C MacDonald

Smashwords Revised Edition, 2020

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. It may not be resold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

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Table of Contents

Chapter 1: Unity

Chapter 2: New Beginnings

Chapter 3: Surprise Visit

Chapter 4: Family

Chapter 5: Akanoesco

Chapter 6: Party

Chapter 7: Hatred

Chapter 8: Alone

Chapter 9: Threatened

Chapter 10: Fear

Chapter 11: Suspicion

Chapter 12: Human

Chapter 13: Normal

Chapter 14: Murder

Chapter 15: Power

Chapter 16: Secrets

Chapter 17: Mystery

Chapter 18: War

Chapter 19: Nadinoza-Taen

Chapter 20: The End?

Follow the Author

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To my mother, who left this world far too soon. She was an inspiration, and had such a presence.

And, to my other parent, who just by being true to herself has been incredibly courageous and admirable.

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Alliance

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Chapter 1: Unity

-Scene: A young man, with medium-length blond hair, is wearing pajamas and lounging in a chair. He appears to be in his late teens, and has green eyes. As he bends over, a large birthmark is visible on his lower back. While staring at the ceiling, he seems to be deep in thought. He’s in a small apartment.-

*I can't believe I start tomorrow!* He stands up making fists and says: Alright! It will be a nice fresh start!

*I'm not sure if I can sleep...* He thought as he sits back down.

Brring! Brrring! He picks up the phone on the desk in front of him.

Oh, hi! Yeah, I got here at around 6....It's kind of lonely in the apartment, but maybe I'll make more friends an-....Yeah, they are demons. So, it makes them more int-.....No, don't worry they won't eat or curse me....Yeah, yeah, talk to you tomorrow. He hangs up the phone, and walks over to his bed. Then lies down and starts to think again.

*Hopefully they won't eat me. I can't think of that, I have to stay positive!* He drifts off to sleep.

-Scene: It's morning and the alarm clock is going off loudly. He's drooling and sprawled across the bed. He slowly wakes up, rubs his eyes, and turns off the alarm. He sits up. -

*Ok! It's the big day! I'm so excited I can hardly stand it!*

-Scene: In front of Unity campus. There's a clock tower, lots of buildings, cemetery in the background, and some fields next to it. A variety of demons are walking around. The guy is standing in awe.-

Whoa! I've got to figure out where orientation is! Ummm...Excuse me, where's the auditorium? He asked a neko demon walking by. She has straight medium-length silver hair and glistening golden cat eyes. Her cat-like ears are silver with blue tips. Her tail is silver with a blue ribbon at the end. Her skin has a blue tinge to it. She's modestly dressed.

Oh, that's straight after the clock tower to your left. You don't look like a normal demon?

Hehehe...I'm not. My name's Shadow. Nice to meet you. I'm actually human.

Oh, nice to meet you Shadow, I'm Junko or Jun for short. I don't think I've ever actually met a human.

Well, first time for everything! Oh, shoot! I've got like 10 minutes to get to Orientation!

You should get going then! Maybe we'll talk afterwards! Shadow runs to the auditorium, and gets there just as they were about to close the doors.

Ah! I made it! He slides in and takes a seat in the back row.

So, welcome to Orientation at Unity University! We have such an enormous new student body this year! Before we get into more of this, I'm going to give you a bit of history.

*Oh, great. Sounds boring. Maybe I'll sleep if it starts to drag.*

Unity is over 200 years old. Actually, quite new in the demon world. Up until this year we were an all demon school. This year we're making history and allowing humans to join. There aren't any dorms for them right now, but the construction for them should end soon. A lot of them are getting discounts at local apartment complexes for the time being. As you well know all schools are either for demons or for humans. We are segregating people in our society. The new mission of this university is to 'unite' the humans and demons in peace. And, give both a high-quality education. Although, we haven't had any human professors join yet, our demon professors are more than happy to help our human students. We want you to succeed and have the same opportunities as your demon peers so don't hesitate to use our services. Join clubs, get counseling, use our hospital, ask the TAs about anything you need help on, buy things at our school stores, and use plenty of our other resources. Hopefully you got the manual in the mail a couple of weeks ago where it talks about this in detail. The school mascot is the tiger. A lot of you are new to the area, even new to the country, so I strongly suggest you tour around the city. It's a beautiful place to live. As you have probably already realized, this is quite a sizeable university. It's the largest in the country, so we have lots of maps all over campus. Also, you should ask the returning students if you really get lost. After a while it will be really easy to navigate. Our school colors are crimson and black, refer to the manual on why. Again, I welcome all of you to this splendid university! The president of the school, Lancelot Wesson, finished his address.

There's an all campus picnic at the main field. It's only a couple of minutes from here. If you'd like to, we'll start that shortly. It's a perfect opportunity for students to make friends. Enjoy! People started moving towards the doors.

-Scene: At the picnic where all sorts of demons are showing up. Since some demons can't eat certain foods, there are different stations for them. The only problem is there isn't a place marked for human foods.-

Ummm....Where are the humans supposed to get food? Shadow looked around nervously.

Oh, get in the vampire line. There aren't many of you humans, so we had to have you guys share a line. There should be, I was told, hamburgers, beans, and salad fixings. Sorry, I don't know much about human food. A demon helping serve the others answered.

A- a- are you sure, in the vampire line? Shadow asked shakily.

Yeah, is there a problem?

They might eat me!

Oh, don't worry, they're getting blood anyways. It shouldn't be a problem if the food’s being provided. If they give you a problem, tell security. If you can't tell them, press this button, and it will alert them. He pointed to a blue button under the counter.

If you say so. Shadow gets in the vampire line. It's going smoothly, and Shadow asks the vampire at the counter for the human meal. The vampire takes a while to search for it.

Come on! What's taking so long! I'm hungry! Someone right behind Shadow shouted.

I'm sorry for the wait. Here you go. Enjoy! Tell me if it's any good. Since we can't eat it, we don't know what is suitable for humans. She smiled kindly as she hands it over to Shadow.

Thank you so much! *Maybe it's not really that bad. It looks good actually.*

Finally! You humans should just go back home! Taking up my time like that! Shouted a vampire behind him. He has messy dark brown hair, dark brown eyes with a red tinge, and very pale skin. He has a punk-like style.

Sir, be nice. He's new, and you're making it worse for him. Leave him alone.

Uh, yeah, ok. Just give me something!

*Wow! He seems dangerous! I'll steer clear of him!* Shadow thought as he goes to find a spot to sit and eat on the field.

*Huh...it's actually not bad! Although, there are no condiments. It's still good!*

Hey! Weren't you on the mall earlier? Junko inquired after suddenly joining him, surprising him.

Oh, yeah! Hi Jun! How's it going?

It's going pretty well. I just came back from my classes and decided to try and meet the new students.

Cool! What are you studying?

I'm majoring in Animal Science. I love animals!

Animals are cool! What type of food did you get?

Oh, they have a special mouse sandwich and some candy that apparently humans don't like. It looks like this. She holds it up and it looks like something toxic. Shadow turns pale as soon as he sees it.

Uh...hehehe....mouse huh? That candy looks creepy.

Well, their mouse isn't as good as my mom makes, but it's good. What do you have?

It's just a hamburger, salad, and beans. It's not bad. Although, the burger's kind of dry.

What's a burger? She sniffed it.

You don't know what a burger is? It's beef made into a patty and grilled, and then put in between a bun.

Sounds interesting. Humans have weird things, but I want to learn more!

Ok, I'll tell you some things. They end up talking for a while about differences between humans and nekos.

Well, got to go! See you around! She gets up and runs off somewhere.

Don't try to make nice with us! You don't belong! The same vampire from before yelled.

What do you want from me?! If you hate me so much just go somewhere else.

Don't worry about him he's always been that way towards even other demons. He thinks vampires are superior, and that humans shouldn't exist. A voice said next to him. The vampire struts off somewhere. He turns around to see where the voice came from. They have long straight green hair that's tied up in a ponytail with a white ribbon and long side bangs. Their eyes are deep pools of jade. They have a jade tinge to their skin. They have a light Kung Fu uniform.

Thanks!

Don't mention it. I don't despise humans, but I don't like them either. They said coolly.

What's your name?

The name's Gun Long. I'm of the dragon race. I’m mostly Chinese dragon but have some European in my ancestry too. There aren't too many of us.

Oh, it's nice to meet you, I'm Shadow. Cool, dragons! I didn't think they existed.

Yep, we certainly do. What are you planning to study?

Demonology. I love learning about demons. Everyone around them goes quiet.

That's an interesting major. I have a feeling you'll meet a lot of demons that will hate you just because of that.

Why? I can't be curious about them?

Just be careful. He walks away.

After eating, Shadow stands up.

*Ok, next is to find my advisor! I hope he isn’t scary like that vamp was!*

-Scene: Shadow’s at the school’s counseling office standing in line.-

Yuki, Yuki Yamamoto!

Here! He sees someone walk up to whoever called them.

*I’m so nervous! Ok, pull yourself together! They’ll be calling me soon!*

Oh, I guess he’s not here. Go to the ne-

Whose name was called? He asks startled.

Ah… Shadow Delaney. Is that you? You better listen more attentively.

Yes, ma’am. Thanks!

He walks into a room. There's a seemingly normal (human) looking man sitting at his desk, in the middle of the room, on a large overstuffed chair. He has long white hair, blue eyes with thin-framed glasses, and seems very pale. He's wearing a business suit. It's so quiet you can hear a pin drop.

Uh… Hi! Are you Mr. Liam Morrison? Shadow asked as calmly as he could.

Yes, I am. Hello! He nods to Shadow and ushers him to sit down.

So, you’re originally from Maple University. It says here you had straight A’s, why the move?

Oh, I was interested in Demonology, and thought the best way to learn about them was to meet them. I waited a year and went to a humans’ only college until one of the demon schools opened its doors to humans. And that was Unity. I jumped at the chance and surprisingly they accepted my request only a week later.

Oh, I see. That’s good then. We’ll be proud to have such a great student. Especially one that’s human sets a high bar if others want to join.

Thanks, I guess. Sorry if this is rude, but you look human to me. Are you?

You’re welcome. It’s not rude, but you’ll just have to keep in mind not everything is as it seems. To answer the question, I’m semi-human I guess you can say. I’ll show you. Pick up that paper and try to hand it to me.

Ok, here you go. As soon as Shadow lets go of it, it falls right through the advisor’s hands. He suddenly realizes that up close, Mr. Morrison looks transparent.

Wow! What are you?!

Well, I’m a ghost. That’s why I said ‘semi-human'. They gave me you to advise, because I’m the closest person on staff to being human. I can pick things up, but it takes a great deal more effort than what humans use. So, if I’m tired when you see me next time, you’ll probably have to show me your records. Simply because I won’t be able to pick it up. You might have to help me a bit with other things. Don’t worry it won’t be heavy lifting for you.

Whoa! I thought ghosts weren’t real! This is frightening.

Well, we’re just as real as you are! We’re not frightening really. The ones you should watch out for are the wraiths and poltergeists. We’re usually pretty gentle, since we aren’t so filled with hate and revenge.

Ok, that’s cool! I guess I can relate to you more.

So, what classes were you planning on taking? We have to put you into the system.

I thought I did that already.

You did, but advisors are supposed to give the ok. Shadow hands the class list over to him and he approves it.

Well, enjoy your new university! If you have any problems, academic or otherwise, come see me.

What do you mean by otherwise?

Just in case the demons get out of hand, you need therapy, or anything. I’m a therapist during the summer for students. I’m head of the psychology department.

Oh great, just what I need. He rolls his eyes.

Seriously, you might. If anything you might be homesick, have culture shock, etc. and I can help.

Thanks, bye. He quickly walks out.

-Scene: In Shadow’s apartment, who’s about to go to bed.-

*Wahoo! Tomorrow’s the first day of classes! Let’s see what they're going to be like!* He drifts off to sleep.

Chapter 2: New Beginnings

-Scene: Sunlight is peaking through the blinds of a window. It's shining brightly on Shadow’s face. Shadow is in a deep sleep.-

BEEP! BEEP! BEEP!

I don’t want to get up. He halfheartedly presses the snooze button and falls back on the bed. Opening his eyes slightly, he gets blinded by the sun.

Augh! What time is it? He turns over and the clock reads 7:30.

Ah! I only have about a half hour to get ready! He quickly stumbles out of bed. Later, while he’s starting to walk away from the apartment, he sees Junko walking down the street.

Hey Jun! He yelled to her.

Oh, hey, Shadow! She walks over to him.

I didn’t know you lived so close to campus.

Well, I got the closest apartment I could find. This was the last one available. Where you headed?

Oh, I’m going to the Glen building where one of my animal science classes is meeting.

Huh… That’s interesting, since I’m going there for my Demonology 101 class. I’m a little nervous.

It’ll be fine! In fact, from what you told me, you should love it. The class I have tries to meet first at the closest building that’s recognizable to everyone. It’s really a horse management class, and the stables are near it. The Glen is known to house the demonology department, so it makes sense. They walk into the building and head to their classes. Shadow walks through the door and notices the class is shaped like an amphitheater, where the rows are stacked up behind each other. Similar to a pit looking from above.

Whoa! Must be a big class. Kind of intimidating. He takes a seat in the middle row and waits for others to show up.

This your first time in this room? He heard a voice next to him.

Yeah, it is. Looks different than the normal lecture hall I’m used to.

Well, it’s called the pit. You can see why. Don’t worry it will just be easier for everyone to see the professor. By the way, I’m Zero Demetrius. Shadow turns around to see him. He has medium-length spiky dark red hair with a golden yellow bang, and crimson eyes. He’s wearing a red shirt and black jeans.

Oh, thanks. Nice to meet you, I’m Shadow. Do you know how many people are signed up for this?

Hmmm… Last I heard was about 400. This is after all an intro class. A person, what Shadow guesses to be the professor comes in and sets their materials on a small table at the bottom of the 'pit'. She has long wavy dark green, almost black, hair. Up close, her hair looks like each skinny strand is a snake coming out of her scalp. She has deep purple eyes and is tall. She’s wearing a black long sleeveless dress, and black gloves that go halfway up her arm.

Is she the professor? She looks scary.

Yeah, she is. But, why do you think she looks scary?

Are those snakes coming out of her head as hair?

Well, yeah she’s a medusa. You’ll learn more about them. Are you human? You don’t seem to have any special characteristics.

A medusa! Wow! Can’t she turn me to stone or something? Yes, I am.

Yeah, she can, but she has the power to control it. Otherwise, we would probably all be stone now. Cool, never met a human!

Well, then what are you? I can tell you’re not human, but it’s very subtle.

I’m a phoenix. Not many left, but we’re considered to be very powerful.

Awesome! I’ve heard so much about you guys! You’re one of my favorite demons!

Oh, come on! Hahaha… We’re not that great! He chuckled. Everyone else slowly files in.

Ok. My name’s Sin Petra. Please call me Miss Petra. Let’s get started right away! I planned to go over vampires today. So, listen up, and be sure to take notes. You won’t know if it’s on the test until a week before, then it will be too late.

*Ok, got to stay focused! Everything could be important!*

Let’s see how accurate she is about us. A person a row up said nudging his friend.

Yeah, she probably doesn’t know anything. He leans back and looks like he’s spacing out.

-Scene: London, England, 1830. A young man has his head on a desk, looking like he fell asleep on his books. He has messy medium-length brown hair, and brown eyes. He’s wearing a white shirt under a short dark brown jacket with a thin dark brown bow, dark brown trousers, and black dress shoes.-

Hey Vincent! Wake up! The class you teach is starting in 10 minutes! Someone starts shaking him from behind.

hmmm… uh! Oh no! I get to administer their test! He gets up so fast he almost trips over his own feet on the way out. His friend shakes his head. Vincent makes it to the classroom and starts to set up.

Ummm… One more question before we take the test, please? A shaken-up student asked.

Ok, I guess I can answer one, but you should have asked yesterday in class.

I’m sorry, I didn’t think of it sooner. I’m still confused about the concept of what people think vampires are. Why would we be learning this in an anthropology class?

We’re learning this because the stories have changed our culture drastically. You should read the book again. I know it’s still a new concept, but think of them as feeding on our blood and how people would accuse others of being them. They’re typically described as undead. They kill people viciously, too. I don’t really think they exist. It’s just an interesting folktale. Now, sit down and get ready. Maybe go over some notes to get you in the ‘mind set’. The student sits down in the front row. All the other students file in and sit.

Ok, My TAs will pass out the test now. If you have questions about the test, please ask. I’ll be working on my research up here. The TAs go around and pass out the tests. Vincent sits down at a large desk in the front facing the students, and starts to work intently. About 5 minutes into it a student stands up from the back row.

You’re going to die! Die! He shouted pointing at Vincent, and is quickly taken away by security.

What was that about? Well, get back to the test you still have about 40 minutes left. He thinks that the student was just upset about the test, and doesn’t think much of it. Except that the boy seemed awfully pale. He thought his eyes were just playing tricks on him.

Ok, 40 minutes are up! If you haven’t yet, please hand it in to my desk here. Have a good rest of the day. The students start murmuring, a lot of them seem upset, and leave quickly.

-Scene: At night, Vincent walks into his apartment.-

Hmmm… Seems quieter than normal. I guess Buster is sleeping. He walks in and reaches for the light. Only someone grabs his hands and handcuffs them together.

He said you would die, didn’t he?

Uhhh… Who are you? What do you want with me? Why did you break into my apartment?

My, my, so many questions! You’re going to make a tasty meal! The intruder’s eyes start to glow red, and he’s grinning wide, holding on to Vincent’s neck.

Meal? What are you? What’s wrong with you?

You can’t recognize the signs that you yourself put on the test?

Oh- N-n-n-no! Vampires aren’t real, and you don’t have long fangs.

Yes, we are! And haven’t you heard of not believing everything you read? We’re different than those stories they put kids to sleep with. Since you know so much, I’m going to give you something.

Please! I’ll give you money, food, whatever you want. Just leave me alone!

No can-do pal! He grabs Vincent’s neck closer to him and bites down on it, while Vincent’s struggling to break free. Blood