Cherreads

The Beginning of an Empire

J_Raven
7
chs / week
The average realized release rate over the past 30 days is 7 chs / week.
--
NOT RATINGS
1k
Views
Synopsis
The story begins with a legend about the origins of the inhabitants of Ubella, where demons, born from the "9 pillars of hell," once conquered and killed ancient humans to claim their land. The demons, led by the powerful Requiem Ubel, established the land through violence and bloodshed, but over generations, the people of Ubella evolved, adapting to their environment and the culture of those they had conquered. The narrative then shifts to Sion, a young man with striking feline features—blue curls, golden eyes, and a tail—who reflects on the harsh origins of his people as he sits in a quiet forest. After finishing a book, he heads back to his village, where he's greeted by guards with a mix of politeness and mockery. Despite his delicate appearance, Sion is known throughout the village. Upon entering the village, Sion stops by a bakery run by Madam Umbra, an elderly demoness who knows Sion well. She offers him a sweet bun as a token of gratitude for his kindness and contributions to the village. Before he leaves, Madam Umbra warns him cryptically that "they draw near," hinting at some looming threat.
VIEW MORE

Chapter 1 - The Beginning

"There were tales that floated around the lands of Ubella. Tales which told of the origin of its inhabitants. One particular story told was of how the ancestors of these people were demons birthed from the 9 pillars of hell. Generations ago, they crawled from the flame covered gates which lead from the abyss and found their way unto the surface world to the east. Conquering and razing villages and ancient humans as they took what they believed was theirs. The ground in which they tread upon was soaked in the blood of the felled and unworthy. Leading their command was a once great demon named Requiem Ubel, the "founder" of the lands in which they stole from its rightful inhabitants. Through each generation which passed, our people evolved to better adapt to our environment, to adapt to the culture we adopted from the people we slaughtered. After many years, we've built our civilization from the ground up." 

A soft voice finished reading slowly. The sound of a book closing sounded quiet in the vast forest around a young man who sat beneath a large tree.

"I suppose victors write their own history." The young man said quietly to himself as he slowly stood. The leaves beneath his heels crunched quietly and the fall air nipped at the tip of his nose. The soft rays of the sun warmed his delicate blue curls and reflected brightly from his sharp and golden eyes. Atop that mess of curls rested two blue feline-like ears accompanied with a tail to match attached to his tailbone. His skin was a tapestry of umber, rich and deep. His body would seem frail beneath the worn hosen and cote that draped his body, it was accompanied by a hooded capelet which covered a majority of his torso.

Leaning down and placing his hands upon the forest floor, the young man would stretch his back and hamstrings slowly, his tail sticking up towards the sky and its fur fluffed out as a soft yawn left his lips. "I should head back home." He said aloud to no one unfortunately before he lifted his foot and set off towards his village. 

 · · ─ ·✶· ─ · ·

Eventually, he arrived at the gates to his village. His village was located just to the east of the capitol and castle, Which allowed the roads to be particularly safe for now at least. His golden gaze took a brief look around then up towards the guards which stood on either side of the gate.

"Care to let me in?" The young man politely asked the guards. His eyes darted between them as his tail swayed slowly behind his back. "I'm running a tad late and need to get to the Pits." His voice was soft and delicate. He did not look like someone who would fight for sport, yet everyone knew him and his name. 

"Ah Sion." One of the guards would reply. "Good to see you're done frolicking in the wilderness! Come right through" The guard said in a polite yet mocking tone. Slowly, the gate would open with the pull of the guard's hand, just enough to allow the small male through. 

"Perfect~ Thank you." Sion replied as he slipped through, his fingers waving softly. He took note of the other guard's silence. Though the interaction was brief, that silent guard had been watching the whole time. It was a tad unsettling and drove a shiver up Sion's tail and spine. But regardless, He trudged on.

Upon entering the city, the smell of sweet buns filled the air. Beside the entry, was a small and almost run down bakery. Sion's mouth watered lightly and he found himself almost floating towards the shop. It wasn't long before he pushed the doors open and made his way inside. His eyes glazed the displays and around at a few of the people that sat enjoying their cheap desserts and drinks. The village was poor and impoverished, but they had all found a way to enjoy the smallest of things within this world. 

"Madam Umbra! It's so good to see you!" Sion's voice sang softly. A few eyes peered over toward him and over at the much older demoness who stood behind the counter. She seemed a tad haggard, perhaps from working all day, yet there was still a sparkle in those red hues of hers as she gazed upon her favorite customer. Sion didn't have much of anything, however Madam Umbra knew where Sion's money went since he became a fighter in the Pits. 

"Ah little oni, come in, come in" The older woman waved at him. She stooped lightly behind the desk and pulled free a sweet bun just for him. The decor on the top layer resembled a cat's features, she must have made this one custom. "I made this one with extra care just for you, you always take good care of this village. So consider this my thank you." Her frail voice rang gently. 

Sion's eyes sparkled before he bowed his head in rapid response. His brown cheeks grew a soft and delicate blush. "Aye, thank you. But I don't deserve this" His words were quiet and filled with gratitude. Sion did whatever he could to help his people. It was just his nature, not once did he stop to become selfish or greedy. He was as loyal as a 'dog'. Though only a moment would pass before he felt a hot and bone filled hand slowly wrap itself slowly around the base of his neck. The force pulling him closer to the older woman as he slowly bent over the counter, it was gentle and guiding. Thus was the reason he sensed no danger. 

 · · ─ ·✶· ─ · ·

"Please, be careful little oni.." The woman whispered softly. "They draw near." She warned gently. This made Sion's eyes widen a moment. His mind raced with the possibilities. His head lifted to gaze into the old woman's crimson hues and his own golden orbs blinked twice but slowly. He very clearly understood what she meant. No further words were needed to be spoken between the two and as his neck was released, a man came strolling into the small shoppe. 

He was utterly dashing, the son of Lady Umbra. A hard working man with the body to match. The sight of him made Sion purr softly with a pleasantly whispered excitement. Sion's eyes scanned the man from head to toe. His hair, dark and held streaks of silver like pepper and salt were long and flowing like the breeze of the beach. His crimson eyes told of pools of velvet blood. His jawline was sharp yet curved when meeting his powerful neck. He was tall compared to his mother. His cloth could barely hold the muscle beneath its fabrics. The amount of unholy things Sion's mind thought about when he watched this man walk into view would make the other demons of lust blush.

"Ah Sion, What a pleasant surprise." Sir Umbra spoke softly as he leaned onto the counter to gaze upon Sion properly. He was much taller than the young man. Sion still had to tilt his head slightly up to look upon him. "Will you still have time to meet with me later tonight? I've something to tell you when the moon is at its highest." 

His words made Sion's mind race for a moment before he offered the man a slow nod. "Yes sir, I kept myself free after my fight just for you~" Sion's voice held a tone of flirtation. He never hid how much he adored the older man. But what could Sir Umbra need to say? They've spent time together before but only briefly. It made Sion's heart skip a beat if only for a moment. But with a respectful bow and a wave goodbye, Sion was off towards his home on the most southern tip of the village.