This is my Domain

I wasn't, exactly, sure how long I spent in the church. Long enough no doubt. Eventually I got up and got back to life. I had a plan, sort of. Really I was mostly just rolling with it, but fuck it right. I was a demon and I was going to do what I wanted, so long as what I wanted didn't, seriously, negatively affect another person's life.

And so, I left Bellana. Not permanently. I still hadn't given up on the town by any means. Plus running away did not sit well with me at all. I just figured that the town and I could do with some time apart is all. Let things settle. And so I headed for the only place I knew that was near by, had room, and was also on a huge, swanky, piece of land so that I could really kick my but into gear and start pulling in those nice, predatory, tames I had been wanting since I got to this world. I had one dragon (sort of) but surly a girl could get like, three... or ten.

I decided it was time to invade the Red Raven complex.

To be honest it was depressingly easy. Like, shouldn't a big, military squadron have some sort of anti break in spells or something. Guard dogs? A freaking lock on the damn front door? Nothing. I literally strolled in the front door, saw the place was empty, and claimed it for my self. Just like that. I was kind of disappointed. I had a lot of built up emotions and was sort of looking forward to a shouting match or something.

And so it was to a demon, lounging on a sofa in the common room, reading a book, that the Squad returned home to.

"What the-" Snapped A man I hadn't met yet. He was about a little less than a foot taller than me. Six feet tall. With chestnut brown hair, a little long, but not too bad. He was built strong but not overly so, dressed in leather gear with a sword strapped to each hip and a bow slung over his shoulders. His eyes were a fierce green and he had thick eyebrows, a sharp nose and a scar on his chin. "Why is there a demon in the base?"

"Sin!" Exclaimed Zachariah, rushing in after the other man. "Welcome back! It's been a while."

"How did you get in?" Asked Sandra, looking as perplexed as the strange man looked irritated and Zach looked boyishly happy.

"The front door." I replied dryly. "Kind of the easiest break in of my life if I had to be honest. Shouldn't this place have at least some kind of security?" I asked with a roll of the eyes before returning to the book I was reading. I was laying on my stomach, legs bent at the knees, feet in the air. My hair was still a little damp as I had made use of their- my- baths before raiding the library. I was wearing a long white shirt I found in a room that smelt of Zachariah and not really anything else. I had decided that this was my house now so they could just suck it.

"There are security measures!" Snapped the man, eyes shooting to Zach. "Or did you take them down?"

"Of course I didn't." Zach shot back, sitting in one of the chairs across from the coffee table and swiping a pastry off the plate I had helped myself to. "The base just likes her. Sin is all right by me too, so I can see why."

"Thank you, Zach." I said, still looking at the book. "I guess I can forgive you then."

He blinked at me in surprise, a tiny cake half way to his lips. "What did I do?"

"You mean other than outing me as demon to the entire city?" I asked. "Besides that you mean?"

Zach went pale and lowered the cake. "But I never..."

"Shit." Snapped Sandra, falling into the other high backed chair as a slew of other people entered the room. I recognized Dural the dwarf and Rift too of course, the others I did not. All of them looked at me either suspiciously or curiously. "Zach you Duffus! I told you to keep it down when were in town."

He looked truly put out. I wasn't mad in the first place, so I didn't let him sit in it for long. "Its not like I said it was a secret." I sighed, breaking off a piece of a cookie and popping it in my mouth. "You didn't do anything wrong, per say. So stop looking like I killed your cat. It just made for a very unpleasant two days. To say that I am not exactly the most well-loved adventurer in town right now may be putting it mildly."

"So why did you come here?" Asked Sandra.

"And apparently made yourself at home." Sated Rift with a cocked eyebrow.

"I have decided that this is now my house." I said huffily. "Don't worry, I won't complain about the noise you all make. It doesn't bother me much."

"Wait, what?" Asked a tall, thin man. He was pale, with white gold hair tied in a braid over his shoulders, and clear blue eyes. I took me a moment before I noticed the pointed ears. An elf?

"And what makes you think we would allow a demon to waltz in here and claim what ever she likes?" Growled the angry sword guy.

"Apparently the house does." Mumbled Zach, returning to his cake.

"Well, I don't." Snapped the man, reaching for the sword on his right hip. I tensed, ready- almost eager- for a fight. But at that exact moment the whole building shook, dust falling from the rafters and beams creaking. I sat up straight, looking around for the sources. I wasn't the only one.

Zach looked amused. "You best watch your self, Vale. I think the base might just kick you out if you keep that up."

The man, now known to be Vale, glared at the nearest wall and cursed under his breath.

"This place haunted or something?" I asked, not even a little scared. At this point I wouldn't be surprised if ghosts were real, but I was a demon and surly demon trumped ghost in a fight right?

Zach laughed. "No. But it is magically enchanted. It has its own personality. You got in easy because the base wanted you here and so let you in. Normally there are spells and traps all over the place, preventing people not authorized from even getting near the place."

"Did you put them there?" I asked, suddenly much more impressed with the young enchanter.

But Zach just shook his head. "Nope. But one of my ancestors did. He was a founding member of the Red Ravens. He was also once a Hero. He was an enchanter like me, but about two million times better. People still come across his stuff to this day, scattered all over. He was prolific in his tinkering."

So, Zach was a descendant of heroes too. "Is that like, a requirement to be in your weird squads, being descended from heroes?"

At that Rift laughed and it did sound a little like his brother's. "No. But many who do get in are descended from them. Or part of the more magically inclined races, like the elves. It isn't exactly an easy process getting in. There are exams and tests and even then you only get in if a captain takes a liking to you."

I took an appraising look around the room, at all the odd ducks that I just knew these people were. "You have interesting standards."

"You are not one of us." Snapped Vale. I was beginning to wonder if he had a demon problem or something or was he just hostile to all strangers. "I rather think you should find some other place to make your nest..."

"Make me." I said, caring about as much as not at all. I saw his hand tighten on the grip of his sword but he made no effort to draw it. "Even if you managed to man handle me out of here- witch I doubt you could by the way- I would just come back. The house likes me." I added, patting the couch like it was a good little dog. "Now, can you like, go polish a sword or something? I am reading here."

"It is our fault Sin doesn't feel at home in town Vale." Sighed Rift. "Let her be. We have the space, and she has a point. If Zach is right, the base will just keep letting her in. The fact that it does like her should prove that she is no threat to the squad. This place has been taking care of the Red Ravens for a thousand years, I doubt it would let any harm befall us now."

Vale looked like he was grinding his teeth but gave in with a snort after a moment and stormed off to the stair case. I assumed his room was up there. Maybe I would sneak in later and put food in his shoes for fun.

"Leave him alone." Rift laughed, seeing the look in my eyes as the rest of his people dispersed. I suppose a demon holing up in the base was not all that odd to them. That or they just trusted their bases judgment that much. Also, what the heck was with the base being alive? Apparently heroes were way to over powered... says the girl who can name magical monsters like a god and it seems like a normal Tuesday. "Vale Is not much into new people being around. He is descended from a long line of people who are trained to be suspicious of everyone. He is an amazing swordsmen and fighter though. Maybe you could get him to teach you some things."

I shrugged. "I use my claws. They don't snap when I try and kill things with them." I had tried to use a sword once and it did not turn out well. Apparently demon strength and regular steel did not mix well as the blade had literally snapped after three swings at a monster. I thought I should at least try to learn but it just ended up being a waste of money in the end.

"You break swords when you try and use them?" Asked Zach, still enjoying his snack.

"Seems like it. My tail can saw a man in half, armor, and all. So, for now I am fine."

Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.

"Maybe. But I am sure that you will be encountering people more magically protected in the future, with enchanted armor and such... I can enchant things, even armor... but I am not very compatible with enchanting things for combat I'm afraid. You may want to investigate getting an enchanted weapon though."

"And that is exactly what I am planning on." I said holding up the book I had been reading.

"A Monster Guide to Monsters: Larasta." Sandra read the cover. "Looking to get yourself some more beasties? Can you get more? I mean, your little lizard is already tamed right? Are you strong enough to get more tames?"

How weak did this lady think I was? Surly even a regular human tamer could tame more than one dragon newt. It was supposed to be an E ranked monster after all. And not even a strong one. Sandra had no clue that Drogin was his actual name and not just what I called him, so she had no clue that Drogin was now a B ranked tame.

"I'm sure I will manage." I drawled.

"Well, got any top choices?" Asked Zack while Sandra laughed with her eyes.

"There are Forest Wolves in Castor's Wood." Offered Rift, standing next to Sandra's chair, arms crossed and looking mildly interested.

"Tch! I could beat one of those with my eyes closed. I need some fangs to help me. Not a pretty puppy I could take out in one hit." I didn't tell them that by giving the wolf a name I could very well get the thing up to B or A rank if lucky. "I opened the book and flipped to a page I had seen earlier. "It says that these are in the mountains near Dart." I said showing them the page. On it was a detailed drawing of a fox-like creature with two long white tails and long legs of black fur. The book described them as being about waist high at the withers. I was pretty sure withers were like the animals hips? Maybe. No one ever accused me of being book smart damn it!

"That s a Star Fox." Said Sandra, like she was pointing out something obvious to a dumb person.

"Well spotted." I growled. "I can read you know. I didn't just pick it because it looked like a pretty puppy."

Zach chuckled.

"I mean, it is a B ranked monster. You would need a party of seasoned Adventurers to take it on! Those things have some serious magic in them you know?" She sounded like she expected me to be needing to be put in a padded room.

"I'm sure it'll be fine if a I drag a couple of you lot with me. Normally I would go it alone but I'm not exactly used to fighting magic. Most of the monsters I have fought before now have been C rank or lower and I killed them before they could really do any magical damage. I need to wear it out, not kill it so I assume I will need some magical back up. At least until I can figure out how to work demon magic."

"I thought Demons couldn't use magic here." Stated Sandra.

I rolled my eyes again. "I tamed Drogin didn't I? We are massively weekend magic wise but it is still there a little." A little compared to normal anyway. I saw Rift send me an amused glance. He knew that my 'little' was still a massive 20,000 mana pool. "The problem is that I don't know any demon specific magic. And I didn't see any book s on it in your library. But that wasn't so surprising as it was disappointing."

"Why don't you know any of your own magic?" Asked Zach.

"Why don't you mind your own business? Here eat another cookie." I said tossing him what could pass for a chocolate chip cookie here on Harth.

"Well, I won't tell you what you can or can not do Sin." Said Rift. "But I can say that I can not send some of my men off to the mountains of Dart just so you can get a new pet. Times are a bit questionable at the moment, as I am sure you can appreciate. But, if I have people out on a mission that isn't too life and death I can let you know and you can decide if there may be a monster around that area that you may like to tame. I think that is a fir compromise."

"Why are you compromising at all." Snipped a voice from across the room. I looked and saw Vale had returned, wearing nothing but a pare of training pants and a fist full of scars. I glared at him and he glared back. "She has no say in anything here. And why would any of us agree to take dead weight along on a mission. Dead weight that is not part of this squad."

He had a point. But I wasn't going to let him hear that coming out of my mouth. If the Captain was going to basically roll over and comply to my outrageous take over of this place than that was all fine by me. I wasn't going to look a gift horse in the mouth. I was a little warry that Rift seemed to think that I was the one playing into his hands though.

"She wouldn't be dead weight. She may not be formally trained, but Sin has combat experience and a good head on her shoulders. And I'd be willing to bet she could beat just about anyone in this building in an arm wrestling match." Rift added with a laugh.

Vale narrowed his green eyes on his captain. "I highly doubt that. I have fought and beaten plenty of demons, none of them half as scrawny as that one."

"Well, why not train Sin then. I'm sure she would benefit from the knowledge and you could have fun beating up a demon."

"Well, hang on a second. I am not a punching bag, thank you very much." I said with a glare at Rift. I was not opposed to learning combat skills. I was opposed at learning them from sir Grouchy pants with the ripped chest and massive man hands though.

"Sin has a power ranking of 80." Rift told Vale with a smile.

"Is anything about me private amongst you people?" I snapped, glaring at the older man.

"Vale is a 98." He told me with a smile. "Vale is one of the strongest people in all the Red Ravens. In all the squads as a matter of fact. I saw the heroes at the capital, even if I did not get a chance to speak with them. I assume my brother told you about my skill?" I nodded. "The heroes, with a few weeks of training under their belts, are at the power level of between 75 and 100 at the moment. I am sure that that will continue to rise greatly as they power up."

"Are you saying that Sin is stronger than a hero?" Asked a curios Zach, cookie half hanging out of his mouth. "Even if they are untrained that is some impressive numbers. Most of the highest ranking squad captains manage to get to about the 150 power range right?"

Rift nodded. "I am a 139 if you were wondering Sin." I saw by the looks on the three other squad members faces that this was actually not information that was bandied about. At the very least Sandra and Zach had not known their captains number. Vale I could not read well enough to know if he knew."

"And exactly why is it, Captain, that you feel the need to tell me all this? Why is it that you seem to not care one bit that I have made myself comfy here or seem to be making ridiculous demands of your squad." Okay, so maybe I was going to look that gift horse in the mouth after all.

A broad smile stretched Rifts face. "Because I am thinking that I want you to take the Squadron exams this summer."

"You have got to be kidding?" Sighed Vale, looking at his captain in exasperation.

"Not at all. Other squads have demons. The Dragons do at least. Sin seems like she is planning to stay so why not make it official?"

"I don't work well with others." I told the far too pleased with himself captain. "I am rude, bossy, and have next to no social skills. Its why I have never partied up. I think you may want to revaluate your decision."

"Indeed. Steven told me that you never once went out with a party. Even though you are now a C ranked Adventurer."

"You made C rank all on your own?" Asked Sandra, a look of surprise on her face.

"So? I am sure plenty have done it before. Maybe not in a month, but what can I say, I am a workaholic. I would have been bored doing nothing around town. And no one else was going to by my meals now were they?"

"It is very rare for someone to rank up to C all on their own." Explained Rift. "Not unheard of, sure, but rare. Once you get above the E ranked missions, most are meant for full parties to accomplish. Its simply expected. Anything that can be done alone usually just falls into the lower ranks."

I sighed. My ignorance of this world was really going to get me in trouble one of these days. But I couldn't really come right out and ask about most of this stuff without also explaining that I was from earth. After all, as a world connected to Harth, the demon realm would still know some things about it. I clearly didn't know a damn thing.

"All I am saying is that you have all the markers of an asset to this kingdom Sin." Stated Rift. "This kingdom could really use all the assets it can get right now. Why not collaborate with us? You get a place, rent free, three square meals a day, and a massive plot of land for what ever fuzzy critters you feel like getting. Sounds like a win for you."

I snorted. "All for the low cost of putting my neck on the like for a bunch of people who would gladly cut it clean through themselves?" I leaned back and opened my book again. "Whatever. I can't say I am happy about it, nor can I even say I will actually listen to anything you tell me to do, but I'll take your dumb test if makes you stop harassing me so I can do what I want."

"This is ridiculous." Gritted out Vale. "And put some damn pants on."

"Like you have room to talk, abbs for brains." I snapped back. "All the important bits are covered. You do not like it then don't look."

"I don't mind." Chirped Zach as Vale stormed off down the hall, no doubt heading for the training room.

I peeked at the enchanter over the top of my book. "Not on your life Casanova." I said with an eye roll.

"What's a cat's nova?" He asked perplexed and a little put out.

"A monster." I said, not completely untruthfully.

Rift shook his head and smiled. "The sad part about all this is that this is all a normal day around here."

"Isn't that the truth." Agreed Sandra, getting to her lavender booted feet. "Anyway, I am bushed. I am going to have a nap. Wake me up if needed Captain."

Rift nodded and we watched her walk down the hall as well, stretching and yawning the whole way.

"I know its not really my business, but where were you all anyways?" I asked. They had all looked pretty beat.

"Sandra, Vale, Leon, and I were out on a mission. The other had been out training. I can't say that the Red Ravens have ever been known for putting forth maximum effort but these are hard times for us all. Also, I think the fact that the Heroes are due here in a couple of days has most of them on edge."

"Why?" I asked with a little chuckle.

"What do you mean 'why'?" Huffed Zach, also yawning. "They are intimidating, that is why. They are Heroes! The strongest people in this entire country. Or at least they will be before long."

"I am pretty sure that less than a month ago they were just normal people trying to live their best lives." I said a little sadly. I didn't know their exact circumstances, but I believed whole heartedly that most, if not all of them, were worse off for being here. Even if they fantasized about being whisked off to a world of magic and elves... well the reality was more then some made up fantasy. I , alone, had killed ten people since I have been here. I did not regret or even feel bad for those, but I also knew I was a broken thing. I hoped the others would not have to experience the same anytime soon, and I also knew that they, inevitably, would have to. "I am willing to bet that they all find everyone here more intimidating than you find them."

"I highly doubt that." Sighed Zach.

"They did look calm at the capital. Still, I am sure there is some truth to your words Sin." Stated Rift. "I am sure that they are receiving the best training this kingdom has to offer. With any luck, they will soon be so strong that only the Demon King himself will pose any significant threat to them. But that does not mean the rest of us can be lax either. Even the strongest of heroes can be felled by a single arrow, or well placed spell. They will need all the aid the people of Larasta can give them."

I nodded. I had no doubt that that was as true a statement as could be made.

"That being said, I expect you to be out in the back fields tomorrow morning Sin." Continued the captain.

"Huh?"

A wicked smile crossed his lips and his eyes danced with mischief. "I do not know why you left the Demon Realm for Harth Sin, but you are here now. If you wish to continue to be part of this world of ours than you need to put forth effort as well. So tomorrow your training begins. Please do not look on Vale to badly when he is done with you."

I groaned and sunk into the cushions. I was strong but I had zero training in any sort of martial art or weapon play. If Abbs For Brains was going to get free reign to clobber me senseless I am sure he was going to do just that. Pure strength did not win out against real training and effort. I was at least smart enough to know that. I may have claimed this base as my domain, as it were, but I would have to try hard to earn the people who already lived here's respect. Especially since I was fully aware that I was not near strong enough to drive them out of here even if I wanted that.