A Demon's Tale

Pushing past the large set of doors, the small figure had walked into the library that resembled a vast sea.

The room was hardly lit, with dim candles several feet away being their only source of light. Yet, these candles had provided just enough light to make every book within the library visible, even if the room was dark as night.

They gazed towards the books that surrounded them, unsure of where to start and what to leave as the spectacular finale to their reading journey.

Before they could receive an answer of their own, a shapely figure wearing a large robe walked towards them.

???: [Oh my! I wasn't expecting a guest at this time!]

The small one could not see much of this individual, yet they felt calm. Their long white bangs had moved down hiding their eyes, a string being visible beyond the beautiful locks with every other step the figure took. Yet it did not bother them. A scenario such as this should have been troubling, to be caught in the act of sneaking into a library, yet they felt happy that this person found them.

The librarian smiled back, before speaking in their kind, feminine voice again, as if focusing their words to be as gentle as possible.

???: [Would you like to read something? Perhaps I can recommend a tale to you.]

They did not provide an audible response, merely dipping their head down in agreement. Covering their mouth from a small laugh, the woman moved over to a shelf and pointed to a book, before looking back to the small one.

???: [Would you care to hear the tale of The Beast vs The Monster?]

The small one shook their head. This book did not interest them at this time.

???: [Really? I would have assumed that this tale would be one you'd be delighted to hear. I'm sure you'd enjoy hearing about the Monster.]

Again, they shook their head, more frantically than they had previously done.

???: [As you wish. I'll pick something new.]

The woman moved over to the opposite shelf of the main column and pointed to another book.

???: [How about The Winter Battle of Dragon and Kirin?]

Once again, their head shook, caring not for the story she had recommended.

???: [You're quite tricky to please, but I suppose that is what I enjoy about you. I shall make it my duty to find a book that suits your tastes.]

Stepping towards the back of the room, the robed individual had picked up a book and returned to see their guest.

???: [Perhaps this book? Purified Demons and Wicked Humans?]

Upon receiving this third book, the small figure shook their head again. The robed figure moved a hand to their mouth, partially blocking their kind smile.

???: [Is there a specific book that you would like to read?]

Finally, they nodded.

Running over to the only place which was well lit, they pointed at the only book on the table. One that was spread wide open, as if the robed woman had already started reading it at some point.

???: [Aah. I see. The Clash of Black and White. You'd like to hear how this story ends, is that it?]

Again, they nodded back to the librarian.

Without a word, the woman gave a soft, laugh-like exhale and moved over close to the small one. Seating herself down gently, she stretched her arms down to pick up the small figure and placed them on her lap. Holding them with one arm and flipping the page with the other, they continued the story from where they left off.

???: [Very well, let's begin, shall we?]

In the calm, dark library, the tale continued.

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