Thank you all so much for the kind reviews! :) I didn't expect this story to start off so well, so thank you all very much!
YOU ALL ROCK.
I do not own MODR.
Forever and Ever
Chapter Two:
Of Fair Hair and Tears
"How sad."
Her ears twitched.
"Filthy things, we should get rid of the lot of them."
A bitter smirk touched her lips.
The sound of footsteps hitting the wet cobblestone streets made the red and blue eyed girl glance upwards, examining the graying sky before her.
How long had it been? She wondered, tilting her head curiously as a few drops of rain hit her over the roof of the building, dripping down into the alleyway she sat in.
She watched in faint curiosity as the people moved by her. Some taking their time while others hurried through the storm, warm homes and welcoming families to welcome them. The girl blinked and glanced around her, nothing but wet boxes and trash.
This was her home. She inhaled softly, shutting her eyes as she let the rain hit her, ignoring the faint bite of hunger in her stomach. She'd probably snatch a loaf or two from the baker tomorrow, maybe hand some over to the little misfits at the orphanage.
She would've stayed at that place, like she was supposed to. That was where she had been dropped off as a child, where she was raised until she could understand her situation. But she noticed how the other children grew thinner and the old lady who ran the place struggled to keep them fed.
She didn't want to be another burden.
The busy life of the other side of the streets reached her ears and she hunched down in the over sized jacket, puffing on her fists in a force of habit. Dark brown hair fell slightly over her face as she closed her eyes, letting the sound of the rain and footsteps lull her to a light sleep. She always had to be on guard in a place like this.
Her conscious began to drift when her ears twitched at rushed footsteps, hitting the floor with loud splashes. Her mind was about to cut it out as another regular occurrence when voices reached her ears.
"Young Master! We must get home soon! Your uncle will be worried!" Came a warm and gentle voice, friendly.
"Just a moment, Kevin. I saw something. I'm sure my uncle can wait." Replied a younger sounding voice, carrying a haughty tone with it.
The girl frowned, she normally blocked out people's voices, but theirs came oddly close. Keeping her eyes shut she listened as the footsteps changed direction, sounding like they were coming closer.
They were.
Her eyes shot open just as a pair of mud soaked leather shoes came into view. The girl blew softly on her hands, feeling them curl into fists as she looked up calmly.
She had to admit, with a small hum of awe. The boy's eyes were pretty. It was like looking into a pair of emeralds, bright, glittering, and full of life. He had tousled blonde hair dampened by the rain, his chest heaving showed that he clearly wasn't used to moving so fast.
She watched the boy carefully, occasionally turning her gaze to the wavy haired man behind him. If they decided to cause trouble, it was the lavender eyed one she'd have to look out for.
"Can I help you?" Her voice came out with a hint of a sneer, though her eyes remained impassive. She wasn't looking for trouble; she just wanted to be left alone. It was better that way.
"What are you doing out in the rain?" The boy questioned, brushing aside her first question and the girl held back a curious frown.
"I didn't think it was a crime to just sit around, what, am I polluting your air? Should I go?" She offered and the boy rolled his eyes.
"As if I were that petty—where's your home? We'll walk you. You'll get sick if you stay out like this." The blonde continued and the girl blinked, still mildly surprised from his earlier comment.
"You're standing in it." She answered with a grin, leaning back into the wall and watching the two curiously as their eyes darkened, was that pity? Damn, she didn't want that. Anything but that. "Sorry I can't quite offer you tea, fresh out."
"This isn't the time for jokes." The blonde stated briskly as the butler behind him shifted, holding the umbrella over the both of them. "There must be some place you live."
"Nah," The red and blue eyed girl met his stare, surprised he didn't run off screaming calling her a demon. She had to admit she liked the change. "I haven't had one of those in years. But I've been doing pretty well on my own."
Her mind finally clicked and she gave the boy a soft smile, not noticing how he stiffened, his eyes growing wide. "I'll be fine. You go on home; your family must be waiting for you."
She wasn't some charity case. This wasn't one of those cliché stories. It'd be better this way, by herself. It'd always been.
The blonde haired boy stared at her in shock, and the girl let out a sigh, snuggling into the large jacket. "You shouldn't stay out in the rain much longer, you'll get sick."
She waited for the sound of footsteps to signal their departure, but her gaze snapped upwards when a hand jutted out to her. Slowly, she raised her head up to find that his cheeks were dusted a light pink, his head turned way from her.
"Come on now." He muttered, holding his hand out to her as he avoided her questioning gaze. "You can come back with us, out of the rain."
She felt her breath catch in her throat. Her lips trembled until she pressed them in a tight line. How long had it been? "I'll be fine—"
"Young Master," The brown haired man behind the blonde spoke up, a warm smile on his face. "I think we have an open position for a new house maid."
Her eyes snapped to the taller man in shock and the blonde grumbled under his breath, turning his emerald gaze to her. "Well? Are you coming or not? I don't want to stand out here all day."
Can I? She bit her lip, turning her gaze down to the wet gravel. She'd managed this long on her own. Why was it that now of all times, she felt herself waver? For the first time in years, she felt the biting cold reality of what it felt like to be...
Alone.
She turned her gaze to this blonde haired boy and felt her heart clench, an image flashing behind her eyes. Why did he seem so familiar? For some reason, she felt as if she'd known this boy her whole life.
A soft whisper in the back of her mind made her hand rise up tentatively, as if hesitant to believe that this was all happening. It seemed too good to be true.
Her hand paused a few inches from his own and the blonde boy rolled his eyes, stretching his hand the rest of the way and clasping her hand in his own.
Warm. Her eyes widened as he tugged her upwards. His hand felt warm, perfectly incasing hers. His face was now a bright red as he struggled to look her in the eye.
"There," He hesitated a moment before gently releasing her hand. He turned his back to her and added. "Now let's go home."
Home. Her heart stopped for a moment as an indescribable feeling enveloped her, filling her lungs to a point where it felt like she couldn't breathe.
Slowly, a crooked smile touched her lips as her eyes gleamed with unshed tears. She'd be damned.
She had a home.
"What's the meaning of trespassing in my school, you megalomaniac?" William questioned, narrowing his eyes at the so-called demon before him.
I stood stiff beside the blonde, eyes narrowed and teeth practically bared at the demon in front of us. Dantalion cast me a side glance before turning to William, his arms crossed smoothly over his chest.
"I'd advise you to watch your tone, William." Dantalion began, an almost smug look on his lips.
"Excuse me?" William blinked, raising an eyebrow as I stood protectively next to him, glaring hard at Dantalion.
Well, what else was I supposed to do? The person I considered closest to myself had somehow become the next Elector of Hell, and was now a possible target to demons of all kind. I had to step up and be on guard!
"Who do you think paid your tuition?" Dantalion questioned and I blinked in confusion, an image of William's uncle coming to mind.
William's eyes widened. "I-It couldn't be..."
"It certainly could." Dantalion sighed, looking as if he were talking to a child. "Who else would it be?"
William flinched and I huffed angrily, practically hissing at Dantalion. A smirk touched the crimson eyed male's lips. "Of course, I'll be happy to call off the debt if you choose me as the substitute ruler of Hell."
"I'm not going to indebt myself to some demon!" William exclaimed, narrowing his emerald eyes at Dantalion.
Dantalion grasped his shoulder, his eyes darkening. "There's no telling when more of us will show up once word spreads that the Elector has appeared." Dantalion's face leaned closer and I felt myself grow rigid. "I won't ever leave your side."
"Too close!" I darted in between the two and shoved Dantalion backwards, feeling my ego go down a few notches when it only sent him back a step. "Hands off! You need to stay at least four feet away!"
Dantalion scowled and I gave him a hard glare, tilting my chin up challengingly. I ignored the slight ache in the back of my head and clench in my gut. Though common sense told me not to put an ounce of trust in a demon, there was something about the way he said it...
He sounded so...honest.
William sighed behind me, touching my shoulder gently as he glared over my head. "I refuse to accept this. Come, Milo."
I blinked as William began to walk away. I quickly turned to follow before pausing, turning on my heel and glowering at Dantalion.
"I advise you and your demon buddies to stay away from William." I narrowed my eyes at him and took a step forward. "I don't care whatever it is that's going on, but William has enough to deal with."
Dantalion stared at me for a moment before releasing a tired breath, taking a step forward. I tensed as his crimson eyes bore into my own, a silent challenge in the air. "Really? Just how do you intend to keep us away?"
I huffed, holding up my hands proudly. "I'll fight you off!"
Dantalion paused mid step, staring at me in disbelief. "You're joking."
I shook my head, eyes glinting in determination. "It's my job to protect William. I'm not going to let a bunch of no-good demons barge in and lay a single hand on him!"
Dantalion's eyes flashed and he was another step closer. "You really think that you could fight me off? A little girl like you? What can a human do against a demon? Or several demons?"
There was a tug in the back of my mind but I pushed it aside, titling my chin up in defiance. "Leave William alone or else."
Dantalion stared down at me in a mixture of disbelief and faint annoyance. I kept my chin held high and Dantalion sighed, running a hand through his slicked back hair.
Please don't call out my bluff. Please don't call out my bluff. I inwardly panicked. I knew how to fight a bit, but I was no assassin. I just knew enough to fend for myself. I was up against a demon. A demon. What was I supposed to do? Throw holy water at him?
"Or else?" He echoed, a hint of mockery in his tone. "Or else what?"
I blew on my fist, mimicking a punch. I frowned in confusion as Dantalion went rigid, his eyes widening at the action and his fingers twitched at his sides. "You definitely don't want to mess with this!"
I blinked, feeling my brows furrow as Dantalion breathed heavily, his arms taut at his sides. "Hey... are you all right?"
Crimson eyes snapped up and I flinched, unconsciously taking a step back. "...Dantalion?"
The ebony haired demon took a step forward, his arm shaking as he reached a hand out. His eyes were so intensely focused, and I found myself shuddering as I took another step back, my back hitting the wall. "H-Hey, if you're trying to scare me..."
Too close. I sucked in a breath as Dantalion's body was a few inches from mine, his towering figure easily overcoming my own. "Dantalion..."
Dantalion's gaze seemed far off as his fingertips brushed against my cheek, lingering there as a frown touched his lips and his brows furrowed. I frowned, staring at him in confusion.
Dark red eyes bore so intently into my own, and there was a soft pounding in the back of my head. "Hey..." I paused at the look of desperation coming into his eyes. "Are you all right?"
I flinched, his face coming closer to my own, and I felt his bangs brush against my forehead. But Dantalion seemed to be off in another world as his lids lowered and his breath fanned gently over my face.
Dantalion.
"Dantalion!" I pressed a hand to the taller male's face and shoved it back, eyeing him in confusion and in faint relief that he seemed to snap out of his trance. "Are you okay?"
Dantalion blinked, looking momentarily confused before he straightened abruptly, quickly taking a few steps back and distancing himself from me. I eyed him carefully and he gazed down at his hands for a moment before leaving them at his sides.
"Fine." Dantalion answered, running a hand through his hair as he sighed. "Sorry, I was wondering how a girl could have such a boyish appearance."
"What?" I exclaimed, stiffening as he put a hand to his chin in thought. "Excuse me?"
"Maybe it's because you're wearing a male uniform..." I gawked at him as he grinned brightly, patting my head and ruffling my hair. "Well, either way, I still plan on staying by William's side."
My mouth hung open as Dantalion turned on his heel, flashing me a dazzling smile. "Sleep well, little maid."
I stared at the demon's retreating figure and felt my back stiffen as I blinked, slowly coming to a realization at what he'd just said.
"A declaration of war!" I growled under my breath, clutching my hand into a fist. "I'm not going to let some demon get his dirty hands on William! I have to be on full guard!"
As I thought up different battle strategies in my head, I absently touched my cheek, glancing back to the now empty hallway as I lowered my lids, a small frown lining my lips.
Really now... Why did he seem so familiar?
"What is the most important thing in this world?" Ruby hair swung behind him as Reverend Crossby glanced up, gazing amongst the crowd. "He told us His two greatest commandments are to love God above all others, and to..."
I rubbed my head, letting out a quiet sigh as I shut my eyes, listening as Reverend Crossby's lectures slowly faded into the back of my mind. There was a light jostle to my right and I blinked, turning as William glanced at me.
"Hey, if Reverend Crossby catches you sleeping, you'll be in big trouble." William warned and I nodded, holding up my book with tired eyes.
The golden blonde boy gave me a quiet frown. "Don't tell me it's another headache."
"I don't know why church gives me headaches," I sighed, rubbing my temple once more. "They're light, but persistent. I think it's the atmosphere or something."
"Nonsense." William rolled his eyes. "You're probably just allergic to the smell of the candles or something else in here."
I snorted at the thought and quickly covered it with a cough when Crossby glanced my way. William shot me a reprimanding look and I offered him a cheeky grin.
The blonde prefect sighed in annoyance before turning away. I gently rested my head on his shoulder, feeling him stiffen beneath me. I held back a small smile when he didn't shove me off, instead staring intently at his book.
The spiky haired boy beside us, Mycroft Swallow, a fellow prefect and friend of William's, glanced to me, raising an eyebrow and mouthing an 'Are you okay?'
I nodded, waving off his worries as the small headache became a low throb. I never really liked going to church, it was something I could do without.
An image flashed through my head and I frowned. Something felt off. It'd felt like that since Dantalion came here. No-good demon probably brought along all this no good aura.
But still...I opened my eyes slightly, staring at William's concentrated face. Though some part of me had a feeling something else was on his mind besides church. Not that he believed in it anyway.
"I still plan on staying by William's side." I felt a scowl touch my lips and I growled inwardly. There was no way I was going to let some haughty demon force William into anything he didn't want to.
I silently nodded in my head. It was my job to be by William no matter what happened or where he decided to go. I would stay by his side, as a protector, friend, whatever he wished.
I at least owed him that.
After mass, William had asked me to wait for him by the rugby field, stating he had to go ask Swallow for some help on something. Though I had wanted to follow the blonde he had shook his head at me and told me sternly to wait by the field for him.
"Why..." I absently kicked up a cloud of dust, watching the bits of leaves swirl around. "Do I feel a bit like a...dog?"
Loud cheers from the field reached my ears and I let out a yawn, sitting back on my hands and glancing down the road, waiting for William's familiar blond head to come into view.
There was another wave of cheers and I rolled my eyes, turning my head up towards the blue sky, gently dotted with clouds. "Where is he?"
A sudden chorus of cries hit the air and I frowned, turning my gaze forward to see just what was all the action going on at the rugby field. My eyes widened as a sudden projectile came hurtling my way.
Before I could duck or realize that the shouts were cries of warning, there was a stinging pain on my forehead as I felt myself fall backwards.
Something fell to the ground beside me and I let out a groan, staring dazedly up at the sky as clouds moved, morphing into different shapes—was that Kevin? No, no, no, you're losing it Milo.
I found myself silently content with just lying there on the ground, staring up at the clouds as the stinging pain in my forehead turned to a dull throb. Did I get hit with a ball?
Blue suddenly turned to red and I frowned at the sudden change of view, staring in confusion at the pair of crimson eyes staring at me worriedly, mouth moving to make out words I couldn't understand.
Wait.
Red eyes?
Isaac has red eyes, but this person had black hair, combed back to make himself appear presentable.
...
...
...
My eyes widened in realization and I quickly shot up, only to let out a small groan as my head began to pound again. I brought a hand up and touched the slightly swelling bump and winced, trying to regain my bearings as the world swayed beneath me.
"Oi," A hand slowly came into view and I stiffened, meeting Dantalion's worried gaze. "Are you okay?"
The enemy! My instantly recoiled, jerking my head away from Dantalion's hand and putting my hands up in defense in front of me. The demon gave me a quizzical look. "Enemy?"
Wait, didn't I think that just now? I frowned momentarily before shaking my head, brushing it aside. "Stay back!"
Dantalion arched a dark brow and I scooted further away from his prying hands, putting a safe amount of distance from us. "What the... I was just trying to see if you were okay!"
"Sure," I narrowed my eyes suspiciously at him. "Maybe you were, but I can't allow myself to be helped by the enemy! This is war!"
Dantalion looked baffled as he stared at me, reaching a hand out again. "I think you got hit harder than I thought—"
I jerked my head away from his hand once more and Dantalion frowned in annoyance, his red and white stripped jersey shifting as he moved closer. "I just want to see if that bruise is okay. That was a hard kick."
I rubbed my head gingerly. "Who kicked it?"
There was a brief moment of silence and I blinked, looking up at Dantalion incredulously as he scratched his chin, looking off to the side with a nervous chuckle. "Figures. You can never trust a demon."
Dantalion flinched, looking at me almost apologetically. "I didn't mean it! Who just sits here by the field anyway?"
"Oh? Is it a crime to sit wherever I want now?" I huffed, glaring hard at him as he reached forward again. "And stop it already! I said I'm fine."
Another jerk and Dantalion let out an annoyed growl. "Just let me look at it!"
I snatched my head away from his hands once more and covered the injury on my forehead, using my legs to push me backwards. "I'm fine! I swear! I'll go see the nurse!"
Dantalion snorted, rolling his eyes as he stared at me in disbelief. "Really? How many fingers am I holding up?"
I blinked, staring at the moving digits in front of me with a small frown."...Three?"
"You are clearly not okay." Dantalion sighed in annoyance, reaching for me once more with a frown on his lips. "You got hit by that ball, you might be injured—"
"I promise I'll go to the nurse." I looked around frantically for some means of escape. "I can at least make it that far!"
"Then let me help you—stop moving!" Dantalion exclaimed, as I dodged another attempt. The red eyed demon scowled and I looked at him challengingly.
He stared hard at me for a moment before blinking, sitting back and staring calmly at me. "All right then, if you say so."
I blinked, feeling my brows furrow as I stared at him suspiciously. "...You'll leave me alone now?"
"Well, you obviously don't want my help." Dantalion rolled his eyes and sighed, looking annoyed. "Now hurry up and go to the nurse."
I stared at him in disbelief before lowering my hands. Maybe he wasn't as bad as I thought. "Well, thanks for—ack!"
Dantalion lunged, having tackled me to the floor in swift movements. I felt my mouth drop as I struggled underneath the demon, who smirked in triumph above me. "You tricked me!"
"I'm just trying to help," Dantalion muttered, promptly sitting down on my stomach and furrowing his brows as I jerked my head from left to right, avoiding his hands. "Stop squirming!"
"Let me go!" I exclaimed, struggling to move my hands, which were pinned beneath his knees. "I don't want your help!"
"I should take your soul for all the trouble your worth." Dantalion grumbled. "A great Duke shouldn't have to be going through all this trouble..."
"I told you your help is unneeded!" I exclaimed in exasperation, trying to wriggle my hands out from under his knees. "I don't know why you're so persistent!"
Dantalion hesitated as I continued to struggle, watching him out of the corner of my eye in curiosity. Why was he so intent? It couldn't be that he really felt worried. Right?
"Just..." He growled under his breath, suddenly grabbing my head between his hands as I stared at him wide eyed. "Let me help you!"
Soft. I blinked in shock as I stared up at Dantalion, his mouth curved into an annoyed frown but his eyes tinged in a look of worry. Despite the roughness of his hands, there was a slight gentleness to them.
"Do I..." I felt the words leave my lips before I knew it as I turned my gaze up at him. It'd been bugging me now, something nagging at my conscious. "Do I know you?"
The question was stupid the moment I let it left my lips. But it was a pressing matter in the back of my head, sneaking just a bit behind protecting William. Of course I didn't know him, he was a demon. Maybe he reminded me of someone?
Dantalion's eyes widened before he let out a sigh, his grip on my head slackened and they rested beside me. He stared down at me, that same searching gaze flittering over his face.
"You really don't know..." Dantalion's eyes softened, but there was a nostalgic look to them. "Do you?"
I stared up at him in confusion. I didn't get this guy. Was he bipolar or something? Actually, I didn't get myself. My head told me not to trust him, since he was just after William to try and get 'elected', but... my gut told me otherwise.
Stupid gut, don't make this harder for me!
"What do you think you're doing to my maid?" I instantly perked up at the sound of the voice and turned a huge grin on my face.
Dantalion stiffened above me and turned his head, his eyes widening in surprise. "W-William! It's not what you think—"
"William!" Dantalion off-guard, I managed to weasel out from under him and trotted over to the blonde, a happy smile on my face. "What took you so long?"
"I told you I had to ask Swallow about something," William sighed, eyeing a horrified Dantalion suspiciously. "Though I guess I should have brought you along."
"It wasn't what it looked like!" Dantalion shot up, waving his hands as he looked at William desperately. "I was just trying to help her!"
"Really, now?" William arched a fine brow and Dantalion stiffened.
"Yes! I wouldn't lie to you!" Dantalion exclaimed. "She got hit with a ball—"
"That you kicked?" William inquired and Dantalion paled, scratching his chin lightly as the blonde crossed his arms over his chest looking unamused.
"W-Well—"
"Milo," I blinked as William turned to face me, though his face was pulled to a frown there was a furrow in his brows. "Are you all right?"
"Peachy." I answered with a nod, touching my forehead to find that the swelling had cooled down.
"What am I going to do with you?" William sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose as he gave me a reprimanding glare. "Why didn't you go to the nurse?"
"You told me to wait." I replied with a small smile. "And the clouds looked very nice today, I didn't want to leave."
"Are you stupid?" William grumbled, reaching a hand forward and brushing the bruise gently. "It doesn't hurt does it?"
I stiffened under the sudden contact but quickly relaxed, closing my eyes for a moment before smiling at him softly. It was the smile that only belonged to him and Kevin. The one reserved for what I considered family. "Not at all."
William blinked once before his cheeks suddenly turned red, his eyes growing wide as he quickly withdrew his hand away and folded them to his chest. "You need to be more careful! You never pay attention to where you're going!"
I nodded as he continued to lecture me, a flustered look on his face, holding back a smile. He really was too nice for his own good.
"Let's go, Milo." William sighed, rubbing his forehead tiredly. "We should get some ice for that too."
"Okay." I followed quietly at his heels as William began to walk away.
"Hey, where are you going?" Dantalion questioned, catching up to us. "You're my one and only Elector!"
Dantalion reached out to grab William's arm but the blonde quickly brushed him off. "Enough! I refuse to involve myself in non-scientific nonsense!"
I looked at William worriedly and Dantalion narrowed his eyes. "What are you—"
"Shut up! My mind won't be changed." William began, his eyes hard as he glared at Dantalion. "Don't approach me, associate with me, or talk to me!" His eyes darted to me. "Or Milo!"
"You..." Dantalion grit his teeth when my ears perked up at the sound of flapping wings.
"Duke Dantalion!" A squeaky voice cried and I blinked, staring wide eyed at the two creatures flapping towards us.
"..bats?" I wondered aloud, raising an eyebrow as Dantalion turned towards the black and white bats.
"Emergency!" The black one cried, and Dantalion narrowed his eyes.
"What's wrong?"
"It appears Baalberith's forces are making a move." The white one supplied and I frowned, recalling the name from before. "Please return to Hell at once!"
"Baalberith?" Dantalion echoed, his gaze hardening. "Understood. You two," Dantalion's arm shot outwards, pointing towards William and me. "Keep your eyes on William and Milo at all times!"
"Sir!"
"Eh?" My eyes widened as Dantalion vanished, and the two bats swopped downwards, fluttering about William.
"Damn it! Bugger off, you vermin!" William cried, waving his arms about and the bats looked annoyed.
"Vermin? We're not monitoring you because we like you!" The black one muttered and I sweat dropped, unsure of what to do.
"Quiet you riffraff!" William exclaimed, throwing his arms around. "Ah, get away!"
"Mamon!" The black bat turned to its white companion. "You get the girl!"
I blinked in surprise as the white bat flapped about me, wide blue eyes staring at me. "Don't make this harder than it has to be girl!"
"Got it..." I felt my eye twitch as the bat flapped about me, wings brushing against my head from time to time. I pulled my bangs away from my face. "M...Mamon, right?"
"Yes!" The bat paused in front of me, tilting its head curiously. "Lady Cyrus?"
Lady Cyrus? I stared at the bat in confusion, raising an eyebrow. "No, my name's Milo."
"Milo?" Mamon blinked, looking at me in confusion. "But you look like Lady Cyrus—Amon, doesn't she look like Lady Cyrus?"
The black bat paused its attack on William, the blonde continuing to thrash his arms around as the black bat fluttered over. "Huh? Why would a human look like Lady Cyrus?"
Mamon frowned, a small fang poking out from its mouth. "But she looks like her!"
I flinched, pulling my head back a few inches as Amon flapped his wings, fluttering close to my face. "Kinda. But it can't be Lady Cyrus."
"But she looks just like her!" Mamon argued and Amon shook his head.
"Don't be silly! Duke Dantalion will get mad if you joke around like that!"
"I'm being serious!"
"Who's Lady Cyrus?" I felt a frown touch my lips as I stared at the bats in confusion. "Would you mind filling me in?"
Amon and Mamon blinked, halting their argument as they turned to me. "Are you Lady Cyrus?" They chorused together and I furrowed my brows.
"I told you, my name is Milo. Not Cyrus. I don't even know who she is!"
"Let's go, Milo!" William grasped my hand, tugging me forward as he broke into a run. "Leave us alone!"
"Ah! Amon! They're getting away!"
"Stupid, it's your fault!"
I furrowed my brows as I kept behind William, letting him tug me along as we avoided Dantalion's bats. The name became a silent whisper in my head, fading to the very back but not quite leaving.
Cyrus?
"Tuition?" I felt William's mattress slump slightly beneath me as I watched the blonde pace his room. "You're going for a scholarship?"
"I need to make sure I pay my own way next semester." William explained, rubbing his chin in thought. "I refuse to be aided by that stalker."
"You could work for it like I do." I offered. "Helping out in the kitchen isn't bad. And the dorm mother is pretty nice when it comes to cleaning."
"That's more of a last resort." William sighed, walking over to his drawers and pulling them open. "Drat! I should've at least brought a spoon back from the manor. A silver one would've been worth some cash..."
I propped my chin up on my hand, watching William. "I could scrounge up some money for you."
"How?" William turned to me in surprise and I grinned.
"Well, there are people on the streets—"
"Absolutely not." William sighed, shaking his head. "And I'm not taking your money either, save it for something."
My eyes flickered to the polished wooden door at the sound of knocking and William growled under his breath. "What is it now?"
The door was gently pulled open and I blinked in surprise at Isaac's sheepish face. "Ah, sorry..."
"Isaac?" William raised an eyebrow. "What do you want?"
I felt my lips twitch downwards as I watched the red headed boy. His eyes shifted nervously as he hovered by the door. "I need to talk to you..."
"I don't have time for your occult nonsense right now." William sighed, starting to rummage through his drawers again.
"Is something wrong?" I furrowed my brows and Isaac quickly shook his head, his eyes darting around.
"N-No." Taking a couple steps into the room he turned to William. "It's not about that."
He looks like he's seen a ghost. I watched him worriedly. Is he okay?
There was a flash of blue and the sound of calm footsteps on the floor as a boy walked into the room, a charming smile on his face. "Good day, William."
Pretty. I stared, slightly awed by the blue haired male before me. His hair was a silvery shade of blue, darkening at the tips. He had an underclassmen stripped bow tie laced around his neck, and a smooth face.
His eyes were a light blue, slightly dark and almost silver in color at an angle. He looked like some fey or elfin creature from Isaac's stories. Beautiful.
"Pleased to meet you," The boy began, his voice smooth like silk. "I'm Sitri Cartwright."
Sitri? The name rolled off my lips and I blinked, a small pounding in the back of my head. Sitri. The name somehow struck a cord in me. It was a nice name.
"Nice to meet you." William replied flatly, leafing through a book. "And? If you're here to tell me you met a fellow occultist, I'm not interested."
"Actually..." Isaac started, looking to William nervously. "He's the one who wants to talk to you."
Sitri flashed William a bright smile, tilting his head to the side. I held back a frown, my fingers lightly tugging at William's bed sheets as I let my gaze turn back to the red headed boy. Isaac didn't seem right today. His normally energetic self seemed scared stiff.
What happened?
"If he's trying to get in the good graces of a prefect, then..." William trailed off, looking unimpressed as he continued to scan the book.
"Hey," I turned to Isaac. "Are you all right? You look like you've seen a ghost."
"Ghosts don't exist." William reminded and I rolled my eyes as Isaac flinched, twiddling with his fingers.
"A-Ah, no. I'm fine! Don't worry about it, Milo." Isaac reassured and I frowned, looking at him disbelievingly. He didn't seem fine at all.
I paused under the feel of a gaze and turned, meeting Sitri's piercing gaze. The blue haired boy looked confused for a moment before he blinked, seeming to shrug it off as he offered me a smile. "That was rude of me, I didn't notice you."
"No, it's fine." I offered, staring at him in faint surprise. "I'm no one important."
There seemed to be a flash through Sitri's eyes. "I see, your name is Milo, right?"
I nodded and Sitri beamed, flashing me that charming smile of his. "It's a pleasure."
Though his smile looked beautiful, there was that off-ness to the gesture that made it seem unnatural. Forced, almost. But the faint curiosity etched on his face seemed genuine. Who was this guy?
I blinked at the sound of knocking, casting my gaze upwards. Mycroft blinked, looking surprised at the entrance to the room. "Was I interrupting? Should I come back?"
"No, wait. Let's talk outside." William perked up, setting down the book and glancing to me. "Keep them busy for me for a little, would you?"
"Sure..." I trailed off as William left the room, leaving the door open behind him. I felt myself tense as if to get up and follow, but had to remind myself that he'd be fine, just right outside the door.
"So, Milo," Sitri's voice rang through my ears and I turned to the fair haired male, as he smiled at me. "If I may ask, are you close to William?"
"I guess." I shrugged, leaning back on my palms as I stared at the doorway, where the blonde had left. "I owe him a lot."
I could feel Sitri's lingering gaze, and resisted the urge to meet it. The sensation I felt around him was almost like how I felt around Dantalion. What was odd though, is that I felt like I could trust this guy without hesitation.
Friend. My mind seemed to whisper as I watched the blue haired male out of the corner of my eye. But I don't even know him.
Sitri seemed to perk up all of a sudden as he stepped out of the room and I quickly stood as Isaac followed. The red headed boy paused a second as Sitri left and whirled around, his eyes wide and pleading. "Milo! You have to keep William away from Sitri!"
My shoulders instantly stiffened and I furrowed my brows. "What do you mean?"
"He's not what you think he is," Isaac whispered hurriedly, glancing across his shoulders. "I'll find a way to deal with it, but you need to keep William away!"
Is he in danger? I frowned and gave Isaac a curt nod as I glanced down the hallway, looking for which way they went and found Sitri peering down the corner of the hallway. But why didn't I feel it from him before? Sitri didn't seem bad...
Words began to reach my ears as Isaac followed at my heels as we made our way towards Sitri, William's blonde head coming into view. William was looking at Sitri with wide eyes and the blue haired male was smiling warmly.
"—I'm sure he'd take a liking to you." Sitri finished and William brought a hand up to his chin.
"So he'd be my patron, essentially?" William murmured and I blinked, mind racing as I tried to assess the situation.
"Precisely." Sitri responded with a small smile. "Of course, you would need to meet with him first. Consider it a test."
Patron? Thoughts on tuition came to my head and I frowned. Was Sitri making some offer to pay for William's tuition? That didn't make sense! Isaac was just telling me not to trust him...
William looked thoughtful and Sitri smiled brightly this time. "Besides, I always admired you. Top of the class since the day you started school, and you've skipped two grades already!"
Isaac suddenly seemed to panic and I sweat dropped as William's cheeks faintly turned read. If you wanted to trick him, flattery would definitely get you somewhere.
"I'm sure that after a talk with you, my uncle will take interest in you." Sitri assured and turned to Isaac, a suddenly chilling aura surrounding him. "Right, Isaac?"
"Eh? Oh, probably, yes." Isaac stuttered, looking down nervously and I met his eyes as he sent me a panicked look, the dark red eyes seeming to plead with me.
"Well, I suppose it can't hurt to meet him." William murmured, looking down in slight disbelief. I felt my shoulders grow taught as a chill ran up my spine.
"Why don't you come to our manor on the next holiday?" Sitri offered, and William brightened while Isaac seemed to pale.
"Sounds good. I'll talk to my house steward about it." William promised and turned to me. "How's that sound Milo?"
I felt Sitri's eyes flicker to me and I swallowed, rubbing the back of my neck. "Not bad..."
William nodded happily, turning back to Sitri who seemed to smile in triumph. "Cartwright, is it? I certainly appreciate the offer."
Sitri reached to shake William's extended hand with a warm smile. "Please, call me Sitri. And you're very welcome, William."
My gaze followed the handshake uncertainly. Despite how myth-crazed Isaac could be, I did trust the boy. If he said Sitri was up to no good, then I'd take his word for it. Something seemed off about him anyway.
And yet... I held back a frown, touching my head gingerly. Why did he seem so familiar?
...
...
...
Damn it, I really hope I'm not some sort of amnesiac.
"You're done for the day," Ms. Mollins smiled and I let out a sigh, placing the broom and duster back in the supplies closet. "But the cook would like you in the kitchen tomorrow morning."
"Yes, ma'am." I rolled my shoulders, stretching my arms over my head. Cleaning duty was probably the least fun thing to do out of all the jobs I was assigned.
Ms. Mollins watched me carefully, a small frown marring her gentle features. "Really now, a girl your age shouldn't be at an all boys school like this. You should be married off to some young man, not wasting away here."
I shuddered at the thought. "I'd much rather be here. Dresses and marriages aren't exactly my ideal future."
A small smile touched her face as she tucked a strand of brown hair back behind her ear. "You remind me of myself when I was younger, so spirited. I must say I disapprove of your habits though."
I let out a nervous laugh, loosening the bow tie around my neck. "If it's marriage, you should be the one married already, Ms. Mollins. A nice lady like you should have a man to take care of you."
Something seemed to flicker through Ms. Mollin's eyes and I paused, watching the change of emotion. Her eyes grew soft and a wistful sigh left her lips.
"There's someone in my heart I already hold very dear," Ms. Mollins glanced out the hallway window, and for a moment, she looked young, full of life and ready to fight. But just as it came it was gone and she turned to me, a smile on her lips. "Perhaps you will have someone like that someday."
I blinked. Someone dear? "I already have someone. Two of them actually."
Ms. Mollin's looked surprised. "Well, that's quite the problem. You must like one of them better."
"Oh, no." I shook my head, grinning wolfishly. "Both of them are very dear to me, I couldn't ever choose."
Ms. Mollins raised an eyebrow, tapping her chin in thought. "One of them wouldn't happen to be Mr. Twining now, would they?"
I stared at her in surprise. "Yeah, actually. William and Kevin! They're the closest thing to family I have."
Ms. Mollins let out a soft laugh, shaking her head as she clutched her shawl around her shoulders. I stared at the older woman in confusion as the laughs subsided. "I see. At least you and William are somewhat on the same boat, but I think he's pulling just a bit further ahead of you, dear."
I blinked, staring in bewilderment at Ms. Mollins who shook her head, smiling softly as she turned around. "Good night, Milo, you be careful now."
"Okay..." I murmured, staring after her, still confused beyond words. William and Kevin were my precious people. What was so funny about that?
Just as she was about to turn to the corner to her room, Ms. Mollins paused, casting me one last glance. "I also advise you not to go off and fall in love with any demons though, dear. Though wonderful, it's a lonely road."
With that, the older woman disappeared around the bend. I scratched my head and let out a sigh, furrowing my brows as I turned and made my way towards William's room, which was a few doors down from mine.
Love? Demons? Boats? I shook my head, as I neared William's door. Ms. Mollins was a very respectable woman, and I liked her a lot. But what on earth was she talking about?
Wait. My eyes widened and I turned to where Ms. Mollins had been. She can't know about Dantalion, could she? No way! It was impossible! It had to be some sort of old woman joke or something of sorts.
Just as my fingertips grazed the door knob. The wooden door yanked open and I only had time to let out a startled yelp as a figure bowled into me, sending both of us to the floor.
"Ah! Damn, what did I—Milo?" I blinked wearily, regaining my bearings as I looked up, meeting wide emerald eyes. "What on earth are you doing here this late?"
"Looking... for you..." I rubbed the back of my head, letting out a light hiss. "Maybe I really do need to look where I'm going. No wonder I feel like such an amnesiac."
"What are you talking about?" William raised a brow and then blinked; realizing that he was on top of me, the only thing keeping him up was his arms. The boy's face flushed red and he instantly scrambled to get up. "S-Sorry."
"It's nothing," I waved his out stretched hand away gently and stood up myself, looking at him curiously. "Why are you in such a hurry."
"Isaac is—" William broke off, his eyes widened and he quickly grasped my hand, tugging me along. "Isaac! The idiot! We need to go get him back before roll call!"
"Isaac?" I rushed to keep up with the blonde. Despite his hate for athletics, when it involved his reputation he was unstoppable. "Wait, William! What's wrong with Isaac?"
"I don't know, I just saw him sneaking out." William answered putting on a burst of speed. "We need to find that idiot!"
A frown marred my face and I narrowed my eyes, feeling the key necklace bounce against my chest. This must've been what Isaac meant, something really was wrong.
My eyes snapped to William and I clutched his hand tighter, but he seemed to not notice.
Did life really have to make my job harder?
The crescent moon illuminated the forest surrounding Stratford. Trees stretched upwards and cast looming shadows along the dirt floor.
I huffed, running along side William as we made our way to the heart of the forest. My ears perked up at the sound of chanting ahead and I put on a burst of speed, a little bit in front of William in case something were to happen.
The moon and stars above lit a path through the trees as a cloaked figure came into view. I let out a sigh of relief, Isaac seemed fine.
"Isaac!" William skidded to a halt beside the boy and I followed at his heels, giving the clearing a quick once over.
Isaac whirled around, his eyes wide. "William? Milo? What're you doing?"
William and I glanced down and I raised an eyebrow at the remains of a summoning circle, lightly scuffed over with dirt. William scowled, taking Isaac by the shoulders.
"You imbecile! I told you to drop this foolish occult nonsense!" William exclaimed looking annoyed though slightly relieved.
"Don't interrupt me!" Isaac pleaded. "I'm doing this for you, too!"
I blinked, looking at Isaac in confusion. For William? What's going on?
"What? Why me?" William questioned, looking at Isaac in disbelief. The shorter boy looked up, his face panicked.
"The only way to get rid of that demon is to summon an angel that's at least as strong as he is!" Isaac hurriedly explained. I tensed, feeling my hair rise along my neck as a light began to illuminate the circle.
"It's here!" Isaac cried in relief and I felt my back stiffen as I took a protective step in front of the two.
A wind began to swirl around the circle, blowing back harshly against us. I stumbled back a few steps and brought my arms up to my face, trying to look through the gale as it swirled upwards in a vortex.
It's like when Dantalion came. My eyes widened and I took a step back. Don't tell me...
The wind as quickly as it had come vanished, and in place, a huge, bulking mass rose up for the ground with a low groan. The boar-like creature swayed, chains hanging from its mouth as sharp, deadly tusk curved upwards.
Shit. I took a step back, keeping in front of William and Isaac. "I don't think it's an angel, Isaac."
"Just get rid of it!" William exclaimed, looking to Isaac whose eyes widened as he pulled out a small book, leafing quickly through the pages.
"U-Um, the opposite of a summoning is... sending, was it?" I gritted my teeth as the boar swung its head around, beady red eyes glaring at us through the pale lighting.
"Forget it, just run!" William barked, tugging me along with Isaac as we sprinted forward.
I gave a quick glance back behind me and paled at the sight of the boar charging towards us. Isaac suddenly let out a cry and my eyes widened as he tumbled to the ground.
"Isaac!" William rushed to get the boy to stand and I turned on my heel, feeling my knees shake as the boar let out a loud cry.
"You two run!" I ordered, darting around and grasping onto a fallen branch, gripping the wood hard. "I'll hold it off!"
"Are you an idiot?" William exclaimed, looking at me in shock. "You can't fight that!"
"Milo, that's a demon!" Isaac cried and I paled, hands shaking as I raised the branch up defensively.
"Hey Porky!" I cried, snapping off a twig from the branch and chucking it at the boar. "Over here!"
"Idiot! Get back here!" William ordered and I grit my teeth, bracing my feet against the ground as the boar snorted, pawing the dirt. "Milo!"
The boar reared up on its hind legs and let out a roar. I felt myself stiffen in fear, gripping the stick so hard I felt splinters dig into my palm. The large feet began to descend and I shut my eyes, praying that William and Isaac would get away.
A sharp sound echoed throughout the air and the boar let out a wail. My eyes snapped open and the stick fell from my hands as blood seemed to spray from the demon before it fell, two halves of the boar hitting the ground and disintegrating.
A lone figure jumped elegantly to the floor and I blinked, tensing as long blue hair trailed over their shoulders. I kept my lips in a tight frown as they turned, blue eyes meeting red and blue.
"Good grief," Sitri sighed, crossing his arms over his chest. "I can't believe you resorted to that. Silly, short sighted humans."
I sighed, mentally berating my gut. I should've known this guy couldn't be trusted, but something inside me continued to argue that I could trust him. Stupid gut.
Sitri smirked, blue eyes seeming to darken. "Now my brilliantly engineered plan is ruined."
William's eyes narrowed and I felt myself pale, suddenly wishing I hadn't dropped the stick. "Don't tell me you're..."
A luminescent light flared before us and I had to squint against the brightness. Sitri's old uniform was soon gone. A long, slightly green tinted cloak hung over one shoulder and pendants lined with blue petals adorned both sides of his head. A dark blue coat hung beneath the cloak and Sitri brushed aside one of the long tendrils of blue hair, smirking.
"My name is Sitri. Viscount and twelfth noble of Hell, and candidate to act as substitute ruler of Hell in His Highness Lucifer's stead!" Sitri declared, flaring out the cloak behind him.
"A candidate for the substitute ruler?" William echoed, his eyes widening as I twitched.
I rubbed my head with a groan. "Damn it, not another one."
"If you value your life, you'll do as I say, Elector." Sitri smirked, extending an arm out for William.
I blinked at the sound of footsteps and turned, catching William turning around and beginning to walk away himself. Sitri looked startled and he narrowed his eyes. "H-Hey! Where do you think you're going?"
I silently followed at his heels, Isaac look uncertain as he followed. William sighed, not even sparing Sitri a glance.
"Back to my room to wash my face, get under the covers, and sleep." William answered flatly.
"What?" Sitri questioned, looking incredulous as William paused, narrowing his eyes.
"I'm in shock from learning I won't have a patron after all." He sighed once more, looking tired. "I simply can't deal with this calmly."
I glanced back and caught Sitri's eyes widen before they narrowed. "Wait! If that's how you want it..."
My eyes widened as he leapt backwards, a blue string shooting out and headed towards Isaac. My body kicked into gear and I lunged, knocking the red haired boy out of the way.
I let out a yelp as the blue string quickly wrapped around me like elastic, digging into my sides as I was yanked backwards. William's head shot around and his eyes widened. "Milo!"
A slender arm wrapped around my wrist and I stiffened as Sitri pulled me close to his side, his eyes narrowed as he smirked at William. "I'm loathe to resorting to such underhanded tactics, but you leave me no choice."
I instantly began to struggle against the binds, letting out a wheezing breath as they tightened around me. Sitri glanced my way, the corner of his lip twitching upwards. "The more you struggle the tighter it'll be."
I grit my teeth, snapping my gaze up to the haughty demon. "Let me go!"
Sitri rolled his eyes, his hand tightening around my waist. "And why would I listen to a simple human?"
"'Cause..." I trailed off, running through possible answers when I resorted to struggling against him once more. "Dang it, let me go! I refuse to be a hostage!"
The blue haired demon twitched as I tried to regain mobility of my arms, looking annoyed that I kept moving around. I let out a low growl, annoyed of the situation, and of the fact that the pounding in my head was back. "Sitri! Let me go!"
"Quiet!" Sitri snapped, whipping his head around to glare at me. "Or I'll steal your..."
I paused, tense but watching the demon in confusion as his furrowed brows slackened and he paused, looking bewildered. "Soul...?"
Sitri suddenly raised his free hand up and I flinched, inwardly cursing and putting on a brave face. He's not a demon that can kill you. Don't freak out. He's not a demon that can kill you. Dang it, yes he is.
But I grew stiff as his fingers gently brushed the hair from my eyes, his crystal blue gaze locked on mine. Sitri's eyes widened and his free hand trembled slightly as he stared at me, confusion and shock and disbelief flickering across his face. "You're..."
The trees suddenly whistled as a gust of winds ruffled the leaves. My gaze snapped upwards as Sitri quickly shoved me backwards as a ball of fire shot downwards between the two of us, pushing me out of the way.
The bindings around me snapped and a firm arm snaked round my waist, jerking me backwards. My mind reeled as I found myself face first in silky but stiff red cloth. I glanced upwards and stared wide eyed at the face before me.
"Completely inelegant, indeed." Dantalion agreed, staring hard at Sitri as he clutched me protectively to his chest. "You're a disgrace to all high level demons."
Dantalion...? Something in my head snapped in realization and my eyes widened and I struggled from his grip. Damn it! Why did he show up at just that moment? What kind of timing is that? I can't be saved by the enemy again.
"Hey!" Dantalion growled, struggling to get a firmer grip as I tried to weasel my way out. "What the hell do you think you're doing?"
"Put me down, please!" I started, using my hands to shove his head away. "Thank you but no thanks!"
Dantalion let out an annoyed growl as my palms pressed against his cheek, turning his head the other way as I slipped from his grasp. "What was that for?"
"I refuse to accept help from the enemy!" I snapped, looking at a bewildered Dantalion accusingly as I stood in front of William.
"Dantalion, are you a demon, too?" Isaac cried, and I turned to the other boy in disbelief as his eyes glimmered. "This is incredible!"
"Don't lecture me on elegance." Sitri huffed, crossing his arms over his chest and continuously shooting me glances. "You're far more barbaric than I am."
Dantalion scoffed, placing a hand on his hip. "Always running your mouth. I see you've been pulling petty pranks in my absence, as always."
Sitri turned his nose upwards. "He's the idiot who fell for it."
Did he just insult William? I felt my brow twitch as Isaac beamed, looking positively ecstatic. "They're acting like they know each other! You think they're enemies or friends?"
"Baalberith has taken quite a shine to you," Dantalion started, his voice was level but there was a condescending note to it. "Here or in Hell, you're always up to something underhanded."
I felt the hair on the back of my neck rise as Dantalion titled his chin upwards, his lips curling into a smirk. "I suppose pretty dolls make the best puppets."
Sitri's gaze instantly darkened and pointed fangs shone as he growled. "Shut your mouth, you filthy Nephilim! You reek of humans!"
Dantalion's eyes narrowed and the two suddenly lunged forward, teeth bared as their powers clashed, red against blue.
A gust of wind shot back from the collision and I dug my feet into the ground, holding my arms up for protection as I peered through. William took a step forward behind me. "What are you two doing?"
Despite William's shout, the two demons continued to clash. My eyes struggled to catch their movements as they flew through the air, delivering blows to one another without fail.
William glowered at the two beside me and he quickly turned on his heel. Isaac turned around in surprise and I craned my head around.
"Go ahead and fight," William started indifferently, raising a hand up to the two. "Just don't involve Milo or me!"
"You think I'll let you get away?" Sitri snapped and my eyes widened as streaks of light whizzed by me, rock pillars slamming into the earth as a makeshift cage around William and Isaac.
"William!" I rushed forward, hands grasping the smooth rock and looking around to find a way to break it down. Dantalion glanced backwards and Sitri struck, a burst of blue slamming hard into the black haired demon.
I snapped my head around, mouth opened worriedly when I spotted Dantalion emerge from the smoke. There was a flutter of relief and I paused, staring at myself in confusion. Wait, he's the bad guy! I shouldn't care!
"Keep out of my affairs." Sitri's voice rang out amongst the clearing and I paused, backing up to the stone cage. "I'm much more worthy of the throne than you!"
I felt my brows furrow as Sitri's gaze flickered my way, but only for a fleeting moment. "Now leave the Elector and the girl to me."
Me? I blinked incredulously at the thought. What would they want with a servant? My soul?
Dantalion scoffed, standing up as if the attack were nothing. "You've sat around satisfied with your rank for ages! What can you do?"
"Shut up! You're just a Nephilim who can't become a full demon!" Sitri snapped and Dantalion stiffened, his mouth curling downwards. "I know all about your lingering affection for mankind. Do you long for salvation that badly? Pathetic."
Dantalion's gaze became hooded for a moment before he smirked, his fists clenching as his eyes glittered darkly. "Fine." A red aura surrounded him, expanding outwards as he snapped his head up to Sitri. "If you want to talk that big, I won't hold back, puppet of Baalberith!"
Sitri's eyes widened and Dantalion lunged, a ball of flame erupting in his palm. Sitri's arms shot up to block the blow, but the mere force of the impact sent him back a few paces.
My heart suddenly leapt into my throat and I blinked at the surge of fear, but not for myself.
"Damn you, Dantalion." Sitri's blue eyes darkened as he scowled up at Dantalion. "I am a noble of holy blood, protégé to Hell's High Pries, Duke Baalberith himself!"
The air around him grew taut as a blue aura surrounded him, expanding outwards angrily. Dantalion scoffed, his eyes narrowed spitefully. "Don't make me laugh! You still think pedigree means anything? You're the one dwelling on the sentimental, fallen angel!"
"Aren't you the same?" Sitri spat and Dantalion recoiled as if struck. The other demon surged forward and the two met in a loud crash, trading blow for blow in the air.
"Hey, you two! Let me out first!" William shouted, hands gripping the makeshift bars. I eyed the sturdy material and glanced back to the two demons clashing above. An annoyed growl left William's lips. "They aren't listening to a word!"
They need to stop. My eyes followed their rapid movements and I felt something in my chest well up, making it harder to breath. They need to stop!
"They never change."
"Stop it, both of you!" William exclaimed as my back went rigid, the voice that had whispered ever so quietly in my head silently retreating as William's voice echoed throughout the clearing.
And just like that, the power surrounding Dantalion and Sitri disappeared and so did William and Isaac's prison. I stared up at the two demons in disbelief, turning my head to William in awe.
It's just like back in Hell. I glanced at William with furrowed brows. How did he do that?
A searing pain suddenly shot through my skull, causing my head to jerk as a series of quick images flew by my head. They were quick and painful, flashes of golden blonde and deep green, and a lonely smile that never seemed to go away.
My heart ached painfully and I winced, clutching at my throbbing head as the images quickly left and disappeared as if they were never there. I shook my head for good measure, blinking sluggishly as a soft whisper breathed into my ear, sending a wave of calm through me.
"Till we meet again, my dear."
"You've caused enough ruckus." William snapped, eyes narrowed in annoyance. "What are you thinking? We're on school grounds!"
Sitri was clutching his head, staring at William in a mixture of longing and confusion as Isaac piped up. "Well, they are demons, so their powers are..."
"Demons, nothing. It's all parlor tricks!" William declared and I felt my eye twitch and I let out a sigh, shaking my head in quiet disbelief.
"According to Dalton's atomic theory, all physical objects are made of atoms." William lectured, looking proud and unfazed as Sitri and Dantalion stared at him in disbelief. "I don't care if you're a demon, an angel, or something else entirely. You're still made of atoms!"
"A—" Sitri and Dantalion blinked.
"Atoms?" Isaac and I chorused, clear confusion written on our features. William really could not be swayed.
"Yes. Everything I lay my eyes on consists of atoms!" William declared, pointing a finger towards the two demons. "Remember, no matter what kind of beings you are, don't think you can push me into anything. You can call me the Elector, but I won't choose anyone, nor will I side with anyone."
The blonde boy's eyes narrowed. "Especially a couple of mindless, violent brutes, who would be so uncouth as to break a pen!"
I knew there was a reason I followed him. I mused, grinning crookedly as I shook my head, crossing my arms over my chest as I watched William fondly.
"It's a shame, Sitri Cartwright." William added, turning on his heel. "I thought I'd come across an underclassmen with some promise."
William began to confidently stride through the forest. Isaac quickly followed and I made a move to follow as well, pausing a brief moment to glance over my shoulder.
My eye's met with Sitri's, and that quiet hum in my chest resounded, whispering the promise of friendship at the sight of the demon. I frowned, turning my gaze away from him and narrowing my eyes at Dantalion.
He blinked in confusion as I mouthed 'I'm watching you' at him, giving him a cold glare. He arched a brow and scoffed, rolling his eyes at me.
"Milo, if you don't hurry up, I'm leaving you out here alone." William's voice carried through the wind and I stiffened, quickly turning and following after the blonde.
"W-William, wait for me!"
There was but the wind to whisper as the trees swayed in the night. The two demons stared after the three humans that had just left, a thick sense of nostalgia in the air.
"I see." Sitri murmured, almost fondly as he put a hand to his cheek. "He's quite formidable."
"Violence and underhandedness are forbidden." Dantalion remarked, though his eyes trailed after the lingering speck of brown behind blonde.
"No need to remind me." Sitri sighed, and Dantalion blinked, glancing upwards.
"Then what will you do then?"
"You want to know?" Sitri glanced slyly to the demon beside him and smirked, though his eyes were warm. "Nothing, for now."
Dantalion stiffened, his mouth pulling into a frown as Sitri glanced to him from the corner of his eyes, a smile playing coyly on his lips. "He's Solomon, after all."
Dantalion's eyes snapped to the blue haired demon, his eyes narrowing slightly as the name rang throughout the air, and the whole forest seemed to quiet down. "You..."
Sitri's smirk suddenly left his face and his eyes softened as he stared off to where the trio had gone, his lips tugging into a small frown. "But... That girl..."
His eyes flickered to Dantalion, no hint of malice in the air between the two. Sitri searched the black haired demon's face, stuffing down the swell of hope inside him. "Is she...?"
Dantalion let out a sigh, and for a moment, the power Duke looked worn, tired and wistful as he stared off in the same direction. "...Yes. I think so."
Sitri's fingers twitched and he turned his gaze back to the forest, his lids lowering as he remained cool. Dantalion's face was the same impassiveness to the answer, but both demons couldn't deny the ache that pulsed through them. One that hadn't appeared in many years.
"She calls herself his servant." Dantalion started, his low voice almost a murmur as his lids lowered. "But acts like his body guard. She won't leave his side. Headstrong, stubborn, flighty, stupidly selfless, and that annoying streak of shyness she likes to keep so well hidden."
Sitri mulled over the words and the corner of his mouth twisted in amusement. "Don't forget her eyes."
Dantalion sighed, crossing his arms over his chest. "I wasn't sure at first. But the coincidences are all too much. It was like Fate was mocking me."
"It does seem too good to be true." Sitri admitted, unable to stop the flicker of pain that only briefly shadowed his face. "She doesn't know."
It had meant to be a question, but had left as a statement. Dantalion shut his eyes for a moment, the wind brushing his bangs from his face as he opened the crimson irises to the world again.
"No. She doesn't."
The trees rustled and nearby a crow squawked, its cry echoing throughout the quiet forest.
After so long, she had finally reappeared to them, and it had felt as if she had never left after being gone for so many years. But what good was it? Finally finding the one they considered dear, only to have her not recognize a single hair on their heads.
Fate really was mocking them.
"Achoo!"
I blinked tiredly, rubbing my nose as I yawned. "Someone's talking back about me."
"Probably gossiping about your unladylike habits." William chided, and I felt my shoulders slump as I let out a sigh, shrugging limply as I rested my head against the arm of the couch in the common room.
I'd much rather have been asleep right now, considering what had happened last night, but instead, I was dragged out of bed by none other than my dear friend and forced to go to classes.
I blew a childish raspberry through my lips and William rolled his eyes, his hands full with keep Isaac calm. The red head was in what looked like a heavenly state as he went on about how fantastic this was, with William being a descendant of Solomon and the so-called Elector.
More work for me. I thought tiredly, closing my eyes and wondering if I could take a nap without William getting mad.
"Ah, I lost again!"
My ears perked up at the cry and I glanced over the couch, following William gaze to the small group gather around one of the coffee tables, cards and bills littered on the table.
"A bet is a bet." My face turned sour at the voice. "I'll take this."
"Poker?" William exclaimed, his face incredulous as Dantalion smirked, his fingers gently wrapped around the wad of cash in his hand.
"Why am I not surprised?" I yawned, rolling my eyes.
...
"What do you think you're doing? Gambling in the dormitory is strictly prohibited!" William lectured and Dantalion smirked, placing a hand on his hip.
"Don't get so worked up. I'm just trying to earn your tuition." Dantalion replied smoothly and William narrowed his eyes.
"What kind of poker were you playing?" I piped up curiously, turning to Dantalion with a hand on my chin. "You'd get a lot more out of it if you—"
"Milo!" I yelped at the light swat at my head, looking up at William sheepishly. "What do you think you're talking about? You shouldn't know how to play poker!"
"I was on the streets for most of my life. You pick up a few tricks." I shrugged. Dantalion looked faintly interested at this.
"Oh? What'd you play?"
"Well, mostly regular poker. But I fancy myself not to bad at Blackjack—"
"Milo!" I protected my head this time and grinned crookedly, William looking annoyed and furious with me.
"It was a pleasurable habit," I held my hands up innocently, unable to hide my amusement from a fuming William. "Plus, it got me by every now and then."
"Then rid yourself of those habits at once!" William pinched the bridge of his nose, sighing angrily.
"It looks like we have something in common." Dantalion smirked and I felt my face go blank as I spared him a withering glance.
"I gag at the thought of having something in common with you. Here, William, go ahead and slap me. I must be having a nightmare."
"Hey! Do you want to lose your soul?"
"Both of you!" William snapped and I flinched alongside Dantalion. "If the headmaster finds out, you'll be expelled, and as a prefect, I'm punished too!"
"What a hassle..."
"If you don't like it get out!" William snapped, jutting his finger towards the exit while Dantalion regarded him coolly.
A smirk played on his lips and he pressed a hand to his chest. "Promise to choose me, and I'll stop gambling and even leave the dorm."
"I refuse!"
A sigh left my lips once more but the corner of my lips tugged upwards. There was a sudden tap on my shoulder and I blinked, turning to meet warm brown eyes and slightly graying hair.
"Ah, Leah." I blinked; Leah was one of the other dormitory keepers, rather nice and overall average. She was the one that showed me the ropes when I first started. "Can I help you with something?"
"Maria asked that you go and sweep the floors." Leah answered, handing me a broom and dustpan and I paled. The older woman rolled her eyes, pointing down a corridor. "Now get to work."
My shoulders slumped in response. "Yes, ma'am."
I turned my head around to face William. "I'll be back in a little bit, be careful okay?"
William's cheeks dusted pink. "I'm not a child!"
I smiled softly at him and turned a glare Dantalion's way. The demon scowled and I huffed, turning down the corridor Leah herded me in with a sense of dread at the looming thought of dust clouds and dust bunnies.
"Really," I swept up the last trail of dirt into the pan. "How can a place uptight get so dirty?"
My eyes followed the corridor I was nearly finished with and I let out a hum of approval. The sooner I was done, the sooner I was back with William.
"Drop those hips! Clean it like you mean it!"
William? I blinked, peering around the corner of the hallway and staring at the sight before me.
Sitri was hunched over, hands pressed into a rag as he moved back and forth, swiping the floors clean. William stood over him, ordering Sitri as the demon cleaned, trembling under the pressure.
I blanched and turned back to my corner, leaning against the wall. William could definitely intimidate people when he wanted too. He had a demon cleaning for goodness sake.
But. I warily bit my lip, darting a glance over my shoulder at Sitri's fearful but determined face and unwillingly feel myself waver.
Sucking in a stiff breath, I set about to go put away my broom, making a mental note to grab the mop and go ahead and clean the other floors before Sitri.
He may be a demon, and a possible threat to William. But something inside me somewhat hoped that he could be more of a friend than an enemy.
Stupid gut.
Phew~ This story actually comes out with longer chapters so far than most of my others, not that I'm complaining though. :)
I must thank you all again for the positive feedback this story has already gotten. I really do want there to be more than twelve stories for this fanbase, and I'm honored to know that people are giving this story a chance.
THANK YOU ALL.
As for the story, it will be follow the anime/manga line, with my own plot woven in, as some of you can already see. I'll most likely maybe stick to the manga, since the anime is still catching up, but I'll see where it goes and add it in here and there.
I hope you've all enjoyed the next chapter of Forever and Ever, and I hope to see you all again next chapter!
Marshmellow—
-OUT!
