Days Again

by Beloved F00l

The castle with no name celebrates bonfire night - there is much fun to be had out of truth or dare. But the morning after is not quite as it seems, and soon Rae finds himself caught in a whirlwind of events spiralling totally out of control. S-ai. UPDATE

4. Chapter 4 Day One

Check Chapter one for disclaimers.

Chapter four – Day One

"Raenef. Raenef. Raenef." The voice was imperturbable and determined, and wouldn't shut up. Rae moaned and curled into a smaller ball. There was an exasperated sigh, and a cool hand reached out to shake his shoulder gently. "Rae?" The voice was softer now, less insistent. Rae gave up trying to pretend he was asleep, and opened bleary eyes onto a grey morning. His head pounded like a drum kit and he couldn't think straight – he had been having a dream where Eclipse confessed his love for him before kissing him gently. It had been a nice dream!!! Rae blinked again, and the object of his dream swam slowly into focus, he reached out an arm and was mildly surprised to see a half scrunched up sleeve covering it. He stared,

"Eclipse?" His arm missed the demon completely, but Eclipse sighed again and grasped Raenef's wrist, tugging the demon lord up to a sitting position. Raenef leaned forward, curling up over his stomach in misery "Ow." He wailed, and Eclipse leant down slightly to hear. He raised an eyebrow,

"My lord?" Raenef was, for some reason, suddenly annoyed with his tutor. Why does he have to be all formal all the time? Why can't he just sweep me off my feet and kiss me for once? Last night came back to him suddenly, in a whirl of colour. Oh. Because he loves someone else. He was going to tell me who wasn't he? Last night with the fireworks…But whether or not the demon had confessed who he was in love with was a mystery to Raenef who couldn't remember much past the fact Eclipse had been stroking his hair. He thought for a moment, and then remembered he had been annoyed.

"I've got a headache and my stomach hurts and I feel sick and…" Raenef realised he was whining, just after Eclipse had. The older demon appeared to be fighting back his own annoyance,

"My lord, maybe next time you will remember not to drink too much gin in one night."  Raenef blinked slowly I drank gin? Heh.

"What happened? I feel sick. Ohhh." Moaned Rae, clutching at his stomach, now was not a good time! Eclipse couldn't seem to restrain his annoyance this time,

"My lord. Bonfire night – you remember? And maybe if you paid attention to your lessons sometimes, you might know how to restore yourself now!" Snapped Eclipse irritably. Raenef stared at him a moment,

"How dare you admonish me!" He yelped , and jumped to his feet, racing from the room. Eclipse stared after him

Normally I think he is cute. Why now do I find him so irritating? Because he is whining about last night and because he didn't hear your heartfelt declaration of love for him? Oh, you're back. I never really left. Raenef had disappeared towards the balcony and Eclipse turned towards it, if he concentrated he could faintly see the outline of Rae's body slumped against the railings. He slowly made his way towards the younger demon, trying to decide what to do. A few feet away, he could hear that Rae was crying, quietly though except for the occasional sniffle. Eclipse felt suddenly guilty What did I do? Oh I feel bad now – I took my annoyance out on him. He's a demon lord – he shouldn't care. I'm a demon – neither should I – but you said it yourself, I do care. He walked silent as the night behind the demon, crouched down and reached out a hand, gently patting the demon lord's shoulder. Rae jumped and turned a tear-streaked face towards him, then collapsed in his arms sniffling, burying his head in the folds of Eclipse's robe. Eclipse froze for a moment, and then awkwardly put his arms around the demon lord. I don't want to take advantage of him…Yeh yeh. What's with the sudden change anyway? I…don't know. He tightened the hug, stroking Rae's hair gently

"Look. Concentrate and summon some mezraez, and then internalise it, like…." He tried to think of an explanation Raenef might understand, "Like putting on a cloak." Rae turned a sad confused face to him, but closed his eyes anyway. Eclipse felt a small surge of magic. Cautiously, Rae opened one eye and then the other. The smile that spread across his face was like the break of dawn,

"It worked!" He glomped Eclipse round the waist, turning to look up at him and grin ecstatically. Eclipse suppressed a whimper,

"Eh.  Erm Rae?" He knew he should be mentioning lessons now, but was enjoying being fiercely grasped by Rae way too much.

Raenef meanwhile, was happy. Woot it worked! I actually managed to do something Eclipse told me to successfully!  He hugged the demon a bit harder, trying very hard to forget the fact he loved someone else, and turned to look at him curiously when his name was mentioned. Eclipse's face was very close indeed, and Raenef gulped, unable to move away, he stared fixedly at the demon's lips If he would kiss me now…But he didn't, instead he gasped sharply and leant backwards so he could make eye contact again without danger.

"Are you all right?" He asked, and the concern in his voice touched Raenef, Eclipse belatedly added "-My lord." Though his heart wasn't in it. Rae nodded and sniffled, wiping a creased sleeve across his eyes and proceeding to smudge what was left of last nights kohl halfway across his face. Eclipse repressed a smile He is so unaware of how cute he is! He reached out a finger to gently smudge the shadows away, while Rae held deadly still, going cross-eyed in his attempts to watch what Eclipse was doing. Oh I so bad want to kiss him right now…Why don't you? Because…after last night I am unsure he would want me to. He let go of the demon lord and stood up, Rae sniffed again and followed suit, offering his mentor a weak smile.

"What am I learning today?" He offered, in an attempt to both please Eclipse and take his mind of his earlier thoughts. Eclipse looked mildly startled, which made Raenef grin with pleasure. He discovered that he liked surprising the older demon.

"Oh, I thought we could learn the ice sword." Murmured Eclipse, and Rae nodded; trying his hardest to take an interest in his tutors words when he was far too interested in watching the shadows dance across his face. "As soon as you are…dressed my Lord…?" Commented Eclipse, and Rae realised he still had last nights clothes on Oh yes, probably because I fell asleep on Eclipse I guess. Shame he didn't undress me…. shame he didn't do more than that…Raenef, who stopped listening to his tutor's words in place of fantasizing that very thing, suddenly realised Eclipse was looking at him expectantly.  He blinked, had a small crisis of what to say, and then, with lack of any better option, presented his most charming grin to the demon.

Oh hell that is unfair! Complained Eclipse, silently, while the voice chuckled and made rude suggestions. Oh…erm….oh…what was I saying…? Heh, I dunno, I got bored of listening. Raenef has been staring at you smiling while you have been talking, you realise. Really? No hahaha, yes actually I am sad to say. I wonder why? That was sarcasm by the way. Eclipse gave in trying to make sense of his inner voice and looked determinedly away from Raenef's cutely grinning face.

"I'll …erm….just get some breakfast from the kitchens….erm….meet me in the library…." He trailed off in abject misery, abandoning all attempt at coherent thought in favour of just admiring Raenef. Raenef smiled in, if possible, an even cuter way and nodded. He subjected Eclipse to another energetic hug before skipping (Demon lords do NOT skip!!!) off towards the bathroom. Eclipse tore his eyes away and muttered a tortured

"Go!" before disappearing without a trace. Raenef turned, smiled wistfully to himself, and turned on the tap in the sink. After dousing his face in cold water, he turned to rummage in his wardrobe for something that hadn't been slept in. Pulling out one of his normal tunic/trouser combination's he slipped it on, danced merrily over to the bathtub and proceeded to squirt himself with some geranium scented water. He grinned privately to himself If Eclipse does love someone else, I better try my hardest to be in competition I guess! I can't stand in the way of true love and all that but…I can't just give him up without a fight! For the first time in his life, fighting for something actually seemed one of his better ideas, his grin turned feral.

"Go." He said sweetly, and with a rushing sensation of falling, appeared in the library. He looked around – the room was deserted. "Eclipse?" He called hesitantly. There was no reply. He must be still fixing breakfast. Disappointed, Rae wandered over to the huge walnut table, slumping down in one of the chairs and toying with a strand of damp hair that had escaped its ponytail. He stared at the table for a moment, before realising someone had left a book out, Eclipse never leaves books out! I wonder who was looking at it? He shuffled a few chairs nearer and swiped at the book, tugging it nearer. It was quite large and had a dark red peeling cover. Without bothering to look and see what it was, Raenef opened it somewhere in the middle. After a few moments of staring, he began to giggle. He flipped to the cover, and giggled some more at the title 'Sex magic for beginners' What have they been reading? It can't have been Eru because she has no magic, although even she can't have imagined THAT was humanly possible! It must have been…Chris or Eclipse!!! The thought of his teacher looking through the book made him slightly more interested, and he flipped another few pages. He went slowly pink and quickly turned over. The next carefully drawn illustration and explanation fascinated him so much, he didn't hear the soft 'hush' of misplaced air that heralded Eclipse's arrival.

Eclipse appeared holding a plate full of just warm toast and stared in amazement at Raenef. He started studying without me here???? He thought in mild horror, Its unnatural! He picked his way delicately over to Raenef and stood behind him to see the book he was reading, What the -! He gaped at the picture, Heh, now isn't THAT a good idea? How did he get that??!! The dopey priest didn't want it – remember? Oh hell – what if he is disturbed by it? Well actually he seems to be quite enjoying it…Contradicted the inner voice wryly before making a few more disturbing suggestions.

Raenef was brought out of his daydream by the smell of warm toast; he turned round to follow the trail and came face to chest with Eclipse. His eyes slowly travelled upwards to Eclipse, who merely looked at him. Slowly the demon lord went bright red.

Now what can he be thinking to make him go that colour, huh? Eclipse resisted the urge to smile, staring down at Raenef's embarrassed face. He cleared his throat instead,

"What book are you studying, my lord?"

I could have sworn he saw! But if he didn't…Raenef quickly slammed the book shut and pushed it as far across the desk as he could, which wasn't far. He smiled disarmingly at Eclipse

"Oh, nothing really! Is that toast?" Eclipse obligingly lowered the plate to Raenef's level and the demon lord grasped a few pieces, shoving one in his mouth with the others one in each hand.

"Ankoo!" He said, and because he had got used to the strange language of 'I am too busy eating' Eclipse understood, and inclined his head in response.

"Now, today we start with the ice sword. Its fairly simple and requires only a few more mezraez than the Dark arrow, yet can be very useful in close quarters when you don't want to harm yourself. You simply gather the required mezraez, focus on the object – in this case a sword – which you want to appear, and command 'Ice sword' whereupon a replica of your object will appear in front of you – made of ice. It is very damaging to anyone to come in contact with, as you can imagine, and can be wielded without much talent." After Eclipse had finished his explanation, he looked expectantly at Raenef, who was staring just past his shoulder with his eyes unfocused.

"Master Raenef!" Snapped Eclipse, annoyed. Rae jumped guiltily, went red again (wouldn't YOU like to know why? Commented the inner voice archly.) Before smiling sweetly. Eclipse sighed, "Master Raenef what did I just say?" Raenef smiled again, although it looked a bit desperate,

"Erm, the ice sword…makes a sword out of ice?" He hazarded, and Eclipse nodded begrudgingly I swear that was a lucky guess.

"Now would you please attempt one – as I explained to you?" Raenef looked nervous.

Oh hell I wasn't listening to a word! Oh well, I guess I just summon the magic and say ice sword and point it somewhere…He sighed, focussed his magic, and commanded

"Ice sword!" before pointing grandly towards a pillar just next to Eclipse. There was a small crack as the magic took effect, and then a glassy SMASH as the whip hit the floor. Raenef stared at the shards in horror and slowly lowered his hand. Eclipse raised an eyebrow while Raenef, realising what had just happened, went even deeper red than before. How was I to know it materialised what I was thinking about? If he hadn't left that book lying about I would never have been thinking about whips! Though Rae frantically, as Eclipse slowly said

"A whip? A good idea, I guess, although it wouldn't be too useful…really a big stick thing made out of ice. As you can see, it would also break easily, especially if you didn't catch it. I was thinking more of…an ice sword perhaps?" muttered the demon dryly, making Raenef hide his expression behind his hair, which fell around his face in damp strands. Again summoning the required magic, Rae tried again,

"Ice Sword!" He lunged just in time, years as a thief giving him good reflexes, and grasped the 'handle bit' of the sword as it appeared. He had just begun to grin triumphantly when its full weight took effect, and he was dragged downwards. After hastily letting go before being in danger of having a broken arm, Raenef looked sheepish as the massive chunk of ice hit the floor with a resounding 'clunk'. Eclipse put his head in his hands and sat down.

"I would suggest imagining a sword small enough for you to handle…my lord." He sighed wearily. It's going to be a long day.

Quite a few pieces of toast and even more failed attempts later, a massive explosion shook the castle. Raenef jumped, startled, and the short sword he had been energetically wielding fell to the ground with a small tinkle. The end broke off and slid across the floor in a small trail of water. Eclipse looked up hurriedly, his thoughts immediately rallying as he became fully awake again.

"What was THAT?" He commanded, as Raenef mutely shook his head. There was suddenly a huge wash of magic that prickled through the air, enough so that both their hair stood on end, the static making their clothes stick to their bodies and sparks crackle along their fingers. Rae stared at his hand in horror, while Eclipse blanched. The magic had been stupidly powerful, and he thought he knew where it had come from. The priest! You left him with that book on powerful magic – surely you realised he would work out a few translations in the end? You still existed at that point may I say – you didn't object! I didn't think there was anything in there he could manage! Its all seriously advanced magic of all colours…oh hell…

"Go!" He shouted, grasping Raenef's sleeve, there was the familiar rushing sensation, which continued after they should have re-materialised. "Go!" Commanded Eclipse, although the sound was sucked away by the air around them. They both appeared in the hall leading to the room Chris had been sent to, gasping.

"Was – that – supposed – to – happen?" stammered Raenef, shaken. Eclipse shook his head, took a deep breath, and strode towards the door, Raenef nervously shadowing him. The demon reached out a finger towards the door and gave it a gentle push. It caved inwards and hit the floor with a smash. They both stared in shock at the horror that had befallen the room within. Half the wall was missing and so was a large amount of floor to about six storeys down. This was a top storey room but the castle only had 7 storeys – 6 of which had been totally decimated below Chris's room. The expensive pillars that lined the room had collapsed inwards, and the stone dust still clung in the air, fragments of brick scattered like confetti in the parts of the room that were still existent. The expensive mosaic that tiled the floor had been completely lifted up, and at one part seemed to be folding away from the gaping hole in one side of the room, the edges of the glass tiles melted to the floor beneath. The same part of the roof was missing, and as the stood another section of the remaining ceiling groaned loudly, showering them in dust and small fragments. They both gaped. Just to one side of the destruction zone, lay a pile of cloth, slumped like a rag doll. It was Raenef who recognised the figure first,

"Chris!" He gasped, running over, Eclipse shouted a warning as the floor around the boy groaned in protest, but the demon only looked terrified. Chris was slumped like a doll that had been tossed aside, his limbs splayed at angles that weren't completely natural. His hair and clothes were grey with dust and gravel, and a wound on his temple oozed blood down the side of his face. Eclipse hurried over, staring around the room in shock,

"What did he DO?" He enquired in disbelief, his voice soft. He had seen much worse destruction than this, more bodies for a start, but not in his own castle and not done by his own priest!

"Eclipse…?" Enquired a shaking voice. Eclipse hastily crouched down beside Raenef, whose hands shook as he brushed Chris's hair off his face. The demon lord's eyes were huge, and his breathing was ragged. Eclipse reached out to grasp the demon lord's small wrist, tugging his arm gently away from the priest. Raenef didn't object, just staring at the blood on the boys face, and, Eclipse realised, the various cuts and gashes on other parts of his body.

"Is he going to be all right?" Enquired Raenef, his voice verging on hysterical. Eclipse mutely shook his head,

"I…don't know. I don't even know what he did!" Eclipse laughed harshly, and reached out to softly roll the priest over onto his back. The boy's eyebrows were missing and the skin on his face was burnt and red. A large amount of his long tunic had also been crisped black, and crumbled away at the first sign of movement, revealing the singed shirt underneath. Eclipse was used to causing death and destruction, but not trying to remedy it. That was for the humans to do. He reached a cold hand to the boys pulse, and told Raenef of its presence. The demon lord nodded silently.

"Raenef!" Snapped Eclipse, but the demon lord just turned to stare at him, "Raenef go and fetch me a bucket of water and a towel, take it to the third room on hallway 15 on level four, okay?" Raenef nodded again, and disappeared with a muted 'go'. Eclipse stared after him for a moment, concerned. He should be causing this one-day, yet only seeing the result is enough to make him almost hysterical. Protested Eclipse, before muttering a few words. There was a soft 'shh' sound, and Eclipse's face went grim. There were ways, when needed, of discovering the cause of certain magic and effects. The spell he performed would tell him the signature of the magic, and it was up to him to recognise the spell used. He recognised it instantly, it was one of the spells often used against the demon raids by highly powerful priests – although due to its magnificent strength it was only used as a last resort. The spell was 'Ether warp', created a long time ago by a slightly insane priest who was sure he was immortal. The spell however, proved that he wasn't. It was simple enough really, white rune magic. It absorbed the condensed magical energy of the user and used it to blast out raw magic in something very akin to an alchemists powder bomb, but much more powerful. The only problem was that the blast was so strong its force – the force that should have also decimated anyone near enough to be caught in its radius, almost always killed those who used it. The size of the blast depended on the users magical strength, but could either be very strong (if users had much energy) or just not work at all. It drained all the strength of those who used it, magically and physically, if it didn't kill them. The thing that bothered Eclipse was this: The spell was one of the most powerful spells used against demons for a long time. It was highly effective but also required a massive amount of power. Not the amount of power one single human should possess. Normally it was coteries that worked such spells, a group of highly powerful priests focussing all their strength in one final attack that also meant their death. The fact that this still training boy had performed the spell at all was amazing enough. The fact that he was still alive beside, was pure impossible.

To reassure himself, he checked the boys pulse again. It was there steady. With a muttered oath, he slipped an arm underneath the priest

"Go." And materialised with him in one of the many bedrooms of the castle. Raenef looked up hastily as he appeared, rushing to his side as he lay the boy down on the bed. Why am I bothering to save, or even worry, about this human? Because he is a bloody miracle, that's why. Plus if you killed his charge, 'that human's teacher would be very mad indeed. I imagine it wouldn't be only him you would have to deal with, either. What's that supposed to mean? It means, if you don't remember, that this boy is chosen. By the gods – you remember now? Eclipse cursed again, causing Raenef to look slightly startled, and grabbed the towel, dousing one corner in water and reaching across to dab at the boys various wounds. Raenef watched in silence, before asking,

"What happened?" Eclipse took a breath; there was time enough to explain.

"He utilised a very powerful white rune magic, it was made to…destroy anything within its range. It is a blast of raw magic that…flattens…everything in its path." Raenef turned to stare at the priest,

"I didn't know he was that powerful…" He muttered, aghast, and Eclipse only nodded. Neither did I.

"Cant I heal him – like I did myself?" asked the demon lord suddenly. You shouldn't even want to heal the pesky human who keeps trying to kill you! Thought Eclipse miserably,

"No." At Raenef's desperate expression, he quickly added "I'm sorry. You can only heal yourself with your magic – because your attributes are different to his. It would kill him if you tried to send raw dark magic to him – his body is not made for it. Humans can borrow a demons power, but have to convert it into their magic before they can use it. Otherwise…it would be like attacking him." Raenef shivered, "Go and get some blankets though of some of the other beds, and some clean sheets." Raenef looked slightly puzzled but obeyed, disappearing. Look at me – ordering my own master around because he is stressed out over a human. Eclipse chided himself, before tugging the blankets out from under the boy, gently as not to move him, and draped them around his ankles. He then started to gingerly take off the priest's burnt clothes until all that was left was some shorts (which had at one point been trousers but Eclipse had decided too useless to keep. Not wanting to strip the boy completely, he tore the trousers off halfway.) There was a large gash on his chest, and myriads of tiny scratches and grazes peppering his body.

"Not bad for a do-it-yourself job…" Eclipse commented wryly, laughing starkly at his own words. Heh. That's sick you realise? I'm a demon. I'm supposed to be. Fair enough, makes a change I guess. What do you mean? Well you haven't been behaving normally since dearest sugar lump arrived, have you? The aforementioned 'sugar lump' re-appeared, grasping a large mound of blankets and sheets, which Eclipse recognised.

"Did you get them from your own bed?" He enquired; the fabric muffled Raenef's reply,

"Yes. But the sheets are clean. I looked in one of the cupboards and there were loads of clean sheets." Eclipse nodded mutely. Not only does he try to save the human, worry incessantly over him, and have hysterics over the destruction – he sacrifices his own comfort in place of that unconscious priest's!

"Put the blankets at the foot of the bed, then shred the sheets in fairly thin strips – can you do that?" Listen to me – you would think I was talking to a child! Raenef looked worried but nodded hesitantly. Accompanied by the uncertain ripping noises of bed sheets, Eclipse dunked the towel in the water and dabbed at the worst of the grazes. That done he took some of the strips off Raenef to form makeshift bandages out of. Once this was done, he got Rae to help him arrange the blankets around the boys still form. Occasionally, the boy would whine or moan as if in pain, or his eyelids would flutter and he would mutter urgently, but no sense could be had from him and they soon learned nothing was to come of his sounds. That done, Raenef flopped down tiredly in one of the opulent armchairs that were scattered around the room, shortly followed by Eclipse.

"Will he be ok?" The demon lord enquired softly, Eclipse shook his head.

"I haven't a clue – I'm not normally the one for healing skills. " The irony was lost on Rae, "There is one way…" He regretted it before he even said it – Raenef's face lit up hopefully and he had to carry on. "I could read his thoughts. Not – " He added as Rae looked confused "telepathy like I have tried with you, Stronger than telepathy. Instead of just adding thoughts into his conscious mind, I can actually delve deeper past his thoughts and feelings and such like to actually see inside his body as such. I can feel the workings of the deepest parts of his mind." Raenef looked urgent,

"Oh Eclipse please? I don't want him to die…" His voice was lost and far off sounding, and Eclipse couldn't resist reaching across to take hold of the boy's hand reassuringly.

"I will try, I promise. It will be ok." He hoped desperately that he wasn't lying, and sat down on the floor, his hand still in Raenef's. "Ok, don't disturb me until I say so ok? I might mutter or move or make noises, but just ignore me" Raenef nodded again, Talking to him like a child seems to reassure him anyway. And Eclipse settled down. The demon closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and reached out.

The priest's conscious mind was blank – no thoughts there. Sinking a bit deeper Eclipse found emotions and feelings, his semi conscious mind. Currently this consisted of fear, anger, and confusion in a bewildering muddle that made no sense. Sinking even deeper was the boy's unconscious mind, a riot of colour and sound that was so confusing Eclipse had to try hard to keep his grasp on the boys mind. This is not good. He thought, and felt his thought bubble outwards like oil spreading in water, the ripples reaching out to brush the boy's mind. The confusion that was the boy' unconscious mind got slightly more advanced, and Eclipse sunk to a deeper refuge. After a few moments, he was deep enough. No feelings or emotions affected the boy now; it was simple primal body functions. Glancing at those Eclipse noticed some things that were not functioning quite as they should be and proceeded to fix those. He examined the gash on the boy's forehead – bad but not life threatening he didn't think. He speeded up the healing process slightly and after being reassured everything was as good as it could be, began to rise again. Another trip through the unconscious mind sent Eclipse reeling, hurrying to leave. He floated upwards to the surface again, tugging himself free from the grasp of the priest's mind, and slowly his own consciousness reclaimed him. He slumped forward, silent for a moment as he considered all he had observed. He had a sinking feeling that he knew what was wrong. By some miracle, he is barely harmed at all, as if he were not even in the centre of the blast. But power like that…it cannot leave you totally unscathed. I think it has affected his mind instead. I think it has made him insane. Encouraging thought. The patterns of his sleeping mind…it was unnatural. It had no common pattern and no repetitiveness. The colours and emotions were random although none of them were positive, and the feeling…confusion. A mess. He took a deep breath, feeling dizzy with the amount of power he had just used. Ah, I wasted all my power on healing a priest? Don't exaggerate – you still have enough left. Enough for a day of Raenef anyway, its not like he is particularly taxing. So much for behaving like a proper demon again. Oh well, Raenef would be heartbroken if the priest died. Heh, so that's where all his affection lay! Shut up ok? Eclipse looked up, wobbling unsteadily to his feet, head pounding. Suddenly someone was holding him round the waist, guiding him to a chair, which he happily flopped down into. Slowly Raenef's worried face came into focus.

"Eclipse?" Eclipse groaned, and Raenef buried his head against Eclipse's neck. The demon could feel the warm trickle of the demon lord's tears. "Eclipse you're ok! You were gone so long!" Eclipse blinked slowly. I was gone long? "You kept moaning and muttering and suchlike, twitching. You sounded so in pain and saddened – I was so worried! I'm so sorry I made you do that, I'm so sorry!" Raenef's voice dissolved unsteadily into muffled sobs, his breath warm and ragged against Eclipse's chest. Cautiously so as not to cause a headache, he lifted his arms and wrapped them around the smaller boy, who gladly surrendered to flop atop his tutor, his weight barely there. The demon couldn't even bring himself to chide him for apologising. Eclipse concentrated for a moment, and spared himself a small amount of energy to stave off the worst of the headache and tiredness. Healing yourself with magic won't do much good for magical tiredness now, will it? It will do well enough. I haven't been gone from this realm long enough to waste all my energy on healing myself when I might need it some other time. Heh, what to do? Light a candle? Eclipse ignored the voice and sighed in relief at the lessening of the pounding in his head.

"Rae?" He stroked Raenef's hair softly. This is twice today he has been curled up on me crying. "Rae its ok. Its ok. I'm ok." Feeling that Raenef was this sad over the danger to him was a comforting if alien feeling to Eclipse. Raenef's sobs lessened a little; he sniffed, wiped his eyes with his sleeve and sat back, although he was still sat on Eclipse's chair. Eclipse was proud of him for the small amount of self-control he exerted.

"Ok." He sniffed again, and took a deep breath, "Ok. What did you find….is he ok?" Raenef's voice was steady, and it was only then Eclipse realised how long he must have been gone. He was hysterical when I left him, and now he is calm, only panicked over the time I took. He must have had time to calm himself. He nodded tiredly,

"I think so. He's all physically in working order, although he seems to be having….how can I put it….some bad dreams. His conscious thoughts are totally scrambled though I think that should work itself out." He smiled weakly and Rae sighed in relief. Your not telling him what you suspect then? No, he doesn't want to hear it. Raenef smiled grateful, hugged Eclipse one last time, and jumped to his feet, wandering over to look at the unconscious priest. "Come on Rae, you want some food?!" Raenef looked intensely happier, and dived towards the tired Eclipse, pulling him to his feet.

"Oh thank you! Yes yes!" Just before muttering Go, a last thought flickered through the dark haired demon's mind. I don't want to spoil his happiness by telling him one of his best friends has lost his mind…

Eclipse wearily leant down to fish some food out a cupboard. He knew his magic would be restoring itself every minute, but it still didn't make it any better. The Priest had walls naturally, and even despite his power blast he hadn't let go of them, not even unconscious. They were like default to him, to have the walls, and it had taken a lot of strength to break through them. Then to sink so deeply into his mind and actually oversee the running of his body…! I have never attempted that before. It cost a lot. Because you're a demon, healing isn't your calling right? I didn't heal, I just watched. I can't heal, my magic won't allow it. I know that, I am you remember. Yes, how can I forget? I just wanted to make Rae stop crying…I wanted him to feel safe and secure again. A demon Lord is never safe and secure, nor should he feel that way.  He tossed a piece of fruit to the eagerly waiting demon lord, who snatched it out of mid air and bit into it hungrily, sending juice dribbling down his chin. Eclipse leant forward to wipe the juice off, and found himself face to face with his young lord. Oh. They both froze, and stared at each other for a moment.

"I-" started Eclipse, at the same time as Raenef said

"Th-" There was another hesitant pause. Eclipse's eyes slowly slid down to Raenef's but the demon lord wasn't looking back at him, instead he was staring at…my lips? He is staring at my LIPS?? Told you. What did you tell me? Kiss him. Shut up…Thought Eclipse without much enthusiasm. His inner-voice's suggestion seemed very appetising. He can move away. I'm not forcing him to kiss me. Just quickly. Just once. He leant forward a bare millimetre, Raenef's eyes finally flickering up to his own, just as a loud scream shattered the heady silence. They both jumped apart guiltily, and Raenef went red, while Eclipse glared into a wall. We might have been destined to meet, but I assure you we cannot be destined to fall in love! Every single time!!! Smoke started to issue off the wall before Raenef grasping his hand, looking worried, distracted Eclipse.

"What was that?" He felt the bang before he heard it, it echoed throughout the castle and made the floor vibrate. Eclipse cursed under his breath,

"GO!" He exclaimed, and they both disappeared in a blur. A packet of untouched food drifted slowly to the floor.

They materialised outside Chris's room, just as the door broke open, showering them both with slithers of wood and splinters. Raenef gasped and flew backwards but Eclipse didn't have the time to check his Lord's health, Chris was silhouetted in the doorway with a chair leg clutched in one hand, blood streaming down the side of his head and one of his hands, and a manic grin plastered on his face. Eclipse could sense the small mental tugs as Chris tried to access his non-existent magic, and the demon didn't want to know what he would have done if he had the power.

"Torso hold power five!" Invoked Eclipse hastily, wincing as he felt the power it took, but also surprised at the lack of magical resistance. Chris's eyes bulged and he screamed, the sound more feral than human. Raenef, clambering to his feet, whimpered. This is bad..The priest tried to struggle, wrenching his arms against invisible bonds. He staggered backwards, throwing himself at the wall and slowly folding downwards, face going red with the effort it took to struggle. He gasped, another drawn out moan being dragged from his lips, and threw himself against the wall again. I don't know whether to put a stronger bond on him, if I put too strong on it might harm him. He should be weak! He shouldn't be able to get out of bed, never mind cave the door in and start trying to attack us! He is insane; you can do anything when you are insane. But it isn't physically possible!!! He is killing himself by even attempting this! It was true, a trickle of blood emerged from Chris's lips to trail unnoticed over his lips, dripping slowly onto the floor as the boy struggle, staggering to his feet again and crashing into the remains of the door, falling heavily onto the wooden floor.

"Limbs hold power five!" Cried Eclipse as Raenef started to wail, rocking from side to side as he stared at his friend. The whine was high pitched and draining and made Eclipse shiver. Chris groaned, only now able to move his head, and rolled his eyes, tossing his head from side to side against the wall.

"No!" Sobbed Raenef, finally running to his friend's side, crouching down and wrapping his arms around the shaking priest. Chris stammered something but all that was achieved was a lengthy groan and a small trickle of blood from his mouth. The redness of his face and sharp gasp of his breathing testified to his ongoing efforts to escape the bonds set upon him. Eclipse slowly walked over to them, bending down to remove the heavy chair leg from nerveless fingers, watching as the blood from a myriad of cuts dripped slowly to the floor. He reached out a hand to Raenef's shoulder,

"My Lord?" Raenef jumped, reaching out a hand to wipe the blood from the other boy's mouth.

"What happened?!" choked the demon lord, eyes wet with unshed tears and hands shaking. Eclipse looked away from the unnerving sight,

"He – " I cant bring myself to tell him his friend has gone so insane he is trying to kill both himself and us..! If you don't, then it will be as if you attacked Chris. It will make no sense. Do not lie to him. Eclipse took a deep breath, watching the priest's frantic effots distractedly. "The magic he did was very powerful. In…in some areas of his mind…he isn't right. He didn't heal right. He…he doesn't recognise himself or us." Raenef stared at his tutor in horror, tears flowing down his cheeks unnoticed as he gasped.

"You mean – he's insane? He was trying to kill us? Kill me…?!" The demon lord gulped, reaching out a hand to brush the boy's hair off his face. Chris gaped, making choking sounds, coughing and spluttering. "Eclipse what is happening? What is harming him?!"

"My magic. Plus his own desire to be free of it." Raenef looked horrified, starning at the boy as another bout of blood trickled out his mouth. "Raenef, turn him onto his side before he chokes on his own blood." Instructed the demon, before briefly remembering whom he was talking to. Raenef choked, hyperventilating as he stared in shock at his friend. The demon lord's hand shook as he brushed the boy's hair, his eyes huge at the horror lying slowly dying in front of him. "Lord Raenef!" Snapped Eclipse, year's of terror and command in his voice. Raenef's head jerked up as if on a string, and he stared numbly at the demon. Eclipse stood up, towering grandly over the fallen pair,

"My Lord Raenef, get some rope. Get some water." Raenef stared at him silently, his mouth agape, words not registering. "NOW!" Shouted Eclipse, and Raenef jumped, tears still streaming down his face, disappearing with a small mutter. I hated doing that. He looked so shaken. It needed doing. Now pay attention to the suicidal loony priest. Commented his inner voice sharply, and he remembered why he had sent the broken lord away in the first place.

The demon, terror of so many wars, leant down to gently lift the small shaking boy below him back onto the bed. Enough magic would kill him right now. We would be rid of the annoying priest who always is getting in the way. His master knew it would happen somehow, in the end. He couldn't survive with demons. But despite his thoughts, the demon didn't lift a hand to cast the spell he knew he could, simply wiping the blood from his face and turning to await his master's return. He didn't have to wait long.

Raenef grabbed some rope from the mysterious cupboard-under-the-sink, and dunked a bucket under the cold-water tap, distractedly fumbling to turn the tap on. Eclipse said it was a spell…that he had expelled some magic or something. But why would that make him want to kill us? I don't understand. I don't want him to die. With that final unnerving thought, Raenef disappeared.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

About half an hour later, the two demon's emerged from the small bedroom on the fourth floor. Raenef was being herded out ahead of Eclipse, and both looked grim. Raenef turned round for one last glance at the now sleeping cleric, before Eclipse shut and locked the door.

"Sheild Guard alert field two." Instructed Eclipse, causing a small amount of pink radius to shine around the door a moment before disappearing without a trace. "That will tell us if there is any magical disturbance, and also if the door is tried from the inside." Raenef nodded, not meeting his tutor's eyes. Eclipse sighed, looked briefly saddened, and muttered 'go' before disappearing. I hate it when he won't talk to me like that. I hate the formality that gets in the way! The last half an hour had not been pleasantly spent, oh no. After treating the boy's wounds as best they could (which wasn't really too great), they had cast another hold spell on him, before tying him securely to the bed. All the while the cleric had been violently trying to escape, until Raenef had distraughtly shouted at Eclipse to cast a 'sleep' spell on the poor boy. Eclipse had stared at him for a moment, an unrecognisable emotion flickering across his face, before icily informing Raenef that to do so would be certain death for the priest in his current condition. His mind was so unstable, said Eclipse, that to cast such a strong spell as needed would require lifting his conscious mind from his body. He had so little sense of himself, that all that would be left behind was an empty shell. Raenef had burst out crying, Eclipse's pity over this movement being shattered as soon as Raenef sobbed at him to 'do something, do anything! I cant believe you are so powerful and yet so totally useless!' Raenef winced at the memory of the harsh words. He had regretted them before they even left his mouth, and the hurt look in the other demon's eyes had caused him more guilt than he had ever thought possible. Why did I have to say that stuff? I know I was upset, but for hells sake why did I have to yell at Eclipse? I didn't mean to upset him…I didn't expect it to upset him as much as it did. But he looked so hurt…now he hasn't said a word to me since, except formalities, and even those are delivered with icy precision. I guess its because of the 'lord' thing…maybe his lord calling him useless is a great insult? Oh I hate myself for it, you shouldn't call anyone useless – friend or servant! Or beloved. A great start I have made, haven't I just? Now he thinks I think he is useless, he will probably elope with his sweetheart! I have given him a great reason – I don't need him anymore. Raenef realised tears were pouring down his face, and the small broken noises he had currently been ignoring were his own. He sniffled hugely, and wiped his sleeve across his face. After The Incident, Eclipse had been sharply formal, even rebuffing the demon lord's awkward attempts at an apology, until when they had finally tied up the priest, stripped the room of any harmful objects, and cast sealing and protection spells, both were evenly distraught. I cant live with him thinking I hate him. I need to explain it…even if I make a mess of it, I need to explain it.

"Go." He murmured, visualising his own balcony. When he arrived there, it was a shock to see Eclipse sat curled in one corner of the bench. He knew the demon would have sensed his arrival, but the dark head didn't turn and the demon didn't give any other sign of recognition. Raenef walked a bit further forward, uncertainly,

"Eclipse?"

Eclipse took a deep breath, looking up slowly at Rae's worried tone. I. Am. A. Mess. The world's biggest most ultimate mess. He made a conscious effort to look dignified, an attempt somewhat spoiled by the redness round his eyes and tracks on his cheeks. I just cannot believe I cried – over that! ME! A DEMON CRYING! His thoughts were frantic, emphasized by the fact the disbelief in his lord's gaze told him the evidence was far too plain to deny. Calm down okay, just calm down. He can tell you have been crying, but doesn't know why. Maybe you should tell him anyway, you are his servant and did defy him. If only he had listened…! Raenef sat down awkwardly beside his master, his thoughts a concerned whirlwind of confusion. He reached out a hand to Eclipse's shoulder, and it took all the power the demon had not to teleport away from this gaping weakness. I don't want him to see me this broken! Even so, Raenef felt him flinch and immediately drew away, looking slightly hurt,

"Eclipse…I'm so sorry for what I said earlier, I didn't mean it, I'm so sorry!" He stammered, unable to bear the pain in Eclipse's gaze. His thoughts; I cant bear him to look at me like that! Because I can see it in his eyes, its not me he hates for my stupid words, its himself. Its like I just told him something he always doubted and confirmed it to him…he has been crying too, oh hell what have I done? WHAT HAVE I DONE? Eclipse's eyes were wild, and he grasped at the last fading chance before he could collapse completely,

"Demon lords do not apologize." He snapped, and belatedly realised all the self-disgust had been mirrored aplenty in his words. Raenef reeled away from the demon as if snapped, feeling the tears welling in his own eyes to stream unhindered down his smooth cheeks.

"I just wanted to say I didn't mean it! Okay, I know I am useless, but you are not useless!" Eclipse's breath was hurried, frantic, gasping in and out his lips with a speed that matched his wild gaze.

"I know I am not useless, I cannot be, if it weren't for me you would already be dead!" Raenef winced again, and Eclipse couldn't help his tirade. I can't stop it, the words just come out, like I am trying to justify the weakness I am feeling by making him feel the same! Oh why am I doing this? I cant let him see me weak, so I let him see me vicious and hateful instead? But Eclipse's thoughts seemed to have no control over his body, and Raenef whimpered, sniffling and looking extremely hurt.

"I know, all right!" He sobbed through tears, heart reeling with his beloved tutor's words Why is he doing this to me? I know I am worthless and a useless demon lord but…he has never said it before! He has always lied and encouraged me and put up with me…maybe this is what he really feels? Maybe I annoyed him so much he has run out of patience for the lies? "I know I am a useless demon lord, and I know if it wasn't for you I would be dead! I know all this already, and I don't like it! I am a stupid useless failure for a demon lord!" Eclipse's eyes were haunted and cold, and Raenef could almost feel the gulf between them that increased with his every word. He felt it and knew what caused it, but was completely powerful to stop it. Eclipse's laugh was harsh, like glass shattering, his words relentless and his eyes empty,

"Oh yes, but demon lords do not have self pity. Demon lords never give up. Demon lord's do not rely on others, nor trust anyone. They do not have the kinder emotions like pity or worry for anyone, not even themselves." Every word of the demon's fell like a blow against Raenef, who was cowering in the corner, crying so hard he couldn't get his breath, his eyes huge and vulnerable, mouth parted in a small 'o' of shock.

"I KNOW!" He sobbed loudly, his words almost unintelligible through his sobbing, but Eclipse was as inexorable as the tide, keeping going throughout Raenef's injured screaming.

"Demon lords do not cry, demon lords do not show weakness, demon lords do not yield - " Raenef was curled in a ball, and Eclipse was staring past him with a gaze cold as a snake's. The words fell out his mouth unbidden but not uncaring, desperately trying to salvage something as he floundered in an emotion he had never ever felt before – pain and betrayal. What are you doing? You are destroying both of you! I don't know, I need to feel better; I can't handle feeling this lost! I can't bear it! It's crushing me and I can't stop it, no magic or power or strength can stop it and I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO! Well I will tell you what you ARE doing, and that is savaging everything you both have ever had between each other. You are shaming him with what demon lord's SHOULD be like, when you know every single one of those faults is your own! I know! Don't you see? I know they are my own faults, it shouldn't be like this! But it was, and Raenef appeared to be rallying some sort of determination, angrily dashing away his tears and gasping in ragged breaths, eyes alight,

"FINE! IF I AM SUCH A FAILURE AS A DEMON LORD, THEN THAT'S IT! I QUIT! I DON'T WANT TO BE ONE ANYMORE, I AM FINISHED! I HAVE TRIED MY BEST AND I HAVE FAILED, SO THIS IS IT. GO FIND YOURSELF SOME OTHER WORTHLESS HUMAN TO TRAIN UP, BECAUSE OF COURSE ANYONE WILL BE BETTER THAN I AM!"  He sobbed, jumping to his feet and glaring at his tutor, the hurt in his eyes bright. Why am I saying that? Oh why am I saying that? I do not want to leave; I couldn't bear to be apart from him – what am I if not a demon lord? I couldn't go back to being a thief; I couldn't pretend nothing had happened…! Thought Raenef urgently, but he couldn't say a word, his own statement binding him to silence. Eclipse was staring right through him, and it was more than unnerving. When he finally spoke, the demon's voice shook with an emotion Raenef didn't recognise.

"You quit being a demon lord? You quit? Do you? You think you can just do that? You are nothing without being a demon! Nothing! You can't just decide to leave all your responsibilities!" Shouted Eclipse frantically, Who are you telling – Raenef or yourself? Shut up. I don't know what to do. I can't control what I say and every word makes it worse. I know I am destroying everything and I can't help it, I can't not say it! I have to say it and I have to destroy it! It's in your nature. Raenef was fully in tears by this point, the sobs shaking his small body violently as he stared at the floor, his voice defeated,

"Nothing? Eclipse, I am nothing anyway, demon lord or no. I am a failure and an embarrassment, at least if I stop being a demon lord I can stop embarrassing you." He wouldn't quite meet his tutor's eyes, feeling resigned and empty, cast adrift. There was immense sadness and regret in some part of his heart, so much so that he felt like he wanted to throw himself at Eclipse's feet and beg him never to leave, but he didn't, his body wouldn't obey him and his mind was a whirling emptiness. Eclipse gaped at him, taken aback by the resignation in his master's voice. It wasn't supposed to go this far! This morning everything was fine, even though the priest attempted suicide everything was still fine between us, just some stupid remark made when Rae was upset that I took to heart out of some foolish emotion. Now look at us – what has happened? How did it ever go this far? But he could find no answers within himself, and just stared at his master uncomprehending.

Raenef couldn't bare it anymore, the words were inevitable and he realised fully that after the argument they would have to come, but he had said them and Eclipse hadn't replied. Does that mean he agrees with me? He isn't denying it, he isn't begging me not to leave…but then I guess demons don't beg. I cant believe I am doing this – how did this happen?

"I wish I had never said those words. I wish I could take them back!" He yelled, and suddenly gasped as he realised he had spoken his thoughts aloud. As if in answer to his demand, there was the tiniest growl and a wash of power. Both demons drew their breath sharply, exchanging worried glances, which were quickly dropped. The atmosphere between them was like a yawning abyss. The power surge didn't retreat, seeming only to settle, like a thrown blanket that enshrouded the castle.

"Chris-!" Started Raenef, but Eclipse overrode him quickly,

"No. This is something else." He made as if to move, and the turned back to Raenef, fixing him with a stare, "Raenef – stay here! Ok, don't move from here! If anyone comes here, then hide, ok? This is too powerful…" He stared a moment longer, and when Raenef didn't reply sighed and turned away in a whirl of ebony fabric. Within seconds, he was gone.

Eclipse materialised in the courtyard, silent as the night breeze. He couldn't hide the power his coming disturbed though, the sensitive awareness of the creature in front of him. From his place behind a pillar in the back courtyard he could see the demon clearly. Although he didn't recognise the man personally, he recognised the breed. They were half mythical creature, their bodies coated with shaggy hair and horns and eyes glowing red, they ate anything at all although mostly preyed on travellers. When bred with demons, they created a fearsome blend indeed. The overly hairy man turned to regard the pillar Eclipse stood behind, he tilted his head slightly as if curious, and Eclipse was suddenly amidst a shower of stone. He realised the rumbling vibrating through the ground was actually the creature's growl. He got the shield up just in time, and felt the impact of the rain of material from above. The creature's eyes lit on him, it stared for a moment, and then words came haltingly from its misshapen mouth.

"You. You are not the one required." Eclipse blinked in horror, the creature's power was immense. The breed was not known for its intelligence, and often they couldn't even speak at all, but their power more than made up for this disadvantage. Once unleashed they had a tendency to kill anything in front of them, be it human demon or animal, therefore were not really welcome in the demon court. It was unnerving indeed that this once seemed to have both intelligence and power, and Eclipse found himself for once considering strategy instead of just raw power to get rid of it. Because there is no doubt I have to get rid of it. These creatures have only one purpose – to kill. And if it isn't me it wants to kill, I can think of only one other who could be its prey tonight. I will not, cannot let, that be so.

Raenef was stood where Eclipse had left him, heart still racing from his earlier words and panic staining his thoughts. I have to stay here? He really does think I am useless. He thinks I can't deal with whatever it is that has arrived, that I am a total waste of space. Hide?! He told me to HIDE? He wouldn't hide, he would rather die than hide, yet he tells me, a demon lord, to hide! As if I am a mere child! He ignored the nagging thought telling him that actually he was a child, and carried on with his mental rant, I will show him! I will prove to him that I'm not a child to be kept and looked after. Before I leave I will prove to him that he misjudged me. I don't know how, but I will, somehow. Then maybe he will make me stay…maybe I wont have to keep to my words. I don't want to leave. I don't want to be a thief again. He was right when he said without a demon lord I would be nothing, but I am going to prove to him. Yes, I will show him. I will make him proud of me, so he regrets what he said. I might be a useless waste of space, but if I do get blown up by whatever is down there, then he will know that I am a useless waste of space with the pride fitting of a proper demon lord. A true demon lord. He managed to smile with his plan, and was just about to mutter the final word of 'go' before something suddenly occurred to him. What if it is really powerful? What if – oooh hell, what if I die?! He squeaked in terror, and with a final yelp dived under the bench in terror, eyes huge and reflecting the afternoon sunlight.

"What do you want here?" Demanded Eclipse, without showing an ounce of the worry he felt in his voice. The creature growled some more, and for a moment Eclipse thought it was just going to attack him, but thankfully whatever intelligence it had won out.

"I…" It paused and blinked slowly, rolling its eyes ponderously, "Sent to kill. To destroy the disgrace. Once destroyed, another shall come forth instead. Better. No disgrace. Sent to kill." The creature watched Eclipse, waiting for some reaction from the demon, and looked slightly surprised when the demon started laughing. The creature was not used to being laughed at, and its warning growl was enough to make the castle shake. Eclipse's laughter subsided, and he shook his head, although didn't stop watching the creature,

"You were sent to kill Raenef? Oh of course, to kill the demon that is a disgrace so another can be summoned forth by his death. You hope this one will be an improvement on the last. Am I right?" The creature didn't reply, "Yes, of course I am. It of course was not your idea, you might be able to talk but you do not have enough brains to think for yourself. You only repeat what you have been told. Told by whom I wonder. It is a crime to attack a fellow demon lord, and no mere demon would dare attack one with more standing than him, not when he knew he had me to deal with. Only one with much power could find and command you too, yes?" Still no reply, although the creature was starting to look a mixture of bored and confused, it shifted impatiently, "I wonder who sent you. I wonder indeed…" The creature's small amount of patience ran out and it growled ominously,

"You are not the one! Leave or die! You are not the one!" It had dropped to four legs now, shaking its dull brown coat out, and glaring at him with barely tamed hatred in his red eyes. It doesn't want to attack me. I wonder why that is? These creatures don't even need any excuse to attack anything, and I am blocking its path. I should be dead by now. Maybe you are valued too much. Maybe the demon lord who sent it wants your power intact. He thinks I will just let my master be killed?! He of course would not know that you value your master's life above your own and would die to save him. He thinks you are a normal demon. I am normal. I am just loyal to my master. No normal demon is this loyal, demons have no trust, and they are selfish. If you were normal, you would be pretending you would be going to fetch your master. No disobedience, you would help him fight it yes, but if the battle was being lost and the creature wasn't attacking you, then what reason is there for you to die? All the reason. All the reason in the world. Eclipse concentrated and assessed his magic reserves. Lower than he could have wished, dangerously so in such a situation. Yet there was only one creature, which should be easy enough to deal with really. Just confuse it a bit and then blow it up… He nodded in satisfaction. The creature may be powerful, but it was alone and stupid to boot, he had fought harder enemies. Trying to ignore the traitorous voice that added But then you had Raenef IV by your side…the most powerful demon lord in court…now you are alone. He cloaked and summoned his power. The creature wouldn't know what had hit it until too late.

"I choose death." He intoned, unable to resist the feral grin that shaped his smooth features, "YOUR death!" The creature actually looked slightly startled, but the bolt Eclipse had secretly called forth hit it in the chest, knocking it five feet backwards. It crashed into an ornate plantpot, getting showered in chunks of rubble and soil and the occasional twig. It rolled determinedly to its feet, its eyes alight with malice. The answering roar shook the very earth itself, and Eclipse had to resist clapping his hands over his ears. Its mouth yawning like a bloody abyss, it growled

"Yooouuuu ddddiiiiieeeee!!!" and lunged forward. 

Raenef heard the roar and couldn't help shaking in terror. What is down there? It is more powerful than anything I have ever felt before! He couldn't control his own body, and without consent slid to the floor, breath ragged, earlier plans forgotten amidst the plain terror of the moment. He had felt the surge of power before hand and had recognised his demon's signature in it, worry tore at his heart. I know he is powerful, but he is tired. He has done much magic today – surely he isn't more powerful than this abomination, whatever it is? What if it harms him? He remembered the fight with Krayon, remembered the dark haired demon being tossed like a doll across the ground, landing in a rough pile, sprawled like rubbish on the dirt. I cant let him die…I cant. I must help him, somehow. The conclusion, he found, was inevitable, but somehow his body or voice wouldn't obey him, he couldn't seem to summon forth the power or command to teleport himself after Eclipse. The panicked terror that raged in his mind was strong enough to overthrow the demands of his heart, and was doing so. Eclipse can look after himself, surely? Surely he is? He has beaten more powerful demons than this I bet, he will be fine. Hands tangling in the fabric of his tunic, one last thought kept racing round the small demon lord's head Or will he?

Eclipse just managed to summon the shield in time, and the blast of raw bower shattered off it like glass, scattering. Eclipse watched in worry as the power blew holes in whatever it happened to hit. The creature roared again, and whatever magic it had called forth was lost in the noise as Eclipse retaliated.

"Dark rain!" He summoned, and the clouds above the castle swirled angrily. The beast, which was just summoning some of its own magic, was thrown sideways by the balls of darkness that hurtled down from the sky like monstrous hailstones. It tumbled awkwardly across the courtyard, and staggered to its feet, despite the sizzling of the darkness as it hit him at full speed. He is impervious to pain! I can knock him down and disrupt his magic and strength, but I cannot harm him enough to unman him…I cannot hold him because of his strength; I would be fighting a losing battle. I need to somehow stun him with sheer force, and then administer a blow powerful enough to kill while he is still down. Eclipse's ideas were running like wildfire, and no sooner had the beast clambered to its feet than the demon was summoning another magic,

"Night-Mare!" He called, and the surge of power was almost as big as the force field that currently encompassed the castle, blocking it from access. There was a scream that shook the night, a scream of pure rage, and it was Eclipse's, mirrored in perfection in the horror that rode down from above. The chaos creature couldn't seem to keep one shape, it was an ever-changing vortex of shapes, horse, cat, lion, wolf, dragon, and the only things that stayed the same were its huge black eyes. Eclipse's eyes in the face of one of the most powerful demons he could summon, and a scream that was his own, for his lord. 

Raenef heard the scream, how could he not, and felt the wave of terror the dark creature brought with it. It carried it like a wave, stunning all in its path. The very castle shook with the force, and the wave of darkness that followed in its wake was enough to blot out the sun that shone above in all its afternoon glory. Raenef was stunned for a moment until the terror passed, and then scrabbled out of his shelter so quickly he shoved the bench backwards, and it cracked noisily against the railing. The darkness around him swallowed all sound, so as he screamed he couldn't even hear himself, only the feral scream of the demon. The scream he could recognise, even through his terror. Eclipse. It is Eclipse. He needs me, he must do. The magic is dark indeed, I should go to him. I should go, he needs me…he cannot fight this battle alone. I shall go and lend my power, small as it may be. I shall go. Without thought for the consequences of his decision, his heart finally overrode the terror that made chaos of his mind. Eclipse, fighting some otherworldly creature from the heavens, needed him, and he would answer.

The huge creature was stunned first, rolling aside from the wave of terror that advanced from the massive chaos demon that Eclipse held under his power.  It gibbered madly, pawing at its head to rid itself of the pure darkness that was pushed against it, thick as syrup. Eclipse could feel its power trying to find a weakness in the chaos demon, but he knew that as long as the creature didn't work out that the demon's power was centred from Eclipse himself, and then it was an easy victory indeed. The chaos demon swooped upwards again, carrying its wave of darkness with it, the clouds above it swirling as bands of red and purple marched across them in some feral recognition of the power being wielded below. Eclipse felt exultant, the power the chaos demon took was magnificent of course, but nothing could stand in its way, nothing at all. Staggering to its feet and bellowing insanely, the creature sent a power surge at the chaos demon, which never faltered. Eclipse though, felt the huge surge. I am glad indeed that was not directed at me. With my magic as low as it is, I think I would be hard pushed to shield against such raw force in one go. It pains me still, even though it is directed at my own demon, I need to finish this quickly before I use up my own reserves keeping this power alive. Raising his hands in the tiniest of gestures, and the chaos demon banked, turning in mid air and diving in a downward spiral. Round, round, round, the darkness it carried flickering on and off as it whirled in a mad corkscrew, the movements in the courtyard flashing like a badly acted play. The light, when it did flash, was haunted and shallow, as if the sun herself cowered from such an atrocity, and as it illuminated the scene, it illuminated madness. The beast was charging at Eclipse, although it could never cover the ground required to get there before the chaos demon's swoop was fulfilled. Its fur was pounding around it like the tide, and its eyes were filled with the hatred of a demon banished for centuries to share the body of such a monstrous creature. Eclipse himself was unaware of the scene, head flung back, midnight hair whipping in an invisible breeze round his pale face, an oval of moonlight in the darkness. He had his arms raised as high as was possible, and his cloak was swirling around the white skin it revealed like some mad game. His dark eyes were closed, his mouth open in a grin that contained no happiness whatsoever, more a contortion of silvery teeth in a face of terror. The creature seemed to bounding jerkily, now you see it, now you don't, and its mouth was gaping in its death snarl. Eclipse shook with the victory that sapped his strength, It dies…now it will die…now it will see the power of a true demon! He opened his eyes for the final moment, saw the starkness of the charging beast, saw the atrocity that should never exist falling from the sky like some exotic meteor, saw the aura of power that surrounded the scene like a metallic cloud, and amidst the insanity, saw a figure of pale swirling fair hair, green eyes circles of terror, certainty of death. The figure caught sight of Eclipse in the darkness, and opened its mouth in a silent call. It was then Eclipse realised the figures identity, it was then the chaos demon came to earth.

"ECLIPSE!!!" Raenef screamed, ripping his throat ragged with the cry that was torn forth from him. He was frozen, no conscious thought was registering in his mind, the insanity that was metres from him stared at him with Eclipse's eyes and Eclipse's scream, and the demon lord was aghast at the creature, a thing that should never exist in any sane world. He stared in abstract fascination, feeling his hair and cloak tearing around him in the frenzy, turning to follow the demon thing's dive, he met another pair of eyes. Barely a meter away, red eyes glittered hatred as powerful muscles urged a charge towards him, a charge that, within less than seconds, would mean his death by the gaping maw that was the creatures mouth. He screamed, although the sound was lost among the rage of the chaos demon, and his last image was of Eclipse's eyes in the chaos demon that was set to hit both him and the creature. He closed his eyes.

He felt powerful arms around him, and a frenzied surge of power. His eyes flashed open and saw the chaos demon's dive faltering, it became translucent and Raenef realised Eclipse, beside him, wasn't actually holding him, but he was holding Eclipse. Eclipse gasped, tensed, and Raenef felt the immense power that flashed around them, creating a shield for less than a second, and reinforcing the reality of the horror in the sky. The horror crashed to the ground, and the last thing Raenef felt was pain shearing through his body and him and Eclipse fell to the floor in a huddle.

Eclipse opened his eyes. All he wanted to do was curl up in a ball and breath slowly, but he knew it wasn't over yet. The scene before him was destruction. The beast lay centimetres from them, although it was barely recognisable from the terror it had once been, the charred bones crumbling as the rubble around it shifted. Of the chaos demon there was no sign, as soon as Eclipse had felt its impact he had let go of the power that leased it to him, and it had disappeared back to wherever it came. There were signs in plenty of the impact though, chunks of stone lay in fragments around them and Eclipse could feel the pain of various injuries. The shield he had summoned had to be more powerful than the chaos demon itself, and although it had only needed exist for the millisecond of impact, it had still drained Eclipse to the bones, and all his small injuries from the rain of shale felt more painful.

"Raenef?" He croaked, and the shaking of the form in his arms told him of his lord's health. He slowly pushed himself sideways. In the crash he had thrown them both down, shielding the smaller boy with his own body, knowing the rain of stone could be treacherous and knowing the shield wouldn't last long enough. Raenef raised a head to Eclipse, tears streaked down his face, and Eclipse started to say something before the terror in his lord's eyes finally registered. He turned round slowly, although he already knew what he would see. The second creature was so alike to the first Eclipse had to check that the first was, in fact, dead. There was no doubt about it. The second creature bared its mouth in a smile.

"You….you are the one…" It growled awkwardly around its protruding canine teeth, baring them to Raenef, lips curling back. Eclipse stood up, tugging the demon lord up with him, and fought the wave of dizziness that assailed him. He swayed unsurely where he stood, blinking frequently in an effort to restore the colours to the sharp world. He felt Raenef holding onto him, and was grateful; despite the terror he could feel thrumming through the demon lord's bones.

"Eclipse…" Raenef managed, and there were many things said in that single word. Eclipse managed a smile, and then the creature sprang. The demon tensed himself, trying to fight off the pain and dizziness long enough to summon a shield, and found himself unable to. His magic was replenishing very slowly indeed, and he didn't have enough to hold off the creature's attack. He was surprised when the creature spasmed in mid pounced, hurtling backwards and crashing into what was left of the double doors at the back of the castle. It fell to the floor again, and yet again was thrown backwards, crashing into the doors, which bowed incredibly but supported the animal's weight. Again it fell and yet again it was tossed, its fur by this point was sizzling, and only then did Eclipse become aware of the constant murmur from behind him,

"Dark arrow! Dark arrow! Dark arrow! Dark arrow!" Raenef was murmuring, one hand directed at the beast, only shaking a little. Eclipse felt his heart swell with pride at his lord, a smile he was unaware of shaping his features in relief. I…I had not expected for him to help. I did not know why he came, but I thought only of how I would have to protect him, never of how he could protect me. I misjudged him sorely, it seems. The spells are stunning the beast, but it will take millions to kill it. His move is brave, yes, and he should be applauded for it, but he still needs your help. You know what needs to be done, but can Raenef do it? The question span round in the demon's mind. The spells were indeed stunning the demon, which couldn't seem to gasp a spell before another arrow hit it, propelling it backwards and disrupting its concentration. Eclipse turned slightly, leaning on the grip Raenef offered round his middle, so he could murmur instructions softly to his lord,

"You are doing brilliant indeed. But you can only stun it. You could kill yourself with the amount of dark arrows you shoot and still it would not die. The magic is not strong enough to breach the creature's natural magic shields. Every harm you make is lost in the pause between them." Raenef didn't look away, a motion Eclipse gave him credit for, but started to look worried, the hand directing the magic shaking a bit more, mouth open slightly in panic and breathing getting steadily faster. Eclipse took a breath to calm his spinning mind, and carried on, "There is one way to kill it. Your power is large indeed, as large a power as I have ever seen; yet you cannot yet focus it to its full potential. There is a way to kill this creature, I have tried to teach you it already yet you could not quite master it." This time Raenef glances sideways hesitantly for a second, his thoughts confirmed in the tired eyes of Eclipse.

"It's the death drill isn't it?" He quavered, panic making his voice breathy. Eclipse nodded once, although the effort was enough to make him want to faint,

"Yes. Focus all the power you have, as much as you can muster without worry of it escaping you, and focus it on the creature. You know what to do." There was a long pause, broken only by Raenef's frequent mutterings of

"Dark arrow! Dark arrow!" and the answering crash from the end of the courtyard. The creature was being hurled further inside the back hallway, and Raenef knew the gaps in-between the dark-arrows were getting dangerously big. He saw the sense in his words; half turned to Eclipse, and knew he didn't need to. The demon knew him too well already, he thought fondly, as Eclipse offered him a weak smile,

"Dark flame." Commanded the demon, no trace of his weakness in his powerful voice, and for that moment Raenef loved his tutor intensely, and something of it must have shown in his smile because Eclipse suddenly looked relieved. There was a high scream that reverberated around the castle, both demons winced. Eclipse's aim had not failed – the creature was burning with a black flame.

"NOW!" Shouted Eclipse over the creature's noise, ignoring the blackness that crept in from the edges of his vision, "Do it now, this is your only chance, it will soon master the fire! Make sure you hit it!" Raenef nodded, raised his hand.

Raenef took a deep breath, If I fail him now…this is it. This will be the end of us both. I cannot fail. There was no doubt in his thoughts, and with his next breath Raenef called forth all the power he could manage, feeling sweat break out all over his body with the effort, his breathing coming faster and faster as his heart pounded with both terror and power. This is what it is like to be a true demon lord? He thought with some confusion, and turned to fix a glare on the creature. He didn't though; ever get to finish the spell. A halting voice interrupted him,

"Do not cast!" Growled a voice, and although Eclipse did not turn round, knowing with a sinking heart what the voice heralded, Raenef did. Losing concentration he whirled to confront their newest adversary, and gasped. All power fell from him like a discarded cloak and Eclipse muttered a curse while trying not to show the weakness that was pulling him downwards. I should not have done that dark fire, I have no reserves left at all. He thought grimly as he too turned round. He felt Raenef tense, and then clutch at his robes. Eclipse quailed with the effort it took to hold them both up, and blinked slowly, taking deep breaths in an attempt to push away the darkness that was clouding his vision with yet more intensity. The third creature was defiantly female, Raenef didn't know how he could tell this, and he just could. Her jaws were wide in a smile, tongue lolling with pride in her hunting prowess. Clutched to her chest she held Chris, one arm wrapped around his neck, bending his head backwards at a dangerous angle. The cleric's eyes were huge and rolling with terror, though he was frozen. Raenef felt Eclipse murmur the first letters of the un-binding spell, but so did the creature,

"Ahhh! Cast and I break his little neck!" She hissed, glaring at them both, Raenef clutched frantically at Eclipse, who with a small sigh stopped the spell, hoping they couldn't tell he would not have been able to cast it anyway. Raenef was whimpering, and he reached out a hand towards his friend,

"Chris!" He whispered, and the creature barked. They both jumped before they realised it was laughter,

"Little demon lord, you care more about the human than you do yourself hmm?" Eclipse sensed the power was less in this creature; obviously she had been trained for more intelligence than raw strength. His mind was already working on plans how they could defeat her, and in none of them did the cleric survive. Raenef didn't reply to her taunt, just stared with haunted eyes at the boy who was still in the creature's shaggy grasp.

"Demon lord, if you submit to me I will not kill your precious human…!" She growled, her part canine palette rendering her unable to form the m's and th's properly, instead she pronounced them all as harsh coughing noises. It made for an unnerving way of speaking, and Raenef was very conscious of the sharp canines that snapped far too close to his friend's neck. Raenef looked torn, turning to glance at his tutor who still stood tall and proud despite the weariness eating at him. It would be betraying Eclipse to submit, a demon lord never submits, but I am no longer a demon lord. I resigned. Chris…I cannot just stand here and watch him be killed by that THING! But…I cant bare how Eclipse would look at me…I couldn't bear the pain…he is so brave and proud and intense…The creature growled impatiently, and Raenef twitched. Eclipse grasped the boy's shoulder,

"Raenef!" He hissed quietly, "She lies. If you submit to her she will kill you!" Raenef stared painfully at the demon, without replying, and Eclipse saw with regret that the demon lord valued his friend's life more than his own, "Rae!" he pleaded, trying to stop the shaking that threatened to make him fall, "He is going to die anyway, the spell was too powerful…you saw what happened! Its useless!" Raenef looked torn and injured, turning again to glance at the creature and her burden. She smiled, although it looked more like a growl,

"Come come little demon lord! I tell you what; if you submit…I will spare your precious demon friend too! See how kind I am being today? I could just eat them both…" She bent down to lick Chris's neck with a long pink tongue, and Raenef whimpered again, seeing how very close those huge teeth were to his friend's neck. Eclipse will not let me go, I know that, he will not let me die. But…I cannot let him die either. I would rather save them both than live without them, alone. She will kill me anyhow, Eclipse has no power enough to stop it…I cant let them die…but neither can Eclipse…I need to persuade him..! One glance at his mentor's eyes told him no words would make him resign his lord to the creature, and the creature noticed with intelligence way too large for her breed.

"You worry he will not let you go? I will hold him for you." Before Raenef could utter a word he felt Eclipse's weight fall abruptly from him as the demon was levitated abruptly from the floor, frozen, eyes huge with the betrayal he felt. Raenef couldn't meet the demon's gaze, and turned to walk slowly towards the creature,

"Fine. You wont hurt them?" She shook her shaggy head, unable to stop the slither of drool trailing from one side of her mouth at the sight of the defenceless boy advancing on her. "Now." She barked, and Raenef turned in time to see the creature they had both forgotten about. It was battered, by all means, but not dead, not even close. It was bounding towards Raenef, who suddenly found himself frozen, levitated to a level with Eclipse. Raenef had just begun to close his eyes, resigned to his fate, when a sudden CRACK, sharp as thunder, brought him crashing back to attention in time to see Chris's lifeless body crumple to the floor, neck bent at an unearthly angle.

"YOU SAID YOU WOULDN'T HURT HIM!" Screamed the demon lord, tears flooding his eyes at the limp form below him. The creature began to bark harshly with laugher,

"I lied little demon lord!! NOW DIE!" Raenef turned to see the creature make its final leap, propelling itself towards his throat with deadly accuracy, and he was unable to move, unable to get away. He could see the tiny droplets of saliva dangling off its canines; its huge pink tongue and he could smell its feral breath.

"NOOOOOO!" Came a shout from behind him, and with a final surge of power Eclipse broke his spell, throwing himself sideways from his frozen position in mid air, black air whirling around him like a hurricane. Raenef realised what he was about to do milliseconds before he did it,

"ECLIPSE!" He screamed, sure his throat must be bleeding from the urgency of the cry, but it was in vain. He saw the demon's body collide with the creatures, his hair snapping taught around him to fall atop them both, a final pale upturned face with a slight smile that said 'Look what I have gone and done…' his cloak billowing to encompass the two bodies as the creature's powerful bound was sent off balance, and they both fell to the floor as if in slow motion. Someone was screaming insistently, a terrified denial that Raenef suddenly realised was his, as the demon's body crashed to the floor. He saw the force of the impact ripple through that handsome body, saw the massive creature land atop his precious tutor with a sickening crash. Heard the stark laughter of the remaining creature, smelt the sharp aroma of blood that floated up from below. The she-creature had her head back and was laughing, too entertained with the scene in front of her to pay attention to Raenef floating above her. The other creature had rolled to its feet a metre or so from the fallen demon, and was advancing cautiously towards him,

"Don't be scared, he is almost dead. He hasn't got enough power to light a candle…he used up the very energy that kept his heart beating by saving his little master. He has killed himself defending his lord…pitiful really. They both deserved to die." The words were floating through Raenef, who was screaming at Eclipse below him, unable to move at all to help,

"Eclipse! Eclipse, get up Eclipse! Get up! Eclipse! Eclipse!" The creature had reached him and was nosing at his limp form, rolling the forlorn body over so the demon's face was upturned. Eclipse looked up at his lord…and smiled. It was then that Raenef realised the demon was still alive, and the creature's words finally registered. 'Used up the very energy that kept his heart beating' he used his own reserves to save me, but he is still alive! The beast began growling in pleasure, and the sick truth of it hit Raenef as hard as a blow, That BEAST is going to eat him, and HE IS STILL ALIVE!!! Red obscured his thoughts, the only thing he could think of was disgust and hatred for the beasts below him,

"NO!" The furious denial was ripped from his throat, and if he had been thinking consciously he would have been surprised by the power and command in his own voice. It was the work of seconds to focus his power upon the creature below him, staring at her with the hatred he felt raging over him, there was a sudden CRACK and Raenef was splattered with hot fluid, red staining his clothes, hot blood trickling down his face. The destruction was too disgusting for words, suffice to say there was not one square centimetre left of the she-creature. Raenef was unscathed, and turned to regard the remaining creature which was licking one of Eclipse's out flung arms. Disgust seized him again,

"DARK FLAME!" He commanded, and the beast yelped in surprise as it's rear burst into flames. The yelp turned into a howl of pain as it raced away, the dark fire beginning to engulf and swallow it as Raenef stared intently, concentrating his power on the heat of the flame. The beast was screaming; a high wail of pain of a creature burning alive, and still Raenef didn't stop. The beast finally staggered to a stop, still screaming, although the screams were turning to gurgles, and the stench of roasting flesh filled the air. Raenef turned, satisfied, and strode towards the fallen Eclipse. On seeing the demon, all his hatred and disgust drained away, to be replaced only with pain and sorrow. A glance at his surroundings confirmed his fears, and he double over, retching noisily onto the ground until there was nothing left to retch. The beast had long since stopped screaming, although the fire still crackled. Raenef gasped dryly, staggering unsteadily sideways, he bent to wipe his blood-splattered hands on his tunic, but they only got bloodier. The horror of his actions occurred to him again, but he managed to fight the spasms down, flopping weakly beside his mentor. There was barely enough hope left inside him, but he lifted the demon's head with a red hand,

"Eclipse?" The demon's eyelids fluttered weakly, and hope dawned in the demon lord, causing a flood of tears. He collapsed forward, wrapping his arms around Eclipse, who moaned weakly. A smile shaped his features and he very painfully lifted a hand to Raenef's face, tracing a cheek line. Raenef just lay there, staring hypnotised at his love through watery eyes.

"Rae…" Whispered the demon, and Raenef was instantly attentive, leaning closer to the demon's face, sobbing as quietly as he could over the dark eyes that regarded him fondly.

"I'm sorry Eclipse!" He gasped, and Eclipse closed his eyes again briefly,

"No…no…I am proud…you…are a true…demon lord." He spoke in-between careful breaths, and closed his eyes again. It was longer before he opened them this time, "Thank you…" He murmured, and this caused Raenef to collapse in hysterical sobs again, clutching the demon's cold hands,

"No Eclipse, don't thank me! I let you get hurt!" The demon only smiled fondly, slowly closing his eyes, "No, NO! Eclipse I wont let you go! No, ECLIPSE!" He realised he was clutching the demon tightly, and he could just feel a heartbeat, a faint warmth of breath against his tearstained cheek. "Eclipse…don't die…please don't die…don't die… don't leave me alone here…. please?"

He didn't know how long he had been sprawled there, sobbing hysterically and begging with the demon, but his throat was raw and his eyes were sore. He breathed in carefully and sat up slightly, listening for a heartbeat, or breath, or any signs that the demon lying calmly below him was still alive. There were none. Fumbling for a pulse, he couldn't find one, and the stark truth finally hit Raenef. He fell forward and couldn't stop the sobbing this time. Cries that tore at his throat, cries of loneliness and pain, of love lost and grief. The wails rose to the sky, as his tears fell on Eclipse's cold and beautiful face. Forlorn and alone,

"Eclipse….!" He screamed desperately, pulling the demon's body atop his own, cradling him in his arms, uncaring or unaware of the blood and dirt that stained both their clothes and faces now. He reached out to brush the demon's face, and collapsed again in a heap, wailing for the sadness of losing the one person he loved most in the world.

It was a very long time before he stopped crying, but even though he stared at the now darkened sky, he never let go of the demon's hand.

That is the end of Chapter four, though by no chance the end of the story itself! I hope you enjoyed, or at least were touched, by this chapter, and I hope I portrayed the emotions I aimed for well!

This chapter seems to be very tragic, and I am sorry! But there will be more chapters, I assure you, not fast by any means, but still more sometime! Please review (I love to know what you think) and help me out on anything I need to improve! Thank you.