Peter Piper Picked a Pack of Purple Pickled Peppers.
I do not own MODR.
Forever and Ever
Chapter Four:
Of Fiancés and Fiascos
"Did you know that Cyrus? So many plants can be used for so many things, quite fascinating." Solomon beamed, glancing over to the dark haired brunette by his side. "There are several scripts on them."
"I didn't." Cyrus answered warmly, a small smile twisting onto her lips as she watched the blonde. "What about this one?"
"Ah, now these books go into stories and ideas about the stars." Solomon quickly answered, setting the book in his hands down and lifting another one from the various stacks crowded around the study.
Red and blue eyes softened ever so slightly as the wisest man began to ramble on about the different things in each of the books. His face lit up in excitement and he talked animatedly, looking like a child that had been given something sweet.
She let his voice fill her ears and for a moment, allowed herself to relax. She sat, perched on the arm of the chair Solomon occupied, seeming to watch over him as he read. Cyrus' gaze watched him fondly, knowing this is the man she would do anything to protect.
The servant was in such a good mood this afternoon, she even ignored Dantalion's mutters of 'shut in' and complaints as he dusted off the books.
If only. Her lids lowered as Solomon leaned into her; resting his head on her side and letting his eyes droop as he talked. What she'd do to have things always be peaceful like this.
Footsteps echoed throughout the vast library. Solomon glanced upwards and Dantalion paused in his dusting. Cyrus was on her feet and at Solomon's side in an instant, her face impassive as she stood beside the chair instead of on it.
The blonde's eyes strayed to his faithful friend and a sad smile touched his lips, knowing full well the reason of her haste. Cyrus gave him an almost apologetic look, but would not, and could not indulge him in his wishes.
His very existence was like a crime to the world. But even then, she was still a servant. And to others, that was all she was. For a servant to be companions with him would send him into further problems.
And she wouldn't have that.
The door to the library room swung open and the three inhabitants looked up as in stepped a lone figure.
Wavy and faintly curled hair fell to her back, a shimmering headband embroided with the finest jewels shone in the sun's light as worried eyes sought out the figure of her search. A small smile touched Solomon's face and he raised his head to his sister.
"Tamar, you know you shouldn't be here." Solomon began quietly, softly, setting the book down in his lap.
"I came to check up on you." Tamar answered, her eyes strayed to where Dantalion was and her eyes narrowed. "And to confirm something."
Cyrus caught the gaze and purposely shifted. Tamar's gaze turned to her and her gaze narrowed ever so slightly. "You, fetch me some water, please."
Cyrus bowed her head and bowed at the waist, turning away with a sweep of her hair as she headed to fetch some water. Tamar watched the girl and turned her worried gaze to her brother, a frown marring full lips.
"I can send for another servant you know." Tamar began, her eyes staring imploringly at her brother. "Father may keep you here, but he won't let you starve. There are plenty at our disposal."
Solomon's gaze flickered and he gave his sister that sad smile of his. "Cyrus is a fine companion Tamar. I wish to keep her services."
Cyrus kept her eyes trained to the ground—she'd learned that trick had saved servants more than once, and bowed, holding out a clay cup of water towards Tamar. The other woman eyed her for a moment and took the cup, taking a careful sip and setting it down. "You are dismissed."
Cyrus stiffened, if only for a second, and she gave a curt nod, refusing to make eye contact with Solomon, who watched her intently as she left the room. Emerald eyes stayed trained on the figure until she had disappeared entirely from view.
But a pair of blood red eyes followed her as well, the corner of their mouth twisting downwards as they set the duster down.
"All right, you're free for the rest of the day." Leah announced, swiping her finger along the window sill and examining it for any specs of dust. "But don't forget that you have kitchen duty tom—"
"Got it! Thanks Leah!" I called over my shoulder, sprinting down the hallway as I tossed my broom towards her. "See you tomorrow!"
"No running in the halls!" Leah called after me and I grinned, giving her a quick salute as I rounded the corner and headed towards the other dormitory.
Normally, since my room was there, I just cleaned William's dormitory, but since I was somewhat part of the staff, I had to clean the Headmaster dormitory as well.
What a pain.
I stretched my arms over my head and let out a small groan, releasing the stiff muscles and shaking out this morning's troubles.
Specifically two.
"Where are you going?"
"I want to come too."
"Why should you go? Back off, you oaf."
"Milo!"
"Milo! Wait for me!"
"Milo, you should tell William too—"
"Demons." I muttered crossly, shutting my eyes for a moment and inhaling the wood polish scent of the hallway. I had to admit, the Headmaster dormitory did seem to be a bit better off then the Jacobson house.
They are some of the best. I mused, putting my hands behind my head and staring up thoughtfully. But no one beats William.
My mind flickered in warning for a split second before I slammed into something hard. My eyes widened and I felt myself topple backwards from the instant collision.
That's what I get for not looking. I mentally chided, grimacing as I braced myself for the collision with the ground.
Instead, a firm grip wrapped around my wrist and tugged me upwards, keeping me from falling back. My eyes widened in surprise and I blinked, focusing in on the person before me.
Nathan Caxton, AKA, Head boy—a title William would kill to get his hands on, blinked at me calmly, his eyes widened only a small bit in faint surprise. "Are you all right?"
I blinked dumbly at the pale green haired boy, meeting a golden gaze behind black rimmed glasses.
"What would I do without you Ca—"
"Fine." I managed, blinking once, twice, thrice before shaking my head and brushing my hair back. "Sorry, I should've been looking."
"It's no problem." Nathan answered smoothly, pulling me upright and letting his hand slip from mine, but something flickered across his face for the briefest moment. "I don't recall the school admitting females."
"Oh," I blinked again; the boy must've thought I had some sort of eye twitch. "I work as part student part staff here."
A look of recognition in his eyes. "Ah, yes. The headmaster mentioned something about a student worker once or twice. It's a pleasure. I'm Nathan Caxton."
I was aware. I gave him a small grin, holding my hand out and shaking his. "Milo. And I'm more of a servant if anything."
That's all I'll ever be, won't I?
I felt my brows furrow faintly in confusion at the soft voice spoken in my head, but Nathan's eyes flashed and the corner of his mouth twitched and his grip tightened ever so slightly at the comment.
What, to good for the help Head boy?
"I would never refer to you as such." Nathan began calmly, letting my hand fall from his grip once more. "Milo did you say?"
"Yeah." I answered absently, glancing to the clock behind his head—damn, he was about a head taller than me, though I failed to see the gaze that seemed to stare so intently into my eyes. "It's nice to meet you too, Caxton." I guess.
"Please," There was a ghost of a smile across his lips. "Just Nathan is fine."
"Oh," I scratched the back of my head awkwardly and glanced down to my scuffed up shoes. "My bad."
"You did nothing wrong."
My gaze traveled upwards and I paused, a familiar throb in the back of my head like a distant ringing of a church bell.
Nathan's lids were lowered ever so slightly behind his glasses, his head titled slightly, causing his wavy hair to fall a bit into his face. Though there was that ghost of a smile, he looked so...
Sad.
"You're probably the most reasonable one here, C—"
Nostalgia hit me like a slap to the face and I nearly took a step back at the sheer strength of the emotion. Where the hell did that come from? Nathan's gaze flickered and there was a small frown. "Are you all rig—"
"Ah, Head boy!" An underclassman ran towards the pale green haired boy and came to a panting halt. "Some boys need help, some fight over papers or something."
Nathan let out a sigh and nodded. "Very well," His gaze flickered to me. "Milo—"
"Don't sweat it. I'm fine, sorry." I shrugged giving him a crooked smile. Nathan's eyes seemed to flash behind his glasses. "I need to get going anyways. It's been a pleasure."
I walked past him, giving him a friendly pat on the shoulder and hesitated as his shoulders suddenly went rigid and his eyes grew wide. Maybe he didn't like getting touched? Whoops. "See ya around."
"See ya around..."
Camio.
"Leons."
"Ah, thank you."
"Miles."
"Thanks!"
"Achoo!"
"Bless you." I answered automatically, looking up at William from where I had draped myself over the armrest of the couch. "Did you catch a cold?"
"No." William muttered, looking annoyed by something as he rubbed at his nose. "Just some annoying dust mites floating about."
"There are a lot of letters this time." Mycroft sighed, glancing at the bundle of letters in hid hands.
"Days like this make me glad I'm not a prefect." I grinned, stretching my arms leisurely over my head.
"Like you could be one with your grades." William retorted and I flinched, paling slightly at the mention of one of my many flaws.
Mycroft held an exasperated smile as he glanced to the largest bundle, all held together by a string. "Somebody's adorning parent sent all of these."
...
...
...
"Mine?" William grumbled as Mycroft handed him the stack with a light chuckle.
I perked up at the mention of letters and William thumbed through the stack, pulling out a few and handing them to me. "Are these from Kevin?"
"Who else?" The blonde rolled his eyes, taking a seat beside me on the couch and crossing his legs. "That man has always been like that."
"There's nothing wrong with that! It shows that you're loved." Isaac put in, a wide smile on his face as he took a seat on the opposite couch.
"Yeah..." A ghost of a smile touched my lips as I eyed the letters, Kevin's handwriting standing out in black ink against the stark white of the paper.
Only Kevin would look out for us. I shut my eyes for a moment, the corner tip of the envelope pressing against my hand. There's no one else after all. Just Kevin and William.
"Wrong."
"What?"
I blinked, the voice disappearing in seconds and I glanced over to a wide eyed William as his eyes scanned over the letter in front of him. Isaac was watching curiously as well.
"He may have found my uncle." William answered quietly, setting the letter down and putting a hand to his chin in thought. "Well."
"Your uncle..." I murmured, recalling Barton Twining's face.
"You mean the Lord Barton who went missing?" Isaac added and William gave a small nod, glancing over to the side.
I let my eyes skim over the discarded letter and hummed in faint surprise. Kevin had explained the basics of the situation to us, but there was still a lot left unknown as to Lord Barton's whereabouts.
"Egypt, huh?" I let out a low whistle. "Pretty far."
"Oh? So you want to go to Egypt?" A voice piped up, along with the loud rustle of footsteps behind it.
I felt my face go sour and I turned my gaze to above a wide eyed Isaac's head and found none other than Dantalion himself.
And he brought his entourage. I blinked and felt my eye twitch. Did he possess them all or something?
Dantalion glanced to me for a moment and then back to William. "I'll take you if you want to go."
"What a joke."
"Like we'd go anywhere with you."
Dantalion recoiled and William rolled his eyes in disgust while and leaned against the blonde. "I have no intention of joining your muscle headed friends!"
"What are you talking about?" A boy who looked to be an upperclassman shot up, his eyes wide.
"Dantalion is amazing!"
"It's thanks to him that we were able to beat our rivals at rugby!"
Dantalion beamed at the praise and William sweat dropped. I rolled my eyes at the display and sufficed for casting Dantalion the occasional glare.
"Hmph, vulgar demons will stay that way." A smooth voice piped up and I flinched, craning my head slightly, a wary look on my face.
Dantalion's head swung around and a look of annoyance crossed his face. "What?"
The corner of my eye twitched and I blinked in disbelief. Sitri looked unaffected, hair don up in a braided fashion lined with eloquent roses on top. Crumbs touched the corner of his mouth and underclassmen and upperclassmen alike surrounded him, catering to his every whim like butlers.
Or slaves. I added, eyeing the radiance of upmost etiquette oozing off of them. Unbelievable.
"Ho..." Dantalion's brow twitched and his eyes narrowed. "I'm impressed."
"Amazing!" Isaac exclaimed, his eyes growing wide. "Becoming so popular so quickly...they must've used magic after all!"
"Who cares about things like that?" I sighed, blowing a tuft of hair out of the way as I leaned back into the couch.
"I can make them do things for you too." Sitri offered, glancing upwards. "You merely have to say it."
"No, thank you—"
"I can offer her much more than you can!" Dantalion quickly spat, and the crowd of jocks behind him seemed to swarm. "Who needs tea and desserts all day anyways?"
An image of a cold cup of green tea or black tea came to mind, lined with dessert—preferably Baphomet's—in the side lines. My mouth watered at the thought and Dantalion looked as if he'd been struck.
Sitri beamed triumphantly and William sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. A look crossed his emerald eyes, darkening in a way that made them seem almost jade.
His eyes are always jewels.
I recognized the look of thoughtfulness and shoved aside all thoughts of cake, propping my head on one hand and watching him silently. There was a moment an expression crossed his face as his hand pulled away and his brows furrowed ever so slightly.
"You're a descendant of Solomon."
I near jumped when William suddenly slammed his face into his hands, shaking his head furiously. A small smile touched my lips as my brows furrowed slightly in exasperation.
"You've gotten into the habit of making that face."
"So she can smile."
"Ah!"
"Gah—ow!" I let out a low whine, rubbing the back of my head from hitting the headrest of the couch while William recovered from the sudden shock of realizing Dantalion and Sitri had been watching us this whole time.
Both demon's eyes, a stark contrast from each other's, watched us carefully and scrutinizing. I felt my ears grow hot and William's face grew flustered. "S-Shut up!"
"Were you confused about who to choose?" Dantalion questioned simply. "You'll choose me of course, won't you?"
"What are you talking about? He's obviously going to choose me." Sitri argued, a childish note to his voice. His eyes strayed to me and he added. "And Milo can be my queen."
That made me halt. I blinked up quizzically, arching a brow. "Wait, what? Queen?"
Sitri blinked, a crumpet in his mouth. "Princess, then?"
"Don't get ahead of yourself!" Dantalion snarled, jerking his head to the blue haired demon beside him. "She's not your queen."
"Thank you—"
"She'll be mine."
"You're both wrong!" William snapped in annoyance. "And Milo stays my maid!"
I nodded my consent and William sighed, standing up. "Honestly, how many times do I have to tell you? I don't want anything to do with unscientific things like you."
His eyes narrowed and he turned to the two, jutting a finger out. "Now and for the rest of time! Definitely not!"
Dantalion and Sitri stared at William with childishly shocked faces, both of them seeming to be caught frozen as William turned on his heel and left. I cast the stricken demons a barely—just barely—sympathetic glance and walked off behind Isaac, who was beginning to plead for the two's behalf.
"Aren't you going to accept them yet?" Isaac questioned, his brows furrowing as he followed behind the blonde, a step behind me. "The demon summoned by Owen Glendower during the reign of Henry IV exists! It's the unmistakable truth!"
"They don't exist!" William retorted stubbornly, refusing to spare Isaac a glance. "Anyway, Henry IV was made up by Shakespeare!"
"Then what are they?" Isaac argued and William snorted, throwing his hand up in the air carelessly.
"A stupid stalker and a candy maniac!"
Isaac's cheeks flushed and he suddenly rounded on me. "You believe, don't you Milo?"
I flinched, rubbing the back of my head when I felt William's gaze boring into the side of my head. "W-Well, I admit I believe to some extent..."
"Blasphemy." William muttered, crossing his arms over his chest. "I can't believe you'd allow yourself to be brainwashed by such nonsense."
I gave him a sheepish smile and William rolled his eyes as Isaac began to go off on how Dantalion and Sitri were not just atoms.
Hurried footsteps hit my ears and a chill ran along my spine. Slowly, I turned, feeling my shoulders automatically tense and square as what looked to be an underclassman came to a jerky stop.
"Upperclassmen William Twining!" The boy breathed, his hair flopping over his eyes. I gave him a curious once over, feeling my nose twitch slightly.
"What do you want?" William questioned, looking the boy over as well and raising an eyebrow.
The boy dipped into a bow, magenta hair flying across his face. "E-Excuse me... Please help me!"
"Help you...?" William trailed off expectantly, and the boy flushed, pulling back some of his hair.
"Well, could you come this way?" He questioned breathlessly and William sighed, turning to Isaac and me.
"Sorry, Milo, Isaac..." William started and I shook my head while Isaac smiled.
"We'll come along too." Isaac offered and William looked faintly surprised a moment before shrugging, turning to lead the way.
The small smile left my lips and I eyed the underclassmen before me, my brows furrowing slightly as I followed behind William, watching the boy in front of me.
My gut twisted as he showed us to a room, opening up the door and gesturing an arm inside. "This way."
Bad feeling. I thought instantly the second my foot hit the wooden floor of the room. Darkness clouded all points of my vision, and the only light that came through was from the crack of light from the door.
"It's really dark," William started, and I made out his figure in front of me. "I can't see where I'm going."
There was a rustle and I jumped, feeling my nerves start to dance as I glanced around warily. "William, maybe we should..."
"Guys..." Isaac began, his voice trailing off nervously. "Isn't this strange?"
My face paled and I let out a low whine. "Isaac, I am begging you for once—please, don't get started on—"
The hairs on the back of my neck rose and my eyes widened as my body automatically stiffened against the tension in the room. "William, I think we should—"
Something seemed to have cracked and a flare of light appeared beneath our feet. My eyes widened and I instantly grasped William and Isaac's hand as the floor beneath us contorted and fell, sending us plummeting downwards.
William and Isaac let out cries of shock and I let out a startled yelp as we slipped downwards, falling into what seemed like oblivion as a light flared before our eyes. The sensation of falling grew eerily familiar and my gaze shot upwards, barely catching sight of someone.
Hair the color of magenta and a Lolita-type dress came into view, as well as a pale, cherub-like face adorned with a devilish smirk.
My eyes widened and I shut my eyes as a powerful wind slammed into us and for a moment, everything was black.
And then in seconds, Hell flared before our eyes.
I felt William's grip tighten on my hand as our feet suddenly touched ground. My knees instantly wobbled for a moment and I felt Isaac lean unsteadily on his feet. Lights flared before me and I blinked, shaking my head in confusion at the glistening reflections all around us.
Wait.
My eyes widened and I stiffened, letting my gaze travel around us.
Not reflections.
Isaac let out a gasp of amazement and William stiffened beside me, his eyes searching the room in utter disbelief. Thoughts of all sorts ran through my head, but none could compute as I felt myself grow tense.
The entire room was vast, spreading out wide and arching along the walls elegantly. Draperies and designs fell from the walls and arches as crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling, illuminating the ballroom in a dimly bright glow.
But the occupants of the room milled about; chatting as if there were not a care in the world, and three humans did not just indirectly crash their party.
Demons of all variations (or what I could assume were demons) were dressed in the finest of clothing—definitely a celebration ball of sorts. Isaac looked positively ecstatic, while William looked bewildered beyond belief.
A sigh left my lips and I grimaced, eyeing the people around us. Though elegantly dressed, these were demons afoot, and we were in their turf now.
"Isn't that the great demon Molech?" Isaac babbled, his eyes shining as he turned towards a cow-headed demon dressed in a button down with golden lapels. "Wow! This can only mean—"
"Don't say it!" William snapped, a bead of sweat on his face. "Just be quiet."
"How did we get here in the first place?" I muttered, an image of that magenta haired girl flashing through my mind. "Why are we here in the first place?"
William shook his head, turning slightly. "I don't care. We just need to—oof!"
My back went rigid and Isaac's eyes grew wide in amazement. William blinked, rubbing his head. "Sorry..." He trailed off and his eyes widened in shock at the sight of the man's enlarged head, snakes crawling over the top.
"This is Hell!" Isaac cried and I groaned while William shook his shoulders, muffling his mouth to keep from drawing attention.
"Ah, I haven't seen you before." A voice mused and I flinched, slowly turning around as a demon with long horns blinked, three eyes at once. "Are you new Nephilim?"
William stiffened beside me and the demon paused, tilting his head. "But don't you smell kind of...human?"
The moment the word was uttered a hush fell over the area. My eyes instantly searched the room for optional exits as a tension began to weave through the air. A woman recoiled, holding a clawed hand to her mouth. "They certainly do smell like living flesh."
A flash of magenta and my eyes widened upon the sight of the girl from before, hiding just behind the coat of a demon with three heads. My eyes narrowed, something telling me that she had a part to play in this whole mess.
"Oh? Isn't everyone acting kind of strange?" Isaac chuckled, offering a bright smile.
But the surrounding demons swelled, a dark aura floating over the air at the mention of humans.
William's grip suddenly tightened and I just barely remembered that I was still holding his hand when he shot forward, tugging Isaac along with his other hand. "This way, Isaac, Milo!"
Our footsteps echoed along a long corridor and I sucked in a breath, matching my stride with William's and bracing myself for the sound of pursuers behind us.
There were no sounds of pursuit, but my feet skidded to a near halt upon the wall before us. An intricate symbol decorated the flat surface and I cursed, feeling along the wall for any possible door.
There was a noise behind us and Isaac's head jerked around. "Guys, this is bad! We'll be found..."
"Isn't there anywhere we can hide?" William exclaimed, looking around frantically.
My eyes searched over the wall and I paused, taking in the symbol for the first time.
My head began to throb painfully and my brows furrowed, unable to pull my gaze from the symbol despite the pain welling up in the back of my head. Something seemed to move in the far corner of my conscious, something...nostalgic?
"If I had a sister, I would have hoped she was like you."
"William!" Isaac exclaimed and William cursed, his hand slamming against the wall in frustration.
The air thickened and William stiffened, his eyes widening as the symbol began to glow before him. My eyes widened as William collapsed and I lunged, keeping him from hitting the floor.
I cradled his head in my arms and Isaac's eyes widened with fear as demons began to advance down the hallway. My eyes narrowed and I pulled my lips back in a scowl, ready to fight for all I was worth.
William remained limp in my arms, the only sign of life the gentle rise and fall of his chest. The pain in the back of my head was intense now, and the corners of my eyes started to blur and I cursed my luck.
Not now. I pleaded, Isaac's frantic cries hitting my ears like low throbs. I can't leave Isaac alone... William needs me...
My vision flashed back and I felt myself fall backwards as all awareness slipped from me.
"This is an unexpected meeting."
My eyes snapped open, but the world around me blurred at the edges. I squinted against the harsh light; barely able to make out whatever was in front of me.
An overwhelming presence surged over me and I froze in place, unable to move.
Something caressed my cheek and I blinked, raising a hand and staring at the downy white feather in my hand.
"That goes for us both. It's an honor though."
I turned my gaze upwards and the image of someone beneath the folds of wings reaching outwards hit me. The pounding in my head was near impossible to bear, but I fought the image, struggling to pull it forward.
There was a flash of brown, and the image of a person—a woman? Appeared before me, but her face was turned towards someone else, her shoulders look as if she carried the weight on her shoulders.
But the person in front of her, shrouded from view by overlapping wings falling across each other like petals.
"Solomon's precious friend."
A wisp of a smile touched the woman's lips and she caressed a feather tip between her fingers. "You've been good to me. I must thank you."
"You have accepted my kind. I merely returned the favor."
She shook her head, wisps of brown strands trailing over her shoulders. "You have been a friend to Solomon as well, you have my greatest thanks."
A small smile beneath white feathers. "He has made friends and slaves of them all."
A laugh; soft, loose, and melodious. But there was a trace of sadness beneath the echo. "Perhaps."
Her face softened, but the image remained blurred, and I couldn't make out her features. "It's sad to say though that we may not meet again."
A frown touched the other person's lips beneath the shrouds of white feathers. The woman seemed to glance upwards with a warm smile, but a sad smile.
"It has been a pleasure, Lucifer."
Cyrus.
Lights flared before me and I winced, shutting my eyes against the harsh brightness. All wisps of whatever had been crawling into my head vanished, leaving me with an ache in my heart and a pang of loneliness that felt much too familiar.
I struggled to hold onto the thin strand, but something tugged me backwards.
Milo.
That name. There was that name again. Who was she?
"Milo!"
My eyes snapped open and I blinked against the brightness for a moment, shutting my eyes and opening them again more slowly. Beautiful designs and etchings lined the ceiling above me and I frowned, struggling to recall the previous events.
A dream? I blinked, rubbing my eyes when someone shifted beside me and I turned my gaze to an unconscious William.
My eyes widened and I shot upwards, wincing at the shot of pain that hit my head from moving all of sudden. There were hands on me and I glanced upwards, meeting worried eyes framed by crimson hair. "Milo! You're awake, thank goodness!"
"Isaac..." I grimaced, rubbing my head as I scanned the room. "What... Where are we?"
"You and William suddenly blacked out." Isaac started, his brows furrowing. "Don't you remember? We were at the wall—"
"William." I breathed, turning to the fallen boy beside me and quickly taking in his figure. There were no signs of harm done to him save for the furrow of his brows and the troubled expression on his face as he slept. A breath of relief left me and I slumped. He was all right.
"He hasn't woken up yet." Isaac explained, putting a hand on my shoulder. "Are you all right? You can lie down if you want—"
"No." I shook my head, sitting up straight and settling down beside William. "I'll stay awake. Where are we?"
Isaac blinked, scratching the back of his head. "About that..."
There was a groan to my right and I glanced downwards. Emerald eyes peered back up at me, a frown on William's face as he squinted against the light. "Milo...?"
"Here." I answered, resting a hand on his head. "Are you okay?"
William hesitated, something flickering through his eyes, and for a moment, it looked as if he had cried. "Fine. I'm...fine."
Relief filled me and I nodded. William's brows furrowed as he sat up, rubbing his head. "I had... the strangest dream though—"
"So you're both awake now?"
Our heads snapped towards the sound of the voice and I bristled, instantly tensing despite the fuzziness going about in my brain.
Beautiful. That was the first word that hit my brain upon the sight of the woman before us.
Her skin was a rich, dark shade, and wavy locks of dark black fell over her shoulders in magnificent waves. Long lashes adorned melted gold eyes and the way she stood practically screamed power, her presence filling up the room.
"This is my battleship. Don't worry, Elector." She began, her voice low and melodious.
"Who are you?" William questioned, his eyes growing wide at the sudden appearance, though Isaac looked unaffected.
"She was the one who hid us!" The red head explained, a bright smile on his face. "Her name is Duchess Astaroth."
"Astaroth?" I murmured and Isaac nodded, his eyes shining with the chance to show his vast knowledge on the occult.
"She's an Eastern Grand Duchess of Hell, and the leader of forty armies. A grand demon as strong as Beelzebub!"
"You're being bold as usual." Astaroth mused, setting her hands on her hips, and I noticed the dark tattoo on her belly. "If the other fallen angels found you, you would have been eaten long ago."
"As usual?" William muttered but his question was quickly overridden.
"Fallen angels! Then it's true that all demons fall from Heaven!" Isaac cried, stars shimmering around him as he beamed at the Grand demon before us. "U-Umm, how are the ranks in the demon world decided? Your Excellency is rank twenty-nine..."
"Isaac!" William exclaimed, and Astaroth blinked, look surprised but faintly amused.
"There are two types of demons." Astaroth explained, taking a seat on one of the fine chairs and crossing her legs. "The Nephilim, who were originally human, and the fallen angels that came from Heaven."
I blinked, images of Dantalion and Sitri flickering through my mind. William glanced upwards. "Then Sitri too?"
"No, Sitri is different." Astaroth answered, and upon William's confused look, she blinked. "You don't that either? Sitri was raised exclusively by demons."
"According to the demon's dictionary," Isaac started, holding a finger to his chin. "Baalberith is a Grand Duke of the West and the most powerful individual in the demon world. Sitri is very special to Baalberith. He's new to the hierarchy, but his court ranking is prince!"
I stared at Isaac in disbelief and he beamed, a pleased flush on his cheeks. "I've already memorized the seventy-two pillars!"
A prince. I mused, imaging Sitri in all his fine glory. Fitting.
"Sitri is very special to Baalberith."
I paused, something inside me twisted and there was a surge of rage from deep inside. I blinked, feeling my fingers clench into fists at the mention of the name and Sitri in the same sentence.
Puzzled, I shook my head. What did some demon have to do with anything, especially Sitri?
"I would never let him hurt you."
"We Nephilim are supportive of Dantalion being chosen as the Substitute king." Astaroth explained and Isaac's eyes grew wide.
"Then Your Excellency is..."
"Yes, I was originally human." Astaroth smiled, resting her head on her hand. "I am the Third, Astaroth."
She was a human...My eyes grew wide at the exotic woman before us. What kind of person was she before?
Gold met with red and blue and I blinked, realizing that she had met my stare. I flushed, turning my gaze the other way, but barely catching the hint of a smile.
"What is your name, dear?" Astaroth questioned and I blinked, turning my gaze back to her warily.
"Milo." I answered, and for some reason, this woman seemed so...familiar? Was that it? Her presence though intimidating was...warm, pleasant. It was like I could trust her.
"Milo." She seemed to play with the name and her gaze softened into something unreadable. "The resemblance is uncanny. No wonder Dantalion's spent so long in the human world."
Resemblance? I frowned in confusion and she smiled, her eyes were like a cat's, glinting in the dim lighting of the room with an expression far beyond my years. But her gaze turned to William and she paused. "Don't you remember me, descendant of Solomon?"
"No. For a start, this has nothing to do with me." William instantly answered, standing up. I glanced up in surprise and followed suit as the blonde shook his head. "I'm grateful for your help, but I have no intention of getting involved in your power struggle. Sorry, but I'm going home."
"As if I'm going to allow that!" Cried a girlish voice and I blinked, the hair on the back of my neck standing as I turned my head and my gaze downwards.
A terribly dark aura filled the room and I flinched at the sight of the girl before us, brown horns tucked in soft locks of magenta and a Lolita type dress adorning her small figure.
"You're the girl from before..." I realized and her eyes narrowed as she glowered at William, her cheeks growing flush.
"I won't forgive you for using you position as Elector to deceive my Dantalion!" She exclaimed, and William recoiled.
"What?"
"My Dantalion?" I echoed and the girl glowered, putting her hands on her hips.
"Listen up! I am Lamia. I am seventy-seventh in the hierarchy and my court ranking is princess!" She declared, and her cheeks grew red as she clenched a small fist. "I am also fiancé of the demon Duke Dantalion!"
"You're not..." Astaroth sighed and Lamia rounded on the older woman, her face flushing an even brighter shade of red.
"I am! He promised me when I was younger!" Lamia exclaimed and I blinked, baffled and slightly horrified as I stared at the younger girl.
"I knew he was terrible," I murmured, putting a hand to my head in disbelief. "But not this terrible."
I glanced to the fuming younger girl and shook my head sympathetically, putting a hand on her shoulder. "If I were you, I would find anyway possible and weasel your way out of this marriage."
"W-What?" Lamia's eyes grew round and she slapped my hand of her shoulder. "H-How dare you! Dantalion and I are happily in love!"
"Really?" I frowned, picturing the thick headed, annoying demon in love. "That must feel terrible."
"Dantalion is the most amazing demon in the world!" Lamia defended her beloved, fuming. "He's strong, and handsome, and powerful, and we're going to get married one day!"
Her eyes grew wide and she seemed to take in my full appearance. "And you! How dare you lay your filthy hands on my Dantalion! You... You... Witch!"
"Pardon?" I stared at her in disbelief, but this girl was working up a storm.
"I saw how you've been tricking my beloved and putting nasty spells on him! He's mine! Back of you old hag!"
"Old hag?" I narrowed my eyes at the girl, slightly offended. "Who ever said anything about sorcery? I most definitely do not like Dantalion—he's all yours for all I care."
Lamia blinked in confusion. "You...don't love Dantalion?"
"No." I scoffed, near gagging at the thought. "He's a thorn in my side. In fact, you two getting married and him being out of my hair sounds fantastic."
"Why not?" Lamia cried and I recoiled as she rounded on me. "Dantalion is amazing! Other girls would kill to have him!"
"A-And he's all yours." I put my hands up, trying not to offend the younger girl. What on earth? "Honestly, I could really care less about him."
"Much too similar." Astaroth mused, crossing her arms over her voluptuous chest. "He'd cry if he heard that."
"I'm just here for William." I sighed in defeat, and Lamia blinked, as if she had been reminded of something.
"Well, I'm not going to let him go until he proves that he's suited to being the Elector!" Lamia declared and William's eyes grew wide.
"For your information, I didn't summon him. He's following me around." William started and Astaroth smirked.
"I know." The Duchess glanced to the side, and her golden eyes glimmered mischievously. "But right now, I'm interested in you too."
Astaroth leaned forward and I tensed as a smirk pulled her lips. "Try and guess my true identity, what I was called when I was human. If you are his descendant, you should know."
William's eyes grew wide and mine narrowed. "If you don't, I won't send you back." Astaroth started, the air around her darkening. "Come on; guess what my name was when I was human."
What kind of question is that? I took a protective step, so that I was slightly in front of William. William looked thoughtful and I tensed, if things went south, I wasn't sure what I would be able to do for him.
"Can I ask something?" William inquired and Astaroth blinked, motioning for him to continue. "Why did you go and meet Solomon?"
"Good question." Astaroth murmured, giving William and approving smile. "I just felt like meeting him. I was curious about what happened to my descendants."
I noticed the gears turning in William's head and Astaroth let out a sigh, shaking her head. "I never thought that one of my descendants would be such a weak magician."
I sweat dropped at this and William blinked, looking at her curiously. "Then what were you when you were human?"
"A queen."
"That explains things..." I murmured, blinking in awe at the demon duchess. Lamia seemed to smirk, nodding her head.
"It wasn't just a small country like England; Ashe was the queen of the largest empire in the world!"
"So you were quite well known." William started, but Astaroth shrugged, pulling a lock of black over her shoulder.
"Not particularly. I didn't have any children." Astaroth explained, glancing to William. "I was succeeded by the son of my husband's mistress."
"Then..." I paused, turning to her. I couldn't help but be a tad bit curious. "What caused your death?"
Astaroth paused, putting a hand to her mouth and seeming to shudder. She shut her eyes for a moment before answering.
"Tooth decay."
...
...
...
"Tooth decay...?"
"It's true!" Astaroth answered, her cheeks darkening ever so slightly. "I was busy and left it alone, and it got infected. But I make sure to brush my teeth now!"
A queen. I frowned, searching through my head to try and put a name on the woman before us. This sounded vaguely familiar. I should have paid attention in class...
"You're out of time." Astaroth murmured and William's head shot up as she looked away. There was a flicker of what looked to be hurt in her eyes for the briefest moment. "Just as I thought. His descendant is just an ordinary human being. How boring."
Astaroth sighed, turning her gaze back to William and narrowing her eyes. "You said your name was William, right? Right here and now, say you'll choose Dantalion." A cruel smile twisted her lips. "I'll take your soul if you don't. Just like a demon."
My back grew rigid and William's eyes widened. Isaac was sent into a mini panic attack and I cursed under my breath, not liking the odds stacked against us.
She's powerful. There was no doubt about that, and we were in her domain. We didn't stand a chance. The least I would be able to do was buy William and Isaac enough time to run.
"Come on; say that you'll choose Dantalion." Astaroth smirked, setting her hands on her hips. "If you don't obey me, I'll devour your soul."
William's eyes grew wide and her smirk widened and she snapped her fingers. "Or would a different idea be better?"
My feet were no longer on the ground and my eyes grew wide at the sight of the demons below us, unaware of our presence for the time being.
Not for long. I ground my teeth, turning my eyes to the woman before us. "You wouldn't!"
Astaroth paused, looking momentarily surprised as she gazed at me, her hand outstretched. I inwardly panicked, struggling to by us some time. "You... This isn't like you!"
How would I know? I frowned, shaking my head in disbelief. She's just another demon!
"But you accepted her nonetheless."
Astaroth halted her movements, something flickering through her eyes. But Lamia was unaffected. "Get in there now!"
I felt myself jerked backwards and my eyes grew wide as the ballroom grew nearer. I braced myself fro impact but William shot his head around, gazing at the former queen.
"Stop that, Astaroth!"
I jolted, something inside me jerking at the sound of William's voice. Astaroth's eyes widened and she stumbled backwards, wincing against an unseen force as we hit the floor.
"Ashe!" Lamia rushed to Astaroth and the woman propped herself upwards, glaring darkly at William.
"What did you do—"
"Stop that, Your Excellency!"
My eyes widened in surprise and I swung my head around, meeting dark red eyes and a faintly exasperated face.
William glanced up in disbelief. "Da—"
"Dantalion!" Lamia cried joyfully, bounding forward and wrapping her arms around Dantalion's waist. "I missed you!"
Dantalion looked down at Lamia in surprise, but then a frown touched his lips and he slammed a fist down on her head, as if he were scolding a child. Lamia grew rigid, looking up at him with confused tears in her eyes.
"Don't do that again, Lamia!" Dantalion scolded, and Lamia's eyes began to water as Dantalion turned to Astaroth. "You too, Your Excellency."
I stared up at Dantalion in disbelief, but the demon duke paid me no heed. "Sorry, but this is my own problem. Your Excellency, I'm asking you to not get involved."
Astaroth was silent, a slight pout on her lips. Dantalion turned, his cape flapping about behind him as he turned his head slightly our way. "Let's go."
Isaac followed and William albeit reluctantly. I took a step after them and paused, sparing the two behind us one last glance.
Red and blue met gold and I paused, taking in Astaroth's frame, silhouetted against the light of the room. I froze at the faintest curve of her lips and quickly turned, ignoring the pounding in my head as I followed after the three in front of me.
"Thank you, Ashe."
Our footsteps echoed down the empty corridor, metal echoing with each thud as we stalked across the stern of the ship. I kept pace beside William, a few steps behind Dantalion and Isaac.
There was a troubled look on the blonde's face that made me worried, and I shifted uncertainly, casting him worried glances.
William paused, taking out a pocket watch and flipping the lid open. I got a glimpse of the time and realization dawned on me. It was almost roll call time.
Something so trivial wouldn't have mattered to me. I was often exempted considering my duties around the school. But for someone like William, it was the little shove he needed to send him over.
"Why is everyone always getting in my way?" William snapped, his eyes were wide though, confused. Dantalion and Isaac drew to a halt and I paused, looking at him carefully. "Don't disturb my life anymore!"
"William." Dantalion started, but the blonde shook his head, putting a hand to his chest.
"Don't come near me again!" William started, his eyes growing wide, near pleading. "I'm a realist! Not an elector!"
Dantalion stiffened and my heart clenched, as I took a step towards William. It wasn't fair to be putting him through something like this—his life was hard enough. I was here to make it easier, but what good was I if he was still troubled like this?
I made a move towards him but a flash of crimson before me drew me to a halt as Dantalion grabbed William's wrist, his eyes hidden by his bangs. "But demons still exist."
Dantalion looked upwards, staring straight into William's eyes. "You have power William."
Images of William stopping people with mere words ran through my mind but I shook them off, tensing as Dantalion's grip tightened. "That is an unchangeable fact for anyone. Yet you're going to overlook that?"
William looked as if he'd been struck and Dantalion's eyes softened, a look of pain and sadness flickering through his eyes.
I put a hand to my head, blinking at the two in front of me.
"Why are you always around anyway?"
"Because."
"Because what?"
"I owe him."
Without even realizing it, my feet had moved forward and I was between the two, placing both hands on Dantalion and giving the demon a shove backwards. Dantalion's eyes widened and his gaze instantly snapped to me.
I stared at the floor, wide eyed as I felt William's gaze bore into the back of my head. My fingers trembled but I sucked in a breath, trying to slow my heart. "Roll... Roll call is almost over..."
Dantalion's eyes flickered and I turned my gaze away, moving to stand beside William.
What just happened?
"Honestly." William fumed, pacing about his room with a huff. "Dragging me into all this trouble, what is he thinking?"
"He's no good." I agreed, yawning as William ruffled his hair and violently fluffed his pillow.
The four of us had just barely managed to make roll call, with a little play of Mycroft's part. And after the fiasco had ended, Isaac had retired to his room and Dantalion had slipped off somewhere.
"Power this... The only power I want to posses is over the government and social class." William ranted, a yawn left his lip and he blinked sleepily, glancing to me. "Shouldn't you be asleep now?"
"I wanted to stay up with you a bit." I answered sleepily, rubbing my eyes and giving him a sloppy smile. "Can I stay here tonight?"
"Absolutely not!" William's face flushed and his eyes grew wide. "That's beyond improper! Do you even know the amount of trouble we'd get in if we were caught—"
"You let me sleep with you when we were younger." I yawned, standing up and stretching my arms over my head. "I don't see the problem."
"There are plenty!" William snapped, his cheeks flushed a dark red. "Go to sleep! You're yawning after every other word!"
"Okay." I murmured, blinking at him. "Good night, William."
William blinked, looking surprised by the quiet compliance but he coughed into his hand, turning away with his arms crossed. "Good night."
I gave him a soft smile and opened the door, slipping outside. I paused a moment as his words hit my ears, bringing a smile to my face.
"Sweet dreams, Milo."
The door shut with a soft click and I sighed, walking the few feet to my room not to far down. I paused on the way to the common room, spotting a familiar head of black hair stretched over the couch.
A frown touched my lips and I moved silently, my bare feet moving soundlessly across the wood. As I neared the couch, I blinked at the figure below me.
His face was far more relaxed when he was asleep. No crimson eyes boring into your soul. His slicked back black hair was tousled as his chest fell softly in time with his breathing. I stared at him for a moment, wondering if I should wake him up or not.
I reached a hand out to shake him awake, but found myself pausing. The way his brows seemed to furrow ever so slightly reminded me faintly of William when he slept. S if there were something he was troubling over, even in his sleep.
Dantalion's brows furrowed and his lips moved. I blinked, slightly curious as I leaned forward, trying to catch the words leaving his lips.
"C..." He breathed and my brows furrowed as I brought my ear closer.
"Cy..."
I frowned, his breath was near on my ear now as I leaned over the couch. What did he say?
"Cyrus."
I let out a muffled cry of surprise when I was jerked forward. I had been leaning so far forward that it had only taken a simple tug and I went over the side, tumbling down on the figure beneath me.
My eyes grew wide and I held my breath, not daring to breathe as Dantalion's breath ghosted over my ear, his arms wrapped around me tightly as he pulled me to his chest.
I felt his chest rise and fall, signaling that he was still asleep. I let out the breath I had been holding and turned my face upwards warily.
Too close. My breath caught at the sight of his face so close to my own. Even if he was asleep, the fear that any moment he would wake up lingered on my mind. I need to go...
I shifted and his grip tightened. One arm cradling my head to his chest while the other wrapped around my waist, my legs tangling with his. I cursed at the position and shifted, trying to find someway to weasel my way out.
"Why..." His breath ghosted over my face and I blinked, pausing as his grip tightened and his brows furrowed, a troubled look on his face. "Why don't you... remember?"
I froze. My gaze slowly traveled up his face and I paused looking up to him with wide eyes. His face slumped forward and his forehead was now pressed against mine. My eyes widened and I felt my breathing slow.
Dantalion's grip suddenly grew slack and he slumped. I waited a moment, judging that he was completely knocked out before I slipped from his grip. His fingers twitched when I left and his hand reached forward a bit, as if searching for the last bit of warmth.
Everything inside me screamed to scram, but something made me hesitate, looking down at his sleeping form, his tired face.
Hesitantly, I set my hand down on his forehead, letting it rest there for a moment. There was a low throb in my head, but I shook it off, staring down at his face.
"Good night, Dantalion."
With that quiet whisper, I left the room, near running for my life as I let the common room door slip shut behind me.
I sucked in a deep breath and headed for my room, the only light coming from the moon shining through the window.
I didn't like him, not one bit.
But it didn't mean I didn't feel bad for him.
Eyes of crimson followed the slender figure until the door closed shut, hiding her from his view.
Dantalion sighed, resting his arm over his eyes as he leaned into the stiff but softness of the couch, for a moment longing for his own home back in Hell. His eyes trailed back to the door and a frown touched his lips, his brows furrowing as he recalled her face, frightened, confused...
And no look of recognition whatsoever.
His hands curled into fists, but he held back the urge to slam it into something. The resemblance was far too clear; there was no way he could've been mistaken. It was her, it had to be. And the fact that she had finally showed up again, by Solomon's side, was too much of a coincidence.
It was like history repeating itself.
His eyes drew open and he let out a long breath, staring into the darkness of the room before him.
"Why don't you remember?"
Hooray! An update! I just finished the anime too. Sad to see it end, but not surprised it ended the way it did. I almost had a flip out though (for those of you that have seen it too, you probably know why).
But at least the manga's still going! :D
Slow but steady.
THANK YOU ALL FOR THE KIND REVIEWS! You guys are all seriously too good for me. I do my best to try and get another chapter out much sooner!
THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH!
Marshmellow-
-OUT!