(Ivy's POV)
What am I doing here? How did I get myself involved in this mess? Why, oh why, did I just have to disobey my master once again to go chasing after a man who barely even looks my way?
Surely I'll be punished. Not like the last time I ran off, which may not have been the first, but it was expected to be my last. Of course it'll be worse than a simple burning. I'm sure it will last for a while, though the method I can't be sure….
A low groan pushes the thoughts from my mind, the tingling creeping across my skin instantly ceasing. I look up from staring at my folded hands to see two eyes of contrasting colour staring into mine. We stay like that, only for a moment, but it seems to stretch out over years.
The moment is broken when he shuffles backwards, eyes hysteric as though he's being eaten alive. No, more like he's been stabbed and left on the side of a road, only to realize that his attacker was his best friend. Yes, that is the emotion his eyes are resembling; shock, recognition and horror.
I lean back in my chair, smiling at the thought as he tries to hide under the sheets of the bed. Why would he hide under those when they hold no protection? Even if he is a demon that thinks itself human, that is no rational way to think. Really, what is it with this boy?
Finally his motions slow and he peeks out at me. This action seems so familiar, where have I seen it? I suppose it was a long time ago… ah, that's when it was.
I had run away, around the twentieth time, I suppose, and had turned myself into a cat to be able to creep into Sebastian's arms once again. I was perched on the window sill of a bedroom and when I lowered my head to try and rid myself of the annoying reflection of the moon, I saw a little boy, thin as a twig and pale as the reflection I was trying to see around. He was quivering under his blankets, looking out at me as though I were the monster from his dreams. I suppose anyone else would have pitied him, but all I could think of was how pathetic he looked and how oddly delicious his soul would be. Of course, I noticed the glow to his eye, for why else would Sebastian be there? These are the exact thoughts that were running through my mind in this moment. He was a pathetic little boy with a surprising delectable soul, but now it was sealed off from me forever. What a disappointment.
He stuttered for a moment, stumbling over what question to ask. I have to admit, my patience it growing quite thin. All this nonsense about memory loss and pale-eyed imps trying to kill us all. Really, those people are more demonic then we could wish to be. Charging in and destroying everything Sebastian had so preciously planned. They could have at least tried to be a little sophisticated.
"Are you going to actually say something or just sit there tripping over your tongue for all eternity?" I finally ask. I manage to keep my tone smooth, and my eyes the same, but unfortunately I can't keep my hands from clenching the hem of my borrowed sweater.
He stares at me for a moment, mouth parted slightly and eyes scanning my face. For what, how should I know? A slave like myself has been "clipped" of its power, like what humans do to birds. They keep a creature that was meant to soar through the skies in the smallest of cages and just to make sure there is no way of escape they destroy its possibility to flight. Of course, there's always a way out and normally it's staring you in the face; you just have to be intelligent enough to realize it.
"Why are you smiling?" He asks softly, lowering his gaze to the mattress beneath him. I can only stare at him, slightly miffed at his insolence. His eyes flash back to mine, before returning to where they previously rested. "It's just… I'm not trying to be rude, but even though you look perfectly content I can feel it coming off of you. I-I'm not sure how, but it's like… I know that you're not happy. You can't be."
I let out a light laugh. After what could be described as eternity as a servant I've made the perfect façade. How could this infant see through what thousands of others could not? "Is this really what you should be asking me?"
He meets my gaze, not looking away for the first time. His eyes are barely quivering, his face strong and proud. I remember once Sebastian told me that this was what his master was like before the accident. Compassionate, proud and regal. Of course, he was always talking about how many thought that his compassion had died with his parents, but it was really just hidden away in a place where no one would be able to revive it, so that no one could hurt him. Genius, if you ask me.
"Fine then," He mutters, a slight English lilt appearing. It quickly disappears, but makes my smile grow a tad more genuine. "Where am I?"
"A small cabin tucked away in the forest where you were found," I answer honestly. This forest that we're in is the same place I appeared that night I stalked away from my master again. I relish the memory of finally breathing crisp air that didn't hold the constant smell of sulphur and the echoes of screams.
"Who are you?"
This makes my smile become a smirk, and I can see that he recognises the action from the glint it his eyes. "What a shame that you don't remember me. Ah, well, I suppose saving me from starving to death in an alley isn't that important of an experience to you."
He freezes, realization flitting across his eyes. He merely stares in shock for a long while; trying to take in the information I have gifted him with. His emotions are so easy to determine, it really isn't as fun trying to pick out what one he's trying feeling. I suppose it' something that's only truly impossible to do with two demons that I know. You'd think the child would learn from his elder, but I guess it'll only come with time.
"Next question," I smile at his expression. I suppose knowing exactly what he's feeling is fun too; for manipulation reasons, of course.
"Where's Bell?" He skips over his shock, eyes beginning to cloud with concern. I can't understand why he would feel this way about a one of their kind, but what would I know about preferences?
"She's discussing things with… You called him Mr. Michaelis, did you not?" I smirk at the name. However did he come up with something so ironic?
I watch every one of his muscles tense up, starting with his arms before flowing to his abdomen, legs and finally reaching his fragile little face. It enables the need to chuckle, but for whatever reason, the closest to a real laugh I can manage is a sharp intake of breath, followed by a low sigh.
"I want to see her," he mumbles, glaring into my eyes without fear. How odd.
I lean forward until I'm quite near his face. I can feel his light breath on my face and can make out each of the thick lashes that rest above his eyes. He doesn't lean back, but I can hear the increase of his heartbeat.
"Would you like to hear a story?" I ask softly, breathing in the scent of his soul. "You should agree, because I don't want to have to knock you unconscious."
I see the slight tilt of his head and feel his muscles relax as he leans back against the wall, clearly discouraged. I stand, sitting next to him and staring at him until his eyes flick up and meet mine. I have told our legends before, when I had to look after my master's children. Of course, I told the "child-friendly" version. I fully intend to frighten this child. He will learn of his ancestors; and he will learn the truth.
I take in a breath, holding up my hand and using one of the only talents I have discovered after I was clipped. I begin to draw out the scene with my hand, the images sparking into life as thin lines that shoot out sparks and hiss when I pass back over them. He watches intently, completely bewitched by the spell.
"Once, many years ago, or as some would call; before time started to tick, there were three beings that ruled over three of the climates, or levels, as most call them. The first level was made of pure white with hints of purple and gold. It was joyful and everyone was happy and… pure. It was called Caelum, for it was above all in its clarity.
"The second level was not made of simple colours and emotions. It was made of material things, and those who lived there were constantly stuck between the joy that the level above it felt, and between the desperate want for material things that plagued them so. Terrae was what it was titled.
"The finally, and lowest level was made of emotions. These emotions were not of bliss or want, but were of rage, torment and despair. Those that lived there were constantly overwhelmed with death, destruction and depression. The levels above never even switched a glance to this level; in fact they only called on it when they were in need of something that could only be accomplished by these poor souls. This final level was named Infernus for it was engulfed in the flames of its inhabitants' sorrows.
"As the years wore on the spirits of each level began to take on new forms. First those of Terrae were created. They grew into humanoid bodies, and with this new flesh their lust for material objects grew and grew until all they could further lust for was each other. They began to create also. They created tools and plants and even new beings that we called Beasts. These were the Terraens.
"Caelum soon followed. Its people took on a similar shape to the Terraens, they grew arms and legs that were the perfect proportions. Their voices flowed like the sweetest of sugars. Often they would sing to the Terraen people's Beasts. Soon their forms changed yet again; and the wings of doves began to grow out of their backs. The hair on their heads became as white and soft as their wings and their eyes a piercing violet. Even back then they were called Angels, for the Terraens could think of no name more suited to their beauty and kind-hearted natures.
"As those of Infernus began to grow bodies, all eyes were turned to them. Maybe something would come out of these people. Maybe the torture they had suffered through would be made up with beautiful forms and voices." I stopped to chuckle, watching the drawings of the Angels and the Terraens gather together, staring down into the flickering drawn flames. "If only.
"These people's forms were so horrid and disgusting that those who had gathered either went blind or insane. The people of Infernus were ashamed and tried to hide themselves, but they could only hear the screams of the ones above them that echoed all day and night.
"One of the Angels who had gone mad from his glimpse into Infernus returned to Caelum, his flight unsteady and one word echoing on his tongue over and over. When he reached his home he was caught by the others. They listened to his one-worded speech for many days, trying to understand what had happened that could be so awful. All they knew was one word. Impure.
"Soon the Terraens began to make new tools, tools of war. On the night when the moon didn't rise, they charged Infernus. They screamed at these people who were tortured by their own existences the word that soon became their title. Daemon.
"It was only when the Angels joined the war that these Daemons truly began to fight back. They discovered that with these horrid forms they had ultimate power. They didn't need smooth voices and beauty as they could disguise themselves as these things with only a thought. They had strength and endurance, speed and agility. They were truly the ultimate fighting machines.
"Soon they parted with their shy ways and became sadistic. When they were threatened they wouldn't merely kill. No, they would torture the body heartlessly until only the soul was left and then they learned something. Instead of letting the soul create itself a new body they could let it pass over their lips. It was something they had watched the Terraens do with berries and Beasts meat, so it must work with something like this, right?
"This war last for a millennium, with the Daemons holding the advantage. It was only brought to an end when two of the most powerful beings to ever walk the three levels were created. Their names were Obscurum and Lux."
"That's enough," a voice echoes from the doorway.
I stop in my movements, watching as the twisted forms of the Ancients fight even after my hand drops to my side. Slowly they fizzle away, leaving the air where they were slightly darker then everything around them.
I turn my gaze to the man who stands at the head of the bed. I try to meet his eyes, but I can't. I bow my head, gritting my teeth at the habit that was ingrained into me through many beatings. I can tell that he isn't even looking at me by the way the child beside me takes in a gulp of air very quickly, not letting it back out again until I raise my head to look at the wall.
"I assume you got what you needed?" I ask quietly, letting the Irish lilt I allowed myself before to vanish and be replaced with that of a good servant, a useful one.
Sebastian says nothing, but turns his head away to look at the same place I have fixated myself on. He stares for a moment before looking back to me. With a sigh, he presses his fingertips lightly to his forehead, furrowing his brow.
"Ivy," The use of my name startles me for a moment. I was expecting useless, or whore, or one of the less popular ones. "Do tell whatever is so interesting about that wall, for I can see nothing in it that you do."
"So that's a no, then," I mutter, looking at his chest and standing. "I shall take my leave then."
I shuffle forward until I'm standing directly beside the taller man. It could have been for more then I second, but I stood still, feeling his stare intently searching for my face. I've hidden it, for it's something my masters did not enjoy looking upon.
"Go ahead," He whispers, letting the smirk slide across my face before stepping into the room with his master and closing the strong wooden door.
I hold down my giddy feeling, walking down the hall towards the open front door. The sun has just set and the forest is lit up by the twilight. Shadows flitter around the trees, even though there is no light to cast them. I watch the snow sparkling lightly as the sky seems to burst out into flames.
Stepping out of the threshold I pause for a moment, feeling my bare feet break through the crisp layer and fall into the fluff beneath. I wait just long enough to feel icy water begin to trickle down between my toes.
With that feeling I take off into a ritual dance I have performed at twilight every night that I have freedom. The music is the sounds that can only be heard now, in this moment. Every time the music is different, yet the dance is the same. Every night, barely even touching the surface of the ground between leaps and spins, I have tried to find a way to complete this dance.
This, to me, is the only version of freedom I'll ever know. This dance, without an end, is the thread that I cling to. This is my escape from everything real. I can be and Angel in the midst of Caelum, singing with the birds and Terraens, instead of an ugly little Daemon slave, sentenced to serve until I can no longer move.
I open my eyes to meet darkness and sigh, faltering in my movements. I fall to my knees, bowing my head and placing my hands on the ice-cloaked ground. My eyes are sealed shut, and for one simple moment, my emotions burst out from within me.
All the torment of these past millennium come crashing down on me, like a tsunami breaking a small child into something that no longer holds a beating heart within its chest. Although, that's all I can feel. As tears stain my face, all I feel is my heart beating. I can feel the blood being pushed around my body at rapid speeds, and my lungs gasping in air. Everything seems so clear, every sense heightened, every thought meaningful and lucid.
With an intake of breath and the closing of my eyes, it disappears. I'm left with a feeling of emptiness, and a strange serenity that settles over me. I fall over and roll onto my back, staring up at the stars, trying to figure out what this all means.
It must mean something.
"Ivy?" I snap my head to the side to meet pale blue eyes. I'm surprised to see concern in them. "I heard you leave so I watched you…."
"Come," I mumble, smiling. "Watch the stars with me."
She sits down beside me, watching my every twitch as if I would attack her out of the blue. I snort, grabbing onto her shoulder and pulling her down beside me. She lets out a cry of alarm, before rolling onto her side and glaring at me. Before a single angry word can leave her lips, I point my finger up through the skeletons of the trees above us. She follows the line I point up, her breath pooling around her in a small cloud as she watches the stars dance across the sky.
"It's odd isn't it," She says softly after a moment. "How the lights we see look so vibrant and alive, yet the light takes so long to reach us that chances are they're long dead."
"But there's still a chance," I reply, my clarity sinking in as I reflect on my childhood. "That one of the stars out there; one that we so believe is dead and gone is still there, it's just disguised itself as darkness for a moment and soon it'll let its light shine so brightly that everyone will bask in its glow."
I can feel a gaze on me, asking me what on Earth I could be talking about. I don't respond, just close my eyes. I can feel it deep down inside of me, this odd feeling I haven't felt in so long.
We have started a war. Well, we haven't started it, not truly. We've just picked at an old wound until it sprung open and shed its tears over us. I can feel something else. Something important. This girl is the key. She can open a door, or lock it forever. I will have to watch a see what becomes of this.
Gosh, I have to be the worst person for updating in existence! I am so sorry for not updating at all over the summer. If you want to hear my reasoning, it's down somewhere. If you don't, just know that I am so sorry!
Reasons for not updating would have to be that I was so busy with cosplaying stuff. My group and I were trying really hard to get something actually good up on YouTube for people but we ended up just getting little bits of things that we can't finish until next summer. Also for some reason I tend to work on my fanfictions more when I have school… Maybe it's because I don't like doing homework.
So, as if I was slow enough already, I'm going to updating probably not as much as I would like too, seeing as at the new school I'm going to the homework load is way more than I expected, not to mention I started taking Japanese so I'm learning a whole new alphabet and I'm totally dying of everything! The only reason I managed to write this is because I got sick and got to stay home. Just for you guys (kinda).
Anyway, I hope you can forgive me, and hey, if you saw the mention of Cosplay up in the second paragraph and you're interested, would you like some shameless self-advertising? It's ObsidianHeartz Cosplay on YouTube, DeviantART, Facebook, apparently Twitter and we have a website (that gets updated about as much this story does). So check it out if you're interested!
I'll see you all next time, hopefully within a month!