YOLO! Heres that second chapter I said I'd post today! Hope you enjoy! I dont own DGM or any characters I do own Kaya and Araya so they are under my copywrite!
Chapter 10
It has been a few been weeks since we had seen Toraido. And lemme say, it has not been an easy week. The baby is supposed to be born at some point this week so I've been on edge, barely getting any sleep though Araya insisted I should sleep. But I was so nervous about being a father and about the Earl taking me home that I simply could not.
I woke up to someone prodding my arm. I looked up with sleepy eyes to see Araya awake, one of her fists clenched tightly. "Araya? What's wrong?" I yawned.
"What do you think?" She sighed with a raised eyebrow. I was wide awake at once.
"The baby?" I asked.
"No, my brother decided to make out with Cross." she said sarcastically. "Yes the baby!" She said with a groan. I got to my feet quickly.
"Then let's go." I said hurriedly. She got to her feet just as quickly, hurrying after me with great agility which was surprising. Then again, she was a cyborg. We rushed up the staircase and towards town. She could run in long strides seemingly unfazed to her predicament. I wondered if I should help her or something... "Want me to carry you? I could go at full speed then and we'd get their faster." I offered as we ran.
"Nah, I'm fine," she said, her cheeks flushing a bit, telling me she wasn't going to admit if she was struggling and that she was embarrassed to accept my offer. I had learned to read her actions and signs to know if she was being stubborn or practically anything else. I smirked slightly.
"Too bad." I laughed, scooping her up bridal style and going at full speed. She squeaked in alarm.
"Hey!" She protested. I gave a breathy laugh of amusement, skidding to a stop in front of the hospital.
"See...? Faster..." I panted.
"You're exhausted now though," She sighed.
"I'll be fine." I coughed, regaining my breath. "Let's just go in." I said, walking into the hospital. She followed quietly, her hand gripping mine. I wondered what it was gonna be like. Would it hurt her? Then it dawned upon me that she wasn't acting the way someone usually acts when they're in labor. "Hey Araya, how come you aren't acting like you're going into labor?" I asked softly.
"Cyborgs don't feel the urgency, panic or pain of the contortions so I'm naturally calm now." She explained.
"At least put on a good show." I smirked slightly. "To fool the humans."
"Do I have to?" She groaned. I nodded with a small laugh. "Alright..." She sighed. I knew she didn't want to but she would indeed put up a show. "Oh yeah, if this whole thing gets too disturbing for you, I don't mind if you leave the room." She chirped. I nodded, hearing someone coming as we neared the front desk.
"Alright then gorgeous." I winked. "Action."
"Don't forget to play your part love." she said before she clutched her stomach and breathed heavily, sucking in a breath every now and again, making herself wince a bit as if she really was in pain. Had to admit... she was good at acting. I put on a convincing look of desperation and panic as a nurse came into the room. "Get me... a god... damned room!" She spat in between breaths before i could even utter a word. She winced again, gripping my hand tighter which made it hurt a bit. The nurse nodded quickly.
"Please, follow me." She said hurriedly and led us into a room. "I'll be back with a doctor," She said before walking quickly from the room and closing the door behind her. Then Araya dropped her act.
"Happy?"
"Very." I laughed. "You are a very good actress."
"I'd bow but I can't at the moment." She groaned. I grinned, kissing her cheek.
"You don't need to." I purred. She smiled and nuzzled up against me.
"Oh, and sorry for crushing your hand, I guess normal humans do that when they're giving birth etcetera." She said with a shrug. I shrugged, flexing my fingers.
"It's fine." I said. She nodded resting her head on my shoulders.
"When do you think the Earl's gonna take you away?" She asked softly.
"I don't know." I murmured truthfully. She sighed and kissed my cheek, then we heard the click of the door, the nurse was back with a doctor, Araya quickly began her act once more moaning in pain, taking in harsh pained breaths. I continued my own act, clutching her tightly and whispering soothing words into her ear, stroking her hair in reassurance, to be honest I was barely acting, I really felt a bit desperate, scared for what might happen to her. I was then asked to leave the room, which was the last thing I wanted to do. But I grudgingly obeyed. Araya begrudgingly let go of my hand and watched me leave, still acting. I gave her a reassuring smile and walked out of the room, sitting in a chair in the hallway. I really didn't want to leave her alone with the two of those people. I didn't really trust them with my Araya or our daughter. I felt fear pound in my chest. Then, a sound came from the room that made my heart stop for a moment.
It had begun and, this time, I knew Araya wasn't acting. I covered my ears, trying to block of desperate cries of pain that came from her. I wanted nothing but to tear through every human and make sure she was safe. But I gulped down my instincts, taking a deep breath to calm myself.
...
After a few hours of listening to Araya's distress and struggle, the door opened. "You can come in now." The nurse said. I nodded and stood, walking into the room. Araya still struggled almost wailing. Her eyes lit up slightly when she saw me. I went to her side and took her hand, squeezing it gently. She weakly turned to face me, I cupped her cheek with my free hand and kissed her gently.
"Shh... it's almost over..." I murmured, stroking her cheek with my thumb. Araya nodded quietly, trembling. I kissed her cheek, stroking her hair soothingly. She squeezed her eyes shut seemingly thankful of my presence. I kneeled right next to her bed whispering soothing words to her. Araya pressed her forehead to my chest and clutched my hand for dear life while the other had an iron grip on my forearm. I grit my teeth from the amount of pressure she was putting on my arm and continued trying to soothe her.
"Its a girl!" The doctor announced signaling it was over, Araya's grip loosened on my arm and hand, she panted weakly, beads of sweat falling down her face. I let out a sigh of relief, smiling at Araya.
She looked up at me her breathing heavy "...i-is it... o-over?" She asked, barely managing to speak within breaths. I nodded.
"Yeah, It's over." I said happily. She let out a sigh of relief and let her head rest on my arm. I laughed slightly in relief, kissing her cheek.
"Do you want to hold her for a bit before we check up on her to make sure she's healthy?" The nurse asked, interrupting mine and Araya's small moment of relief, at first I thought she was talking about Araya, but then I remembered Kaya. I looked at Araya, unsure of how to answer. She seemed to look at me as if looking for an answer as well. I shrugged and nodded.
The nurse smiled and gently handed Kaya over to me. My daughter felt so weak, small and defenceless in my arms, she felt so frail, but I suppose she wasn't that strong yet. I noticed a small marking on her throat, it was right at the base, in the middle of her throat, in between her collar bones. It was then I realized it was innocence.
"Araya," I muttered. "Look." I showed her the bright green symbol. Araya opened her eyes and glanced to where I was pointing.
"Inn-ocence…" She murmured under her breath. I nodded.
"Looks like she's an exorcist." I whispered. Araya seemed to notice something I didn't.
"Jasdevi," she muttered, to get my attention.
"Hmm?" I asked, looking up at her.
"She h-has stigmata," she said, her voice soft. By now the Nurse and Doctor had left. Araya pointed out the faint markings of what looked just like very faint stigmata.
"Oh." I stared at the stigmata. "So she does..."
Kaya yawned, her tiny jaws parting.
"And somehow she's the exhausted one…" Araya muttered under her breath weakly. I laughed lightly.
"I think it's kinda cute." I chuckled. Araya nodded tiredly. She had gone through a lot, so many joyful emotions flooded me. My Araya was alive, and we had our baby now. I outstretched a hand to Kaya, who grabbed my finger, giggling. I grinned at her and pulled the child onto my lap, hugging her gently. Her small fingers grasped at my hair, putting a strand in her mouth. Children did indeed eat everything didn't they? I gently pried my hair from the babies mouth. "My hair isn't a chew toy," I purred. She seemed to pout, trying to get to my hair. I wondered why Araya was so quiet all of a sudden so I looked down at her to see she had fallen asleep, her hand still holding mine. I smiled, kissing her cheek. She deserved some rest. Meanwhile, Kaya had somehow gotten hold of my hair again. I groaned softly and took my hair away from her again. Putting my uneven strands behind me so she couldn't get them again. I tapped her nose gently. "No." I said sternly. Kaya seemed to roll her eyes a bit then grab hold of my finger, cramming it into her mouth and trying to eat it. I pulled my finger away. "You are truly a Noah." I grinned. "A troublemaker." Then it dawned upon me that she was probably hungry. What did babies eat again...? Milk? Yeah, milk. But, Araya was asleep and I didn't feel right waking her. I didn't even know if cyborgs could produce that stuff. What was I supposed to do? God, first hour and being a parent was already tough. Maybe I should wake Araya…
I sighed knowing she wouldn't be very happy if I woke her for this but I needed to anyway. I gently shook her shoulder. Araya moaned and curled up tighter. "Aya..." I chuckled. She moaned again only squeezing my hand tighter. "Aya... wake up..."
"Dun wanna…." She whimpered.
"Kaya's hungry though." I said. She opened a single eye.
"Cyborg…" Was all she said, closing the eye again. "I got nuthin…"
"Then how are we supposed to feed her." I asked, raising an eyebrow.
"They have some kind of ready made milk stuff…" She said "ask a nurse or something…" I sighed.
"Fine..."
…
It had been a few days since Araya gave birth, she had been mainly quiet, keeping to our room, but, I didn't really speak to her or react to her much anyway, I've been too busy tending to Kaya while Araya recovered. Kaya was could be an angel at times... but a small little devil at others. She was quite the adorable thing either way.
I was currently sitting in the living room, Kaya playing with a teddy bear I had materialized. She was nomming it's ear happily, though she had no teeth, she practically gummed it up. I was watching her, my mind in a completely different place. Though I acted otherwise, I was constantly on edge of when the Earl would force me to come home.
Araya walked in the room, emerging from the bedroom, and not even greeting me, but patting Kaya on the head and walking into the kitchen. "Hey." I greeted. I didn't know if she heard my greeting or not, because she didn't respond. I blinked in confusion. "Araya." I called. "Is something the matter?" Still no answer. Was she mad at me? I thought the bipolar thing was over. I stood and walked into the kitchen. "Aya?" She continued to do what she was doing, which I assumed was making supper. "Aya, what's wrong?" I asked, walking up to her. She once again didn't respond, but avoided my gaze which confirmed my suspicion that she was mad at me for something. Not sure if it was the right thing to do, I hugged her from behind. "What's wrong Araya?" I asked. I was shocked to see she turned to glare at me. I released her, blinking in confusion. She huffed in a depressed yet mad way and continued her cooking. "D-did I do something?" I asked nervously.
"No, you've only ignored my existence since Kaya was born!" She spat angrily, responding for the first time since I started trying to talk to her.
"H-have I?" I said timidly. "I-I didn't m-mean to." She rolled her eyes, and continued to cook, biting her bottom lip as if fighting back tears. "You just seemed like you needed rest... so I've been taking care of her. I'm sorry if it seemed like I was ignoring you."
"Oh don't even try to cover it up! You didn't even try to talk to me at all!" She hissed. I didn't know how to reply so I just hung my head in shame. She moved out of the way and finished with one plate, shoving it at me. "Just eat your damned supper." She growled. I nodded, taking the plate obediently. How had she turned so bitter so fast? She obviously didn't like being mad at me, and seemed to hold back tears she wanted to cry. I sat down at the table, eating my food. It still tasted as delicious as normal, though I felt numb. Life wasn't sweet when she was mad at me. Especially with the constant dread of being trapped back at Noah's Ark.
I stood up and walked over to Araya, scooping her up bridal style and nuzzling her cheek gently.
"The hell?" She yelped.
"I'm sorry." I pleaded, kissing her cheek. She crossed her arms over her chest reluctantly. "I love you. You know I do. I'd never ignore you on purpose." She still said nothing, but looked down. I kissed her forehead, silently pleading for forgiveness. I squeezed her tighter to my body, then she finally gave in with a sigh.
"Alright… I forgive you…" She murmured. I smiled and kissed her. She leaned into me holding me closer, her lips capturing my own with affection. I placed her back on her feet, happy that she had forgiven me. She smiled and hugged me tightly around the waist.
"I like it when you're happy." I purred.
"I can't stand being mad at you…" She admitted, nuzzling me tighter. I smiled, hugging her. She hugged me tighter, I could tell she had missed me a great deal.
"Why don't we both go play with Kaya?" I offered. "I've finally mastered materializing toys." I added proudly. She nodded with a smiled, allowing me to guide her to our daughter. Kaya was still nomming on the teddy bear, this time on its arm. Araya giggled at the little girl leaning against me happily. Kaya looked up at the sound, dropping the teddy bear and crawling over to Araya, outstretching her small arms to her. Araya grinned and lifted Kaya up placing a tender kiss on her cheek. The little girl giggled, poking her mother's cheek. Araya teasingly nipped Kaya's finger ever so lightly, that the baby giggled. She began nomming on one of Araya's braids. Araya pouted. Then created a little chewy toy made of fire, one that of course wouldn't ever harm Kaya. The baby became fascinated with the glowing object, and immediately dropped Aya's hair and grasped the flame chewy toy and began to chew at the warm object as if it was just a regular chew toy. I chuckled at this, she was very easily distracted. Or she just liked to test chew everything within her grasp. Araya dispensed her two braids over her shoulders out of the child's grasp. I laughed, happy to be with my family.
Kaya soon dropped the toy and grabbed at my hair again with tiny hands with a mischievous giggle grasping my hair. I sighed and let her start nomming on it, realizing there was no point in taking it away from her. Araya chuckled in amusement probably because her hair was safe from the babies maw.
"Oh be quiet you." I growled playfully.
"Pff," she snorted rolling her eye amusedly.
"Why do you like chewing hair so much?" I asked quietly, pulling my hair away from Kaya. She pouted with a giggle and tried to grab my long hair again.
"She can't talk love," Araya mused.
"I know." I said. "I was talking to myself more than her." I poked Kaya's forehead gently. "No. No touching my hair." This caused another snort from Araya. Then she turned her head to something she heard. I turned as well, still trying to keep the child from chewing my hair.
"The Earl's here..." Araya murmured. My heart clenched, my happiness fading slowly. She sighed opening the entrance with the flick of her wrist while holding Kaya in her other arm, balancing our daughter on her hip. I didn't look at the staircase, instead preoccupying myself with watching Kaya.
Araya leaned against my side nuzzling her cheek into it, closing her eyes. Footsteps came closer and closer down the staircase, each one like a stab to my heart. I wrapped an arm around Araya, holding her close to my side and guiding her to the couch where we all sat down, I pulled Araya onto my lap, as if that could keep her with me, Kaya still in her mother's arms, probably wondering what was going on.
Araya curled up bringing her cheek to my shoulder and her forehead to the crook of my neck. I held her tighter feeling the presence of the Earl, I kept her on my lap, knowing this could possibly be the last time I could hold her ever again. Then I looked up slightly as my father came into the room. Araya looked up to face the Earl, stiffening in my arms. Kaya however tilted her small head clueless of what was going on, completely forgetting about eating my and Araya's hair. I stood slowly, not wanting to go home. I had gently placed Araya back on the couch. I walked up to my father, refusing to look at him.
"It's time to go home, Jasdevi," father spoke. Araya gently placed down Kaya and walked over to me and wrapping her arms around my waist, hugging me tightly she then brought her lips to mine and kissed me, her lips were wet from what was probably tears. I kissed her back gently, then pulled back. Tears soaked her eyelashes and cheeks. She gently wiped some of her tears away.
Kaya began to whimper, either in knowing something was wrong or she didn't like being alone. Araya walked back over to Kaya lifting her up and placing our baby on her hip then walking back over.
"I'm gonna miss you... We're gonna miss you..." She choked out. I nodded, not speaking. I was worried that I would break down if I opened my mouth. I placed a kiss on Kaya's forehead, murmuring a goodbye then turning back to the Earl.
He looked rather astounded at first, then he motioned for me to follow him. So I did, looking behind me to see Araya's tear filled gaze following me up the stairs. I followed the Earl slowly, gripping my left arm as my legs moved reluctantly. I fought back tears as it felt like my heart was being wrenched from my chest. We walked out into the forest, the entrance closing behind us.
Father guided me to one of Road's doors. We stepped through feeling the abyss close around me, immediately as soon as I entered the Ark, I walked straight for my room unable to hold back tears any longer, they burned in my eyes and my throat seemed to clench itself as my chest tightened, a deadly pang of grief throbbing in my lonely heart. My hair hid my face as I cried silently, refusing to led the Earl see me cry. I broke away from him going into my room and slamming the door shut behind me. It was now that I allowed myself to break down into sobs. I sank to my knees in front of the door, my fists against the smooth wood. I felt tears streak down my cheeks I wanted my family... I didn't want the Earl or any of the Noah. I wanted my Kaya. I wanted my Araya. I wanted to be with them.
I'd give anything just to hold them in my arms, I hadn't even gotten to tell Araya how much I needed and loved her.
I dug through my pockets until my hand stumbled upon the Forget Me Not, then I squeezed it tightly, holding the warm round object close to my body that was the last thing I had of Araya besides my memories.
I stood shakily and walked over to my barred window and tried to melt it again. But, the moment my hand touched the bars, agony pulsed through my entire arm making me draw back quickly.
I knew father wasn't going to let me see them. Not ever again... I knew I would never be truly happy until I saw my family. The Earl could give me anything in the world for all I care, but it would never make me happy even a glimpse of my family would make me at least feel a bit happy.
...
It has been a few weeks since then... I've cried myself to sleep nightly, and only ate when physically forced to by some Akuma. It was rare for me to leave my room and I was in constant misery, the twins have refused to speak in their own depression. So I've been all alone...
I had started cutting again, my hair becoming blades subconsciously at this point, slicing my forearms until they were raw and bloody. I didn't care anymore. The pain was only meant as a test to see if I was alive. Or if I was just living in a nightmare... I hid the bloody cuts after I was done, so no one knew. That's how I prefered it.
It's not like anyone cared anyways. The one person that has ever cared is my Araya. The one that father was never going to let me see again.
I looked down at my arm, blood dribbled down it and a burning pain had erupted in my newest cut. I felt my arm tremble in pain. I squeezed my eyes shut in pain, why not savor the pain though, right? At least I can feel one thing other than grief and heart break. I'm not a monster... I feel pain... I feel the heartbreak.
There was a knock at the door... I quickly wrapped a bandage around it and pulled down my sleeve. I opened the door, arm still tremblingly. At the door I saw my mother. "What do you want?" I asked miserably, wiping my eyes.
"I wanted to check on how you're doing, and I want to see if there's anything I can do to make you happy," she murmured. I shook my head, sniffing slightly. "Tell me what I can do," she said softly.
"Nothing." I replied shortly.
"There's got to be something that will make you happy," she murmured, resting a hand on my shoulder and squeezing it gently.
"The only thing that will make me happy is seeing Araya again." I said, shrugging her hand off. "But that isn't going to happen anytime soon is it?"
"Do you want me to try to convince your father?" Lulu Bell sighed, pity in her golden eyes. I shrugged, positive that he'd say no. "I'll try, alright?" She said softly. I nodded, hugging myself being sure not to touch my arm. "I'll do what I can." She muttered before walking from the room and closing the door behind her. I locked the door, going back to sit with my knees to my chest on my bed. I squeezed my eyes shut, I had no hope left in me, surely father would say no immediately, I was definitely sure of that. I pulled the bandage off my other arm and my hair went to work immediately, slicing my flesh. I felt tears stream down my cheeks, not from the pain, for my arm had gone numb by now, but because of grief. I wanted the twins to say something at least. Just so I knew that I wasn't all alone… They seemed to sense my urgency. It's gonna be alright Jasdevi Devit said Gonna be alright, hee! Jasdero reassured in his usual childish demeanor. I sensed they both wanted Araya just as desperately as I did. They just shoved it down so they could reassure me, I knew this because they were me. I lowered my head, my hair digging deeper into my arm. Jasdevi, stop cutting yourself, it ain't doin no good. Devitto pleaded. I simply shook my head. Pain meant that I was alive. That I was still able to feel something besides misery. You're not gonna be alive if you keep cutting yourself! Devitto scolded.
"Then let me die..." I sobbed, lowering my head further. No. We might possibly see Araya again, she wouldn't like to see you dead now would she? He tried. Don't die Jasdevi. Aya-chan would be sad then. Dero whimpered. "What's the point… If she wouldn't even know…" I murmured. But she could know, Lulu Bell could convince him. Devit said. I shrugged half heartedly. Stop hurting yourself Jasdevi. It's not good for you. Jasdero added. "It's the only thing I can feel besides the misery!" I sobbed. The twins obviously didn't know how to respond, so they fell silent. I cupped my hands over my face and wailed, hot sticky crimson flowing down my arm and dribbling onto the hardwood floors. The blood stained my clothes, my hair... but I couldn't care less.
The pain… I know this is crazy… But it feels nice…. My sanity had been shattered, making me desire the feeling of agony.
…
I don't know how long it took for there to be a knock at the door, I lost track in time. I wrapped my arm in a bandage again, standing shakily and walking over to open the door.
Lulu Bell was there with a smile. "I convinced him!" She said. I froze in surprise, staring at her in disbelief. See?! Told you! Devit laughed triumphantly.
"R-really?" I asked.
She nodded. "You're allowed to see her once a day for as long as you want as long as you're back by supper," she said. I nodded, still hardly believing father agreed. "So, go ahead," Lulu Bell said, proud of herself for this accomplishment. I nodded and walked out of my room immediately. I hurried towards the exit, anxious to see Araya at long last. Happiness filled me for the first time in what seemed like an eternity. I raced out of the door, energy pulsed through me as I sprinted faster than I ever had in my entire life my feet barely touched the ground and everything was a blur, I was somehow able to navigate myself to the entrance. It opened as soon as I set foot on the waiting spot. I walked through it, finding myself in the forest. I grinned and ran faster towards Araya's entryway. The entrance opened at once and I ran down the staircase.
Araya was there, she turned her head curiously to see who was at the staircase, but when her eyes met, she stopped in her tracks, a grin pulling across her lips and tears forming in her eyes. I rushed forward, and hugged her tightly. She hugged me tightly, squeezing her eyes shut and I felt her hands grasp my back, fingers digging into my shirt. She nuzzled her cheek into my chest.
"I missed you so much…" She cried, bringing her lips to my own, her sweet tender lips, I haven't felt them in so long… That hair… It had grown a bit but was still as short as she usually kept it. Her slender body pressing against me. She ran her fingers through my hair then I remembered, it was blood clotted. She seemed to notice that as well. She released me looking at my hair. Then she took the arm that hurt, I noticed a blood splotch on it, she pushed the sleeve further on my arm and took off the bandage. "Jasdevi!" She scolded. I looked away slightly, unsure what to say. "C'mon, lemme clean this up," she said softly pulling me towards the bathroom where most of the stuff like medical alcohol, pain relievers and other things were. I wondered if I should show her my other arm.
She took out cotton swabs, and to my horror the rubbing alcohol, that stuff always stung like hell on wounds, I didn't like it. But she always insisted on putting it on wounds because it helped kill infection. The moment the stuff the touched my arm, I hissed and my arm jerked instinctively. She sighed and kissed my cheek.
"I know you don't like this stuff, but bare with it," she said softly, pinning my arm down and rubbing away blood with the rubbing alcohol.
"Ow..." I growled through gritted teeth.
"Almost done, I'm gonna check your other arm after," she said. I nodded, knowing she wouldn't like what she saw. That had been the arm that had suffered more abuse. She wrapped the arm back up with a new clean bandage, then went to the other arm. She gasped as she saw so much blood and wounds. "Jasdevi, did you do this to yourself?" She asked, putting her hands on her hips. I hesitated, then nodded guiltily. "Please, don't ever do this to yourself again… Please, promise me you won't ever hurt yourself." She pleaded, as she began to rub blood and any infection away with the cotton swabs.
"Okay." I said softly, wincing. She gently began wrapping my other arm with the bandage.
"Did you cut yourself anywhere else?" She asked with a sigh. I shook my head.
"Good, now to get the blood out of your hair," she said.
"Where's Kaya?" I asked curiously.
"Sleeping, in her crib," Araya explained, leading me to the kitchen sink where the sink was much bigger and there was a hose attached. She grabbed a chair and flipped it backwards so the front faced the sink. Then she took some dish soap from the counter and turned on the warm water.
"You're not gonna use the hose are you?" I asked hopefully.
"Only where the blood is thickest, which is at the ends of your hair," she said softly, kissing the top of my head. "Now sit," she said. I pouted slightly and sat down in a chair. She let the warm water run through my hair soaking it where the blood was, she took the soap in her hands and poured it into the blood clotted parts of my hair, running her fingers through it, from the corners of my eyes, I saw the blood flow from my hair and go down the drain. I shivered slightly, finally seeing how much I had abused myself.
She was very gentle and caring with my hair, not pulling on it but gently getting the blood out with the soap water and the hose. Some water dripped onto my clothes, getting them wet. But I didn't mind. She gently wrung my hair to get most of the water out of it.
"There, done," she said. I closed my eyes, imagining my hair dry. It dried immediately. "Hmm, neat trick," she commented. I smiled.
"I know right?" I laughed lightly.
"Wish I could do that," she mused, gesturing to her own short hair "well at least it dries quicker than it did when I used to have long hair."
"You used to have long hair?" I asked.
"Ya, when I was younger," she said with a small smile "it was hip length actually."
"Oh, cool." I smiled.
"Ya… It was nice, until an Akuma had grabbed it," she shuddered at some memory.
"Oh... that must've sucked."
"Ya, it hurt a lot, it was a level three or something," she sighed.
"I don't like those." I said. "Or level fours..."
"I ended up killing the level three," she shrugged "the level four is what killed me," she sighed. And then it got awkward... I didn't like it when she talked about her death. She seemed to notice my discomfort and decided to change the topic thankfully. "So, hows it been at the Ark?"
"Stupid." I muttered.
"Ya," she purred kissing my cheek. "Must've been hard." She murmured in understanding. I nodded, remembering Lulu Bell's efforts to make me happy… She helped me up and brought me over to the couch. She sat me down on it and sat on my lap hugging me and resting her cheek on my chest.
"I missed you." I purred, nuzzling the top of her head.
"I missed you too…" She whispered. Closing her eyes so she could hear my heartbeats, she seemed to find them comforting.
"Anything interesting happen while I was gone?" I asked.
"No, besides Kaya starting to grow hair, nope." She shrugged.
"What color is it?" I asked, not able to think of anything else to talk about.
"It's sort of a red with a black patch on top, kinda like how your hair used to be, except the blonde part is red." Araya smiled.
"That's cool." I purred. She nodded in agreement, pressing her lips to mine. I kissed her back, hugging her tighter. She grinned, closing her eyes and curling up tighter. "Love you..." I murmured.
"I love you so much…" She purred. I smiled, kissing her forehead. "How long are you staying?" She asked softly.
"Until supper." I replied.
"Are you gonna come back?" She asked her voice a murmur. I nodded.
"Every day." I promised.
"Really?" She asked hopefully. I nodded.
"Every. Single. Day." I grinned. She beamed at me and hugged me tighter. I returned the hug, relishing my happiness. Her smile widened, I could tell she was so joyful right now. I loved her smile, when she was happy.
"I love when you're happy, it makes me happy…" She purred. "And I love being able to see you…" She murmured.
"Me too." I smiled. "I hate it when you're crying or upset."
"I hate when you're upset too…" She murmured. I nuzzled against her, never wanting to let go. I felt my hair instinctively wrap around her lovingly. She laughed softly as the raven colored locks wrapped around her. She curled up closer, welcoming my warm hair blanket. I chuckled softly, holding her closer. She looked up at the sound of something then grinned. "Kaya's awake," She purred. I smiled.
"Then let's go get her." I said. She nodded waiting for me to unravel her from my hair. My hair removed itself from around her and we stood. Together, we walked towards Kaya's room, there she sat a perfect angel, she had, like Araya had said, hair, not that long, it barely reached to the nape of her neck, but it was very red, not like red head red, but literally red, like Araya's hair, with a black design like I used to have on my hair when most of it was blonde. I smiled and walked up to her. "Hey." I said softly.
She giggled and reached her small arms up with a giggle. I smiled and lifted her up gently. I noticed her eyes were two different. One eye was an emerald like one of her mothers, the other was gold like both of mine. I smiled at my daughter. She felt soft and warm in my arms and made me feel happy. She giggled and poked my forehead with a laugh, then she hugged me, making cooing noises. I laughed lightly, hugging her back.
"I missed you." I murmured. She giggled in response, her tiny hands gripping me tightly. I looked at Araya, still hugging Kaya. She smiled kissing my cheek and then the top of Kaya's head. I hugged her with one arm. We were together, a happy family. Araya snuggled into my side with a purr. Kaya began nomming on my hair again, but I didn't care. Araya giggled in amusement. I grinned, poking Kaya's cheek. Kaya, then turned to my finger and began to nibble on it happily. I laughed. "You like chewing things don't you?" I chuckled. She giggled with a small nod. Understanding things very well for an infant. I materialized a stuffed animal cat and handed it to her. She giggled and grabbed it, snuggling it close. "I think I just found her favorite animal." I grinned, looking at Araya. Araya laughed and nodded.
"My kitten," she purred. Suddenly, I saw something black come quickly into the room. Araya peered over at it tilting her head. "Jasdevi, I think a cat followed you in…" She said. I looked down at the cat and gasped slightly. Sitting at my feet, looking up at me, was a black cat with a pale silver stigmata on its forehead and the ribbon and bell around its neck. Kaya also looked down at the cat, her large eyes blinking at it curiously.
"Lulu Bell..." I whispered.
"Ah, no wonder you grow cat eats and a cat tail when you're very happy, your mother is a shape shifter…" Araya said in understanding as if this was a moment of explanation for her. I nodded slowly. Lulu Bell's golden eyes turned to Araya, giving her an inquisitive look. Then I remembered Lulu Bell had never seen me really happy before so she had no clue what Araya was talking about. Kaya giggled, looking at Lulu Bell, still holding the cat I had materialized. She brought out her arms making a motion that said she wanted to pet Lulu Bell or something while still holding the stuffed cat. Somewhat reluctantly, I placed Kaya on the ground. Kaya giggled and crawled towards Lulu Bell then hugged the cat with a giggle. Araya watched intently for Lulu Bell's reaction, most likely to make sure my mother didn't scratch or bite our daughter. Lulu Bell watched the child curiously as she placed a small hand on her head. Kaya was more gentle than most children would be with a living creature, petting Lulu Bell gently. The black cat purred and nuzzled against Kaya's hand, making her giggle happily. By now Araya was satisfied that the black she-cat wouldn't attack the baby and stepped closer to me, leaning into my side. I was relieved that Lulu Bell wouldn't do anything. I wrapped an arm around Araya as she rested her cheek against my side. Lulu Bell started swaying her tail back and forth, allowing the child to try and catch it. Probably not caring unless Kaya were to pull it. I pulled Araya close, hugging her. She smiled, a purr rumbling in her throat. I kissed her gently, my happiness almost overwhelming. I felt cat ears and a tail appear, then I pouted in annoyance, this always happened… Araya laughed and scratched gently behind my ears, causing a shiver of good feelings to run down my spine. I purred loudly, my tail swaying happily.
"I love when you get cat ears and a tail, it's cute," Araya purred. I smirked slightly, nuzzling against her hand, purring loudly. She laughed and continued scratching, I found my mother watching our behavior intently. My ears drooped slightly in embarrassment, my tail wrapping around my waist. Araya hugged me tightly. Lulu Bell stood and rubbed against my leg, Kaya giggled and followed Lulu Bell. The cat looked back at the child and trotted out of the room, the bell around her neck jingling. Kaya pouted then turned back to me and hugged my legs. I lifted her up, smiling. She blinking up at my eyes then grinned. Grabbing my hair then cramming it into her mouth. I sighed.
"Wanna play with the kitty?" I asked, pulling my hair away from her. Kaya tilted her head as if thinking, then pointed to her mouth. I looked at Araya for help.
"Alright, I'll make her something…" She sighed picking up Kaya from my arms and carried her towards the kitchen, holding my hand with a smile. I followed her, my tail swaying. Lulu Bell was curled up on the couch, either sleeping or relaxing. Probably both knowing her. Araya didn't seem to care, as if this was an everyday occurrence. I followed Araya, deciding to ignore Lulu Bell for a bit. Araya walked into the kitchen and sat Kaya down in a high chair before heading over to the fridge and getting out a carton of whole milk and getting out a bottle. I watched curiously, not sure what I should be doing. Araya popped off the cap and poured milk inside and then closed the cap twisting it to make sure it stayed on, then opening the fridge and putting the carton back into the fridge, then handing the bottle to Kaya who seemed to know exactly what to do with it.
Kaya shoved the bottle of milk into her mouth and drank from it. I had to admit, it was a bit cute. Lulu Bell entered the room and looked at the bottle of milk licking her lips. Araya laughed and got out a bowl and poured milk into it putting it on the floor. There were many things I expected but this wasn't one of them. Lulu Bell blinked up at Araya gratefully then trotted towards the bowl and lapped up the milk happily, her slick tail swaying. I smiled slightly in amusement. Araya walked back over to me after dispensing the milk into the fridge and kissed my cheek. She closed her eyes as if she knew something and was savoring it. I wondered what she could be thinking about right now. But I didn't ask. Only kissed her cheek as well. She continued to savor our moment until Kaya set her bottle aside.
"Jasdevi, could you wash that please? My hands still hurt from washing your hair," she said softly. I nodded.
"Sure." I smiled, taking the bottle. I walked over to the sink and pulled off my gloves and began washing the bottle.
"Thank you," Araya purred.
...
A few days later, I had gotten bored and had searched in dad's room to look for something to entertain me. Hidden in his top hat closet, under one of the hats, was a black leather note book.
I looked at it with curiosity, the strange texture of leather coming to my fingertips as I ran my fingers over large golden letters that said 'Diary'How manly. Devit laughed in amusement, Jasdero giggling in agreement.
I felt myself smirk widely I think we should read it. What do you guys think? I asked my wide smirk growing. The twins nodded enthusiastically. I'll just borrow it for a while. I grinned, hiding it in my pocket and going back to my room.
When I was back inside my room, I closed the door and locked it, sliding the leather notebook- excuse me, Diary from my tunic. I sat down on the bed and opened it, beginning to read the neat, cursive handwriting that was the Millennium Earl's. I smirked as all of his secrets spilled out to me.
All stories he told inside were very entertaining for me, but one in particular stood out the most in my mind. A story about the original Noah of Bond, Bondomu, and an exorcist.
An exorcist, a flame one in specific, had fallen in love with Bondomu, they visited in secret until they were caught, a war started because of their love. And in the end... They died, the war ended. But the odd thing was it said that the two would always become reborn, fall in love and die until they could be together at long last.
Almost all of the most recent entries were about me and how he 'had to stop history from repeating itself'. What did he mean by this? What was repeating itself, could he mean me and Araya? Is that why he had been trying so hard to keep me and Araya apart? I continued to read, my confusion and surprise growing with every word. With the words he wrote, he made it sound like he actually cared about me. That he cared about my well being.
I flipped to the most recent entry, which had been written a few days ago. It said that he failed. That history was repeating itself once more and he was wondering why he could not at least prevent it when it was his own son and not just some other Noah of Bond. I closed the Diary. Unwilling to read anymore of the entry. I had read enough anyway. I decided I should show it to Araya, see what she thought about it, I think it's visiting time now anyways I thought as I shoved the Diary inside my coat and headed out of my room and outside the Ark and to Araya's place.
When I was walking down Aya's staircase I looked around for her, urgently, I needed to let her see this. I had to know if she thought this was talking about us.
"Aya?" I called.
"Over here!" She said waving me over, a cloth in her hand, she seemed to be cleaning the house.
She wiped her brow with a forearm and looked at me "yo," she purred dropping the cloth and hugging me tightly with a grin.
"I have to show you something," I said.
She tilted her head "okay, c'mon." She said bringing me over to the couch, we sat down and she nestled her cheek into my side as I wrapped an arm around her and took the Diary from my jacket. "May I ask whose this may be?" She asked.
"The Earl's." I replied.
"How Manley," Aya snorted with a smirk. That's exactly what I said! Devit laughed. I felt myself smirk with a laugh.
"Well what's in it is what I need to show you," I muttered and flipped to the page where it talked about the Noah of Bond and the Exorcist in love and how they start a war and end it repeating itself in history, over and over again.
As she read, she furrowed her eyebrows and he smile fade into more of a curious look, she flipped to more recent entries. "History repeating itself..." She murmured, flipping past the point I stopped at, reading more and more then she smiled a bit as if realizing something.
"Jasdevi... The exorcist and Noah are us... Always returning and always meeting and falling in love... And we won't stop this until we can live a happy life together..." She murmured. I thought about one thing, how would we end the war. But then, a very working detail resurfaced in my mind. The Noah of Bond and exorcist would fall in love and die until they could be together. Was there a possibility that Araya and I would both die? She didn't seem to mind that fact, but she seemed to take it with pleasure. I smiled at her happiness and hugged her gently.
"Maybe we're the ones that get to be together," I murmured.
"I hope so..." She muttered as he read more into the Diary. I grinned.
"Oh, hey, there's this really funny one about him and Lulu Bell." I laughed.
"Ooh, do show," she smirked handing me back the Diary. I flipped to the page and showed her the page. "Hah!" She laughed as she read the page.
"I know right?" I grinned.
"Didn't think the Earl was that well… Into it…" she laughed "Wow… He writes in detail." She coughed, stifling another laugh. I felt her curl up much closer to my body with a warm smile. She wrapped her arms around my middle with a smile. I hugged her back, relishing every second with her. She purred with a smile and hugged me closer and resting her cheek against my chest. I purred as well, not caring the my ears and tail had appeared. They were pretty much a part of life now.
"I've never been this happy with anybody in my life before…" Araya murmured.
"Neither have I." I purred happily, my tail swaying.
"If you think of our situation, it's not really all that bad…" She said softly.
"What do you mean?" I asked.
"All the stuff bout us in the Diary. Yes we always die at the end of each lifetime, but we always get to see each other again and fall in love again… Any couple would beg for that gift…" She murmured. I smiled and nodded. When she put it that way, it didn't seem so bad. I didn't really want to die... But the thought of always being with Araya soothed me. She lay a kiss on my cheekbone with a warm smile. I loved her so much, I guess we really were lucky… Though people are trying to constantly tear us apart… We're together forever. More than I could ever ask for. I hugged her tightly.
"By the way, how's Kaya? Noah children grow really fast." I asked.
"Well, I figured that out, and she's fine, I taught her to say a few basic easy words," Araya said with a shrug and a grin.
"Like what?" I smiled slightly.
"You know, like hello, goodbye, please, thank you, mommy, daddy, cat, dog, and well stuff like that," She said.
"Can she walk yet?" I asked, the twins looking up from their mental poker game.
"Trying, she's not that good at it yet, but she's getting there," Araya said. Suddenly, a very high pitched voice came from another room.
"Moooommy!"
"Speak of the devil," Araya laughed, standing up and brushing her lips against mine briefly before stretching and heading into Kaya's room. I sat up straighter, my cat ears perked up.
It took a minute, but Araya walked back into the room, but Kaya wasn't in her arms. I tilted my head. But before I could ask, Kaya crawled into the room after Araya. She looked up at me with large eyes then grinned.
"Hi Daddy!" She giggled, crawling over to me as fast as her little legs could take her and sitting up, hugging my legs. Jasdero had a little mental break down in my head over how cute she was and I smiled, lifting her up onto my lap. Devitto just chuckled amusedly.
"Hey Kaya." I purred.
"Daddy!" She giggled, wrapping her tiny arms around my neck and hugging me tightly. I laughed, my multicolored tail swaying happily as I hugged her back.
"Don't choke Daddy," Araya purred, walking up to us. Kaya pouted and released my neck, sitting on my lap. I put my hand behind my back and materializing a toy, pulling it out and offering it to Kaya. She laughed happily and took the toy from my hand.
"Tank you daddy!" She laughed, squeezing it tightly in her arms. I laughed at her mispronunciation and kissed her forehead lightly.
"No problem." I smiled.
"Still learning," Araya laughed, ruffling our daughters shorthair, it was as long as Araya's was, minus the braids. Plus, it was two colors. Like mine... Same hair design on top of her head. I smiled seeing that she was unmistakably ours. The stigmata on her forehead was still faint and the bright green innocence stood out against her pale grey skin. "Do you think the exorcists will sense her innocence?" Araya asked a bit worriedly. I shrugged.
"Let's hope not." I said softly. She nodded with a sigh, twiddling her thumbs a bit nervously. Kaya tilted her head in confusion, obviously not understanding why both Aya and I had become suddenly a bit sad. Then Araya snapped back into reality with a grin.
"You hungry?" She asked both of us. I nodded with a shrug. I had purposefully not eaten lunch cause of my visiting time so I was hungry. "Well, I made cookies," she said with a smirk. I grinned.
"Hell yeah!" Devit said excitedly. Jasdero giggled in agreement.
"They're your favorite," she purred, tapping me and Kaya on the nose.
"Chocolate! Hee Hee!" Dero giggled.
"Cookie!" Kaya giggled excitedly, almost jumping in my lap. Jasdero had another spaz fest over her cuteness, causing me to laugh slightly.
Araya gently picked up the excited Noah child and pulled me up with her free hand, and guided us to the kitchen where a tray of warm chocolate cookies sat just waiting for us to dig into them. Kaya grabbed a cookie and began nomming happily.
"Kaya, what do you say?" Araya scolded gently.
"Cookie please?" She guessed.
"And," Araya pried.
"Tank you!" She said with a nod of her head.
"Good girl! Now you get two cookies!" Araya praised. Kaya squealed in delight as Araya gave her another cookie.
"Tank you mamma!" She giggled. I smiled, taking one of the cookies and taking a bite, the soft squishy delicious chocolaty flavor spreading through my jaws.
"Uh, uh uh," Araya scolded. "Set an example." She said with a slightly evil smirk. I sighed, my tail flicking in an irritated manner.
"Thank you Aya-chan." I purred.
"Alright, now eat your cookie, take more if you want," she laughed, kissing my cheek. I grinned.
"Can kitty have milk?" I asked teasingly.
"If kitty wants milk," she purred. I laughed softly, continuing to eat my cookie. It was so delicious, my mouth practically begged on hands and knees for more.
…..
A few days later, I had noticed I was more happy at the Ark, and my cat ears and tail had become more and more recurring. Thankfully, no one had seen...yet...
It was after supper and I was very bored, my cat tail and ears had popped up randomly because of my visit with Araya.
"Aww! How cute! Jasdevi has cat ears!" Road giggled, making my ears droop in embarrassment. I decided not to reply, for that would probably egg on the brat, so I just walked away, my tail lashing in irritation. What I hadn't noticed at the time was Toriado smirking evilly, as if he was planning something.
Later, I was walking through the hallways boredly. When I found my room, I opened the door and walked inside, balls of yarn awaited me there. I blinked, my cat instincts screaming at me to play with it. I picked up a ball of yarn and looked at it. Then, it fell, a string dangling on my fingers, I saw the yarn ball roll a bit… Prey… My cat instincts hissed. I couldn't help myself anymore. I lunged at the yarn, trying to catch the ball. It always slipped away from my grasp each time and rolled away, soon the other balls of yarn were scattered, I tried to catch them as I managed to make them fly around me in the air in my frantic chase.
After a few minutes all the yarn had unraveled. Leaving me... tangled up in it. I couldn't get loose, there was yarn all over me, tangling me in a thick mess of brambles. I managed to sit up, trying to get the yarn off me. However, that only seemed to tangle it up more. I tried to squirm free but the yawn clung tightly to me, refusing to untangle itself from me, pinning my arms in a clump and legs in a disheveled bunch. I let out a panicked mewl, struggling against the mighty strength of the yarn. I cried out more ferociously as if that would make the yarn free me, but the yarn refused to release me for I was held captive in it's villainous grasp. The door to my room opened and Toraido walked in, smirking widely.
I growled feeling stupid as hell, as I glared at him with hatred. "Wow. You actually fell for it." He said mockingly. "And here I was thinking you were smart, freak." I snarled, wishing there was something I could do to kill this Noah. But frankly, I was all tangled up. I hissed at him, struggling harder. "Aww, is the little freak trying to escape the big bad yarn?" Toraido chuckled a cruel smirk on his face. I blushed, death glaring the older Noah.
"Shut up!" I cried in both fury and embarrassment. Just then, Lulu Bell walked in and slapped Toraido across the face, to my surprise, there was blood dribbling from five long claw marks across his cheek.
"Ow!" Toraido wailed, clutching his cheek, it was then I realized Lulu Bell's hand had claws for nails instead of her usual fingernails. I blinked in confusion, pausing in my struggle. "The fuck was that for?" Toraido growled.
"Would you stop tormenting this poor boy!" She spat, "now get lost! I don't want to see you doing anything like this ever again!" She spat. Toriado muttered something under his breath and walked out. Once he was gone, I resumed my efforts to get untangled. Lulu Bell closed the door and walked over to me, kneeling down in front of me and taking my chin and directing my gaze to her eyes. "It's alright now, you don't have to struggle." She purred. I blinked, confused beyond words. "I haven't been a good mother to you, I'm sorry…" She sighed, as she used her claws to cut the yarn. I didn't really know how to respond, but my ears drooped for some reason. "Don't fret my kitten, you're almost free." She purred. I blushed slightly at the word 'kitten', but remained still, allowing my mother to free me from the yarn. She finally cut me loose and I shook away bits and pieces of yarn, shaking it from my hair. I wanted comfort from Araya but she wasn't here and I couldn't visit her, it was too late. Lulu Bell pulled a piece of yarn from behind one off ears and smiled slightly. "There. All gone." She said.
I let out a sigh of relief, flopping over onto my back across the floor with a groan. Lulu Bell sighed. I looked over at her, childish instinct making me ask: "why does he hate me?"
"He finds your differences strange and because you are the Earls son, he feels as if he's being threatened so he will so whatever it takes to make you feel weaker and inferior because you have the upper hand," mother replied softly.
I frowned at her turning my head away. "Upper hand? What upper hand?" I muttered.
"Because the Earl is your father, you have more power over the others," she explained. I stayed silent, not really believing her words.
Lulu Bell sighed realizing she was getting nowhere "you'll understand more in time…" She sighed. I nodded my ears twitching slightly. She pat my head gently and walked from the room, closing the door behind us. I almost didn't want her to leave, I needed the comfort right now and we seemed like the only person who cared.
I sighed, rolling my head back to my shoulders and closing my eyes, the feeling like I was completely alone in the world hit me, burning slowly in the pit of my stomach. What power could I possibly have? Having the Earl as my father has been nothing but crap so far. What did this world have against me? The only place where I felt wanted wasn't even on Earth... It was inside of Earth.
I sat up, looking around my messy room. Can we have Aya tomorrow? Devitto asked in my head, his voice sounded hesitant as if he don't know if this was the right time Aya-chan! Aya-chan! Hee hee! Jasdero giggled hopefully.
I nodded, playing with my tail. Please don't feel down, you've gotten her for longerthan we have Devi pouted. "I know. I'm just down about...life..." I muttered. It'll be alright Devit said softly.I nodded with a sigh. The twins smiled probably happy that they would finally be having a turn with Araya. They mentally hugged me and patted me on the head. I smiled, people cared about me...